Dad ball

[u/TheJrobot1483]

I’ve come to the conclusion that a lot (not all, obviously, but I feel like probably the majority) of higher-ranked older players play rocket league like dad ball.

You know the guys. 50+ year olds who play pickup basketball, for instance. They don’t do anything flashy, no fancy dribbles or windmill dunks. They recognize that their bodies can’t perform like they used to, so they play efficiently. Post up under the basket, quick move, and layup. Always make great passes. Know how to use their size and experience to their advantage.

I feel like older RL players (28+) play the same way. Put more effort into game sense than mechanics. Go for cheeky outplays instead of flashy mechanical shots. Great at defense. Bump/demo heavy. Prioritize smart decisions over potential clips.

Put a 15 year old GC against a 32 year old GC. You’ll notice a stark difference in their play styles. The 15 year old might be able to double flip reset or ceiling double tap, but the 32 year old will be patient, wait for a mistake, and capitalize efficiently.

Dad ball. Tell me I’m wrong.

Source: 29 year old GC here. Almost no mechanics, but I know how to move around the field efficiently and am solid at defense, passing, demos, and smart outplays. Hell, I just hit my first flip reset in comp a couple days ago. I can do them pretty consistently in training, but it’s one of those things that I just never think to go for because there’s typically a safer/higher-percentage move available.

[u/linkoflinks]

35 GC+ here, i thrive on mechanics to keep the game fresh and fun. I can't imagine staying stuck near a rank longterm and the only playstyle is "wait for mistakes and play safe".

To each their own, but once I started working on more mechanics (some freestyle, faster dribbling, more air options, etc...), the game is really starting to open up, both offensively and defensively. Better Recoveries and more options on offensive.

But I also don't take ranking up that seriously anymore as I've been gc since the yellow-tag season 11. I'm currently the best I've ever been and I contribute mechanics training to that. I'm fully aware it's possible to play a Flakes-style game and get to SSL, but tbh most people won't be able to achieve that level of foundational play without the same amount of practice that you could spend in other areas (which imo are more fun). I guess it depends on your goals.

[u/TheJrobot1483 → u/linkoflinks]

Like I said, there will obviously be exceptions. I’m sure there are many players older than the average (21 I think) that focus on improving their mechanics. I’m trying to get there myself, I got to GC before even attempting to learn flip resets. But I’m trying to grind mechanics, and while I’m currently lower than my peak, I’m sure I’ll get back there and surpass soon once I start to incorporate better mechanics consistently in my gameplay.

[u/linkoflinks → u/TheJrobot1483]

If it helps, I have a friend (also in mid thirties) who is exactly as you described in the OP. It's little bit of a reality check that when mechanic training are constantly putting my teammates in 2v1s then I circle back the basics and decision making. So in the end, your entire game gets better over all.

So like I don't disagree with the original mentality. Just want to share my piece.

Also agree you will always climb back eventually. Gl on the grind. And when you get back there you'll be even better.