How should I be using my controller?

[metalman311]

I've been playing smash since 64 but have only been into competitive smash for a couple years (watching, not playing). I'm afraid that through the years I've picked up so many bad habits that I don't know if I could ever unlearn them to truly step up my game. How should I be using the controller? Which buttons are best to execute the advanced moves?

 

[AUS]

Depends what you mean, do you mean what buttons do you use to use advanced techniques (WaveDashing, L-Canceling etc..) or do you mean what button/stick is more optimal (Should you use X or Y to jump, Should you charge smashes with A or use the C-stick, Should you do arials with the C-stick Etc..)

 

[Foo]

Almost everyone does things a little differently, but generally.

DON'T use tap jump to wave dash, ledge hop or shffl. DO use whatever other random button you prefer for jump.

DO use the c-stick for aerials, unless it's and instant aerial, then use the A-button.

Other than that, it's basically just whatever you want. Something like charging smashes works equally well with using a or cstick +grab. Some things are character specific though. Like, generally, you'd probably want to turn off tap jump to play game and watch so you don't accidentally jump before up-b.

 

[metalman311]

Thanks for the tips. Yeah, I've NEVER used the c-stick for aerials. That's a daunting change for me cuz X, my preferred jump, is kinda far from the c-stick... It'll take a lot of practice.

I've seen a couple vids of pro's hands playing. R seems to be greatly favored over L for wave dashing and L-canceling

 

[GaretHax]

I like L because it means that one hand handles, haha, all movement options. R is used mostly for shielding, if you main a spacie try laying your thumb across b-a-and y and just depressing top-to-bottom to multi-shine. I've also found gamecube controllers make for excellent blunt instruments in a pinch.