Attack cancel short hop aerial

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Attack cancel short hop aerial, also known as attack cancelling, is a technique in Ultimate which is made possible due to the new short hop attack mechanics. Most jabs have a 1 frame window in which they can be cancelled into a short hop attack, and most tilts and smash attacks have a 2 frame window to do so. Due to the game ensuring that the buffer window never overlaps with a hitbox becoming active, the technique has limited usage, however notably Rosalina & Luma can utilise the mechanic, as only Rosalina's attack is cancelled into a short hop, while Luma will commence with the attack that was interrupted, allowing Luma's attack to combo into Rosalina's aerial. Many characters also receive a small horizontal boost during the jumpsquat animation when performing the technique with certain attacks, and some visual effects will still partly proceed despite the attack being cancelled, allowing for fake-outs.

Performing the technique

In order to perform the technique, an applicable jab, tilt or smash attack must be inputted, and then immediately cancelled into a jump. The c-stick or directional stick should then be held in the direction corresponding to the desired aerial attack, or no direction held for a neutral aerial. Due to how short the window is for most attacks, it can be very difficult to perform the technique correctly.