Myztek
Smash Ace
I wouldn't call myself a pro, because I don't win tournaments often or anything, but after playing for the passed two or so years, I think I know what all it takes. These steps aren't necessarily in order, but step 1 is definitely the first thing you need to focus on.
Step 1 - Tech Skill
This is what you need to acquire first, and the only way to get it is through practice. Once you've mastered SHFFLing, L-canceling, wavedashing, up-smashing out of your shield, etc.. (tons of tricks to be learned), then your arsenal and options become greatly expanded. If you're unable to use these techniques without thinking about them and worrying about messing up, then keep practicing. Without near-flawless tech skill, you'll find yourself frustrated because you could have won the match or gotten the kill had you not missed the fast fall, or whatever it may be.
Step 2 - Game Knowledge
I'll try and make this brief, as it's a simple concept. Having knowledge of the workings of the game, what move will out prioritize what, and so on, is a vital part of being pro status. The more you know about the game, the less you have to risk and wonder about.
Step 3 - Reaction
Reaction. Reacting to what you're opponent is doing with the appropriate action is a major key to winning. Whether it be reacting to a missed tech or reacting to a roll, it can be the difference between getting in that extra hit or starting that game-breaking combo. The more you play, the better you'll become at reacting to actions. Some people have faster reactions than others, but it's nothing that can't be improved.
Example: Your opponent is about to land on the platform above you after being hit. Your opponent has two options: Tech or miss the tech. Be ready to react to either promptly. If the tech is missed, quickly take advantage of it before your opponent is able to get up and receive invulnerability. If your opponent does tech, react to whether it was in place, left, right, whatever and take the appropriate action.
Example 2: Your opponent rolls behind you. Turn around and grab, attack, whatever you wanna do. Rolls usually lead to just enough lag time to get in an attack or grab. Don't just stand there and do nothing. React.
Step 4 - Prediction
Predicting your opponents movements is something that really separates some players. Predicting a roll, side step, air dodge instead of an up B, whatever it may be, this is something that you'll need to be good at. Most people have habits, only the most experienced Smashers won't show signs of some sort of habit throughout a match. It might be that your opponent always side steps after a tech, your opponent always rolls towards you when you run in for an attack, he/she always ledge hops with an aerial. These are things that pros notice and will promptly take action against. Not only do you need to become good at noticing things, but you must also become good at noticing what you are getting punished for. Are you losing the match badly? Take note of when and why you are getting hit. Learn from it. Fix it.
Example: Your opponent uses the get-up attack after missing a tech at least 80% of the time. Run up to the fallen opponent, shield, and wait for the get up attack and take action. Shield grab, jump out of your shield with an attack, or whatever you like.
Step 5 - "Mind games"/Manipulation:
One of the most talked about topics is mind games. Mind games are simply performing an action that leads your opponent to react to that action in a way that you can take advantage of it. Mind games are used by pretty much everyone who can play at least competently, but it's something you need to master and use efficiently. This could be discussed in different ways all day, but that's the gist of it. I'll give a couple examples.
Example 1: Player one is standing on a platform and player two is in the air above him. Player one waits and based on prediction, or possibly waiting to react, knows that player two will try and land an aerial on him if he continues to stand there. Player one stands there until the last possible moment and drops through the platform to avoid the attack and jumps back with his own attack to take advantage of his miss. Now this is a very basic example, but it's the essence of a "mind game"
Example 2: Player one is standing at the ledge waiting for his opponent, a Marth, to attempt to recover. The Marth is intending to go for a sweet-spotted up B, but player one jumps off the ledge backwards as if to attack the Marth causing the Marth to up B prematurely in an attempt to prevent what he thinks is about to be an attack. Player one instead double jumps back to the stage, avoiding the hit of hte Up B, and takes appropriate action to abuse his early attempt to recover.
Step 6 - Confidence
Confidence is very important. Being able to play your best despite your surroundings or who you're playing against is very important. Even if you're up against someone as Ken, for example, don't go in expecting to do poorly. Everyone is beatable, and you need to believe you can beat that person despite who the person is. Believe in your ability to play just as well as anyone else can, and never give up because you "can't win." If you're persistant and confident you will become better and improve at a faster rate than someone with a bummed-out attitude.
Hopefully I worded those examples to be understandable enough. It's early in the morning.
This concludes what I have to say... for now. I can't think of anything I'm really missing. I'm going to bed. Enjoy the read.
Step 1 - Tech Skill
This is what you need to acquire first, and the only way to get it is through practice. Once you've mastered SHFFLing, L-canceling, wavedashing, up-smashing out of your shield, etc.. (tons of tricks to be learned), then your arsenal and options become greatly expanded. If you're unable to use these techniques without thinking about them and worrying about messing up, then keep practicing. Without near-flawless tech skill, you'll find yourself frustrated because you could have won the match or gotten the kill had you not missed the fast fall, or whatever it may be.
Step 2 - Game Knowledge
I'll try and make this brief, as it's a simple concept. Having knowledge of the workings of the game, what move will out prioritize what, and so on, is a vital part of being pro status. The more you know about the game, the less you have to risk and wonder about.
Step 3 - Reaction
Reaction. Reacting to what you're opponent is doing with the appropriate action is a major key to winning. Whether it be reacting to a missed tech or reacting to a roll, it can be the difference between getting in that extra hit or starting that game-breaking combo. The more you play, the better you'll become at reacting to actions. Some people have faster reactions than others, but it's nothing that can't be improved.
Example: Your opponent is about to land on the platform above you after being hit. Your opponent has two options: Tech or miss the tech. Be ready to react to either promptly. If the tech is missed, quickly take advantage of it before your opponent is able to get up and receive invulnerability. If your opponent does tech, react to whether it was in place, left, right, whatever and take the appropriate action.
Example 2: Your opponent rolls behind you. Turn around and grab, attack, whatever you wanna do. Rolls usually lead to just enough lag time to get in an attack or grab. Don't just stand there and do nothing. React.
Step 4 - Prediction
Predicting your opponents movements is something that really separates some players. Predicting a roll, side step, air dodge instead of an up B, whatever it may be, this is something that you'll need to be good at. Most people have habits, only the most experienced Smashers won't show signs of some sort of habit throughout a match. It might be that your opponent always side steps after a tech, your opponent always rolls towards you when you run in for an attack, he/she always ledge hops with an aerial. These are things that pros notice and will promptly take action against. Not only do you need to become good at noticing things, but you must also become good at noticing what you are getting punished for. Are you losing the match badly? Take note of when and why you are getting hit. Learn from it. Fix it.
Example: Your opponent uses the get-up attack after missing a tech at least 80% of the time. Run up to the fallen opponent, shield, and wait for the get up attack and take action. Shield grab, jump out of your shield with an attack, or whatever you like.
Step 5 - "Mind games"/Manipulation:
One of the most talked about topics is mind games. Mind games are simply performing an action that leads your opponent to react to that action in a way that you can take advantage of it. Mind games are used by pretty much everyone who can play at least competently, but it's something you need to master and use efficiently. This could be discussed in different ways all day, but that's the gist of it. I'll give a couple examples.
Example 1: Player one is standing on a platform and player two is in the air above him. Player one waits and based on prediction, or possibly waiting to react, knows that player two will try and land an aerial on him if he continues to stand there. Player one stands there until the last possible moment and drops through the platform to avoid the attack and jumps back with his own attack to take advantage of his miss. Now this is a very basic example, but it's the essence of a "mind game"
Example 2: Player one is standing at the ledge waiting for his opponent, a Marth, to attempt to recover. The Marth is intending to go for a sweet-spotted up B, but player one jumps off the ledge backwards as if to attack the Marth causing the Marth to up B prematurely in an attempt to prevent what he thinks is about to be an attack. Player one instead double jumps back to the stage, avoiding the hit of hte Up B, and takes appropriate action to abuse his early attempt to recover.
Step 6 - Confidence
Confidence is very important. Being able to play your best despite your surroundings or who you're playing against is very important. Even if you're up against someone as Ken, for example, don't go in expecting to do poorly. Everyone is beatable, and you need to believe you can beat that person despite who the person is. Believe in your ability to play just as well as anyone else can, and never give up because you "can't win." If you're persistant and confident you will become better and improve at a faster rate than someone with a bummed-out attitude.
Hopefully I worded those examples to be understandable enough. It's early in the morning.
This concludes what I have to say... for now. I can't think of anything I'm really missing. I'm going to bed. Enjoy the read.