How do I effectivly analyze melee matchs?

[Aktsumi]

I don't know how to analyze at all

 

[-ACE-]

Thoroughly understanding decision making takes some time, and starts with thoroughly understanding the 2 characters' options in any given situation. Ideally, one's play should be optimal. Well, what is optimal? Taking stocks as efficiently as possible sounds about right. How do we go about doing that? For starters, one's play should exhibit practical use of appropriate moves/tactics that result in early edgeguard opportunities, reliable KO setups, or at least putting your opponent in a disadvantageous position (either location-wise or by other means). But the key word is practical. There is no truly "optimal" one way to play. If so m2k would've found it by now and would be on his 8th year of being undefeated. Understanding mindgames can be tough, especially if you're watching two people play who often play each other, as they're basing decisions off previous data they've collected that you haven't seen. And sometimes even the pros have to ask someone "why did you do that? or "how did you know that would work?" lol. Everyone has their own style. Top players pick up on habits and adapt quickly and often in intricate or elusive ways so it can be hard to keep up.

Ramble. But yeah start by watching videos with other people for an immediate second opinion. Ask questions in character specific boards

 

[Aktsumi]

I just want to be able to play like armada, you know? like wait patiently until your opponent screws up and mercilessly slaughter them.

 

[GenNyan]

I think one of the keys is to not bite off more than you can chew. Try narrowing down your search to specific situations instead trying to look for a little bit of everything.

I just want to be able to play like armada, you know? like wait patiently until your opponent screws up and mercilessly slaughter them.

That would first require recognition of what is and is not a "screw-up." These can be very hard to identify, especially because screw-ups may work in the person's favor or may not affect anything during a real match. In addition, a read can result in a punish even if the opponent did nothing "wrong." You also would need to study punishes, combos, and flow charts to maximize the impact of every hit.

 

[Aktsumi]

In addition, a read can result in a punish even if the opponent did nothing "wrong." You also would need to study punishes, combos, and flow charts to maximize the impact of every hit.

great, do you have any good sources that I can pick up from what you've mentioned?

 

[GenNyan]

great, do you have any good sources that I can pick up from what you've mentioned?

I don't really understand what exactly you're asking for. This is just stuff you can look for during matches.

 

[Aktsumi]

oh sorry, I wasn't thinking straight.

 

[Bones0]

You should watch top players critique their own matches on stream. Mango, Leffen, and SFAT all have some decent videos on YouTube where you can see their thought process while analyzing matches. Some of these links might help too:

http://smashboards.com/threads/fox-advice-questions-topic.98202/page-768#post-16125074
http://smashboards.com/threads/losing-and-dont-know-why.426338/#post-20632029
http://smashboards.com/threads/falco-discussion-thread.256826/page-575#post-20234371
http://smashboards.com/threads/falco-discussion-thread.256826/page-582#post-20858018

 

[-ACE-]

You should watch top players critique their own matches on stream. Mango, Leffen, and SFAT all have some decent videos on YouTube where you can see their thought process while analyzing matches. Some of these links might help too:

http://smashboards.com/threads/fox-advice-questions-topic.98202/page-768#post-16125074
http://smashboards.com/threads/losing-and-dont-know-why.426338/#post-20632029
http://smashboards.com/threads/falco-discussion-thread.256826/page-575#post-20234371
http://smashboards.com/threads/falco-discussion-thread.256826/page-582#post-20858018

^^OP, this is the best advice. Be sure to ask someone if you don't understand something that a top player says. Not everyone is the best at explaining things and you may need some clarification.

 

[tsmfoxmaster]

I'm having trouble analyzing my play also I'm learning my fundamentals and techs. Just Idk how to analyze myself. How did you guys get better at analyzing your play any tips would be appreciated.

 

[iAmMatt]

I'm having trouble analyzing my play also I'm learning my fundamentals and techs. Just Idk how to analyze myself. How did you guys get better at analyzing your play any tips would be appreciated.

Reflect on your matches/sets immediately after they finish. I know armada does this and we've seen it work for him. Treat going and looking at vods like remembering something embarrassing you did a few years ago. Realize its in the past, and try your best to never do it again. If you're looking at a vod and you think you shoul've upaired where you baired, try and remember that. Especially if you know you're gonna play that player again, the situation you upaired in will more than likely come up again due to both you and your opponent's habits