To effectively defend against throws in Street Fighter 6, particularly when facing throw loops and mixups, you can employ a variety of well-structured techniques and strategies. Below is a consolidated guide to help you enhance your defensive prowess against throw-based tactics.

1. Delayed Throw Tech (Primary Method)

Execution:
– Input Method: Begin by blocking immediately upon your character’s wakeup. Input the throw command (⬇️ + ➡️/LP+LK) after a delay of approximately 7 frames.
– Rationale: This method takes advantage of the throw-break window being active during blockstun. The delay allows you to successfully tech throws while still being able to defend against immediate attacks.

Practice Setup:
– Use the training mode’s recording feature to create a couple of setups:
– Slot 1: Record the opponent executing a series of throws (e.g., corner forward throws). This helps simulate pressure where the opponent aims to loop throws.
– Slot 2: Record the opponent alternating between throws and fast attacks such as a crouching medium punch (e.g., Luke’s cr.MP).
– Aim to practice teching throws while blocking the delayed attacks—not timing them too early, or you’ll get hit.

2. Countering Throw Loops

Understanding Throw Loops:
– A throw loop occurs when the attacker can throw again after a successful throw before the defender can recover and respond with their fastest attack (which is often 4 frames for light punches).

Defense Options:
1. Delay Tech: Use the previously mentioned delayed throw tech to counteract initial throw attempts.
2. Movement Options:
– Neutral Jump: This can evade thrown attacks if the opponent opts for a slower move instead.
– Backdash: This allows for evasion if the opponent skips the throw.
3. Invincible Reversal: Moves like OD Dragon Punch can reset pressure, but be cautious as they can be baited.

3. Frame Data Awareness

Throw Mechanics:
– Throw Startup: Typically, throws have a startup of 5 frames while the tech window lasts until about 17 frames after the throw connects.
– Corner Pressure: Pay close attention to moves that grant substantial frame advantage, especially forward throws in the corner (e.g., Ken’s throw can give +5 to +8 advantage)—this makes delay teching even more essential.

4. Mixup Adaptation

Against Shimmy Tactics:
– If your opponent attempts to bait your tech using a quick dash back:
– Stand Block: This will guard against overhead attacks.
– Delayed Button Press: Use a delayed normal like crouching medium kick (cr.MK) to punish whiffed throws.

Against Strike-Throw Mixups:
– Utilize delay tech to cover both strike and throw options while being careful to respect frame traps from quicker strikes (e.g., Jamie’s cr.LP).

5. Training Tips

Drills to Enhance Skills:
– Drill 1: Practice delayed teching against a training dummy that alternates between performing throws and crouching medium punches.
– Drill 2: Record a dummy executing:
– A blockstring followed by a throw (e.g., Jab > Jab > Throw).
– A blockstring followed by a shimmy (e.g., Jab > Jab > Backdash).
– Focus on reacting to the opponent’s character movement rather than just timing your inputs.

Conclusion

By mastering the techniques outlined—especially delayed throw tech—and adapting to your opponent’s habits, you’ll effectively neutralize many throw-based offensive strategies in Street Fighter 6. Additionally, understanding matchup-specific throw loops, such as the shorter loops from characters like Marisa compared to longer gabs from Zangief, will further enhance your defensive game. Regular practice of these techniques in training mode will arm you with the skills necessary to prevail in high-pressure situations.