Screw Smash

The Screw Smash is one of Balrog 's special attacks, introduced in Street Fighter V.

Description
Executed by performing a "Shoryuken" motion (forward, downward then down-forward) and pressing kick, Balrog performs a simple dash forward and follows-up with an uppercut using his opposite fist, with an accompanying "rush of wind" background sound effect.

Tactics
This move shares similar properties with another one of Balrog's special attacks, the Dash Upper. Screw Smash can be used as one of Balrog's anti-air attacks. While it doesn't have the invincible properties of Shoryuken, this move is effective to stop deep jump-ins. Because Balrog has limited anti-air options, it is critical to use this move to keep his opponent out of the air the fight on the ground.

The speed, range, and properties of this move is determined by the strength of the kick button pressed. The Light version has the fastest startup and covers the shortest distance. The Medium version has a slightly longer startup and has a slightly longer range. Meanwhile, the Heavy version travels the farthest and has the longest startup. However, the Heavy version puts the opponent in a juggle state on hit, allowing Balrog to follow-up with one of his special attacks for extra damage.

The EX version has a fast startup and covers the same range as the Medium version. However, the EX Screw Smash grants Balrog one-hit of armor. This allows him to absorb any of his opponent's attacks, such as fireballs, and deliver a decent amount of damage at the same time. Unfortunately, the EX version is the least safest on block. While the other versions are -10 on block, the EX Screw Smash is -14, making it one of Balrog's unsafest moves.

Each version results in a knockdown. The Screw Smash is Balrog's most damaging, directional special attack. He can use this move to end combos without the use of a charged move. For example, the Light version can be cancelled from most of Balrog's normals for hit confirms. The only downside of using Screw Smash as a combo ender is that is does not hit crouching opponents (except the EX version). If he uses this attack during a combo when they are crouching, the move will whiff his opponent, allowing them to launch a counter attack.