Over the last few weeks, I’ve noticed an alarming trend in the online Street Fighter V metagame. As soon as one’s opponent gets close, they mash the input for throw. By doing so, they tech an opponent’s throw attempt, throw an opponent whose blocking, or throw an opponent who tries to attack with a slower move.

As simplistic, flawed and as scrubby as this tactic is, tons of players online are using it to great success. Now that I’m playing in platinum league, I see many highly-ranked players online mashing throw every time they sense an up close and personal threat.

I want to see the community grow beyond this stupid gimmick. I’ve been doing my part to blow people up with counters when I see it, but it’s also worth spreading the word on how to counter a throw masher in Street Fighter V.

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