For the past several years, mechanics in Rocket League have been rapidly changing. New techniques like walldashing and zapdashes have been shifting the meta, but even old mechanics are finding new ways to stay consistently relevant. Flip resets have been in the game for several years, but their importance is undiminished; in their essence, they are quite simple, but there are several ways to use (and not to use) them with varying degrees of effectiveness. With recent Dignitas recruit and professional player Gaspar "stizzy" Rosalen Andres, we will analyze some ways to improve your flip reset game, both mechanically and situationally.

The Mechanic to Master - the 50/50

In pro play, the flip reset is an exceedingly relevant mechanic. Although it can be mechanically difficult, Stizzy captures exactly why it is so valuable despite the potential risks:

It’s because you have another option in the air. The flip reset gives you more opportunities in the air… you can move the ball to the air, to the ground, to the walls, you can essentially do whatever you want with a reset.

- Stizzy

In a game like Rocket League, where consistency in fundamental mechanics is essential to play, the flip reset adds a new element to play that would otherwise fade into the woodwork in the higher levels of play: volatility and versatility. An exemplary play that shows just this is this following clip from Stizzy himself. Alongside fellow Dignitas player Jirair “Gyro.” Papazian, Stizzy gets a flip reset and is able to pinch the ball due to its altered and extended trajectory, producing an assault that OG Esports simply cannot stop:

Stizzy pinches the ball off of Gyro. after a flip reset, clip courtesy of John_aka_Alwayz on Reddit.

Flip resets can be used to score in ways that players may never anticipate; the sheer threat of new options with a flip can lead to fakes, passes, high plays, backboard pancakes, and even more options that opponents must attempt to cover. When the opposition has limited resources, a flip reset can be lethal; its flexibility means that no matter how your opponent responds, you can find a way to circumvent them.

However, stating the versatility of flip resets is obvious; what is truly important is knowing the optimal times to use them. Although this mechanic is powerful, it should be used with due diligence. And who is better to tell us about when to use flip resets than Stizzy himself?

With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

It is crucial to keep in mind that when you have a variety of options to consider one you get your flip reset, your opponents can think of just as many ways to attempt to defend your onslaught. Though, naturally, some efforts will be less effective than others, you must remain cognizant of your opponent, as their response will entirely determine how you should use your flip reset or, in some cases, whether you should proceed with a flip reset play at all. I asked Stizzy when exactly the best time is to set up flip reset plays and how to execute them:

It depends on the play, you need to see where the other players are. If you see there is nobody on the backboard, bring the ball up and do something with it. If there is a player on the backboard, then you can set up the ball in the air and get the reset, and then wait… sometimes the player on the backboard just jumps and you can use that reset to take the ball to the backboard and go for a double. Doing that [being aware of the backboard presence] can help you set up your plays better.

- Stizzy

Given Stizzy’s input, it is safe to say that the most important thing to look out for when preparing a flip reset is backboard presence, as that dictates wherever you go from your reset setup. The general rule you can use is that, if the defender is high, try to go low, and if the defender is low, you can stay high. However, keep in mind that fakes are incredibly valuable to use in the case of one defender, as well! If someone on the backboard expects you to go low, you can feint and try to pop the ball at the last second, and similarly for a grounded defender.

However, even with this in mind, there are some situations where it is simply too risky to try anything at all. Let’s get back to Stizzy to find out what situations can be the death of a flip reset play:

I would say when there is somebody on the backboard, just waiting, because there is a play almost all pros do when defending against a flip reset: one guy stays on the backboard, waiting for the ball, and the guy in net jumps, waiting for the reset. If the attacker doesn’t use the reset, the guy in net gets the ball, and if he does, then the second guy on the backboard gets the ball for free. That’s when you don’t need to get a flip reset, just try to beat one and then block the other.

- Stizzy

When the defense outnumbers the offense, it may be time to reconsider a flip reset play. For highly competent defenders, your flip reset has two possibilities: you either use your flip, or you don’t. If you have a high defender and low defender like in the situation Stizzy describes, avoiding a challenge is unavoidable, so it is best to position yourself to get a strong aerial challenge or block that can allow your teammates to capitalize, especially if you can decommission one of the defenders in the process. When your opponents are prepared to stop your reset, the solution is simple: just don’t!

The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men…

However much you try for a flip reset, your plans may not always go to plan. With a throng of defenders waiting for you, it may be tempting to take to the skies and try to outmaneuver your opponents with flashy plays, but, more often than not, such plays end in disappointment. When the air is well-covered, there’s a simple way to proceed:

The best way to try to score there is to not go into the air. Just try to do a flick or something similar.

- Stizzy

A significant part of the skill of the flip reset is knowing when to do it, as a failed play can be incredibly consequential, even leading to a goal. I asked Stizzy about what to do when you fail to get a flip reset, or if you are immediately pounced upon by defenders who anticipate your play:

It happens to me sometimes… then, you need to do something lucky. I don’t think there is anything you can do; you just need to get a mega 50 for your teammate.

- Stizzy

The flip reset has advantages in its versatility, but, on the flip side, has disadvantages when that versatility is read. With the ball sent away from your car, a mistimed reset can entirely forfeit possession, so you need to attempt them with care. Especially when you aren’t entirely sure about your ability to consistently hit resets, the time and place is important to make sure you don’t need to rely on luck to prevent your opponent from scoring. No matter how well you execute, be cognizant of your opposition’s positioning and capabilities.

Practice Makes Permanent

A flip reset can give you enormous versatility, provided you use it correctly.

Now, with this knowledge of when to go for flip resets and when to seek other alternatives, the best way to improve is practicing with intention. The oft-cited adage of “practice makes perfect” holds some truth, but practicing incorrectly does more harm than good. A rote routine to learn flip resets may hinder your overall ability by leading you to become overly dependent, but attempting to incorporate them into your overall playstyle when appropriate ensures healthy habits. Stizzy puts it best:

You just need to play a lot, and instead of going for just flip resets, go for whatever play is best in every situation. There is no way to say exactly what you need to do, you just need to play and learn it for yourself.

- Stizzy

Practice varies by player, and so does your preference when it comes to utilizing flip resets. It is important to be aware of the pitfalls and best situations, but, in the end, only you know your own ability.

Conclusion

Flip resets are some of the most flexible maneuvers in the game, and there are nigh infinite ways to improve them, both mechanically and positionally. As Stizzy says, the best way to improve them is to integrate them into your gameplay seamlessly; it may take time, but as you can see in pro play, it will pay off. If you want to keep up with Stizzy, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X at @StizzyRl. Best of luck flip-resetting your way up the ranked ladder!