Having been released in 2015, Rocket League is a game that has been thoroughly analyzed. Players understand the optimal rotation strategies and most of the viable mechanics that are of use in games, but there is always more to learn. In a game where the only limit is the physics engine, new mechanics are being discovered frequently, though some are more useful than others.

We will go through five new mechanics in Rocket League which I consider to be useful for your gameplay. Let’s start with one that pros have already started comfortably implementing in their matches.

The Zap Dash

The zap dash is a recent mechanic popularized by Alexander "aZapatos" Franco, a prominent North American 1v1 player and the namesake of the dash. The name can give you an idea of what it does; the zap dash is a way to quickly generate speed, more so than a traditional wavedash. Players typically use the zap dash after a speedflip when they land without a flip, as it enables them to quickly wavedash to regain any speed they would otherwise have lost.

This mechanic works by lifting your front wheels off the ground as you land, immediately putting you in position to wavedash and gain a burst of speed. You must tilt the nose of your car slightly downwards, and then it will bounce upwards immediately allowing you to wavedash. Here’s a tutorial by professional player Dylan "Flitz" Taussig:

The zap dash is not a particularly flashy mechanic, and serves mainly as a recovery tool, but learning it will allow you to gain bursts of speed in crucial moments that can net you goals and games; the following one is far more flashy, and using it effectively can surprise your opponents in a new and interesting way.

The Amalix Jump

This mechanic goes by many names: the Fetelix Jump, the Lix Jump, and the Amalix Jump; I will be referring to it as the Amalix Jump, as it is the most recent iteration with improvements over the former variations. This mechanic was the object of a great deal of hype, and for one main reason: it lets you keep your flip for an indefinite amount of time in the air, without executing a traditional flip reset.

This might seem absurd - how can you keep your flip for so long without a reset - but the Amalix Jump involves a specific takeoff from the side wall that permits you to keep your flip from the start of your aerial play. It is mechanically intensive, so pros have not adopted it in the RLCS yet, but it is a great tool to surprise your opponents.

Here’s a video that encompasses the development of the mechanic, as well as a brief tutorial:

When using this mechanic, be sure to be wary. On top of being risky to execute, it also uses an incredible amount of boost and usually limits your shots to be lower than usual. These weaknesses can be exploited if you use this without thinking, so make sure to look for the crucial moments. When your opponent least expects it, the Amalix Jump can be deadly.

The Evoh Flick

Shifting from the air to the ground, this mechanic is commonly named after Dignitas’s own Jordan "Evoh" Manley. Alternatively known as the wizard flick, this mechanic is a unique way to pop up the ball from the group for a high, fast shot resulting from a dribble, and it can possibly be a way to save yourself from a failed flick attempt.

The flick involves flipping underneath the ball and allowing the tip of your car to hit it at the end of your flip, giving it unexpected height and power. It is considered a difficult mechanic, as getting the necessary speed is difficult, but Evoh has mastered this flick and has consistently pioneered it in 1v1 show matches. In this video, he shows a few examples of the flick and gives a brief tutorial:

The Luther Flick

Now, we’ll move on to another new flick, which differs entirely from the Evoh flick. The Luther Flick is a recent mechanic that, instead of gaining a sudden burst of height, results in the ball pinching across the ground to rocket towards the net. The concept of the mechanic is simple. Once you are dribbling the ball, you can jump, turn your car, and air roll, in such a way that the back of your car faces towards the ball and the ground, and then backflip, propelling the ball forward with significant force.

By backflipping the ball into the ground, you can completely subvert the expectations of your opponent. Flicks typically launch the ball, so pinching it can add an element of surprise; when your opponent chooses to prejump or prepare for a high shot, you can use the Luther flick to score a cheeky goal.

The Pogo

This last mechanic, although not as recent as the others, is one that has been becoming more and more widespread. The pogo, fundamentally, is bouncing off of the ground with the corner of your car, springing you back up to act on the ball. Usually, this is done after a flip reset or dropping off of the ceiling for increased mobility, but can also be executed without a flip.

The optimal execution involves hitting the ground at the same time as the ball bounces so you can remain as close to it as possible. Alternatively, you can allow the ball to bounce on your car as you hit the ground, which will propel it forwards incredibly fast (known as a Plan B). This mechanic has a few weaknesses - namely, it can be read easily if your opponent is in position - but if you pull it off correctly, it can leave your opponent out of position and set up interesting plays. You don’t even need to go for a scoring attempt. Although you can go for a surprise musty flick, you can just as easily pass it or abandon the ball entirely and go for a demo.

Here’s just a little tidbit as to how you can use it; prominent 1v1 player Dark(?), who brought this mechanic into the spotlight, uses it to great effect here:

Conclusion

Rocket League is a game that is constantly changing, and mechanics are no exception. It is important to always keep up to date with new mechanics; in previous instances such as the speedflip, new mechanics can rise very quickly, so knowing them as they come up can be incredibly useful. However, make sure to practice them efficiently before taking them into games, and use your best judgment to ascertain when to use them. I hope this article helped you learn more about new Rocket League mechanics, and good luck with your games! Hope these new mechanics can help you hit some new ranks!