~~ATTENTION!~~
This guide is NOWHERE near finished, but thanks for stopping by! This is a very ambitious right up that's going to take a lot of time to complete, so please don't freak out that there's a lot of stuff missing. I'll be updating this guide whenever I have a chance, so if you like what you see so far be sure to check back periodically for updates!
~~ATTENTION!~~
(graphic header)
[intro para]
There are many physical attributes about Super Smash Bros., just like there are for all video games in general. The physical aspects of competitive Smash can range from many topics, such as having a pristine controller that's able to shield-drop without question to the shape and well-being of a player's physical body. In this guide I hope to cover a general overview of all of the aspects of the physical side of Smash. There's a lot to cover, so let's get started!
[About me...?]
First things first, allow me to introduce myself. My name's SS | Myougi, but you can just call me Myo or whatever you'd like. I've been playing Super Smash Bros. for as long as I can remember and have been actively competing in the tournament scene for around two years now. If you've heard my name before, you'd probably know me best for my work in the Melee Workshop, which is more commonly known as the Melee hacking scene. I've worked on projects such as The Melee Netplay Community Build and the later revisions of Melee SD Remix.
I've played pretty much every Smash game to a certain degree, all the way from Smash 64 to Smash 4. Over the course of my competitive career, I've discovered a vast amount of information about the physical aspects of competing in various games in the series, and I really think they should be more widely known in the Smash community. This guide hopes to share a lot of the things I've come to learn while playing Smash competitively. I'll be splitting this guide into parts, each with a main topic and how it links into another.
In this guide I'll be talking all about physical smash stuff: The differences in hardware, peripherals, and finally some stuff about the human body. I'll be going in depth on the well being of your consoles and controllers as well as how to better take care of yourself. Though health is certainly a major component of this guide, don't leave with the message of 'Get buff and you'll become a top-level player' or something similar. As with all video games, physical abilities are only one aspect that factors into success. This is the same with Smash. Physical abilities are second hand to that of mental abilities, and are very important in the larger scope of a player's performance.
So, without further adieu, I present... Psychical Advantages: A Competitive Smash Bros. Guide.
- Table of Contents (graphic here too)
(Equipment graphic goes here)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Health graphic goes here)
This guide is NOWHERE near finished, but thanks for stopping by! This is a very ambitious right up that's going to take a lot of time to complete, so please don't freak out that there's a lot of stuff missing. I'll be updating this guide whenever I have a chance, so if you like what you see so far be sure to check back periodically for updates!
~~ATTENTION!~~
(graphic header)
[intro para]
There are many physical attributes about Super Smash Bros., just like there are for all video games in general. The physical aspects of competitive Smash can range from many topics, such as having a pristine controller that's able to shield-drop without question to the shape and well-being of a player's physical body. In this guide I hope to cover a general overview of all of the aspects of the physical side of Smash. There's a lot to cover, so let's get started!
[About me...?]
First things first, allow me to introduce myself. My name's SS | Myougi, but you can just call me Myo or whatever you'd like. I've been playing Super Smash Bros. for as long as I can remember and have been actively competing in the tournament scene for around two years now. If you've heard my name before, you'd probably know me best for my work in the Melee Workshop, which is more commonly known as the Melee hacking scene. I've worked on projects such as The Melee Netplay Community Build and the later revisions of Melee SD Remix.
I've played pretty much every Smash game to a certain degree, all the way from Smash 64 to Smash 4. Over the course of my competitive career, I've discovered a vast amount of information about the physical aspects of competing in various games in the series, and I really think they should be more widely known in the Smash community. This guide hopes to share a lot of the things I've come to learn while playing Smash competitively. I'll be splitting this guide into parts, each with a main topic and how it links into another.
In this guide I'll be talking all about physical smash stuff: The differences in hardware, peripherals, and finally some stuff about the human body. I'll be going in depth on the well being of your consoles and controllers as well as how to better take care of yourself. Though health is certainly a major component of this guide, don't leave with the message of 'Get buff and you'll become a top-level player' or something similar. As with all video games, physical abilities are only one aspect that factors into success. This is the same with Smash. Physical abilities are second hand to that of mental abilities, and are very important in the larger scope of a player's performance.
So, without further adieu, I present... Psychical Advantages: A Competitive Smash Bros. Guide.
- Table of Contents (graphic here too)
- A brief introduction to the physical side of Smash Bros.
- About me, SS | Myougi! :D
- Equipment
- Console hardware
- Nintendo 64
- Nintendo Gamecube
- Nintendo Wii (and variations)
- Nintendo Wii U
- Console peripherals
- Controller overview
- Nintendo 64 Controllers
- Purchasing guide
- Care-taking guide
- Nintendo Gamecube Controllers
- Purchasing guide
- Care-taking guide
- Other Controllers and information
- Televisions and monitors
- CRT TVs (Cathode ray tubes)
- Purchasing guide
- Care-taking guide
- ..include dis:..What to avoid (HD CRTs)
- HD TVs (Flat panel LCDs, LEDs, and Plasmas)
- Purchasing guide
- Care-taking guide
- CRT TVs (Cathode ray tubes)
- Console hardware
- Health
- General well-being advice / Healthy habits
- Hands
- Hand exercises
- Hand warmers/gloves
- Eyes
- Gunnar-optics
- Glasses
- Eating
- Healthy food choices
- --pack a lunch to tournaments! :3
- Drinking
- Water bottles --
- Sleeping
- --get a full night's rest before a tournament!
(Equipment graphic goes here)
There's a surprising amount of equipment needed for Smash before you start brawling with your friends or get into heated melees in the competitive scene. Equipment for each game relies on it's platform and the controller peripheral associated with said platform.
Hardware.
These are the console boxes you stick your games and controllers into.
Peripherals.
These are devices that are plugged into and used to play games on a console. Essentially, these are just controllers.
Televisions and monitors.
These are what displays the magic of Super Smash Bros. for human eyes to see.
Hardware.
These are the console boxes you stick your games and controllers into.
Consoles! These little boxes of joy are what change that little data disk into so much more before your very eyes. I won't get into all the technical attributes of each console, but I'll be sure to outline various revisions of the main consoles Smash can be played on here.
Some consoles have different revisions that add or remove features to the console. It's important to keep these in mind when thinking about competitive Smash. If you're just getting into competitive Smash, it's worth noting systems such as the Wii Mini lack Gamecube functionality entirely (without softmodding, anyways) and that can be a major setback for aspiring Melee players.
There's ton of region differences between consoles and whatnot, so if you're looking into playing a different version of a Smash game than the one native to your country, you're in the right place! I'll be glossing over ways that you can play other variations of games. Of course, all this could be done via software side emulators, but where's the fun in that?
Some consoles have different revisions that add or remove features to the console. It's important to keep these in mind when thinking about competitive Smash. If you're just getting into competitive Smash, it's worth noting systems such as the Wii Mini lack Gamecube functionality entirely (without softmodding, anyways) and that can be a major setback for aspiring Melee players.
There's ton of region differences between consoles and whatnot, so if you're looking into playing a different version of a Smash game than the one native to your country, you're in the right place! I'll be glossing over ways that you can play other variations of games. Of course, all this could be done via software side emulators, but where's the fun in that?
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Peripherals.
These are devices that are plugged into and used to play games on a console. Essentially, these are just controllers.
A controller is every gamer's weapon of choice.
There have been a long line of controllers throughout the big N's history, each with one redeeming quality over the past iteration... for the most part. I still am puzzled Nintendo thought we would sprout a third-hand during the N64-era, but I digress.
There are many types of controllers our there, but they can be split into two categories: first-party, and third-party. First-party controllers are made and licensed by Nintendo themselves, where as third-party controllers are created by companies unaffiliated with Nintendo. The general rule is that first-party controllers (Nintendo branded) will always trump the quality of third-party controllers. Don't ever settle for cheap imitations when searching for a controller!
Treat your controller like your best friend. Keep it safe, and keep it close. You never know when a new challenger will be approaching!
There have been a long line of controllers throughout the big N's history, each with one redeeming quality over the past iteration... for the most part. I still am puzzled Nintendo thought we would sprout a third-hand during the N64-era, but I digress.
There are many types of controllers our there, but they can be split into two categories: first-party, and third-party. First-party controllers are made and licensed by Nintendo themselves, where as third-party controllers are created by companies unaffiliated with Nintendo. The general rule is that first-party controllers (Nintendo branded) will always trump the quality of third-party controllers. Don't ever settle for cheap imitations when searching for a controller!
Treat your controller like your best friend. Keep it safe, and keep it close. You never know when a new challenger will be approaching!
Nintendo 64 controllers these days are rather difficult to come by in pristine condition. They are simply out of production, and Nintendo doesn't seem interested in producing any more of them anytime soon. It's a shame, especially with their innovative design.
There are a lot of problems with Nintendo 64 controllers despite their variable interface. For starters, the control-stick is pretty awful and breaks easily. There's ways to fix and prevent control-stick issues however, and I'll be going over ways to accomplish that task in the latter section of this segment.
There are a lot of problems with Nintendo 64 controllers despite their variable interface. For starters, the control-stick is pretty awful and breaks easily. There's ways to fix and prevent control-stick issues however, and I'll be going over ways to accomplish that task in the latter section of this segment.
Buying Nintendo 64 controllers these days can be pretty tough. You have a ton of options though.
Original Nintendo 64 Controller - Produced by Nintendo
The standard N64 controllers you'll come across are dark gray, but they come in a wide variety of colors. Many colors of these N64 controllers are divided into stylized sets. For example, The Funtastic Series featured brightly colored, translucent plastic with six main colors: Fire Orange, Grape Purple, Ice Blue, Jungle Green, Smoke Gray and Watermelon Red. For a full list of colors of the original Nintendo 64 controller, click here and look no further!
Nintendo 64 Hori Mini Pad - Produced by Hori
Usually third-party controllers don't hold up to the standards set by Nintendo's first-party controllers, but the Hori Mini Pad is definitely an exception to that rule. Hori Mini Pads are smaller-variants of a Smash 64 controller and feature a GC-controller style of control stick. These Hori controllers offer a higher range of precision than Nintendo's official controllers and are mostly admitted from problems with broken control sticks that plagued the original.
Knock-off Nintendo 64 Controllers - Produced by various third-parties
Like various other systems, the N64 had it's share of third-party controller knock-offs. While some of these are actually quite good, others are pitiful. Since official N64 controllers are tough to find these days, third-party controllers may be a decent alternative. Be sure you do your research on a third-party controller before you buy it. Read reviews and check out demonstration videos before going down this route.
Original Nintendo 64 Controller - Produced by Nintendo
The standard N64 controllers you'll come across are dark gray, but they come in a wide variety of colors. Many colors of these N64 controllers are divided into stylized sets. For example, The Funtastic Series featured brightly colored, translucent plastic with six main colors: Fire Orange, Grape Purple, Ice Blue, Jungle Green, Smoke Gray and Watermelon Red. For a full list of colors of the original Nintendo 64 controller, click here and look no further!
Nintendo 64 Hori Mini Pad - Produced by Hori
Usually third-party controllers don't hold up to the standards set by Nintendo's first-party controllers, but the Hori Mini Pad is definitely an exception to that rule. Hori Mini Pads are smaller-variants of a Smash 64 controller and feature a GC-controller style of control stick. These Hori controllers offer a higher range of precision than Nintendo's official controllers and are mostly admitted from problems with broken control sticks that plagued the original.
Knock-off Nintendo 64 Controllers - Produced by various third-parties
Like various other systems, the N64 had it's share of third-party controller knock-offs. While some of these are actually quite good, others are pitiful. Since official N64 controllers are tough to find these days, third-party controllers may be a decent alternative. Be sure you do your research on a third-party controller before you buy it. Read reviews and check out demonstration videos before going down this route.
General Care-taking:
Taking care of controllers may seem like a silly task, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Any type of analog controller with a complex interface is subject to wear and tear over the years, and it's up to the user to keep their peripherals in good condition.
I personally recommend storing your controllers in a small box or case that protects them from any unfortunate events that may happen to them. You can make controller cases from just about anything, or just use the box the controller came in originally, if you still have it somewhere.
Remember, the goal of a controller case/box is to protect the controller from drops, rain, etc. as well as provide an easy way to transport them in a safer manner than out in the open elements. Keep this in mind when trying to find or make a controller case! :D
Broken/Loose Sticks:
Many Nintendo 64 controllers are plagued by broken or loose sticks. This is mainly due to friction, as the control stick is a completely plastic component that is rubbing up against plastic housing pieces holding it in place. Overtime, this friction wears down the plastic and results in a loose stick.
There are many ways to fix or prevent an N64's controller from going bad. For this guide, I recommend following this tutorial from lukemorse1 on YouTube:
Additionally, this fantastic guide from Christopher Poplawski is worth a watch as well:
It may take awhile to doctor a loose stick, but with all the high-octane experiences Smash 64 and the other great titles that call the N64 their home, the repairs are definitely worth the trouble!
Taking care of controllers may seem like a silly task, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Any type of analog controller with a complex interface is subject to wear and tear over the years, and it's up to the user to keep their peripherals in good condition.
I personally recommend storing your controllers in a small box or case that protects them from any unfortunate events that may happen to them. You can make controller cases from just about anything, or just use the box the controller came in originally, if you still have it somewhere.
Remember, the goal of a controller case/box is to protect the controller from drops, rain, etc. as well as provide an easy way to transport them in a safer manner than out in the open elements. Keep this in mind when trying to find or make a controller case! :D
Broken/Loose Sticks:
Many Nintendo 64 controllers are plagued by broken or loose sticks. This is mainly due to friction, as the control stick is a completely plastic component that is rubbing up against plastic housing pieces holding it in place. Overtime, this friction wears down the plastic and results in a loose stick.
There are many ways to fix or prevent an N64's controller from going bad. For this guide, I recommend following this tutorial from lukemorse1 on YouTube:
Additionally, this fantastic guide from Christopher Poplawski is worth a watch as well:
It may take awhile to doctor a loose stick, but with all the high-octane experiences Smash 64 and the other great titles that call the N64 their home, the repairs are definitely worth the trouble!
Ah, Gamecube controllers. These interestingly designed controllers were released alongside the Gamecube itself on November 18th, 2001, a mere three days before Super Smash Bros. Melee was released. Gamecube controllers are traditionally the sought-after standard for most Smash games, aside from Smash 64. Fun fact though, since Smash 64 can be played on the virtual console via a Wii, Gamecube controllers can be used to play every single version of Super Smash Bros.!
Gamecube controllers are debatably one of the best controllers of all time. Their dynamic shape may seem foreign to some, but it's quite comfortable in the hands. Thanks for the resurgence of the Smash series with Smash 4 for the Wii U, Gamecube controllers are back in production and can be found just about anywhere.
Official Nintendo Gamecube Controllers - Produced by Nintendo
The best of the best when it comes to Gamecube controllers. None of the other imitations come close to matching Nintendo's signature feel. There's many colors that you can find and collect, so keep an eye out for the rarer ones!
Knock-off Gamecube Controllers - Produced by various third-parties
There's so many knock-off Gamecube controllers in existence that I could fill up a few pages by naming all of them. A lot of these GC controllers are cheap and simply aren't up to par with Nintendo's official controllers. Avoid these at all costs.
There's been many types of Gamecube controllers released over the years, some with more differences than others. Over time, the Gamecube controller has been revised and changed. It's important to know the general differences between different kinds of GC controllers. If you're curious, click here for a list of every single Gamecube controller ever released!
Gamecube controllers can be broken down into a few revisions. Here are some of the basic identifiers:
Revision 1:
Official Nintendo Gamecube Controllers - Produced by Nintendo
The best of the best when it comes to Gamecube controllers. None of the other imitations come close to matching Nintendo's signature feel. There's many colors that you can find and collect, so keep an eye out for the rarer ones!
Knock-off Gamecube Controllers - Produced by various third-parties
There's so many knock-off Gamecube controllers in existence that I could fill up a few pages by naming all of them. A lot of these GC controllers are cheap and simply aren't up to par with Nintendo's official controllers. Avoid these at all costs.
There's been many types of Gamecube controllers released over the years, some with more differences than others. Over time, the Gamecube controller has been revised and changed. It's important to know the general differences between different kinds of GC controllers. If you're curious, click here for a list of every single Gamecube controller ever released!
Gamecube controllers can be broken down into a few revisions. Here are some of the basic identifiers:
Revision 1:
- These are the first Gamecube controllers ever produced. Their cord is notably shorter than that of future models, spanning 2 meters, or 6.5 feet.
- Both triggers on these controllers feature metal rods to aid the triggers when they are springing up and down.
- These controllers will contain the original versions of their joy-stick boxes for both the main control stick and the c-stick.
- These controllers have mixed updated joy-stick boxes. For the most part, the main control stick will have an up-dated joy-stick box for the main control stick, but not for the c-stick.
- Both triggers on these controllers feature metal rods to aid the triggers when they are springing up and down.
- These new controllers have matching updated joy-stick boxes. These are best identified by the screws inside the holes of the joy-stick boxes.
- Both triggers on these controllers feature metal rods to aid the triggers when they are springing up and down.
- The trigger springs in revision 3 controllers have less resistance than previous controllers.
- These are currently the most recent Gamecube controllers available on the market. They feature a cord that's much longer than prior models of Gamecube controllers, spanning about 3 meters, or 9.8 feet.
- The shoulder triggers are different than previous revisions of GC controllers. In revision 4 controllers, a metal rod that holds the trigger up and assists it when springing up or down has been removed.
- These controllers (apart from the Japanese white) have a rougher shell than other controllers, which is an improvement in case you have sweaty hands that make controllers super slippery.
General Care-taking:
Taking care of controllers may seem like a silly task, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Any type of analog controller with a complex interface is subject to wear and tear over the years, and it's up to the user to keep their peripherals in good condition.
I personally recommend storing your controllers in a small box or case that protects them from any unfortunate events that may happen to them. You can make controller cases from just about anything, or just use the box the controller came in originally. I personally recommend using a Sterilite Micro FlipTop container for Gamecube Controllers. If you ever get a chance, stop by your neighborhood container store and pick one up if you can!
Remember, the goal of a controller case/box is to protect the controller from drops, rain, etc. as well as provide an easy way to transport them in a safer manner than out in the open elements. Keep this in mind when trying to find or make a controller case! :D
Taking care of controllers may seem like a silly task, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Any type of analog controller with a complex interface is subject to wear and tear over the years, and it's up to the user to keep their peripherals in good condition.
I personally recommend storing your controllers in a small box or case that protects them from any unfortunate events that may happen to them. You can make controller cases from just about anything, or just use the box the controller came in originally. I personally recommend using a Sterilite Micro FlipTop container for Gamecube Controllers. If you ever get a chance, stop by your neighborhood container store and pick one up if you can!
Remember, the goal of a controller case/box is to protect the controller from drops, rain, etc. as well as provide an easy way to transport them in a safer manner than out in the open elements. Keep this in mind when trying to find or make a controller case! :D
Aside from Gamecube controllers and Nintendo 64 controllers, other controllers can be used to play Super Smash Bros. The later entries in the series will allow people to play with Wiimotes, Nunchucks, and Classic controllers. Pick whichever style of play suits you the best!
It is worth noting that all of Nintendo's wireless controllers are powered by Bluetooth and come with a latency price tag. Wireless controllers aren't recommended for competitive play due to their slightly delayed inputs and problems that can arise if there is any interference between the controller and the console.
It is worth noting that all of Nintendo's wireless controllers are powered by Bluetooth and come with a latency price tag. Wireless controllers aren't recommended for competitive play due to their slightly delayed inputs and problems that can arise if there is any interference between the controller and the console.
Televisions and monitors.
These are what displays the magic of Super Smash Bros. for human eyes to see.
So you've got a console and a copy of Smash, but how exactly are you going to play it? You're going to need a monitor, and there's a ton of types out there. Depending on the game you play, you're going to want to pick either an old-school CRT or a fresh new flat-screen.
If you play any of the Smash games predating Smash 4, you're going to want to play the game on a CRT. (ex: Smash 64, Melee, Brawl, Project M)
If you play Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U (Smash 4), you're going to want to play on a flat-screen TV.
If you play any of the Smash games predating Smash 4, you're going to want to play the game on a CRT. (ex: Smash 64, Melee, Brawl, Project M)
They may be big and bulky but we love them so much.
Just about every CRT out in the world natively supports composite (Y/W/R) video, which is what the N64, Gamecube, and Nintendo Wii all export their video-feed too. Composite video is pretty simple. The yellow cable is the video feed, the white cable is the left audio channel, and the red cable is the right audio channel. The problem with most TVs today such as HDTVs is that they do not natively support composite video, and instead try to convert and upscale the resolution received from the console. Up-scaling the resolution creates display-lag on monitors. This is the sole reason most Smashers prefer to play on CRTs.
Just like controllers and HD monitors, there are tons out there. Tens of thousands of CRTs exist in the world, each with varying shapes and sizes. The best thing about CRTs nowadays is how easy they are to come by. You can pick one up at a thrift store or on the side of the street without burning a hole in your pocket. Just about any kind of CRT will work for competitive Smash as long as it isn't an HD CRT. HD CRTs try to do the same thing as HDTVs where they up-scale resolutions, creating display-lag. Avoid any CRTs claiming to be HD or have 16:9 aspect ratios, 1080p and 720p supposed resolutions, and any with flat-panel displays.
If you're serious in looking for CRTs, I suggest searching for Sony Trinitrons. Trinitrons are the holy-grail of CRTs for Smashers, and you can find them in all sorts of sizes.
Keep a lookout for these following model numbers. These are, according to most, the best CRTs available for competitive Smash.
Just about every CRT out in the world natively supports composite (Y/W/R) video, which is what the N64, Gamecube, and Nintendo Wii all export their video-feed too. Composite video is pretty simple. The yellow cable is the video feed, the white cable is the left audio channel, and the red cable is the right audio channel. The problem with most TVs today such as HDTVs is that they do not natively support composite video, and instead try to convert and upscale the resolution received from the console. Up-scaling the resolution creates display-lag on monitors. This is the sole reason most Smashers prefer to play on CRTs.
Just like controllers and HD monitors, there are tons out there. Tens of thousands of CRTs exist in the world, each with varying shapes and sizes. The best thing about CRTs nowadays is how easy they are to come by. You can pick one up at a thrift store or on the side of the street without burning a hole in your pocket. Just about any kind of CRT will work for competitive Smash as long as it isn't an HD CRT. HD CRTs try to do the same thing as HDTVs where they up-scale resolutions, creating display-lag. Avoid any CRTs claiming to be HD or have 16:9 aspect ratios, 1080p and 720p supposed resolutions, and any with flat-panel displays.
If you're serious in looking for CRTs, I suggest searching for Sony Trinitrons. Trinitrons are the holy-grail of CRTs for Smashers, and you can find them in all sorts of sizes.
Keep a lookout for these following model numbers. These are, according to most, the best CRTs available for competitive Smash.
- KV-24FS120
- KV-24FV12
- KV-24FV300
- KV-20FV12
- KV-20FV300
If you play Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U (Smash 4), you're going to want to play on a flat-screen TV.
There are so many HD TV and monitors out there, more than I can link here. When you're searching for a monitor to play Smash 4 on, you're going to want one that has the following attributes:
- Support's the Wii U's internal resolution (1920x1080)
- Has HDMI input, what the Wii U uses for it's video-feed.
- Has a 2ms response time or less. The less the better.
- Has built in speakers. (technically optional, but if you're traveling with your monitor this is a huge plus.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Health graphic goes here)
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Sitting and playing a video game for a long time can be fun, but it's also physically draining! In order to preform better, it's crucial to stay healthy while playing Smash.
Sitting and playing a video game for a long time can be fun, but it's also physically draining! In order to preform better, it's crucial to stay healthy while playing Smash.
What's more important than controllers is the hands that control them.
It's principle to know how to take care of your hands as a Smasher, and one of the best things you can do to do that is learn a handful of RSI Exercises.
First off, what are RSI exercises?
RSI exercises are healing work-outs for your hands that prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries. They are mainly pretty simple, and some of them you may be doing without realizing it.
There are many different kinds of RSI exercises, each with focus on relaxing certain muscles over others. You can learn RSI exercises for your back, torso, neck, etc, but in this part of the guide I'm mainly going to be focusing on RSI exercises for your hands.
Here's a simple RSI hand exercise that you can memorize and practice. This particular exercise is a series of consecutive hand poses designed to improve the movement in your hands so they they use all of their muscles.
![]()
There are many other RSI exercises you can find on YouTube as well. Here's a video with a handful of examples:
When you're playing Smash, try to have good posture and sit up straight. Be sure to take breaks, and don't overwork yourself! Playing Smash for hours on end can be fun, especially at tournaments, but sitting for hours and forcing your hands to preform at 250 apm is unnatural and physically draining. It's important to realize your hands are sensitive elements of your body, and need just as much attention as your hair or eyes.
Something handy you should bring to tournaments is a stress ball. Not only do these help with slowing your flow of sodium if you lose a close match with a bitter rival, they also help a ton with hand exercises. You can find stress balls anywhere, and they are pretty cheap too. These things are generally small, so you can easily fit them into your backpack or your pocket.
![]()
Yup. You can get Pac-Man ones.
It's principle to know how to take care of your hands as a Smasher, and one of the best things you can do to do that is learn a handful of RSI Exercises.
First off, what are RSI exercises?
RSI exercises are healing work-outs for your hands that prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries. They are mainly pretty simple, and some of them you may be doing without realizing it.
There are many different kinds of RSI exercises, each with focus on relaxing certain muscles over others. You can learn RSI exercises for your back, torso, neck, etc, but in this part of the guide I'm mainly going to be focusing on RSI exercises for your hands.
Here's a simple RSI hand exercise that you can memorize and practice. This particular exercise is a series of consecutive hand poses designed to improve the movement in your hands so they they use all of their muscles.
There are many other RSI exercises you can find on YouTube as well. Here's a video with a handful of examples:
When you're playing Smash, try to have good posture and sit up straight. Be sure to take breaks, and don't overwork yourself! Playing Smash for hours on end can be fun, especially at tournaments, but sitting for hours and forcing your hands to preform at 250 apm is unnatural and physically draining. It's important to realize your hands are sensitive elements of your body, and need just as much attention as your hair or eyes.
Something handy you should bring to tournaments is a stress ball. Not only do these help with slowing your flow of sodium if you lose a close match with a bitter rival, they also help a ton with hand exercises. You can find stress balls anywhere, and they are pretty cheap too. These things are generally small, so you can easily fit them into your backpack or your pocket.
Yup. You can get Pac-Man ones.
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It's important to take breaks between staring at CRT.
Minimize your exposure.
It's important to take breaks between staring at CRT.
Minimize your exposure.
You are what you eat.
If you want to play well, eating well is a good start.
If you want to play well, eating well is a good start.
When you pack your bags and go out to a tournament, we sure to pack a few water bottles.
There's a couple of routes you can take with water bottles, and any of them are fine. Be sure to drink plenty of water!
Soda will dehydrate you. It's really counter intuitive to drink soda at a tournament.
There's a couple of routes you can take with water bottles, and any of them are fine. Be sure to drink plenty of water!
Soda will dehydrate you. It's really counter intuitive to drink soda at a tournament.
Be sure to get a full night's rest before a tournament.
Usually it's a better idea to get a full night's rest before a tournament than stay up all night and grind tech skill.
Usually it's a better idea to get a full night's rest before a tournament than stay up all night and grind tech skill.
- Applicable Games
- Smash 64, Melee, Brawl, Project M, Smash 3DS, Smash Wii U
