How do you use the Lab?

[Rango the Mercenary]

As an Ike main, I never go into Training mode except to check kill percents. We don't have a terrible number of combos. That said, most of my practice is simply done in online matches. But is there something I'm missing by not utilizing training mode?

The only other thing I've used it for is testing max range with several attacks.

 

[Trifroze]

One thing I use training mode for more than anything is checking what are the optimal moves for my character(s) to punish certain moves of other characters after shielding the hit, as well as vice-versa so I know the risks I'm taking when throwing out certain options.

 

[Raijinken]

I primarily check other mechanics or flat percent values before I make a claim that contradicts something others think they know. I.e. verifying Extreme Balloon Trip follows the same fuel mechanic as default Balloon Trip.

 

[atreyujames]

When do get around to using training mode, I use it for 3 things:

1. Test every possible percentage and kill percentage for my characters combo's (with an understanding that rage will vary my results IRL)
2. Practice said combo's as well as other techniques such as Ledge trumping, perfect pivoting, JC item tossing, etc.
3. Attempt to discover movement options and techniques I previously hadn't known about or seen before. Not very common I find something, but every once in a while I find a niche option I hadn't thought about before.

Basically I use it as a place to practice the technical side of the game, as well as get a better feel for my characters

 

[piikaa]

Maybe go find an online smash player to play with that actually knows the game instead of using a lvl 3 cpu that just stands there and takes hits.

 

[atreyujames]

Maybe go find an online smash player to play with that actually knows the game instead of using a lvl 3 cpu that just stands there and takes hits.

Ok if you would read the OP, he even says that he doesn't use training mode as practice. I don't think anybody on this thread has said we use it as a substitute for facing a human opponent. Please don't make assumptions like that

 

[piikaa]

Ok if you would read the OP, he even says that he doesn't use training mode as practice. I don't think anybody on this thread has said we use it as a substitute for facing a human opponent. Please don't make assumptions like that

i completely misread that, sorry!

 

[atreyujames]

i completely misread that, sorry!

HaHa no problem bro. We can all make mistakes like that, eh?

 

[DunnoBro]

I generally like using a turbo controller as my dummy. Outside of mostly true combos/inputs that are the same regardless of opponent interaction there isn't much to practice outside of those on my own in my experience.

(Set turbo to Grab to practice air dodge punishes, A for jab/dragon punch punishes, or 1/2 L Advance + X/Y to test jump away punishes)

*As a general rule of thumb, if it doesn't work on mario it probably won't work on anyone.

Not perfect due to the inability to effectively account DI during these (Except jump away) but it helps get the general feel for the inputs down to see what MIGHT work at least.

A partner is obviously most optimal but with needing both of you, the time needed to explain things, and them probably wanting to test stuff themselves I like to save the stuff I just can't test on my own with others.

Also be sure sure test in standard smash mode with infinite time + handicaps for the percents you want to test at times if you want to attempt rage-mode reliant combos or interactions on your own. Especially if you get this feeling of "This is barely the right percent to combo but also barely doesn't kill" rage mode can possibly make that a kill.

 

[HoSmash4]

One thing I use training mode for more than anything is checking what are the optimal moves for my character(s) to punish certain moves of other characters after shielding the hit, as well as vice-versa so I know the risks I'm taking when throwing out certain options.

How do you do this by yourself?

 

[Trifroze]

How do you do this by yourself?

2 controllers and 1/4 speed, it's a bit awkward but very doable.

 

[JJpalmer]

i havent used training much but ive been messing with it lately since i hate short characters and floaties since fg tends to be midweights and heavies i cant combo floaties as well.Also ike hype lol

 

[Cat8752]

2 controllers and 1/4 speed, it's a bit awkward but very doable.

So you play out a certain situation where both opponents use the optimal moves, and your character ends up on top?

 

[Jerodak]

Training mode is good for practicing simple things like movement, spacing, shield dropping, ledge hugging (also known as "speed snapping" and "manual ledge snap"), jab cancelling (if it's applicable to your character), and even power shielding if you use a level nine pikachu, mario, villager, ect.

You can practice those things and more in a controlled environment without the pressure of an opponent's interference. This is pretty good for developing muscle memory, especially if you're willing to do drills.

At the very least, you could just use it for warm-ups before you start playing matches.

Also, be careful about ever using the CPU. It has some niche uses, but try to avoid the pitfall of simply beating the computer up; it's a great way to develop terrible habits.

Sometimes I'll use it to test air dodge traps against landing/airborne opponents because it usually appears to always time an air dodge so the first frame of invulnerability overlaps the first active frame of your attack, so you can test which moves can outlast an air dodge (Like Bowser's N-air for example) or your options after forcing an air dodge to the ground. The computer will typically always at least shield or dodge when it can but I recommend multiple repeat tests and/or testing with a training partner to be sure. Tests done with a partner and even the 1/4th solo training mentioned before are generally always better than the cpu if you have the option.

Anyway, that's just my approach to training mode; hope it helps!