Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, community sites named in the text and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Strafing and Spacing in PvP
Spacing is keeping the right distance: at the edge of the 3-block reach for combos, close in for crits. Strafing is moving sideways to change the angle so the opponent misses and you do not. Good footwork wins more fights than clicking faster.
How far can you hit?
Melee reach is 3 blocks. Outspacing means hitting from the very edge of it, so you can reach the opponent while they cannot quite reach you. The Bedrock guide explains that reach is measured from your eyes to the point you hit on their hitbox, so aiming at the feet can keep a hit in range when aiming at the chest would miss, and standing one or two blocks lower than the opponent lets you hit them more easily than they can hit you.
What are the main movement techniques?
| Technique | What you do |
|---|---|
| Circle strafe | Hold A or D to circle the opponent while comboing; harder to aim at, easy spacing control |
| S-tap | Tap S after a hit to keep combo distance |
| Uppercut | Sprint-jump in and hit on the way up; surprises jump-resetters |
| Turnback | Out of crit range and losing? Sprint away, then turn and crit |
| Sidesweep | After being crit, strafe to their side and sweep-hit with little knockback (1.9+) |
| Backstab | Get behind a shielding player and hit their back, which the shield does not cover |
| Walkthrough | Move through the opponent and hit from inside their hitbox |
| Counter-strafe | When they circle one way, strafe the other way to cut off their arc (Bedrock guide) |
| Jooky movement | Fast alternating A and D while sprint-resetting, a hard-to-track zigzag (Bedrock guide) |
How do you fight when outnumbered?
The Java guide's advice: separate the enemies first, focus one target at a time (the weakest or the one worst at healing), and strafe so the target stays between you and their teammate, using them as a shield.
Can blocks help your spacing?
Yes. The guide suggests placing a block about 4 blocks in front of a chasing opponent: they run into it, lose their sprint and forward momentum, and you usually get a free hit. Blocks also let you walk over enemy cobwebs and water. More on PvP utility items.
How do you practise footwork?
Practise servers and duels; see practice PvP. Combine strafing with W-tapping and jump resets. A lower mouse sensitivity helps keep your crosshair steady, as the guide's sword tips say; settings are on best PvP settings.
Frequently asked questions
How far is melee reach in Minecraft?
3 blocks.
What is a circle strafe?
Holding A or D to circle your opponent while hitting them, which makes you harder to aim at.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.