How to recover after a poor performance?

[Gatoray]

So, when I finish playing very poorly during a set that matters, and I know for a fact that I could have done better than what I just did whether it be flubbing all my tech skill or not being able to open them up during neutral at all or constantly SDing in stupid situations etc, how do I recover from this and rev myself up for the next tournament or event?

This thread should veer more towards a psychological discussion. It seems that right now, I'm realizing that when I play poorly, I question whether I should quit Smash (ala Westballz) or whether this game is really worth my time, and I know this is a really unhealthy way to think.

I understand it's okay when I lose while playing my best; I enjoy learning from losing, that's not the problem. When I lose because I wasn't playing my best is when I get flustered like this.

 

[XLAX_OVERDOSAGE]

What's most important is focusing on what needs to be improved. Try to notice what you've been screwing up the most, and thnk of strategies/techs that will prevent that in the future.

Practice those techniques consistently to avoid making the same mistakes.
There's a lot more to it then just that, but that's the big answer in a nutshell.

 

[EPsilon933]

Be aware of what you do wrong and change strategies. Always change strategies

Every experience is a learning experience

Everyone overestimates their abilities / underestimates their tasks' difficulties

 

[Spak]

As hard as this is, try to keep your emotions detached from the game. I was recently at a tournament with a friend and in losers, he got cocky because he was up three stocks. It was the third game of the set and when he lost a stock, he got nervous and lost the last two due to emotions. That cost him the game, set, and tournament. He was so salty by the end of that match that he just left the venue. When I lose, I just remember that it's a game and I should be having fun. If I lose, I will learn something from it and become a better player.

 

[XLAX_OVERDOSAGE]

As hard as this is, try to keep your emotions detached from the game. I was recently at a tournament with a friend and in losers, he got cocky because he was up three stocks. It was the third game of the set and when he lost a stock, he got nervous and lost the last two due to emotions. That cost him the game, set, and tournament. He was so salty by the end of that match that he just left the venue. When I lose, I just remember that it's a game and I should be having fun. If I lose, I will learn something from it and become a better player.

The same happened to me, but only in friendlies. I was up 2 stocks against a Fox, and I zero-to-death'ed him twice. I was so full of myself and anxious, that I had winner's mentality in my mind(when you're doing so well, you don't bother to do any better). He came back and took all my stocks without me getting any other KOs.