Most Optimal Hand Positioning

[Jarlaxle]

Trying to figure out the best position for my hands to increase my techskill to it's highest potential?
Ideally, I'd like to know if I can get away with using only my thumb for X, A, B, and the C stick w/ enough practice? Right now, it doesn't feel like I can go from short hopping to f-airing fast enough with just my thumb, unless I'm facing left. Also, I can't waveshine in this position at all. I'm not a Fox main though, so I don't think that matters.
My issue with placing my pointer finger on X, and leaving my thumb for A, B, and the C-stick, is that puts my middle finger on R. For wavedashing. And currently, my washdashing in that position sucks. A lot. Not to mention, after only three or four hours of playing like that, my hands start hurting. Is practicing in this position worth? Or am I just killing my hands?

 

[iAmMatt]

I main fox with my thumb reserved for the entire right side of the controller (this includes c stick and x, y, a, b, and start), and I believe i'm pretty technical compared to some foxes. I use my right middle finger for r, my right index finger for z (I don't use l), and my left hand for control stick/taunt. I main fox, so I often have no need to go from short hop>fair, but I used to main marth and I could short hop>fair just fine. I'll try it out with samus when I get home to see if it's any different.
Playing with your finger constantly on y will kill your hands. I know top players such as mew2king and leffen adjust their grip and will use their pointer finger to hit y during certain setups, such as upthrow>upair with fox. This might be the most optimal way to do it, if you really want to move your fingers to hit y.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Thanks. Also, I'm talking about short hop aerials with Sheik. I have to hit them as soon as I leave the ground, or I don't auto-cancel. And Marth, as well. But this isn't really an issue I have with Samus. Especially since I don't throw out a lot of aerials in neutral with her. And I don't need speed in my punish game. Just accuracy. Samus is super easy and fun. I'm hoping to switch mains to a higher tier, once I get good enough though. Anyway, thanks for your input. I'll keep practicing.

 

[Synnett]

Thanks. Also, I'm talking about short hop aerials with Sheik. I have to hit them as soon as I leave the ground, or I don't auto-cancel. And Marth, as well. But this isn't really an issue I have with Samus. Especially since I don't throw out a lot of aerials in neutral with her. And I don't need speed in my punish game. Just accuracy. Samus is super easy and fun. I'm hoping to switch mains to a higher tier, once I get good enough though. Anyway, thanks for your input. I'll keep practicing.

Have you tried to do aerials with Z? Many buttons do the same thing, and after a while I've developped combinations for every option I want to use, depending on which side I'm facing. Maybe do the same, experiment a bit lol.

There is also the claw position that lets you use the x/y button and A at the same time, but it's hard getting used to it.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Aerials with Z!!! Ingenious!! I knew it was possible, but for some reason, I never even considered implementing it! Thank you!

 

[myth_smash]

Hold your controller like it is your first time.
now it is