[2023] Dad ball

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.