need all around improvement

[Gzmoe]

Let me put it this way: I know the basics. I am learning to wavedash. I have watched the pros at mlg and on youtube. Let me just say it is a completely different game than I am accustomed to playing. It is visceral, and fast paced, and brutal. All of these threads are overwhelming to me. You guys have the experience. I am asking for you to pass some of it on. What are some steps I can take to step up my game? Are the exercises I can do to improve? How can I improve my short hop. Basically, how can I hold my own with top tier characters?

gz

[REDfox1]

go to the regional zones look for ppl in your area and become someones apprentice. thats what i did. i trained with my smash mentor for a year and now were tied in mindgames and technicals
my mentors name is n2k! he made 25 in mlg orlando

[Apocalypse™]

This thread should help you short hop:
http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=62284

Read up on some guides on whatever character you play (I'm guessing its fox so these should help):
http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=67333
http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=60918
http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=35050
http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=63633

[DDRKirby(ISQ)]

find someone good to play. and when i say good, i dont just mean pro. i mean someone you can see yourself playing on a regular basis and learning from it.

more than one person if possible.

if you can have someone knowledgeable teach you all the tech skill you need to know (wavedashing, standing dash grabs, etc), that helps. otherwise, cunningkitsune's stickied fox guide is an excellent place to start.

[Dalal]

InfernoOmni's guide is a good choice. Although it's aimed at Fox users, many of the techniques discussed deal with every character (wavedashing, shffling, all that...). So take a look at that over here: http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=60570