Visualizing opponent's options and spacing?

[arfs]

During a match, I try to pay attention to what moves the opponent seem to be favoring the most at any given moment (which is usually just less than handful) and I imagine/visualize the spacing for them so that I don't run into anything.

Recently however, I met someone who plays much better than me and he said he imagines/visualizes something he calls the opponent's "threat bubble" which is all the space that encompasses the entire moveset of the opponent at any given time.

I tried it and I do find myself getting hit less by random moves I don't normally look for. However, maybe it's because i'm not used to thinking this way yet but it feels overwhelming and I find myself having trouble thinking about other aspects of the game.

Does anyone else visualize their opponent's options and spacing in this manner?


P.S. - if it matters for reference, I'm an entry level weekly tournament player-- as of my 2nd weekly, i am ALMOST able to win my first round. The other guy who is considerably better can consistently get out of pools at a big weekly tournament.

 

[Blutrausch]

This is an old strategy that's useful in fighting games. A lot of players do this, even if they're not aware of it. An example could be Cloud, who uses SH b-air. He waits for his opponent to get up from the ledge, or jump, or attack. Because b-air has great range, and because it's safe to use, Cloud can land an easy kill. A lot of sword characters use spacing and zoning so they can be out of their opponent's reach, while also throwing out disjointed hitboxes.

 

[arfs]

This is an old strategy that's useful in fighting games. A lot of players do this, even if they're not aware of it. An example could be Cloud, who uses SH b-air. He waits for his opponent to get up from the ledge, or jump, or attack. Because b-air has great range, and because it's safe to use, Cloud can land an easy kill. A lot of sword characters use spacing and zoning so they can be out of their opponent's reach, while also throwing out disjointed hitboxes.

Ah okay. Good to know. Before Smash, I played Street Fighter series for several years and never thought to visualize the threat zones for all the opponent's moves combined before. Guess I'll keep practicing it.

 

[Blutrausch]

Ah okay. Good to know. Before Smash, I played Street Fighter series for several years and never thought to visualize the threat zones for all the opponent's moves combined before. Guess I'll keep practicing it.

It's especially useful in Street Fighter. If you encounter a good Ryu or Ken in SSBU, he might approach, but then back off. It's useful because when he approaches, he can bait you to do something, and if you try attacking, he can back off and then punish you if your options have a lot of cool down.

 

[Spiny Top]

Try to stare primarily at your opponent, not yourself, during battle. It is awkward at first but that’s the key to getting good at reading people. You will also find yourself reacting better to the moves they are making, and punishing them better because you will spot a vulnerability quicker.

You don’t need to ever look at yourself; everything should be muscle memory and you can monitor your position in your peripheral.