How to Win More 50/50s in Rocket League

50/50s look random but they're not. Skilled players win the majority of their challenges because they understand the mechanics, positioning, and timing.

Winning 50s consistently can single-handedly rank you up, especially in 1v1s. This guide breaks down how to control the outcome of every challenge.

What Determines 50/50 Outcomes?

Three factors decide who wins:

Master these, and 50/50s become predictable.

Positioning: The Key to Winning

Hit the Ball INTO Your Opponent

The winner of a 50 is usually the one who hits the ball into the other car. The loser gets the ball redirected into them or past them.

**Your goal:** Get your car on the opposite side of where you want the ball to go.

**Example:** If you want the ball to go right, approach from the left. The ball deflects off you, through your opponent, and goes right.

Lower = Better

A lower car position wins more 50s. Why:

How to get low:

Don't Flip Too Early

This is the most common 50/50 mistake. Players flip before they reach the ball.

**What happens:** You're mid-flip on contact, wheels spinning, vulnerable. The grounded player wins because their solid car hits through you.

**Fix:** Wait until you're about to touch the ball, THEN flip. The flip adds power at the last second.

Timing: When to Challenge

The Golden Rule

Challenge when you have momentum TOWARD the ball and your opponent doesn't.

Scenarios where you have advantage:

Scenarios where they have advantage:

If you're moving backward into a 50, you've already lost.

Speed Matching

Sometimes matching speed is better than rushing. If you approach at the same speed and flip at the same time, it's a true 50/50 lottery.

To create advantage:

The Flip: How to Hit

Front Flip

The standard flip. Hit with your nose. Best for:

**Execution:** Jump, tilt forward slightly, flip JUST before contact.

Side Flip

Underrated. Use when:

**Execution:** Jump, flip left or right at the last moment.

Diagonal Flip

Combines forward and sideways. Use for:

No Flip

Sometimes the best choice. Use when:

A grounded car is solid. A flipping car is vulnerable.

Reading Your Opponent

Watch for tells:

They're going to flip early if:

**Counter:** Wait. Let them flip, then hit them while they're mid-flip.

They're going to stay grounded if:

**Counter:** Flip through them. They can't compete with your flip power.

50/50 Situations Breakdown

The Kickoff

This is a 50/50. Same principles apply:

When You're Defending

Don't challenge unless you're moving forward. If you're backpedaling into a 50, stay in goal and let them shoot. You'll save the shot easier than winning a bad 50.

When You're on Offense

Have a plan for where the ball will go. If you're 50ing near their goal, try to hit it INTO their goal area. The bounce might go in.

When Dribbling

If you're dribbling and they challenge:

Don't just hold the ball and hope.

Training 50/50s

Method 1: 1v1s

The fastest way to improve. Every game has dozens of 50 situations. Pay attention to what works.

Method 2: Bot Training

Play 1v1 vs. bots on All-Star or SSL difficulty. They challenge constantly. You'll get tons of reps.

Method 3: Replay Analysis

Watch your 50s in slow motion. See where your car hit the ball. See where theirs hit. Learn what worked.

Common 50/50 Mistakes

**Flipping too early:** The #1 mistake. Wait until contact.

**Approaching backward:** Never 50 while retreating. Shadow and wait instead.

**Same approach every time:** Mix up your flips. Predictable = loseable.

**Not challenging at all:** Sometimes you need to commit. Being too passive lets them shoot for free.

**No recovery plan:** Assume the 50 is a dead ball. Be ready to recover immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 50/50s really predictable?

Mostly yes. The player with better positioning and timing wins 60-70% of the time. It's not 50/50 if you're doing it right.

Should I always flip?

No. Sometimes staying grounded is better, especially if they're flipping into you. The no-flip catches opponents off guard.

How do I practice kickoffs?

Kickoffs are 50s. Practice speed flips and vary your kickoff angle. Watch how the ball reacts.

What about 50s in the air?

Same principles: hit into them, don't flip early. Air 50s are harder because there's no ground. Practice in free play.

Conclusion

50/50s are a skill, not luck. The player who positions correctly, times their flip right, and reads their opponent wins most of them.

Focus on: hitting into your opponent, not flipping early, having momentum toward the ball, and mixing up your approaches.

Practice in 1v1s or against high-level bots. Every challenge is a learning opportunity.

Ready to practice against bots that challenge constantly? [Check out training options →](/pricing)