Description
In fighting games, a 'Shimmy' is a strategic maneuver where a player moves their character back and forth just outside the opponent's attack range. This action is designed to provoke the opponent into attempting a move, such as a throw or an attack, which the player can then punish due to the opponent's missed opportunity or overextension. Shimmies are often used to exploit an opponent's tendency to react under pressure. By creating a scenario where the opponent believes they can successfully land a hit, the player performing the shimmy can take advantage of the ensuing whiff (a missed attack) to counter with a more effective response. This tactic requires good timing, spatial awareness, and an understanding of the opponent's habits.
Examples
- In Street Fighter V, a player may use a shimmy by walking forward to bait a throw from the opponent, then quickly walking back to make the throw miss, allowing them to punish with a strong combo.
- In Tekken 7, a player might sidestep and backdash repeatedly to provoke the opponent into using a linear attack, which they can then punish with a sidestep move that counters linear attacks.
Additional Information
- Shimmies are especially effective against players who rely heavily on throws or predictable attacks.
- Mastering the shimmy can significantly improve a player's mind game, making them more unpredictable and harder to read.