In the early days of competitive Rocket League, the backboard was basically a free-for-all. Double touches were always a goal if the striker could get the right angle. Nobody defended their backboard consistently at first. Over time, teams needed a way to combat increasingly effective double-touch plays and backboard defense came into play.

Before I start, let me just mention that awareness is the single most important thing required for effective backboard defense. Anticipating when an opponent is booming a clear or a shot at the backboard is important so that you can be in the right position to defend it. If you aren't always aware of what's about to happen, you will end up without enough time to react to the play.

I have listed 3 defensive backboard tips that will improve your ranked success and defensive synergy.

Backboard Rotation

Picture this. You're playing 3s. You just made your challenge on the ball, and now you're rotating back towards goal. Your third teammate is already in the net prepared to defend a shot.

So often, I see players rotate right in behind their teammate in the goal. While this may seem like a good idea at first (after all, you're just pressuring him to move out and make a play...right?), having two players in goal for even a short time can lead to accidental bumps and double commits.

Instead, rotate up onto the backboard. When the shot comes towards your backboard, you are now in a perfect position to deal with it. Not only are you shutting down a double-touch opportunity, but with the right play you can instantly transform the backboard defense into an attack for your team! Being prepared on the backboard also eliminates those difficult aerial rebound reads you would have to make from inside your goal.

Here is a clip of C9 Squishy not rotating up the backboard due to hesitation, which led to an easy rebound goal by Kaydop.

<iframe src="https://clips.twitch.tv/embed?clip=SmallPlayfulHamsterPunchTrees" width="620" height="378" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

But now that you're on the wall, and you've intercepted the opponent's play, what do you do next?

Control First, Boom Second

There are many cases in Rocket League when all you need to do is make a huge booming clear to the other side of the field. This can enable your team to reorganize, collect boost, and relieve pressure. I'm certainly not denying that those cases exist. It's just not always the best option.

If the opposing team is set up to attack, a weak clear (or even a good one) will just give possession back to them. If you or your teammates are not set up to follow up on your clear, your best option might be instead to control the hit as if you were controlling the ball on the ground. Absorb the ball's impact with your car and direct it towards your corner. Likely an opponent will attack the ball again, but if you are in control, you can easily make a second touch around them, and sometimes even a third — and voila! You've just taken one or two opponents out of the play and your team is ready to attack.

Self-Passing

I wasn't really sure at first what to call this one, but it's a common play at higher levels that often has great results. It's especially effective if you're the last man back and your opponents fire the ball down towards you.

Your first reaction might be to control the incoming ball and that can be an excellent choice. If you're the last man back, though, it can be risky — one misplaced touch or poor 50/50 and the goal is wide open. You might also just want to clear the ball back to their side, but then you're just gifting them possession.

What I mean by "self-passing" is simply this: time your touch so that when the ball lands, you either roll it up the wall, or launch it back into the air next to the wall. Now, drive up the wall and clear the ball further or pass it to a teammate. That's it. There's a good chance that you'll draw in an opponent to challenge you, but you will have the advantage of controlling the play.

However, this play doesn't come without risks. If an opponent is already up on the wall, you might just be conveniently passing them the ball. This is why awareness is so crucial. As long as your opponents aren't in the air or on the wall already, you will be able to reach the ball first.

There you have it. By applying these three plays and tricks, I guarantee your defensive play will improve. It never hurts to have more strategies in your repertoire to confuse your opponents. Good luck in your games!

Like our content? Support us by getting our merchandise in our shop