Advanced Tactics For Noobies

[BigWilly]

Hello All! My name is Will and I have recently found a passion for Super Smash Bros melee!
I am mediocre at best when it comes to this game but I really want to get better and I have some questions for y'all.
When I decided I wanted to get good the first thing I did was go to youtube and figure out how to do all the advanced movement such as dash dancing wavedashing wavelanding L cancelling etc. So I've been in training mode for a couple days and I have a pretty good feel for them and I can consistantly wavedash and hit my L cancels and wave lands.

My only problem is when I am actually in a game and not training I have no idea how to apply these techniques. I am totally lost as to when is a good situation to wave dash or dash dance. I understand L-cancelling all aerials that one is simple. But i was hoping you could enlighten me on what is a good situation to wave dash or dash dance. Normally when I focus on using these techniques I become fixated on this one thing and end up playing way worse than if I never did them. So my final point I am getting to is How can I utilize thesse advanced techniques in game without just aimlessly wavedashing everywhere?

Side Note: I main Marth and also kinda have a backup falco if that helps answer the question. And i understand the use of wavedashing to grab ledge but thats the only use I've found. thanks Guys and Gals!

 

[gmBottles]

First of all, welcome! :D When you apply things like wave dashing and dash dancing to your gameplay, it needs to feel natural. So don't force yourself to get used to it, just let it happen. It can take a while, but eventually it'll feel totally normal. Wave dashing can be used both evasively and offensively depending on the situation. You can use it to evade attacks while still facing your opponent or to dash in and throw out out your moves. Since you're playing Marth, wavedash f-smash can work sometimes and help to position yourself for a tipper. So just play around with the tech until it feels natural. Happy Smashing :D

 

[BigWilly]

Okay Thanks for the advice!

 

[Vorde]

I would advocate getting 20XX Melee Hack Pack if you can to help yourself learn the hitboxes of moves and such as well since it's a much better training tool. If you have a Wii or a computer capable of running Dolphin with a GCN to USB adapter then you should be set

 

[Spak]

Dashdancing is most useful as a mind game because you could start by sprinting in either direction at any time out of a dashdance. Training against a CPU won't help in implementing dash dancing as they tend to just walk up and hit you, not falling for any mind games. I use wavedashing for spacing and general mobility. If someone is about to hit you, it is much faster to wavedash out of the way than turn around and try to run. If you wavedash, you will avoid getting hit and you can also punish their attack more quickly and effectively. Depending on the character, you can do many different things to apply wavedashing, but mobility is its main use.

 

[BigWilly]

Unfortunately I play on an original gamecube and my computer sucks @ Vorde

 

[MookieRah]

The best way to learn how to incorporate wavedashing/dash dancing into your game would be to first, get used to doing it against computers, and then to play others that are more experienced with you and have them critique you as you play.

For the first part, playing with comps is much better training when it comes to practicing tech after training mode. The reason is that while it is still low pressure, they will be actively trying to beat you. You need to be able to wavedash when you are receiving shield pressure, when trying to escape a platform before the CPU can engage you one it, and wavedash to extend combos or to approach an opponent. Once you get your wavedashing down to a fairly high consistency against CPUs the transition to human opponents is not that difficult. That doesn't mean you'll know how to use it properly against humans, but it won't be as hard to input a wavedash when you want to than if you never did this outside of training mode.

You can also learn A LOT about dash dancing against comps. I know, because I did. It sounds crazy, but honestly wavedashing is just zoning (aka spacing with your movement). The comps will react in predictable ways, but understanding how to counter those predictable options means that you understand a fundamental aspect regarding dash dancing. So jump in against some level 7 comps and learn to run circles around them and you'll be another step towards understanding movement options.

Once you are comfortable with wavedashing and dash dancing against comps then it's easier to transition to human players. I would advise you to track down someone who is much better than yourself and ask to play several matches. Make sure he/she understands you want an open commentary, and that your focus is on learning and understanding your movement options. I have spent time with some of the players in my area with the entire focus being on stuff like dash dancing, and they went from not understanding the point of it to having the fundamentals under there belt within a couple of play sessions.

As far as the "bad habits" you learn from comps... well it happens. At this point I doubt you have many good habits though, so you have virtually nothing to lose in doing what I've outlined. I also think that, in the absence of human competition, the habits you pick up from playing against computers does not outweigh the potential for overall improvement. You just have to learn to adapt on the fly. You have to think about the fact that both M2K and Armada learned A TON from computers, you just have to use them as a tool and not as you would a player and you can get a lot out of it. Even without the 20XX hack pack.

 

[BigWilly]

@ MookieRah Okay Im working on my tech skill against some level 7 cpus working on my chain grabs, DD and wavedashing as well as wavelanding on stages with platforms. I appreciate your input. I'll see who i can find in my area to help me improve. I appreciate it1