Help for new player

[Cake>Pi]

Hey, I just picked up Melee about a month ago and I'm looking to improve my play. I main Falco and also like to play Marth, Sheik and sometimes Dr.Mario. I don't really have anyone to play with except for my neighbor (he's more of a Brawl player and would rather play Brawl than Melee) so I've mostly been practicing against CPUs. Before Smash I was really into Street Fighter (and still am), so if anyone knows any tactics from Street Fighter that could be carried over to Smash that would be cool. There's a place near my house that hosts Street Fighter Tournaments, so I'll see if they're hosting anything for Smash anytime soon.

In terms of my tech skill, I can do the following:
-Wavedash (70% of the time I'd say)
-Waveland
-Out of shield wavedashes (20% of the time, but I'll keep practicing)
-Short Hop consistently
-L-Cancel

Any help would be appreciated and also I'm a little confused about the applications of Wavedashing in a match. Is it just for spacing or can you do other stuff with it?

Thanks

 

[-ShadowPhoenix-]

Wavedashing is more of a movement/spacing tool. Certain characters can use it offensively (mainly space animals), but I'd say mastering short hopping and L canceling is more important for the newer players.

 

[SAUS]

You live pretty close to Toronto. There are lots of really good smash players in Toronto. I think I heard that there was a melee tournament in Hamilton in January. You should look for melee facebook groups in your area.

 

[Cake>Pi]

Thanks, I had no idea there was any kind of Smash community in my area. I'll have to check the tournament listing thread.