Bridging skill levels / learning curve

Hello folks.

I play the PC version of Street Fighter 4, and will very likely get an xbox360 for SSF4. Part of that context is that I will / can play it with my friends, including my girlfriend who wants to get her hands on a fighting game.
I recently realized that our skill gab might be a problem. I’ve got this game since last summer, I play it online now and then (I main Cammy), and while I’m not spectacular I at least know what solid play is (regardless if I practice it). So while I got almost a year experience, she has none.

How can I deal with this? the learning curve is already steep for new players, and if you have to train vs a player who’s a lot better it gets even worse, especially since she’s interest but not as hyped by getting SSF4 as I. I don’t want her (or any of my friends) to either lose interest fast or not enjoy themselves.

What’s best ?

  • Just stop playing and let them train a bit & hope they will manage
  • Coatch them in focussed matches (this is fastest, but a bit to serious for a girlfriend no?)
  • Play Dan with 75-50% handicap in the first months.
  • get a strategy guide for her to read.
  • Don’t care and see how it goes.

What are your experiences with bridging skill levels with relatives & friends.

Just play 4 fun IMO.

teach them what you know + beat them badly so they can get better

Keep it simple and straight to the point my friend most new players will want to get right into the action and want to see the fancy moves of each character without first learning the fundamentals to become better. Here’s a simple layout as to how I go about teaching new people no matter what the gap in experience is:

Movement(Walking, Dashing, Crouching, and Jumping)
Defense(High Block, Low Block, and Overheads)
Offense(Throws, Focus Attacks, Normal Moves, Command/Special Normal Moves, EX/Special Moves, Super Combos, and Ultra Combos)

Movement:
This should be very easy to demonstrate and teach to your students as well as for them to execute with relative ease. Show them the Pros and Cons but without going into too deep detail; e.g. Back Dashing has Invulnerability frames…If you Safe-Jump with Zangief…Mix Up with an Empty-Jump…FADC to Ultra…Dash Cancel…etc.)

Defense:
As with Movement this too should be relatively easy to break down and explain to everyone, only comments I have here is to explain what attacks can be blocked when standing or crouching. Ryu will probably be the most easiest character to use a dummy to demonstrate these things since he’s very easy to use and play with for most beginners.

Offense:
This is probably where things will get a bit complicated at least when you get to the EX/Special Moves part. When you do get there just stick with showing how to execute the EX/Special Moves without getting into frame data, invincibility, Reversals, etc. The same can be said when showing how to execute the Super Combo and Ultra Combos, don’t worry if they don’t get it right away and encourage them that; “It’s ok, just practice and you’ll get better” do so with a smile and/or laugh to loosen any tension and/or frustration they might have. For Throws and Focus Attacks just show them what buttons to press, how close you need to be, and how to Tech/Counter Throw, also explaining the Levels for Focus Attacks is cool too, but, leave out frame data, counter hit, FADC, Focus Cancel/Saving Attack, etc.

In conclusion keep it fun, simple, and clean for everyone and as you continue to practice these small things you’ll find that you get better as well every time you decide to go over th fundamentals, you might even find out something you didn’t know at first, even gain a better understanding of the game. More importantly this will help you and your girl gain better understanding of one another and allow you to be closer to each other, remember this is supposed to be a bonding experience for you and her.

Keep it simple and straight to the point my friend most new players will want to get right into the action and want to see the fancy moves of each character without first learning the fundamentals to become better. Here’s a simple layout as to how I go about teaching new people no matter what the gap in experience is:

Movement(Walking, Dashing, Crouching, and Jumping)
Defense(High Block, Low Block, and Overheads)
Offense(Throws, Focus Attacks, Normal Moves, Command/Special Normal Moves, EX/Special Moves, Super Combos, and Ultra Combos)

Movement:
This should be very easy to demonstrate and teach to your students as well as for them to execute with relative ease. Show them the Pros and Cons but without going into too deep detail; e.g. Back Dashing has Invulnerability frames…If you Safe-Jump with Zangief…Mix Up with an Empty-Jump…FADC to Ultra…Dash Cancel…etc)

Defense:
As with Movement this too should be relatively easy to break down and explain to everyone, only comments I have here is to explain what attacks can be blocked when standing or crouching. Ryu will probably be the most easiest character to use a dummy to demonstrate these things since he’s very easy to use and play with for most beginners.

Offense:
This is probably where things will get a bit complicated at least when you get to the EX/Special Moves part. When you do get there just stick with showing how to execute the EX/Special Moves without getting into frame data, invincibility, Reversals, etc. The same can be said when showing how to execute the Super Combo and Ultra Combos, don’t worry if they don’t get it right away and encourage them that; “It’s ok, just practice and you’ll get better” do so with a smile and/or laugh to loosen any tension and/or frustration they might have.

In conclusion keep it fun, simple, and clean for everyone and as you continue to practice these small things you’ll find that you get better as well every time you decide to go over the fundamentals, you might even find out something you didn’t know at first, even gain a better understanding of the game. More importantly this will help you and your girl gain better understanding of one another and allow you to be closer to each other, remember this is supposed to be a bonding experience for you and her.