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Orbiting

Difficulty: Intermediate

Overview

Orbiting is a technique where you exploit the rocket's homing behavior to make it circle around you. Since the rocket constantly tracks and turns toward its target, you can use your movement to make it orbit rather than hitting you directly.

What is Orbiting?

When a rocket is targeting you, it continuously adjusts its trajectory to follow you. By moving perpendicular to the rocket's path, you can make it curve around you in a circular pattern. The rocket's turn rate determines how tightly it can follow - and you can abuse this to delay your reflect timing.

flowchart TD
    A[Rocket homes toward you] --> B[You move perpendicular]
    B --> C[Rocket curves to follow]
    C --> D[You keep moving]
    D --> E[Rocket orbits around you]
    E --> F[Reflect when ready]

Why Orbiting Works

The homing rocket constantly tries to turn toward you, but it has a limited turn rate. By continuously moving to the side, you stay ahead of its tracking, causing it to circle:

Factor Effect on Orbiting
Low rocket speed Easier to orbit for longer
High rocket speed Harder to maintain orbit
Low turn rate Wider orbits, easier to maintain
High turn rate Tighter orbits, harder to control

Speed Scaling

Most TFDB plugins increase rocket speed with each deflection. This makes extended orbiting harder as the round progresses - the faster the rocket, the shorter your orbit window.

Orbiting Methods

Static Orbiting (WASD Pattern)

Stay relatively still and use WASD keys in a circular pattern to make the rocket orbit.

Input Pattern Movement
W → D → S → A Clockwise orbit
W → A → S → D Counter-clockwise orbit
  • Keep inputs smooth and consistent
  • Time your pattern to the rocket's speed
  • Works best with slower rockets

Following Orbit (Strafe + Mouse)

Hold a strafe key and track the rocket with your mouse.

Input Action
Hold D (or A) Constant sideways movement
Mouse Follow rocket visually
Airblast When rocket completes orbit
  • More dynamic control
  • Easier to react and adjust
  • Good for varying rocket speeds

Quick Orbit (U-Turn Technique)

For fast rockets where full orbits are impossible, you can do a "quick orbit":

  1. Slightly move to the side as rocket approaches
  2. Rocket's turn rate makes it curve sharply (U-turn)
  3. Reflect the rocket as it comes back around
flowchart LR
    A[Fast rocket incoming] --> B[Slight sidestep]
    B --> C[Rocket U-turns]
    C --> D[Easier reflect angle]

This is useful when:

  • You're bad at timing direct reflects
  • Rocket is too fast for proper orbit
  • You need a safer angle to airblast

The U-turn creates a more predictable trajectory than a direct approach, giving you a slightly easier reflect.

When to Orbit

Good Situations:

  • Slow rockets (early in round)
  • Need time to reposition
  • Buying time for teammates
  • Flexing on opponents

Bad Situations:

  • High-speed rockets (late game)
  • Cornered with no space
  • Opponent pressuring aggressively
  • Tight spaces

Speed and Orbit Duration

Rocket Speed Orbit Potential
Low (early game) Multiple orbits possible
Medium 1-2 orbits safely
High (late game) Quick orbit / U-turn only
Very high Direct reflect required

As deflections increase, speed increases. Extended orbiting becomes a liability - you'll need to reflect sooner or use the quick U-turn technique.

No Delaying Rules

Most Dodgeball servers have no delaying rules. Orbiting for too long can be considered delaying and may result in warnings or kicks. Keep your orbits brief and purposeful - don't orbit just to show off.

Advanced Tactics

Closing Distance

Skilled players can use orbiting to close the gap on opponents:

flowchart LR
    A[Start orbit] --> B[Move forward while orbiting]
    B --> C[Get closer to opponent]
    C --> D[Release rocket at close range]
    D --> E[Less reaction time for them]

By moving toward your opponent during an orbit, you:

  • Reduce their reaction time
  • Create pressure and intimidation
  • Set up for CQC situations

This is a mind game - opponents may panic when they see you approaching with an orbiting rocket.

Tactic Effect
Orbit + approach Psychological pressure
Sudden release Catches opponent off-guard
Fake approach Makes them retreat, opens angles

Common Mistakes

Mistake Result Fix
Moving too slow Rocket catches you Match speed to rocket
Moving too fast Orbit becomes chaotic Smooth, consistent movement
Orbiting too long Speed becomes unmanageable Exit after 1-2 orbits
Wrong direction Rocket hits you Always move perpendicular

Practice Tips

Orbiting Practice

  1. Start on servers with slow base rocket speed
  2. Practice static WASD orbiting first
  3. Then try strafe + mouse following
  4. Learn the quick U-turn for fast rockets
  5. Gradually practice on faster configs

Next Steps

Once you're comfortable with orbiting, learn Downspike to add vertical attacks to your arsenal.