Falco (SSB4)/Down aerial

Hitbox visualization showing Falco's down aerial.

Overview

Falco turns diagonally and, with one foot extended, performs a downward corkscrew stomp. This move is a decently strong meteor smash on aerial opponents. Grounded opponents are sent upwards instead, which leaves them open to other moves and prevents them from teching.

This move has a few interesting properties. As a carryover from Melee, it is one of the few meteor smashes that sends opponents diagonally downwards, more akin to a spike from that game, making it more difficult for them to reach the stage. It also benefits greatly from frame cancelling due to its high hitlag, which will almost eliminate the otherwise high landing lag Falco would suffer. The late hit can also jab reset any floored opponent, leaving them wide open to anything Falco decides to use. In spite of these valuable assets, this move is rarely used as an approach, due to its slow startup and high ending and landing lag. It is most commonly used in edgeguarding or as a follow-up after a down throw.