I am not good at Smash Bros

[Mataata]

At all. I've been playing it all the time since I was just a kid, since 64. I've played every single character, tried every single strategy, and nothing ever works for me.
Against mid to bottom level players I can do just fine, but against people who really know what they're doing I simply can not even get a hit in. It doesn't matter which game in the series I try- I am horrible at it.

The characters I've really been trying to do well as this time around for Smash 4 are Samus and Kirby, but I've also found I'm good with Yoshi. Sure, I can win a round every now and then, but I can never really lay the smackdown. I want to be able to get in and absolutely destroy people with no room for error, like often happens to me. But my grabs never land, I always miss my attacks, and despite pressing the buttons correctly I can never dodge or shield at just the right time.

Is there anyone who's willing to help me? Just for general things I should know?

 

[popsofctown]

It might help you to watch pro-vids, although those don't exist that much for smash 4 quite yet. Spacing can often be improved by watching a really good player space a move the optimal way over and over again, and then you have an idea of what spacing your aiming for. Otherwise you're aiming for the spacing that worked last time, which could be offcenter and imperfect.


I think a lot of players that don't naturally take to the old-school defensive options seem to do well with counters, so consider one of the buffed counter characters in smash 4: maybe that can be what makes this iteration of smash different for you!

 

[SwoodGrommet]

If you're having trouble picking a main, just pick your favourite character on the roster. It'll be much more rewarding that way. I'm not very good myself, so I understand how it feels. My advice is to just pick a main and stick at it. The problem with online is that your opponent can't tell you how to improve, so maybe try asking around here for matches?

Are there any particular match ups you're having problems with? I might be able give advice there, but the character specific boards would probably be more helpful. If you want to get that good, it'll take a while. But hey, you'll get there. In my opinion, it's all a test of endurance. If someone is trashing you, just fight them over and over. Save the replays and learn what you did wrong.

Good luck.

 

[Wintropy]

Gee willikers, ma'am! You legitimately just described me in Smash!

No but seriously, I empathise entirely. Admitting to your shortcomings is a good first step to improving, though - really, if you keep on keeping on, you're bound to improve just by trying your damnedest. If you want, PM me your friend code and we can get together for some good matches. I'd like to be able to help somebody improve that can help me improve, too!

 

[Raijinken]

Play a lot. It's really the only way. That said, it's okay not to be great at the game. If you want, add me and lemme know you've done so, I'll spar with you some time and provide some feedback.

For more specific strategies, try playing with characters who rely on those strategies. To learn spacing, play Marth. To learn basic easy combos, play Sheik. To learn to NOT spam, play Robin. To learn when to spike, play DK/Mario. To learn to play onstage footsies and approach without projectiles, play Little Mac. To learn fancy finisher strikes, play Captain Falcon. Et cetera. Once you have all of that learned, you can pick characters you prefer and apply those techniques to them.

 

[Code Bread]

Just play Meta Knight in Brawl.
/troll

Real talk, watch some pro vids. Apparently my smash skill and tech skill progressed faster than most other people that I've talked to, and I primarily blame the fact that I was watching competitive smash long before I started playing it. I'm not saying I'm good, nowhere even near good, but as bad as I am, I know for a fact that watching those videos has helped me exponentially.

I think it really becomes a question of where you're having trouble. Do you have trouble getting accustomed to any character's movesets? Are you bad with spacing moves and defensive play? Learning the patterns of a human opponent?

I can dig that you're bad at smash. I'm terrible at it. But if you're asking others for help improving you should lay down what you have the most trouble with.

 

[AlexAnthonyD]

If you post gameplay of yourself we can literally tell you what you are doing right and wrong. This is often the quickest way to improve.

 

[ndayday]

Play with people you have fun with unless you actually plan on getting real good imo.
of course this doesn't mean you have to halt all progression, jsut don't take it as seriously

 

[Mataata]

If you post gameplay of yourself we can literally tell you what you are doing right and wrong. This is often the quickest way to improve.

I suppose I could try that.

If you're having trouble picking a main, just pick your favourite character on the roster. It'll be much more rewarding that way. I'm not very good myself, so I understand how it feels. My advice is to just pick a main and stick at it. The problem with online is that your opponent can't tell you how to improve, so maybe try asking around here for matches?

Are there any particular match ups you're having problems with? I might be able give advice there, but the character specific boards would probably be more helpful. If you want to get that good, it'll take a while. But hey, you'll get there. In my opinion, it's all a test of endurance. If someone is trashing you, just fight them over and over. Save the replays and learn what you did wrong.

Good luck.

This is exactly what I do, actually. I mostly just play the characters I enjoy (Samus and Kirby are my top favorite Nintendo characters). The hardest matchups I have are against Marth, Dedede, and Duck Hunt. I suppose it's their ability to be able to keep you riiight outside your range but just inside theirs that screws me up.

Just play Meta Knight in Brawl.
/troll

Real talk, watch some pro vids. Apparently my smash skill and tech skill progressed faster than most other people that I've talked to, and I primarily blame the fact that I was watching competitive smash long before I started playing it. I'm not saying I'm good, nowhere even near good, but as bad as I am, I know for a fact that watching those videos has helped me exponentially.

I think it really becomes a question of where you're having trouble. Do you have trouble getting accustomed to any character's movesets? Are you bad with spacing moves and defensive play? Learning the patterns of a human opponent?

I can dig that you're bad at smash. I'm terrible at it. But if you're asking others for help improving you should lay down what you have the most trouble with.

I'm honestly not sure what my problem is. I suppose it's mostly spacing and followthrough attacks that I have trouble with. I'm very defensive.

 

[AdaptiveTrigger]

Well, which particular fundamental do you think you are good at? Zoning? Mix ups?

You seem to know what you are bad at, but you don't seem to be talking about what you are good at. You need to figure that out and try focusing on that for awhile. Develop your strengths before trying to determine your weaknesses. Every player has some fundamental that just *clicks* with them I think. I think of myself as a spacing player for example.

 

[Code Bread]

I'm honestly not sure what my problem is. I suppose it's mostly spacing and followthrough attacks that I have trouble with. I'm very defensive.

Even if you're not particularly kicking arse with it, defensive play is a legitimate strategy. Don't count yourself out because of your playstyle.

 

[Mataata]

Well, which particular fundamental do you think you are good at? Zoning? Mix ups?

You seem to know what you are bad at, but you don't seem to be talking about what you are good at. You need to figure that out and try focusing on that for awhile. Develop your strengths before trying to determine your weaknesses. Every player has some fundamental that just *clicks* with them I think. I think of myself as a spacing player for example.

I'm better at counterattacking and predicting than I am going all out. I guess it's from all the rolling around and quick jabs you have to be able to pull off in 64 that stuck with me at an early age.

 

[AdaptiveTrigger]

I'm better at counterattacking and predicting than I am going all out. I guess it's from all the rolling around and quick jabs you have to be able to pull off in 64 that stuck with me at an early age.

Then focus on that. Although I would recommend trying this without predictably using roll. Try to learn how to counterattack without rolling unless its your last available option. Rolling is definitely good in this game for many characters (Samus is not one of them), but it is important to learn how to not roll too. Most of the matches I win in For Glory is from watching the other person's roll habits and punishing them.

 

[Roukiske]

Here's something you can immediately start practicing that might help you: How efficient are you playing? Since you are defensive lets talk about a simple punish scenario.

Lets say your opponent is at 120% and you just blocked a really slow forward smash, what do you do? Here are just some of your options as Samus (theoretical of course, I don't play Samus):

• Grab (such a common mistake): You throw them far away and now they're at 135% off the stage
• Jab combo: Now they're at 140% close to the edge
• Up+B: Now they're at 150% knocked down next to you
• Up smash: They were too far away and you missed :[
  
• Forward smash them back: Did 15% damage and then KO

Well as you can see, you should have forward smashed them back and I sure hope you did. What if they are at a lower percent like 10%? Certainly a forward smash would send them away, but it wouldn't KO. What is your objective right now? Maybe you want to do the most damaging option. So I guess you should Up+B them (In my scenario it did an unrealistic 30% and they are knocked down next to you).

Online, plenty of people I face against make the mistake to do something non-efficient like forward tilt me when they could have easily down smashed or something similar for the KO. Are you doing the same thing? This is a fighting game after all and you want to maximize your opportunities.

 

[mashedsmash]

I can completely relate to this, so I'm interested to read all of the replies and see how I can apply the all the tips people are giving This seems like a great community

 

[Code Bread]

Smashboards is mostly full of elitist jackasses <.< Yeah, we've got a pretty cool community here.

 

[Syrek]

Wow, you sound just like me! I've been playing Smash Bros. since the N64 version came out but I always, in every iteration of Smash Bros. find myself falling short of hitting someone properly, shielding and grabbing when it's appropriate, dodging, executing smash attacks instead of combos and the list goes on. The road to getting better is steep but your not alone in your endeavours to become a dominating player in Smash Bros.

Something I've learned fairly quickly is to record your loses instead of your wins. Do that and study them carefully. Hone your skills by first finding out your weaknesses and where you fall short, adjust and then apply. Easier said than done of course but practice like crazy and eventually you'll get the hang of it. Another thing is once you're able to take on level 9 CPU's effectively, train online in 1v1 matches because that's where the real experience will come from. You'll face many defeats and it will be a frustrating climb to the top, but perseverance, patience and a keen eye will help you to fend off spammers, fast characters and more. But most important, just have fun! Sounds simple enough but to many, the fun is replaced by constantly thinking you should win every match and that is considered fun but that mind set is skewed and unrealistic. Your going to lose, ALOT! But the key is to never give up and remember, it's just a game at the end of the day. Laugh at a dumb move you make or be pleasantly surprised by an amazing attack your opponent does, don't focus on winning so much because that gets old fast and your frustration will get the better of you.

As someone who isn't that great as Smash Bros, this is what I've learned and it's increased my overall enjoyment and skill within the game. Hopefully, your able to increase your skill and pleasure for the game with these tipis or tricks. Follow them, don't follow them, it's completely up to you, just HAVE FUN! If your doing that, everything else will eventually fall into place. ^_^

 

[meowth_]

Uh dude no offense but most of us have been playing this game competitively for years and so you're just gonna have to toughen it up a little bit and get into the scene. I'm assuming that you are some new player who casually played smash over the years and/or beat all the kids on his neighborhood and wants to take on the world.

I know my post sounds edgy and annoying I am just playin around but seriously

 

[Zero Suit Roxas]

You could always try using lots of projectiles. People do a ton of that as Link and other people. Samus has a really nice Charge Shot. You should always try to fill it up when your opponent is far enough away from you. Don't use it relentlessly, just for when they miss. Then you punish them with a fully charged blast! Try doing it when they run at you, as well. Just make sure to watch out for the people who can reflect it back at you or absorb it. Samus is used more effectively for powerful attacks.

Kirby doesn't have projectiles unless the person he swallows has a neutral special projectile, so you shouldn't always count on this for him. Most Kirby mains I've seen usually grab opponents and hit them that way. They almost never use that down special of his; instead, they usually do spinning kicks downward. Kirby is used more effectively for quicker attacks.

 

[Wintropy]

I know my post sounds edgy and annoying I am just playin around but seriously

Bit of an oxymoron, that, isn't it?

We all improve at our own pace. I don't think she wants to get magically better out of the blue, she just wants to be able to feel confident in her own skills. The best way to do that, as I see it, is to keep trying and gradually improve, build up that confidence, keep playing beyond that and just enjoy the game for what it is. I commend her for having the guts to ask in the first place - a lot of folks would just scurry off with their tail between their legs and leave it at that, but she's evidently got enough weight behind her words to actually do something about it.

 

[Mataata]

Uh dude no offense but most of us have been playing this game competitively for years and so you're just gonna have to toughen it up a little bit and get into the scene. I'm assuming that you are some new player who casually played smash over the years and/or beat all the kids on his neighborhood and wants to take on the world.

I know my post sounds edgy and annoying I am just playin around but seriously

im not sayin im just sayin

You're kind of blowing this out of proportion. I just want to be able to do well against people online so that I'm not just a boring pushover.

that and i'd love to be the girl to wipe that smug look off your dumb face.

 

[Kikaioh]

I've played Smash since the N64 version released, and I think I'm a pretty decent. For Smash 4, my learning progression has been like this:

1. Play through the characters and find one who's playstyle felt natural for me.
2. Learn all of that characters moves.
3. Practice playing that character through the single player modes. 1v1 against the cpu can be a non-stressful way of experimenting and learning your character against the other characters.
   
4. Practice playing that character in online matches until hopefully finding a player I'm not so good against. Then, try to think through what I'm doing, why it might not be working, and things I could do or experiment with to see if I get better results. Then try those things, see how it works, and adapt.
   
5. Look online for growing understanding of the movesets and techniques related to Smash and the character and slowly practicing that knowledge and incorporating it into my play style.

If you haven't tried that approach maybe it can help, no guarantees though.

 

[CCTANK93]

All I can say is try, try and try again. Trust me when I say I'm not the best Smash player out there, but I've gaind a considerable amount of skill over the years. A good place to start is to find a character you feel comfortable with and practice that character. My friend and I played an unhealthy amount of hours in Melee. Mostly 1 on 1 with no items. I ended up maining Mario because he fit my play style and once you find one, you'll start gravitating towards other characters. I developed a decent skill with most characters and its carried in for new Smash games. Even now in Smash 3DS, I'm working on becoming a Lucina main. It hasn't been easy, but I'm getting there. It just takes time and patience, but you can become really good if you just keep at it and remember to have fun with it.

 

[WrappedInBlack]

What you need to do is play against Smash players who are way better than you, and you'll get better fighting em over time. Don't test on the CPU as it is too easy, maybe test on an amiibo, cause it'll eventually reach lvl 50 and stuph.

 

[Roukiske]

Its not just one thing to play players that are better than you. Some people can't just see the mistakes they're making, especially if they're new to competitive gaming. You need feedback. Find someone who is very good and try to get feedback. One reason why tournaments are such good learning experiences is that people discuss strategies and ways to improve.

 

[sweq32]

As others have said, watching pro-level videos and getting critics to look at your matches is often the best way to improve. I'm also not very good at Smash, but I don't let it get to me so it's not a problem.

 

[Minordeth]

I feel your pain. I played mostly N64 and Melee, so all these new characters and match-ups, not to mention changes to my previous mains was daunting. I started my first thirty or so matches with a 7% win rate, mostly because I knew I had to play people better than me to catch up. I win more often than I lose now, and it's taken about 350 games to get there, including experimenting with characters way outside my previous comfort zone.

Keep playing people better than yourself as much as possible, and really learn your mains range and spacing options. Knowing the absolute limit of how far my attacks would reach was a game changer.

 

[Code Bread]

Uh dude no offense but most of us have been playing this game competitively for years and so you're just gonna have to toughen it up a little bit and get into the scene. I'm assuming that you are some new player who casually played smash over the years and/or beat all the kids on his neighborhood and wants to take on the world.

I know my post sounds edgy and annoying I am just playin around but seriously

what the heck this doesn't help anyone what the heck what the heck

im not sayin im just sayin

You're kind of blowing this out of proportion. I just want to be able to do well against people online so that I'm not just a boring pushover.

that and i'd love to be the girl to wipe that smug look off your dumb face.

Do you play Melee? They don't exactly transition into other Smash games, but I feel learning and applying the techs in Melee really taught me a lot about reading opponents, developing spacing, and learning when to/not to roll/jump/shield/etc.

 

[SoulSeizures]

A lot of games get easier once you fully realize the other player is playing the exact same characters you have access to. Simple fact, but the end result is that they're just as human as you are, and its moreso a thought process than anything in the end.

Polish up your play and first and foremost identify any bad habits you think you may have (rolling unnecessarily, throwing out unsafe moves, etc). Once you figure out your bad habits then you can focus on actually improving your play to be more consistent. You can start thinking about what it is they're thinking about doing and how to work around it. Simple way of looking at it is, if you know exactly what your opponent's gonna do, at exactly the right time, you can win 100% of the time. So just focus on getting as close to that 100% prediction as you humanly can.

 

[Code Bread]

A lot of games get easier once you fully realize the other player is playing the exact same characters you have access to. Simple fact, but the end result is that they're just as human as you are, and its moreso a thought process than anything in the end.

Polish up your play and first and foremost identify any bad habits you think you may have (rolling unnecessarily, throwing out unsafe moves, etc). Once you figure out your bad habits then you can focus on actually improving your play to be more consistent. You can start thinking about what it is they're thinking about doing and how to work around it. Simple way of looking at it is, if you know exactly what your opponent's gonna do, at exactly the right time, you can win 100% of the time. So just focus on getting as close to that 100% prediction as you humanly can.

Consistency comes with habits that opponents can pick up on too. The issue with this is that you're trying to deduce an opponent's habits as they change them up to adapt to you. While this is something every player should be working towards, I don't think it's something someone should focus on if they're still working on things like spacing and the like.

 

[SoulSeizures]

Consistency comes with habits that opponents can pick up on too. The issue with this is that you're trying to deduce an opponent's habits as they change them up to adapt to you. While this is something every player should be working towards, I don't think it's something someone should focus on if they're still working on things like spacing and the like.

I agree, good fundamentals are something a new player might want to actively focus on. Although I should've clarified that getting into the mindset of your opponent is a good passive mentality to have as early as possible. The sooner you realize the person on the other end is a thinking human being much like yourself regardless of what skill level you might be at, the sooner you start noticing trends and typical playstyles. Even if it's just a simple thought of "if I charge fsmash when they're trying to recover, they won't just jump on the stage, and try to delay their jumps instead" it poses the question as to why the opponent might choose to act differently in a certain situation. Eventually it devolves into layers of guesswork between the two players but that's way further down the line.

 

[Code Bread]

I believe it was Mango that once said "you have to read at your own grade level". While I agree that reading an opponent is something everyone should strive to do, I disagree that it's not a case of your own skill level. People playing at a certain level will not expect someone of a higher caliber to bring out something new, and if they do, they won't know how to properly react and punish. Your example works perfectly, but that's because it's basic smash fundamentals. Like you said, it gets deeper than that, but I would put off any kind of mental training until someone's spacing is spot-on. When human factors start to weigh in, the mixup game will only be relevant if your attacks are making connecting.

 

[KenMeister]

The best thing I would do right about now is join one of the Skype groups for the specific character you're maining. There are plenty of people you can talk to and play in friendlies via FC online, since they'll more than likely have a few dedicated players in the group who know what they're doing with the character. I'd say I'm pretty good (or decent, I dunno), and it helps when getting the specific matchup knowledge you need to beat other characters by asking them.