My entry from the "Where To Start" thread.
http://www.smashboards.com/showpost.php?p=4608080&postcount=14
[More advice]
1.
Smash-DI is your friend. Use it. A lot. It's pretty hard to miss it in Brawl.
2.
Keep at least two of your kill moves "fresh" near the high %s - move decay is big in Brawl. Leaving only one "fresh" kill move also makes you predictable, since you only have one way to finish your opponent.
3.
Only use an Air Dodge if you know you won't get hit as it ends/begins. Yes, you can use multiple air dodges per jump, but the first and last few frames of the animation are not invincibility frames. In other words, you're completely vulnerable for two small periods during each air dodge, so be careful.
4.
Use every move. Tilts, jabs, aerials, specials, grabs, dash attacks...everything. Variety is the spice of Brawl, especially with the high move decay. Every move has it's place.
5.
That said, don't use every move ALL THE TIME. Exercise your moveset responsibly. There exists a situation for each move where it is most useful. Remember which move matches each situation and use them accordingly.
6.
No Johns. If you're losing, don't whine or foam at the mouth - analyze your play and your opponent's play to figure out what's making you lose. Either your opponent is doing something right or you're doing something wrong. Adjust according to your findings. Experiment with new techniques. If complaining helps you concentrate, then so be it. When you find yourself falling into predictable patterns because you're too mad to concentrate, that's when you should put down the controller and try again later.
7.
Spacing = important. If you're out of your opponent's range, you can't get hit. Many people overlook this and just charge in. Be careful with your spacing.
8.
Don't take the first opportunity you see - take the first SAFE opportunity you see. Just because Ganon is charging his U-tilt doesn't mean you can get a free hit. Your opponent may bait you with what looks like an opening and punish you when you fall in the trap.
9.
Know your timings, from move lengths and lag times to character movement speeds. Also
know your hitboxes, from sizes to locations to durations. Even an intuitive feel for these things will greatly help you in split-second decision making. Numerical awareness is best, but not always required.
10.
Apply thy knowledge. Don't read advice and say "heh, I already know that." Think about the advice you've read consciously while you play - you'll see new things you didn't before. Read different bits of advice before each match. Call your attention to different aspects of the game in different matches - for example, play a game in which you just work on your spacing. Targeted practice does wonders.
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