3.10. Redirects & Double Touches
Redirects and double touches are advanced aerial mechanics that can unlock incredibly potent scoring opportunities in Rocket League. Mastering these techniques allows you to control the ball's trajectory in mid-air and set up shots that are difficult for opponents to predict or defend.
A redirect involves changing the direction of a moving ball while it's in the air, often by hitting it with a different part of your car or at a different angle than initially intended. A double touch is a more complex maneuver where you hit the ball off the backboard (or another surface) and then follow up with an aerial shot before the ball hits the ground.
Understanding Redirects:
- Purpose: To change the ball's direction, often to fool a defender or goalie, or to set up a pass or shot.
- Execution: Requires precise aerial car control to position your car correctly and make contact with the ball at the desired angle. Often involves air rolling your car.
- Types: Can range from subtle adjustments to dramatic changes in direction.
Understanding Double Touches:
- Purpose: To create a scoring chance by using the backboard as a setup. It's a two-part play: the initial hit and the follow-up shot.
- Execution: Requires hitting the ball with enough power and accuracy towards the opponent's backboard, then quickly repositioning your car in the air to meet the rebound and shoot.
- Key Components: Backboard accuracy, aerial car control, and quick decision-making.
Offensive Applications:
- Redirect Shots:
- Execution: When a teammate or opponent sends a pass or a clear through the air, position yourself to redirect the ball into the net. This often involves meeting the ball at an angle with your car.
- Benefit: Catches goalies off guard as the ball's trajectory changes unexpectedly.
- Backboard Double Touches:
- Execution: Hit the ball towards the opponent's backboard with controlled power. As the ball rebounds, fly up to meet it and shoot it into the net.
- Benefit: Creates a high-percentage scoring opportunity if executed correctly, as the goalie may be out of position or unable to react to the second touch.
- Redirect Passes:
- Execution: Instead of shooting, redirect a pass to a teammate who is in a better position to score.
- Benefit: Creates complex passing plays that are difficult to defend.
- Ceiling Redirects:
- Execution: Drive up the wall, jump off the ceiling, and redirect the ball as it falls.
- Benefit: Offers a unique angle and can be used to surprise opponents.
Defensive Applications:
- Backboard Clears: Use the backboard to clear the ball away from your net with power and direction, often setting up a counter-attack.
- Redirect Saves: Redirecting an opponent's shot away from the goal, often with a more controlled touch than a simple block.
Training for Redirects & Double Touches:
- Custom Training Packs: Search for packs specifically desed for redirects and double touches. These provide consistent scenarios to practice the core mechanics.
- Free Play: Spend sificant time in free play. Hit the ball off the backboard and practice following it. Experiment with different angles and speeds. Practice air rolling to position your car effectively.
- Wall-to-Air Dribble Practice: This is a precursor to many double touches. Practice carrying the ball up the wall and into the air.
- Observe Professionals: Watch how professional players execute these mechanics. Pay attention to their car control, timing, and decision-making.
- Practice with Teammates: Coordinate with teammates to practice setting up redirects and double touches for each other.
Tips for Success:
- Master Basic Aerials First: Ensure you have solid aerial car control before attempting these advanced techniques.
- Patience: These mechanics take time and a lot of repetition to master.
- Read the Ball: Learn to anticipate the ball's trajectory after hitting the backboard.
- Controlled Power: For double touches, controlled power on the initial hit is crucial for a good rebound.
- Don't Force It: Only attempt these mechanics when the situation is favorable. Forcing them can lead to turnovers.
Redirects and double touches are high-skill ceiling mechanics that, when mastered, can sificantly elevate your offensive threat. Dedicate time to practicing these techniques, and you'll be able to create spectacular goals and outmaneuver even the best defenders and goalkeepers.