What can I do to stop playing like I'm brain-dead?

[SHATT3R]

So I've been playing Smash somewhat competitively for about a year now. I've built up pretty good fundamentals, and I've learned what I need to know about the characters that I play (Combos, tech, etc.). But I don't really think when I play. I've fought ESAM's Pikachu before and was brutally two stocked not necessarily because I'm inexperienced in the matchup, or that I didn't know how to combo Pikachu, but because I don't THINK when I play. I do get reads on opponents, but not enough to really pressure my opponents properly and take games. I don't analyze all of the defensive options that my opponent is choosing, only obvious ones like air dodges, and it usually takes me a while to understand and counter an opponent's offensive options. What can I do to start thinking more and properly test an opponent's reactions to certain situations?

 

[Raijinken]

*Equips flame shield*
CPUs (level 9) and Amiibos are decent training in this regard. Since their defensive execution is very often perfect, you can develop the skill to predict how the AI will react and punish accordingly. It's the same as playing against people, except people (depending on skill level) will sacrifice executional perfection for somewhat more unpredictability.

Obviously there's a limit to this working, but as someone who has very few humans to play against, analyzing patterns from CPUs and Amiibos has given me a relatively good ability to read my opponents. I recommend giving it a try.

 

[wingedarcher7]

I think the best practice you can get is going against other people. They make movements that other people would make much more accurately than computers or Amiibo will. Watch some more competitive Smash 4 play and try to see if you can see what players try to go for. If you notice, players usually have a pattern to the way they play, and working around that can build a huge advantage.

Go into games with the mentality of wanting to improve. You already know the set ups, combos, and capabilities of your characters. Now it's just a matter of putting them to work. Keep an eye on your opponent and their possible choices and how you can react to each. Play some friendlies, go on For Glory or Smash Ladder and practice applying your tactics into the game, maybe just one at a time for a smooth transition.

The best way to improve on something in this game is just by practicing it.

 

[Rinku リンク]

Everything that's need to be said has already been stated so
- Offline matches/friendlies.
- Online matches/CPU's.

Those are going to be your best bets at improving and expanding your sense game play. It naturally takes time and practice to get better so don't rush yourself.

 

[Baby_Sneak]

Observe the opponent and don't get hit.