The Art of Study - How to Use Analysis to Use Time Efficiently

In the modern era, players seem to be improving faster and faster. There are a several reasons why this is the case: netplay, frequent tournaments, increased player collaboration, and countless publicly available resources. To keep up with the meta, and retain consistent results, players must constantly put time into the game. The players who improve the fastest are those who use their time most effectively, and one of the best ways to use time is analysis. This guide will show how to begin mastering the art of study.

Getting Started:

To begin analysis, there must be a subject to analyze. When I first began analyzing, I started with the pros. I watched how Leffen chain grabbed on FD and how Armada edge guarded. This helped my game a bit, but I was not seeing improvement at the ground level. I was still struggling at locals and, what’s worse, I did not understand what I was doing wrong. Neutral was tough. Against better players, finding a neutral win was rare. Against players around my skill level, it seemed almost random. As if this problem could only be solved by grinding out punish game until I would get proportionally more from each opening.

Analysis is very neutral-focused. Punish game is comparatively easier to teach than neutral and it is very telegraphed to the viewer. Understanding a Marth FD combo is surprisingly simple, each move sequencing into the next seems to just make logical sense. Combo starters can be easily identified and reproduced. Neutral, on the other hand, is quite complex and is hidden from the viewer in some sense. Just like a casual watching competitive Melee for the first time, we will only be able to comprehend a portion of the neutral game happening at the upper echelon of play.

Although there is a lot to learn from the very best players, the content can be too much for those just starting. Only the best can truly comprehend what is happening at the top level of play. To get started with analysis, try finding a vod of gameplay at or around your skill level. If you can get gameplay of yourself, I would recommend starting there. If the local scene doesn’t have consistent streaming or recording setups, try using OBS to record netplay sets and study from those.  

Situational Analysis:

At its core, analysis will prepare you for situations ahead of time. For example, let’s say I noticed I would fail to cover roll in while I was pressuring a cornered opponent. After identifying the problematic situation, I would then think of alternate choices I could have made to apply pressure while also covering rolls. Then, use those ideas to guide your solo practice. Replicate situations on the 20XX training hack pack and perform tests. Take the most successful solutions into friendlies and then tournament play.

It isn’t always obvious how a situation is “solved” and, in reality, there can be multiple good options to choose from. It takes time to come to a full understanding of any situation, and don’t relegate your effort to only when you are on a setup. Think about the game, outside of the game. When falling asleep, run through a situation from analysis and ponder how different choices would affect the situation. When you encounter situations from analysis again, you will be exponentially more prepared for it than if you hadn’t studied it.

When You Don’t Know What to Do:

When you feel stuck, or completely lost on what to do, venture into the higher level vods. Not necessarily top ten gameplay, just a level above you. Go into the match with a specific situation in mind and try to locate it, or something similar. That will be the entire goal of that analysis. Attempt to understand how the choice from the pro is better than what you would expect yourself to do.

The reality is that some situations simply never show up in professional play. Many situations at the local and intermediate levels are situations best not entered. Many interactions can be avoided completely, as they are not in your favor (see Michael vs. Ice Climbers). Some interactions are not present at the top level due to a strong solution on one side. Try and track down what solutions these are and master them. To find the option you are looking for, do some research into outside resources. The net is filled with community created guides and discussion boards. These can be invaluable when improving via study.

Some tips I wish I had when I started:

• Take your time going through the footage. It’s about the journey, not the end of the video.
• Write down your thoughts and look back on them later on.
• You may sometimes only learn one thing from analyzing a vod, and that’s OK!
• Collaborate! Don’t be afraid to ask for help or another eye.
• No one gets better at something by always being right.
  
  

The most important step to studying it to just get started. Much like meditation, there is no right or wrong way to analyze. Find a process which best suits your learning style. I hope this guide has inspired you to hit the books!