Combo execution when it counts
I have had SF4 since release and now SSF4 and I cannot perform combos when it counts the most in actual matches. I can go into training and execute BNB but come match time maybe 10% of the time? I cant say from playing since last year to now I considered myself to have improved. I don't class winning against the online shoryuken shotos a win. I want to be able to use my chosen characters effectively and not just in OK spacing and poking games. I am ready to pack this in what should I do, any advise?
Responses (4 total)
Execution under pressure is something you'll have to deal with inevitably, you didn't mention whether you were using a stick or a pad. If you're using a pad, it's often much nicer for normals and footsies ( I tend to find dash ability is better with pad than stick, but it's all subjective) but more advanced techniques can be reaalllly tricky to master in training mode, let alone when you're faced with a competent opponent.
Don't ditch the game though, if you've persevered for a year then you're obviously liking the game to some degree. If you're using a pad, mebbes a stick is a good idea to add something new to your play style!
I think practising combos in training mode is extremely important. Once you've practised your combos enough (even if it's just 10 minutes a day before you play online or whatever) they will become second nature and will be burnt into your muscle memory. This will definitely improve your execution in pressure situations. Most people when under pressure tend to press more buttons than they would if they were calm. Sometimes combos are input too fast when they are nervous too. I know this because when I've played in Tournaments I've missed things that I nail constantly when calm. The more tournament play or exposure to pressure situations you can get will help immensely with your mental attributes and ability to stay calm.
Just look at Daigo Umehara for example at least years EVO Championships. In the middle of the set when Justin was really coming in to the match, the crowd were behind Justin and cheering very loudly every time he landed a hit. Daigo's face was blank...expressionless, as the entire room was exploding with cheers for Justin as he just won another game. Daigo was the calmest person in the room and any player with lesser a mentality would have been affected by it. Daigo was completely focused. If he didn't have those mental attributes Daigo would have lost that set I can tell you now. He was able to stay calm purely because of how much Tournament experience he has got under his belt over the years. (I'm not saying that's the only reason he won, but it was a big help)
So in summary:
Practice combos in Training Mode (from both left and right sides)
10-15 mins at a time is all you need, you don't need to over do it.
Get as much match experience as you can get, the pressure will be easier to deal with.
Don't be disheartened if certain things take longer than you expect, it's normal. Keep at it and you'll see the benefits of your perseverance.
Good Luck (",)
Before I start playing in a day, I start in training mode and I do all the BnB combos a few times as well as when I quit for the day I end in training mode. When you are playing you should be shooting to do the combos when the opportunity comes to get more practice in. Even when I played Ryu and I landed a f.fp, I would always go for the cr.fp -> dp link after it because it did the most dmg. I missed it alot and sometimes lost because of it. But thats what it takes to get better at doing the combos in a real match.
I say keep at it and continue to go for your combos in matches. You will get them down eventually.
play offline against better opponents and enter any/all tournaments you can match practice is key.
I am currently just trying to get the xp in matches myself
