Gief's Gym - The Basic Defensive Option Select - An easy and useful introduction to applying Option Selects to defense!

Welcome back friends! I hope you all arrived ready to improve. Today’s workout will cover a basic defensive option select. Get ready to build that muscle memory!

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The Defensive Option Select - All Levels

The Workout – In training mode pick Ryu vs Ryu. Turn on Input Display so you can see exactly how your inputs are being read by the game. In the Dummy Settings, set the Dummy to “Playback Recording” and select “Action Recording Settings.” In slot 1 record Ryu walking up point blank and performing a st.mp followed by a cr.mp + then hold down back. While still recording walk up again to point back range and perform a st.mp followed by a slight step forward into throw +. Now Pause the game again and in the “Playback Recording” menu, select “Action Playback Settings” and activate slot 1. As the player character block the first st.mp and time the following button press immediately after the cr.mp is blocked:

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Take note that the timing for this OS is delayed as a response to blocking the second hit or being thrown. Performed too early will result in a counter hit. Now perform this process 10 times in a row. If you fail to tech the throw or fail to V-Reversal then start back at zero. Video Here

The Purpose – An Option Select is a technique where one input is performed that has more than one possible outcome based on the limitations or mechanics of the game engine. Option selects can be used to bypass needing to make a decision where one input can cover multiple options. In the example given in the workout this OS can protect you against both frame traps and tick throws. It is important to recognize the timing of this OS when applied outside of the example given. If Ryu pressures with a cr.lk into tick throw, the timing will be much faster and still requires you to visually recognize how your opponent is attempting to apply pressure. Keep in mind this is not a perfect defense against all types of pressure. If your opponent chooses to instead go for something like a st.mp into sweep they would land a Crush Counter sweep with this timing, hitting you out of your throw animation. Keep in mind that the window of opportunity to tech a throw is from frame 5 to frame 11 so your timing on the execution of this defensive OS will always be after you’ve blocked the second attack if your opponent is keeping a tight pressure string. This workout should serve as an introduction to how and when defensive Option Selects can be applied.

If you have any questions or need a spotter for this particular workout, leave a message in the comments.