History Main / AdvantageBall

** Except for Rainbow Dash vs. Starscream, where Rainbow holds the AdvantageBall for pretty much the entirety of the fight.

-->Tarvek [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120210 grabs the ball]]! Gil struggles, but [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120217 Tarvek gets in a solid jab]]! But who's that? Bangladesh Dupree [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120222 tackles Tarvek]] from out of nowhere, grabs the Ball and starts piling on the humiliation... But then [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120224 Vole appears]], charming Bang's pants off with a bloodthirsty Villainous Rant, and picks up the ball. Ball occupied, Gil and Tarvek are able to have a conversation on equal terms, until Othar Trygvassen, GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER!, gets the drop on Vole! But what's this?! Gil goes for the dropped ball, [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120305 grabs it with both hands]], runs with it AND HE SCORES, dropping three of his opponents down a trapdoor to a long fall, and wounds the last - Bang - with a [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120307 vicious playground taunt]]! What a game, ladies and gentlemen, what a game!

** Justified in the first and most of the second. The third don't even try to justify Neo's god-like abilities

* Most fights that isn't a straight up CurbStompBattle in later episodes of DragonBall Z are a match of 'who has the most transformations'. Every time a character turns into a new form, they hold the AdvantageBall untill their opponent does likewise.

* This follows naturally in ''TengenToppaGurrenLagann'', where, thanks to Spiral Energy, confidence ''is'' combat ability. Except for wild cards like the Mugann, the Ball is in the court of whoever is delivering a BadassBoast at the moment.
* ''{{Bleach}}'' plays with this a lot. In most fights, the ball even gets tossed between combatants at times. Very often strategic use of the Advantage Ball (by the author) results in wins or losses the fandom did not expect.
* ''{{Naruto}}'' has a bunch of advantages when he has to fight [[PersonOfMassDestruction Pain]], including [[{{Mons}} a bunch of strong toads to fight alongside him]], a new SuperMode, the [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Ninetails]], information on Pain's abilities, and Pain's temporary loss of his GravityMaster powers.

* PlayedWith in ''RanmaHalf'''s [[AngstNuke Shi Shi]] [[KamehameHadoken Hokodan]] arc. [[ButtMonkey Ryoga]] learns the titular technique and uses it against Ranma. DeconstructiveParody [[InvertedTrope Inversion]] HilarityEnsues when Ranma understands the technique and [[BeatThemAtTheirOwnGame adapts it]]; the fight becomes a {{Wangst}} contest, which Ryoga eventually wins due to having [[DeusAngstMachina more true angst]]. Ranma then decides to use a modified variant powered by confidence (the Moko Takabisha), which comes far more naturally to him. The stage looks set for him to inflict a CurbStompBattle. {{Subversion}} and RealityEnsues (relatively speaking, given that they're using KiAttacks) when Ryoga learning that Ranma has a counter-technique only fuels his depression; his Shi Shi Hokodan becomes even stronger, breaking Ranma's confidence-powered Moko Takabisha technique. Then ItGotWorse when Ryoga revealed that he had been working to master an even stronger "perfected" variant of the Shi Shi Hokodan. [[spoiler: Ranma ultimately wins in [[DistractedByTheSexy an unrelated and anticlimatic way]].]]
* JoJosBizarreAdventure uses this trope in an interesting way: While the battles can be physical in nature, they rely mostly on smarts and finding a way out of your current situation. In order to keep things exciting, whoever loses the advantage ball automatically gets to be the POV character of the following chapters, as it's now his or her turn to turn the tides of battle.

* This is well demonstrated by the {{Flynning}} in ''ThePrincessBride'', where the advantage is determined solely by who [[IAmNotLeftHanded most recently switched hands]].

* In the StarWarsExpandedUniverse there's Jedi Battle Meditation: an ''in-universe'' Advantage Ball. The side supported by the meditating Jedi is filled with confidence and clarity, while the opposing side is assaulted with despair. [[TheChessmaster Grand Admiral Thrawn]] once quantified this; apparently, supported by battle meditation, his fighters performed up to 40% better in every category of pilot performance.

* Most stretches of dialogue in Webcomic/GirlGenius can be described according to this, with the butt of the jokes being the ones not currently possessing the humorous Advantage Ball.

* PlayedWith in ''RanmaHalf'''s [[AngstNuke Shi Shi]] [[KamehameHadoken Hokodan]] arc, where [[ButtMonkey Ryoga]] learns said technique and uses it against Ranma. DeconstructiveParody HilarityEnsues when Ranma understands the technique and [[BeatThemAtTheirOwnGame adapts it]], and the fight becomes a {{Wangst}} contest, which Ryoga wins due to having [[DeusAngstMachina more sources of true angst]]. When Ranma then decides to use a modified variant powered by confidence (the Moko Takabisha), which comes far more naturally to him, the stage looks set for him to inflict a CurbStompBattle. {{Subversion}} and RealityEnsues (relatively speaking, given that they're using KiAttacks) when learning that Ranma has a counter-technique only fuels Ryoga's depression; his Shi Shi Hokodan becomes even stronger, breaking Ranma's confidence-powered Moko Takabisha technique. Then ItGotWorse when Ryoga revealed that he hadn't been resting on his laurels, confident in his ability to defeat Ranma, and had instead, in fact, been working to master an even stronger "perfected" variant of the Shi Shi Hokodan. [[spoiler: Ranma ultimately wins in an unrelated and [[AntiClimax anticlimatic]] way.]]

* Throughout ''TheMatrix'', agents are pretty much unstoppable, due both to their superior programming and the [[TheDreaded terror the other side has for them]]. But after Neo's awakening as The One, he can dispatch them with ease (and his team can at least hold their ground). An entirely justified in-universe example.

* Most stretches of dialogue in GirlGenius can be described according to this, with the butt of the jokes being the ones not currently possessing the humorous Advantage Ball.

* PlayedWith in ''RanmaHalf'''s [[AngstNuke Shi Shi]] [[KamehameHadoken Hokodan]] arc, where [[ButtMonkey Ryoga]] learns said technique and uses it against Ranma. DeconstructiveParody HilarityEnsues when Ranma understands the technique and [[BeatThemAtTheirOwnGame adapts it]], and the fight becomes a {{Wangst}} contest, which Ryoga wins due to having [[DeusAngstMachina more sources of true angst]]. Ranma then decides to use a modified variant powered by confidence (the Moko Takabisha), which comes far more naturally to him, and when he unveils it in their next battle the stage looks set for him to counter Ryoga's technique with his own and inflict a CurbStompBattle. {{Subversion}} and RealityEnsues (relatively speaking, given that they're using KiAttacks) learning that Ranma has a counter-technique only fuels Ryoga's depression; his Shi Shi Hokodan technique becomes even stronger, breaking Ranma's confidence and his confidence-powered Moko Takabisha technique. Then ItGotWorse when Ryoga revealed that he hadn't been resting on his laurels, confident in his ability to defeat Ranma, and had instead, in fact, been working to master an even stronger "perfected" variant of the Shi Shi Hokodan. [[spoiler: Ranma ultimately wins in an unrelated and [[AntiClimax anticlimatic]] way.]]

* {{Bleach}} plays with this a lot. In most fights, the ball even gets tossed between combatants at times. Very often strategic use of the Advantage Ball (by the author) results in wins or losses the fandom did not expect.

* Most fights that isn't a straight up CurbStompBattle in later episodes of DragonBall Z are a match of 'who has the most transformations'. Every time a character turns into a new form, they hold the AdvantageBall untill their opponent does likewise.

* Most fights that aren't straight up CurbStompBattles in later episodes of DragonBall Z are a match of 'who has the most transformations'. Every time a character turns into a new form, they hold the AdvantageBall untill their opponent does likewise.

* The Ball is carefully minded throughout ''AKnightsTale''. At the beginning, William and Adhemar are evenly matched, and the latter wins by his greater experience. In the final, decisive joust, Adhemar holds the Ball at first due both to the efforts of his herald and copious amounts of cheating, but after GeoffreyChaucer gives an impassioned speech, the audience changes sides and William wins ''without even his armour''.

One trope that lies in the middle ground [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism between the idealistic view and the realistic one]] is the AdvantageBall.

* {{Bleach}} plays with this a lot. In most fights, the ball even gets tossed between combatants at times. Very often strategic use of the AdvantageBall (by the author) results in wins or losses the fandom did not expect.

* In the StarWarsExpandedUniverse there's Jedi Battle Meditation: an ''in-universe'' AdvantageBall. The side supported by the meditating Jedi is filled with confidence and clarity, while the opposing side is assaulted with despair. [[TheChessmaster Grand Admiral Thrawn]] once quantified this; apparently, supported by battle meditation, his fighters performed up to 40% better in every category of pilot performance.

* Most stretches of dialogue in GirlGenius can be described according to this, with the butt of the jokes being the ones not currently possessing the humorous AdvantageBall.

[[AC:VideoGames]]
* This actually comes up in ''DynastyWarriors'' and, to a lesser extent, ''SamuraiWarriors''. When you accomplish specific tasks, your side gains morale, which basically buys you more time and progress to defeat the enemy general, by adding or removing soldier units from the battlefield. Especially in Dynasty Warriors, even if you're being completely creamed, if you get over 1000 soldier kills, you get unlimited morale. Then you have hundreds of troops rush in and push back the enemy, for no particular reason than that you're now so cool.

* ''{{Naruto}}'' has a bunch of advantages when he has to fight [[PersonOfMassDestruction Pain]], including [[{{Mons}} a bunch of strong toads to fight alongside him]], a new SuperMode, the [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Ninetails]], information on Pain's abilities, and Pain's temporary loss of his GravityMaster powers.

-->Tarvek [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120210 grabs the ball]]! Gil struggles, but [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120217 Tarvek gets in a solid jab]]! But who's that? Bangladesh Dupree [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120222 tackles Tarvek]] from out of nowhere, grabs the Ball and starts piling on the humiliation... But then [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120224 Vole appears]], charming Bang's pants off with a bloodthirsty Villainous Rant, and picks up the ball. Ball occupied, Gil and Tarvek are able to have a conversation on equal terms, until Othar Trygvassen, GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER!, gets the drop on Vole! But what's this?! Gil goes for the dropped ball, [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120305 grabs it with both hands]], runs with it AND HE SCORES, dropping three of his opponents down a trapdoor to a long fall, and wounds the last - Bang - with a [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120307 vicious playground taunt]]! What a game, ladies and gentlemen, what a game!
* {{Bleach}} plays with this a lot. In most fights, the ball even gets tossed between combatants at times. Very often strategic use of the AdvantageBall (by the author) results in wins or losses the fandom did not expect.

* {{Bleach}} plays with this a lot. In most fights, the ball even gets tossed between combatants at times. Very often strategic use of the AdvantageBall (by the author) results in wins or losses the fandom did not expect.

-->Tarvek [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120210 grabs the ball]]! Gil struggles, but [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120217 Tarvek gets in a solid jab]]! But who's that? Bangladesh Dupree [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120222 tackles Tarvek]] from out of nowhere, grabs the Ball and starts piling on the humiliation... But then [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120224 Vole appears]], charming Bang's pants off with a bloodthirsty Villainous Rant, and picks up the ball. Ball occupied, Gil and Tarvek are able to have a conversation on equal terms, until Othar Trygvassen, GENTLEMAN ADVENTURER!, gets the drop on Vole! But what's this?! Gil goes for the dropped ball, [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120305 grabs it with both hands]], runs with it AND HE SCORES, dropping three of his opponents down a trapdoor to a long fall, and wounds the last - Bang - with a [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120307 vicious playground taunt]]! What a game, ladies and gentlemen, what a game!

* Most dialogue in GirlGenius seems to run according to this, with the butt of the jokes being the ones not currently possessing the humorous AdvantageBall.
-->Tarvek [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120210 grabs the ball]]! Gil struggles, but [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120217 Tarvek gets in a solid jab]]! But who's that? Bangladesh Dupree [[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20120222 tackles Tarvek]] from out of nowhere and starts with the humiliation...

* ''{{Naruto}}'' has a bunch of advantages when he has to fight [[PersonOfMassDestruction Pain]], including [[{{Mons}} a bunch of strong toads to fight alongside him]], a new SuperMode, the [[SuperpoweredEvilSide Ninetails]], information on Pain's abilities, and Pain's temporary loss of his GravityMaster powers.

* The Church Knights of the ''{{Elenium}}'' and ''Tamuli'', being basically [[ThePaladin Paladins]], have superlative training and political support. Moreover, they have a fierce (deserved) reputation, and armour which not only [[LuckilyMyShieldWillProtectMe protects them]], but is also intimidating at the same time. Combining this with the [[PlotArmor extra plot protection]] that the [[NominalImportance named protagonists enjoy]], the Knights have the ability to steamroll over practically any force, almost regardless of the opposition's numbers, tactics or equipment. This is taken UpToEleven at the climax of the Elenium, when Sparhawk is driven into an UnstoppableRage and kills probably dozens of [[{{Mooks}} enemy combatants]] without effort or personal damage. Soon after, however, he faces TheDragon, a man with considerable anthropic weight, and barely defeats him in single combat.

However there is a middle ground, [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism between the idealistic view and the realistic one]]: the AdvantageBall.

This is a status that is bestowed to one side at a time in conflict. Whomsoever holds the Ball is not necessarily invincible, but certainly more effective, more skilled than usual, [[PlotArmor less likely to fall prey]] to bad luck or DiabolusExMachina. Similarly, their adversary is confused, fallible, [[ATeamFiring less accurate in their attacks]], more likely to make mistakes.

Ownership of the Ball is determined primarily by morale. Whichever side is more confident has the advantage. This tends to result in HollywoodTactics: using your resources strategically is not as important as making a show. If you can [[DespairGambit dismay your enemy]], you are probably going to win even if they greatly outnumber you and have a far superior position. On an individual scale, if a combatant is unsure either of his chances, or his reasons, he will fare badly. [[EpiphanyTherapy But once he has an epiphany,]] [[HeroicResolve is reminded of what he's fighting for]], receives words of support from his allies, wins the respect of a neutral observer, or gets news that help is on the way, he will instantly become much stronger, even to the point of [[HollywoodHealing forgetting previous injuries]]. A well-placed WorldOfCardboardSpeech or TheReasonYouSuckSpeech can render his enemy demoralised and weakened.

Visually, this trope often expresses itself in a PendulumWar, with one side advancing and the other clearly retreating as long as the Ball is held by one side. Once conditions change, the Ball may bounce elsewhere and those who were advancing suddenly find themselves falling back. It's noteworthy that it happens at both large and small scales, with whole armies or just two combatants.

* {{Batman}} almost always holds the Ball in direct conflict. Three guys with knives or a dozen Mooks with machine guns, it makes no difference. As such, the general method of his rogue's gallery to deal with him is to attack him indirectly, especially by undermining what he believes in and threatening those he values.

* This actually comes up in ''DynastyWarriors'' and, to a lesser extent, ''SamuraiWarriors''. When you accomplish specific tasks, your side gains morale, which basically buys you more time and progress to defeat the enemy general, by adding or removing soldier units from the battlefield. Especially in Dynasty Warriors, even if you're being completely creamed, if you get over 1000 soldier kills, you get unlimited morale. Then you have hundreds of troops rush in and push back the enemy, for no particular reason than that you're now so cool.

Ownership of the Ball is determined primarily by morale. Whichever side is more confident has the advantage. This tends to result in HollywoodTactics: using your resources strategically is not as important as making a show. If you can [[DespairGambit dismay your enemy]], you are probably going to win even if they greatly outnumber you and have a far superior position. On an individual scale, if a combatant is unsure either of his chances, or his reasons, he will fare badly. But once he has an epiphany, is reminded of what he's fighting for, recieves words of support from his allies, wins the respect of a neutral observer, or gets news that help is on the way, he will instantly become much stronger, even to the point of [[HollywoodHealing forgetting previous injuries]]. A well-placed WorldOfCardboardSpeech or TheReasonYouSuckSpeech can render his enemy demoralised and weakened.