Footsies
Moving around the battle space to vie for position
Almost like a dance, this is when two players hop, poke, and jab in an attempt to gain favorable position and block their opponent from attacking.
Frame advantage
Being faster to recover from a move than your opponent
Most attacks and blocks have recovery periods before you can do another move. If you’re able to attack again before your opponent recovers, then you have the frame advantage (also known as “being plus”). Understanding frame advantage is a key step in fighting game mastery.
Hitstun
The state of being unable to move or attack after a hit
You don’t want to be on the receiving end of a hitstun. Some games have specific actions you can take while in a hitstun, but most require you to wait it out and hope your opponent doesn’t have a nasty combo ready.
Meaty
A perfectly timed attack when your opponent gets up after being knocked down
In most fighting games, you’re protected from getting hit after you’re knocked down. Timing an attack for that first moment you can be hit is known as a meaty and is a great way to keep the pressure up.
