Rocket League boasts an incredible array of mechanics today, but it wasn't always this way. The jaw-dropping maneuvers that are now commonplace had to be discovered, refined, and perfected by someone. The moments when these mechanics were first scored in professional play are nothing short of legendary. In this guide, we're taking a look at five of these groundbreaking moments in chronological order, analyzing what made them possible, the surprising statistics behind them, and why they left the Rocket League community in awe. These are five times Rocket League pros scored new mechanics.
1. Cooksir’s Pinch (2017)
The Setup:
In 2017, about a year and a half after the RLCS first started, the meta was dominated by aggressive, pressure-heavy playstyles. Defense was often secondary, with teams focusing on relentless offensive pressure. However, on October 8th, 2017, a single play by Cooksir changed how players viewed the game.
The Play:
During a league play match, Flipsid3 Tactics was trying to close out their final series with a clean sweep against Team Secret. After a clear from Team Secret, Cooksir found himself with a bit of space on the sidewall. Instead of going for the predictable air dribble, Cooksir unveiled a new technique he had been experimenting with: the Cooksir Pinch.
Cooksir jumped to meet the ball as it rolled up the wall, turned his car sideways, and executed a perfectly timed front flip. The result? The ball was launched at a staggering 149 km/h, leaving Team Secret's defense stunned.
Why It Shocked Everyone:
This was the first time a pinch like this had ever been scored in the RLCS, and it immediately made waves throughout the community. The "Cooksir Pinch" not only got its name from this play but also became a fundamental mechanic in Rocket League.
2. D.Va’s Flip Reset (2017)
The Setup:
By 2017, the flip reset was a mechanic known to a few, but it hadn’t yet made its mark in professional play. That changed when Northern Gaming's D.Va pulled off a move that was way ahead of its time.
The Play:
In a match against Mock-It Esports, Northern Gaming needed a goal. After a touch from Remko, D.Va misread the ball's bounce, forcing him to adjust his aerial approach. As he did, he hit the underside of the ball with his wheels, acquiring a flip reset. D.Va then hovered in the air and used his flip to score, 2.28 seconds after leaving the ground.
Why It Shocked Everyone:
At the time, most Rocket League players didn’t even know what a flip reset was. The reaction from the analysts and fans alike highlighted just how revolutionary this play was. It wasn’t just a goal; it was the birth of a mechanic that would go on to define high-level play.
3. Justin’s Pancake (2019)
The Setup:
The "Pancake" is a mechanic that originated in the freestyling community, but it has found its way into competitive play on rare occasions. One of these instances was during the Season 8 World Championship.
The Play:
In this match, GarrettG from NRG sent the ball up the field, aiming for a pass to Justin. However, the ball was slightly out of reach for a direct pass. Justin, relying solely on his game sense, jumped up to meet the ball at the exact moment it hit the wall, executing a perfect pancake that denied a massive clear and set him up for a follow-up goal.
Why It Shocked Everyone:
The precision required for a successful pancake is immense. Justin’s ability to turn what should have been a routine defensive clear into a go-ahead goal was a testament to his skill and game sense. It was a play that left both fans and analysts in disbelief.
4. Gyro’s Psycho (2022)
The Setup:
The "Psycho" is a mechanic that first gained attention in 2019 when a player named Psycho uploaded a clip of the move to YouTube. The mechanic involves redirecting the ball off the backboard with two precise touches, a feat that requires incredible control and timing.
The Play:
It wasn’t until three years later, in 2022, that the Psycho was finally scored in an RLCS match. Gyro from Rogue pulled off the move during a match against Charlotte Phoenix. After saving a shot from midfield, Gyro redirected the ball off his own backboard and then hit it again, sending it skyrocketing into the opponent's net.
Why It Shocked Everyone:
The Psycho is a notoriously difficult mechanic to execute, even more so in a high-pressure RLCS environment. Gyro’s ability to pull it off in a competitive match, with such precision and speed, was nothing short of miraculous. It was a moment three years in the making, and it lived up to every bit of the hype.
5. Toxiiic’s Pinch (2023)
The Setup:
By 2023, it seemed like every possible mechanic had been done in the RLCS. However, Toxiiic from Top Cougars proved that there was still room for innovation with one of the most insane goals ever seen in professional Rocket League.
The Play:
During a match against Gentleman Mates, Seikoo from Top Cougars passed the ball to his teammate Juicy, who fired off a perfectly placed shot to the far post. Toxiiic, the last defender, raced to the goal line and reached the ball just as it was about to cross. The result was a stunning pinch that sent the ball flying to the other side of the pitch at a blistering speed.
Why It Shocked Everyone:
Pinches are common in Rocket League, but the timing, precision, and power of this one were unprecedented. Toxiiic’s ability to turn a sure goal against his team into an instant counterattack goal was nothing short of magical. It was a play that defied logic and left the Rocket League community in awe.