I'd like to say that, on the whole the post was intended for people who mostly played casually, but with the addition of For Glory mode as compared to the past iteration of online play, have decided to take the next step into the Competitive Circuit.



Granted, the example could have been better chosen, or I could have supplied multiple (e.g. SHFFKnee, Knee when attempting to recover, ledge recovery options, etc.) examples, but I chose this one because it's by and far the most recognizable.



I do recognize and respect the criticisms given regarding my general shortcomings in providing more in-depth information on the given options, but I viewed this as more of a primer for stepping into the Competitive Arena. I'm of the firm belief that the competitive circuit cannot survive (or at the very least, grow) if ample encouragement and feedback are not given to the lower-echelon players. As the article asks - Do they know their options?



If I may attempt to explain - I was attempting to break into the competitive scene a few years back, but was stonewalled when the only feedback I got from higher-echelon players was "You're not playing good enough" and "I don't know just practice your tech skill more or something". I went to one tournament, lost a lot, got discouraged and never went back. I continued to play with my friends and gave out pointers to those who would listen. Most wouldn't. I was asked why I never went back, I just said I wasn't good enough. Hard for them to believe, even harder for me to swallow. I feel like this happens more than the competitive community will admit to. And it happens more than they want to explain for, since one of their top complaints at said tournament was low turnout. "Not enough fresh meat" I actually heard one of them say. Glad to know I was just a few more bucks in the prize pot to you.



Lo, some years later (and the day before I drafted the OP), I found myself in a very peculiar situation that I must admit I'm very pleased to say I was in. I was playing against a friend, and he kept asking me these questions:

"Why am I losing ?"

"What am I doing wrong ?"

"How do I handle XYZ situation ?"

"What should I be working on ?"

I'm actually quite happy that I could actually give him concise answers. He improved. The very next match he was integrating my pointers into his play style. I could see it. So could he.



That is what the Competitive Community needs more of. They need more intelligent players that pay attention to the rookies, coach them, guide them, assist them, and don't try to milk them for prize money. I believe firmly that the Competitive Community at large needs more people willing to step into the role of teacher during down times and during friendlies. Less discouraging, more encouraging.



I could get on a soapbox and rant about my negative experience at a tournament, but I don't feel it's necessary. I drafted this to help people to open their eyes. Competitive Smash is an entirely new ballgame, and you've got to be prepared for it. The article isn't intended to be a go-to for people who have already compiled frame data, it's for people making that transition into the "Big Leagues". It's for people who have hit that glass ceiling, can't figure out how to get just a little bit better.



Maybe it'll help 'em, maybe it won't. I hope it does, and I welcome the feedback. Also, thank you to those that have supplied feedback thus far, I'll see what I can do to update it.