So You Wanna Be Rocket League's Michelangelo? A Guide to Keyboard Aerials (For Mere Mortals)
Ah, aerials. The bread and butter of any self-respecting Rocket League superstar. The move that separates the bronze boppers from the shiny-rimmed champions. But for those of us who navigate the pitch with a keyboard instead of a fancy controller, attempting aerials can feel like trying to paint the Sistine Chapel ceiling... with your toes. Fear not, fellow keyboard warriors! With a little practice (and perhaps a touch of insanity), you too can soar through the air like a majestic (slightly off-center) eagle.
Step 1: Accepting You'll Never Be Rizzo (But That's Okay)
Let's be honest, folks. There's a reason some Rocket League YouTubers have "insane" permanently etched into their channel names. We're not all destined to be the next Rizzo, defying physics with outrageous quadruple-flip resets. But that doesn't mean we can't impress our friends (and maybe ourselves) with a well-timed aerial goal.
Step 2: The "Jump, Boost, Pray" Technique (Actually, Don't Pray)
Here's the basic recipe for a keyboard aerial:
- Jump: This seems obvious, but hey, gotta cover all the bases. Hit that spacebar like you mean it.
- Boost: Hold down that right mouse button like your life depends on it (it kind of does in Rocket League).
- Point (and Pray, Not Really): Use your WASD keys to angle your car in the glorious direction you want to fly. Remember: Unless you want to do a hilarious backflip (which can be surprisingly effective sometimes), avoid holding S while boosting upwards.
- Second Jump: Once you're airborne (hopefully not upside down), tap that spacebar again to really reach for the stars (or at least the giant orange ball).
Pro Tip: Don't go full boost Happy Gilmore style. Boosting in short bursts will give you more control over your flight path (and help you conserve precious boost for that oh-so-satisfying goal).
Step 3: Refining Your "Michelangelo-esque" Skills
So you've mastered the "Jump, Boost, Pray" technique? Fantastic! Now comes the part where things get a little less paint-by-numbers and a little more freestyle.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: Just like Michelangelo didn't become a master overnight, neither will you. Hit up those training sessions and free play modes. Be prepared to spend a glorious amount of time looking at the ceiling (otherwise known as the bottom of the arena).
- Camera Control is Key: Keyboard players often struggle with camera control during aerials. Experiment with different camera settings to find what works best for you. Being able to see where you're going (and where the ball is) is a definite plus.
- Small Adjustments, Big Results: Tiny tweaks with your WASD keys and boost management can make a huge difference in your aerial precision.
Step 4: Embrace the Derp
There will be moments, my friends, where your aerial attempts will resemble a particularly enthusiastic but untalented breakdancer. Embrace the derp! Laugh it off, learn from it, and most importantly, keep trying. Because let's face it, sometimes the derpiest aerials end up being the most amazing goals.
So, the next time you see the ball soaring through the air, don't shy away. With a little practice and a whole lot of laughter, you'll be launching yourself into the Rocket League stratosphere in no time. Just remember, even Michelangelo had to start somewhere (and probably looked pretty silly doing it).
