Normally pivot tilt attacks are used as a retreat option to hit or pressure opponents chasing you from behind. One Smash's Hip Check technique is a specific timing application of the pivot tilt as a grounded approach attack option, where you dash past your opponent and pivot tilt at the earliest possible moment to place yourself behind them (sometimes achieved through an attacks slight shield push).
This is mostly an alternative offensive approach mixup option in situations where an opponent would anticipate a dash attack and shield early for a counterattack punish, or where an opponent might react quickly to an approach grab by spot-dodging. Successfully Hip Checking behind the opponent in many cases places your character in an advantageous position that can cover most of the opponent's out of shield options.
- Can be executed by any character, but certain characters slightly glide when performing their pivot tilt and gain more mileage out of this approach option (e.g. Fox)
- Dash towards opponent
- Just as you run into the opponent, perform a pivot tilt (timing varies)
- If performed successfully, once your pivot tilt is complete you will be behind your opponent and can cover any of their options
- Different approach mixup that can catch opponents off guard
- If spaced and timed properly, on hitting shield will place your character in an advantageous position relative to opponent that can cover many of their out of shield options
- Simple to execute
- Another approach mixup option
- Difficult to read situations when to use
- Can be intercepted/interrupted easily by opponents anytime before the pivot tilt
