Tips on switching from a pad to a joystick
Last updated on July 9, 2009
You've been a pad player for awhile, but you've heard about the great things you can do with a joystick, so you finally took the plunge and bought a stick. The problem? You suck with it, and like Blanka is doing in the picture above you've probably have been tempted at one point or another to bite the controller, throw it through a window or do something else horrible to it.
This is a very common and normal issue that pad players have brought up, and there's a number of things you can do to ease the transition. Here's a run down.
Picking a joystick grip
One of the things that may not occur to you right away is how you're holding the joystick. There's a variety of ways to do this, but here's some things to keep in mind.
- Find something that's comfortable. Don't overlook this step, if you're planning on playing the game for hours on end, if your arm wears out after 30 minutes your grip isn't going to work long term.
- How's your execution? Can you hit all 8 points on the stick with ease from both sides? Try a variety of moves, Shoryukens, 360 motions, Charge Commands, Supers Moves and C. Viper's Super Jump command. It's OK if your execution isn't perfect, but if you heavily struggle with these commands, either try a new grip or make slight adjustments. You just want your range of motion to be good — it doesn't have to be perfect.
Here's some of the more popular grips used by Street Fighter players. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to grab a joystick. Quite simply, if it works — go for it.
1. Pinkie on bottom. Your pinkie goes on the bottom of the stick with your ring, middle and index on the other side, thumb on the top. A popular technique.
2. Ring and Middle fingers on the bottom. Stick between middle and ring fingers, middle and index on the other side, thumb on top. This is also popular.
3. Two finger grip. This involves only grabbing the stick with your thumb and index finger, where it doesn't actually touch your palm.
4. Three finger grip. Like the two finger grip, except you also use your middle finger. Some players claim the extra finger gives them more control over the stick.
5. Palm grip. Basically making a fist around the joystick. This grip might work better if you have smaller hands, or if you feel like the other grips don't give you enough range and control.
6. Open palm with ring and middle fingers on the bottom. Much like grip #2, but your palm is facing upwards more instead of to the right. Some people find this very comfortable.
Important Note: Most players do not keep their hand it the exact same position all of time. They keep it loose and let it flow into comfortable positions as dictated by the moves.
Finding the right surface to play on
Now it's time to decide what surface you want to place your stick on, and it's usually one of two choices. Either your lap, or something else that's more stable, like a coffee table, chair, TV stand, lamp stand, etc.
Your lap: The problem with playing on your lap, is some people people have a difficult time keeping the joystick steady when they're doing big complicated motions like 720s, double fireballs, etc.
The big plus though is that wherever you go — you've got a surface to play on. The only thing is keeping the joystick from bouncing around while you're doing moves, but if your lap provides a steady surface — use it.
Other surfaces: If you're going to use a surface, there's two important things to keep in mind. One, does it keep the joystick steady while playing? And two, is it comfortable?
The floor, a chair, a custom arcade cabinet, whatever you can find that will work will do the job, and as long as the two rules above are met, you should be good to go.
OK, I've found a grip I like and a good surface, what now?
Now it's time to practice, a lot. If you're pretty good at fighting games, you probably don't have to think about executing most moves, you just do them as needed.
It wasn't that way when you first started playing though, it probably took months or even years to develop your skills.
While switching from a pad to a joystick isn't starting all over again, it will take some getting used to before you train your 'muscle memory' to automatically do the moves without thinking again.
While running execution drills might seem boring, it's a quicker way to get your technique back up to par. Hit training mode and throw 50 fireballs on the left side, switch sides and do 50 more. 50 Shoryukens on the left side, switch sides and do 50 more, etc. etc.
This is tedious, but it's often faster than playing games because you're working on the motions over and over again without having to worry about things like blocking, counters and actually playing.
Diagnose and work on your execution problems
No player has perfect execution, but if you find there's a certain move or technique that you consistently have trouble with there's a few things you can do to improve.
- Hit training mode and execute the move you're having trouble with. If your game supports it, turn on "Show Inputs."
- Do this repeatedly to see where your "hitch" is at. i.e. where you're making mistakes.
- Once you've discovered the problem, try focusing on hitting all of the required inputs slowly, and then speed it up to normal game speed.
- Practice to build the proper movements/inputs into your 'muscle memory'. In most cases this will take care of the problem.
- Optional Steps: If this still doesn't work, you might want to try over compensation. The idea is if you're always missing an extra input at the end of the motion or pressing a button too early, you can over compensate to help ensure the move comes out.
For example, if you keep pressing the button too early when doing a Super Fireball, like when the joystick is still in the down-forward position, causing a Shoryuken to come out instead, you can try ending the motion with an up-forward command. The input would look like this:
Since you normally press the attack button too early, if you think you're keying it in instead when you press up-forward, you'll probably be hitting it perfectly.
- While over compensating can be a bad habit to get into, sometimes it's best to use whatever works, because getting the move to actually come out is a lot better than missing it entirely — in most cases. ;)
Other helpful information
Capcom's Street Fighter games feature a number of tricks you can do to improve special move execution. Some of the tricks are universal to all of their games, like Piano Key button presses, while others will only work in a specific title like Street Fighter 4 (Shortcut motions for Shoryukens).
But all of these guides can be helpful, so they're worth checking out.
- Improving special move execution with Negative Edge and Piano Key button presses
- Shortcuts for Shoryuken motions -- Street Fighter 4 only
- How to Super Cancel
- Explanation and use of Cancels, Chains and Links
Posted by 47drift on July 10, 2009 at 12:28 a.m. #1
Incidentally, none of these are how I hold the stick. I have my index finger on the top of the stick, and my thumb and middle finger wrapped around the ball. Similar to how Daigo does in videos of him playing. Works for me, I've played that way since I was little.
Posted by LOL on July 10, 2009 at 12:35 a.m. #2
Wish you had this when sf4 came out because it took me months to get better than I was with a pad.
Posted by shin on July 10, 2009 at 12:36 a.m. #3
you guys are the best.
Posted by Catalyst on July 10, 2009 at 12:44 a.m. #4
Yeah, this doesn't have all of the grips, but thanks for the submission. I'll keep it in mind, if I get enough of these I'll add more photos to the guide to demonstrate other grips as well.
I'd like to highlight the more common ones.
Posted by jin on July 10, 2009 at 12:56 a.m. #5
For me a key factor is picking a level (flat) surface. The TE fightstick is pretty sturdy so I've never had issues with it bobbling around on my lap, but I need to adjust my chair so that the stick is parallel to the floor - otherwise I end up hitting diagonals instead of forward.
Posted by MetalxHealthx on July 10, 2009 at 1:41 a.m. #6
nice, i really liked the pictures of the grips(the more the better) thats an area i am hung up on... i have my own grip that just kinda developed while i was learning how to play on stick(hard to explain but i usally hold it almost inbetweeen my ring and middle finger but then depending on the motions im doing my hand moves and incorperates my index and thumb kind of a hybrid of the most common grip) i feel like the ability to flow into different grips is a positive thing,
but then again the tried and true way most pros hold it must hold a secret i havent realized yet.
Posted by MetalxHealthx on July 10, 2009 at 1:46 a.m. #7
also my hand is over the stick, with the ball on the inside of my rind and middle finger. not wrapped underneath if that helps clear up my explanation at all, also when i try practicing different grips i almost always end up reverting back to my old grip almost subconsciously lol
Posted by Albert Wesker on July 10, 2009 at 1:48 a.m. #8
The whole thing is, I can play with a stick but I prefer an analog stick...idk why, but it seems in todays world, people are playing with sticks and sucking at the game because they are playing stick. My friends both have TE sticks as well, they suck with them but they got them to feel good about themselves or something.
Posted by termo on July 10, 2009 at 1:55 a.m. #9
I'm struggling to find a good button setup. Any tips? Now i just play with default controller settings. Pulling off grabs and focus attacks isn't as easy as it should be i think.
LP MP HP LP+MP+HP
LK MK HK LK+MK+HK
Posted by Bili on July 10, 2009 at 2:24 a.m. #10
the default button setup is the best there is for most chars but there's always personal preference. i usually do throw with thumb and index, FA and X->FADC with either middle and thumb or thumb and index, depending on the character. but this guide isnt really needed, just hold the stick as it feels natural, i personally switch grips depending on which side i am: "wine glass" (open palm) when im on the left and "pinky below" on the right side
Posted by Oculus-Orbis on July 10, 2009 at 4:49 a.m. #11
@termo
That config you described(LP,MP,HP,3xP;LK,MK,HK,3xK) is the intended setup, and is what at least 90% of all players use.
And as for the throws and focus', that's a common issue that happens when switching to a stick. My advice, get someone to play matches with you where you can use ONLY Focus Attack to win. As well as a few matches where you can use ONLY throws. Not only is it good practice for timing FA, and for (teching) throws, but it helps you with muscle memory on the stick.
Posted by michael on July 10, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. #12
thanx so much i just bought a te stick last week(last one in saint louis area gamestops) iused fightpads first and only would play sticks at arcades for mvc2 and other capcom fighters. i love the two finger grip also this is the best site i check it at least once a day. thanx again ehubs
Posted by sj on July 10, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. #13
There are many bugs and limitations in SFIV which causes the moves to fail. Problem number one is lag. On PSN, there's a huge amount of lag and there's the move lag. A lot of moves have lag which isn't related to the frame data. When Ryu is crouching at close distance, watch how you can press a million times HK, but the sweep kick will not come out. Only when you try a billion times, it will come out but the software refuses to let him execute that sweep kick randomly. Sometimes he does. It's a bug. The lag on PSN causes advanced techniques to fail and even if they will be executed, it totally ruins your gameplay experience.
One very bad thing is the introduction of shortcuts. I think they must all be removed. Only Flowchart Ken's and spammers abuse them to ruin a game. Even if you beat them, the game is not entertaining but annoying. Those shortcuts also ruin the execution of certain moves such as the metsu hadouken.
One bug that is very annoying is that when there's lag, it will cause the press of HP to become a HP shoryuken, which can make you lose at the end of a game. You don't even need to press any direction. A press on HP will simply do the shoryuken, which is unacceptable.
The system tries to guess certain combos. When you do a combo with the wrong buttons, it will for example execute a hurricane kick with a punch button or a fireball with a kick button.
Joysticks are great and all, but when you play the game, it will be online and have so much lag that the quickness of the button input is irrelevant, because the input is ignored often.
Posted by Bleh on July 10, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. #14
Actually most people just use the 6 button setup like in the arcades. You don't even need PPP and KKK buttons.
Posted by Stickman on July 10, 2009 at 11:22 a.m. #15
Yet another excuse to play with our sticks
Posted by Chris on July 10, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. #16
@Bleh
I agree. I built a stick with an eight button layout. My intention was to use two of the buttons (L1 and L2) for PPP and KKK. After playing for a bit, I discovered that it was infinitely easier (for me anyway) to just hit all three buttons instead.
Posted by Big Fish on July 10, 2009 at 2:44 p.m. #17
Thank you for this guide! Any more tips regarding the position of the right hand fingers?
Posted by Anonymous on July 10, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. #18
I just got a stick around 2 weeks ago, and I gotta say I adapted pretty quick. I can do things now that I could never pull off with a controller. It's great. The TE stick is amazing.
Oh, and real men don't use macros. I turned off PPP and KKK. I know it's tournament legal, but I reckon it's a bad habit and will just slow you down in the long run as you're having to use more buttons. Also, it isn't an option at real arcades, so I find it best to stick with the proper way of doing things.
Posted by Digital- on July 10, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. #19
"Posted by 47drift on July 10, 2009 at 12:28 a.m. #1
Incidentally, none of these are how I hold the stick. I have my index finger on the top of the stick, and my thumb and middle finger wrapped around the ball."
=============
This is how I grip the joystick as well.
Posted by andy (omega land) on July 10, 2009 at 3:01 p.m. #20
this is not good.
Posted by Gief_Mobile on July 10, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. #21
@andy (omega land)
To all the people saying "This is lame, blah blah blah!" Screw you guys! You're the same people on the SRK boards who flame and ridicule people who ask for help there. This thing has helpful information and you guys are ANYTHING but helpful.
Either contribute something or STFU. You are morons who have nothing to contribute to the community except your bullsh-t a$$hole comments. And no one likes reading them they only piss people off. Go piss up a flag pole!!
Posted by Lilevil on July 10, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. #22
wow how convienent i just bought a stick today..
Posted by godosme20bux on July 10, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. #23
you know.. i never even really notice how i hold my stick.. i do know i change my grip from left to right sides of the screen, or depending on what move im doing.. it took me atleast two weeks to be as good with it as i was w/ my fightpad, but now i can never go back..for me, the stick is the only way to play..
Posted by godosme20bux on July 10, 2009 at 4:59 p.m. #24
ps.. dont get hooked on turbo function or kx3 px3 buttons, bad habits...i used to use them when i first got my stick, and got my arse handed to me at the arcade.. youll have more fun playing arcade style default.
Posted by BlindPanzer on July 11, 2009 at 12:03 a.m. #25
The biggest tip is sticking to the stick. It took me a while, and I would get pissed that i wasn't as competitive with a stick than I was with the pad at first. So I played player matches instead of ranked or championship so that i wouldn't get frustrated. Now I can't let go of the stick. Yay!
Posted by AKUMA_ASK-PSN on July 16, 2009 at 3:41 a.m. #26
I just switched from a pad to a stick recently and i seriously need some help.
Im using a 6 button layout but im not sure about which fingers to use for the focus attack or throws, and do people use thumbs on the buttons.
I find it hard to do a standing roundhouse kick + crouch medium kick + hadoken as a combo because im not sure which fingers to use.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Posted by yesimakenplayer on July 16, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. #27
i wanne swich from pad to stick. i will horribly suck omg... ive got an original arcade stick for the SNES. i practiced a bit on SF II Tubo.. i know its not quite the same as a well built hori but omg this is so much different..im pretty afraid to buy one..they are quite expensive though
Posted by MetalxHealthx on July 17, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. #28
to/@ AKUMA_ASK-PSN people definitely use their thumbs on the buttons, i often use my thumb to hit the kick button in throws and focus attacks.
Posted by Padplayer on July 18, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. #29
umm, why don't pad players just play pad? I understand real arcade players using sticks, but it seems like a lot of console players just switch to arcade stick to fit in. What exactly are the advantages of a stick? I'm pretty sure you can do anything on any controller type equally fast whether its with thumbs, wrist, or fingers, just depends on what the player is most comfortable with. So again, advantages of stick over a good pad?
Posted by D on July 19, 2009 at 10:08 a.m. #30
Awesome info - Thanks.
I held off practicing at ALL with the joy pad (360) since I had a TE on order, I'll be picking it up tomorrow and the above advice is greatly appreciated!
Only had SF4 on my shelf for a few days so I figure its best to wait till I get my TE Stick than get used to something for only a few days then switch again, It would be like unraveling what I'm learning.
instead I've been reading up and working on the theory side of things, helps to have a photographic memory to help put things into practice too.
Cant wait to get my stick and finally get practicing tomorrow :)
Again, thanks and i'll be visiting here regularly.
Posted by D on July 19, 2009 at 10:12 a.m. #31
@PadPlayer
PADS are Generic and made to fit all games on a equal level.
Arcade sticks are made for one thing, do the math :)
Posted by Padplayer on July 20, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. #32
@D
That still doesn't mean that arcade stick has an advantage. It was just made so that arcade players could play with what they are familiar with. Also I wasn't referring to generic pads, but something like the MadCatz Fightpad which is mad for fighting games. Can someone just tell me what the advantages of the arcade stick are?
Posted by ArcadeKnowItAll on July 21, 2009 at 6:23 p.m. #33
Using an arcade pad usually helps with hitting buttons and input usually comes out better. It tends to be more fun and you look cooler entering some of the moves. ^_^ I find it easier to do a Shoryukens.
Posted by king duck on July 22, 2009 at 2:39 a.m. #34
i have everything down pack but the rufus super and ultra when im on the left side??? i can do it with eaz on the right and both sides on pad... any help?????
Posted by lockman on July 22, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. #35
I took the plunge and finally orderd a fight stick today, there only 50 quid! anyways i think stick is better than pad even tho i have used pad all my life becuase
1) after a while my thumb starts to kill! i remember in the old days of sf2 turbo when bits of my left thumb were worn off from playing tha damn game!
2) move execution is probaly so much easier!! for example charge specials. they are so hard to do on pad because you dont know if your hiting the back and forward properly wheras with stick you would know that you are! i cant wait. am gonna practice loads tho!!
Posted by Albert Wesker on July 24, 2009 at 1:19 a.m. #36
I use position 4. You guys just need to practice for a couple of days and then you will love your stick. The TE is probably the best non-custom stick on the market, it is becoming more and more easy to find as well, so things are looking up dawgs.
CHRIIIIIIIISSSS!!!
Posted by Slobodan on July 24, 2009 at 10:55 p.m. #37
@36: I prefer Seimitsu parts. Sanwa stuff responds like it was made for arthritic old ladies.
And I'll rep for the keyboard as the best fighting game input device. You can hit every direction exactly the way you want to with no mistakes. It makes a hell of a lot more sense than wiggling a rod around against tiny switches.
Posted by Oculus-Orbis on July 25, 2009 at 10:38 a.m. #38
@Slobodan
you mean to tell me you can perform any move, every time on the keyboard, Zangief's Ultra, Dhalsim's Instant Air-Teleport, FADC combos? Prefer Seimitsu? Sounds to me like you really prefer IBM, hehehe.
Before I got my stick, I used to play exclusively on the keyboard for years, in MAME. But the stick is just, plain superior to the keyboard. Though, everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Posted by stickplayer on July 30, 2009 at 9:56 p.m. #39
@Padplayer: it is next to impossible to do things like kara throws, kara demon, or plinking on a pad.
Posted by ARJ08 on July 31, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. #40
@stickplayer
I main Ken and I use pad...
I do Kara Throws no problem and I can do any combo on my pad than somebody using a stick...
Posted by Daniel on July 31, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. #41
Any old timers out there run down to your local arcade parts store and grab yourself a bat top to replace the ball, it's a great touch.
I also _strongly_ recommend everybody go to their local arcade store and buy themselves an 8-way restrictor plate. This provides tactile feedback, which I guarantee help you train faster. You can literally feel when you make a mistake in a move or have to readjust.
Posted by Marc on August 5, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. #42
I prefer batsticks for fighting games, and my grip is pretty loose. Usually, I have my thumb on the edge of the batstick, nearing the top, and my index wrapped around it. Works just fine for me.
Posted by Eu4iA on August 5, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. #43
Sticks only make charge chars easier to use. Chars like ELF or Viper r definitely easier on pad(at least 4 me). Doing things like ELFs semi infinite or Vipers sj combos and TN cancel combos r harder on sticks.
I got a te stick to see what the hype is all about and its exactly that...hype.I only seem comfortable on the 2p side with it and the range of motion is abit too broad(on pad ur thumb does evrything while sticks u gotta switch grips and ur hand and wrist do all the work).I left my pad alone since I got it (a month ago) and I can do the basic stuff okay but the high level advance stuff is just plain uncomfortable and unecessarily complicated.Viper in particular is a chore on sticks.her sjc and TN cancel combos r annoying.I check the inputs and its says I'm pressing things I know I'm not,plus u need precise control of each of ur fingers for things like ELFs inf or Vips TN cancel combos(ppl that can play piano or guitar would prefer sticks to pad for this reason).shortcuts also add to the frustration of learnin sticks cuz now u gotta learn how to avoid shortcuts durin ur execution. Fadc into ultra is something that becomes more difficult to pull off on sticks since shoryus come out more often than not when trying to pull off the the ultra within the dash animation.But I can do all that on pad. With the time I've spent on sticks I can say that us pad players that want to try sticks to learn both mediums or just to experiment Have a uphill battle. U have to have grown up on sticks or at least have moderate exp with sticks cuz if ur a beginner stick user don't bother unless u have a high tolerance for frustration.
Note- I take nothing away from stick users and have much respect for the things that u guys can do on them (especially u guys that can do ElFs & Vipers advance stuff) but I feel that there is no TRUE superior medium, its all about which 1 works best 4 u.I tried sticks but its just too uncomfortable for me. Pad player all the way.
Posted by I love fighting games on August 11, 2009 at 2:02 p.m. #44
I have tried stick over pad for three months now (life time pad player). And while I have come along way...i am still not as good as I was on pad. The only thing I am better on stick with is charge characters in SF4. Everything else (even MVC2) I play better on pad. I even tried stick on Tekken 5 and it was one of the worst experiences I ever had playing fighting games.
Posted by so far on August 13, 2009 at 9:15 p.m. #45
i started learning stick, before the stick became unusable, not because i wasn't getting good, but cause a button broken. I'm just now getting parts to replace it. It's been damn near a month though since i've consistently played the game.
I just wanted to say, just to say, that i felt i was getting comfortable with the stick, and this was like only a week with it. Shotos were kinda of a pain, but nothing a different octo gate and more practice couldn't fix. i rarely play shotos anyways.
The transition was going surprisingly fun and smoother than expected. Hope to get the stick up and running, and start playing with my friends who are seasoned stick and fighting games fantics.
Posted by ShooShoo on August 18, 2009 at 5:14 p.m. #46
any tips on what joystick is good cause am been looking around on ebay i currently have 360 and maybe be changing to ps3 so if you can give me links on some of the btter joystick pads for both console much appreiated
Posted by mossman on August 19, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. #47
@ShooShoo
You ask a question that has been answered many times over but that's all right.
I recently picked up the HRAP3, based on the numerous glowing reviews on several websites. It's been good so far, not perfect. The buttons are average, and I would prefer a stiffer joystick that I can break in; the stick on the HRAP3 feels loose, and travels quite a bit before the motion is registered, resulting in reduced accuracy. The stiffness is probably typical, I assume, and it should be an easy mod if I get tired of the seemingly large neutral zone.
The often discussed alternative to the HRAP3 is the Madcatz SFIV TE. It looks solid and also received great reviews across the board. However I refused to pay that much for a stick. And while I believe the reviews to be accurate, Madcatz has burned me in the past with their crappy products. They may have gotten it right this time, but it took them far too long.
Posted by Big Fish on August 30, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. #48
Comprehensive tutorial on how to use a stick on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwoy_k...
(3 parts)
You need to understand french or you will not be able to tell Do's from Don't's
Posted by jm21 on September 4, 2009 at 5:19 a.m. #49
does a stick really make that much of a difference? currently in g2 with fei long as main with cammy 2nd.is a stick really that beneficial if you're competent with a dualshock?
Posted by mrmarr on September 12, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. #50
I hold mine like a wineglass in between my middle finger and ring finger, back of my hand towards the surface. I find it super easier to pull off hadou's and things this way.. not to mention the shoruken shortcut is simple in either ways.. tapping DF or DB twice is easier.. just tapping it with ur forefinger and middle finger for DF or pulling it in for DB. I saw some japenese kats playing like that and it really caught on.
Posted by Pakman on September 17, 2009 at 4:41 a.m. #51
I need to get back into stick play. D-pad is screwing me over on charge attacks and combos.
BTW for those who are unsure about stick advantage: try playing on stick after using pad. For one thing, player movement is much easier (dash is very easy to do for example) and since the buttons are bigger, you can use an entire finger per button (imo I think that is better).
Still, there is a learning curve on it. So be prepared for some hardcore training.
Posted by project562 on September 24, 2009 at 2:29 a.m. #52
the way i got good with a joystick was when my dad bought me a street fighter II and a joystick for super nintendo (which was actually cool for what it was back then) because i spent a lot of my time at the 7-11 down the street where they had street fighter. but i just didn't play street fighter with my joysticks. i pretty much played every game i owned, borrowed and rented plus i like the feel of it when i played tournament fighters(Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Fighting Game)for some reason it just flowed street fighter was always weird because i like the joysticks on the cabinets or maybe it was just the snes version. Killer Instinct was alright. but i also play things like super off road, super mario world, megaman x, top gear, dk country, legend of zelda was easy as hell to use the it on, and other non-fighting game to get more framiliar with the feel of the joystick. blah blah blah blah blah, oh yeah im when im on the left side with a charge character its pinky ring finger bottom. on the right side, just pinky bottom, i just realized that haha. but for other characters 3 finger grip. buttons come naturally. thumb short, index jab, middle strong, ring fierce, pinky neutral or roundhouse.
Posted by daigo on October 1, 2009 at 1:05 p.m. #53
a+ on the blanka pic
Posted by padlover on October 3, 2009 at 5:07 p.m. #54
I've won G1 championships using a pad. ive tried using a stick before, cant use them to save my life. i guess whether u like pad or stick depends on what ur comfortable with.
Posted by cowboy_soultaker on October 3, 2009 at 10:52 p.m. #55
People keep asking what the pros/cons are.
It's all opinion, but one of the best concrete reasons for playing a stick is your arcade game will be equal to your console game [with a stick]. Imagine waltzing into an arcade, approaching a 3rd strike cabinet with all confidence because you've been working on your stick game. Also, some fanatical friends, or some setups at places such as anime conventions, or other semi-competitive settings may have pad stations set up, but there seems to be more competition on the stick screens.
Personally, why I am trying to switch is for precision. X360 people have their gripes, and while I play ps3, I am still not happy with the dpad. I main vega, and I am not consistent with his ultra. On the stick it's a lot easier.
I like the suggestion earlier of getting the 8 directional one that clicks. having the aural reinforcement for stick position would be great. the Universal Fight Stick has such a tactile stick.
I hope they keep supporting both pad and stick. Personally I want to be able to take my game into the arcades and not worry if I can pull off a shoryuken (although if the proprietor doesn't maintain the cabinet that could be lost cause anyway). Cheers.
Posted by cowboy_soultaker on October 3, 2009 at 10:58 p.m. #56
also, here is a link to a video showing daigo's hands as he plays. some asked about right hand positioning, and this video shows 1 good example.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJLTa_...
Posted by Francys Pai on October 28, 2009 at 11:26 a.m. #57
Tips are handy though I have the same thing how none of them are how I hold the stick.
I control it using the palm of my hand (really small hands) works a charm XD
Posted by Alan on November 22, 2009 at 9:57 p.m. #58
how to set button joystick?
Posted by The Possum Hill Kid on December 18, 2009 at 9:49 p.m. #59
The best advice is to find a comfortable grip that works for you and practice, practice, practice and then practice some more. You have to be able to do the moves without thinking about them. I've noticed that the guys who play against their friends in person offline tend to get the hang of joysticks faster than people who play solely online or against the dummy in practice mode.
It's good to see the fans of the game willing to help newer players.
Posted by stickstudent on December 19, 2009 at 11:58 p.m. #60
@48 (bigfish)
I wish I knew French—that's the only long (and seemingly useful) video I've seen on the subject. Thank you for pointing me (us) to it, though. I'm sure I know someone who knows French who can help. (:
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I appreciate the sentiments about practice—some people think that they'll learn things overnight if you tell them some secret. Everything takes practice.
However: it would be nice to know *what* to practice. After all, if I don't know what to practice or the right way to practice, then how do I learn (properly)? I've learned techniques from other guitar players that I wouldn't have figured out on my own—I'm better for it. Isn't there more to know about using a stick?
Let's say that practice is necessary but not sufficient.
Posted by ANGRY GAMER on December 24, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. #61
ARGH I F**ING HATE SQUARE GATES THE STOP ME FROM DOING SUPERS!!! WTF!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by benjibean on January 3, 2010 at 6:06 a.m. #62
i switched to a stick in summer 09 best thing i ever did was first time ever using a stick but after 5 months its finally starting to pay off i would strongly recomend checking out the gate guides on youtube to help decide which gate you prefer, i main akuma so went for a circle gate or octagonal gate. This really helped me alot with making my combos smoother and general execution. Now i seriously can not play on a pad, i hate it!.
Posted by James on January 5, 2010 at 3:20 p.m. #63
I've just got a stick and my rose is perfectly fine but I've lost my cammy all together. Gonna have to work on her.
Posted by Kazeking on January 24, 2010 at 12:44 a.m. #64
Most of pro-players use square gate, it's very comfortable, and it's not that difficult to get used to. I've been practicing on my stick skills since yesterday when my joystick arrived. Im doing pretty good, it's just a matter of practice, dont lose faith on yourselves and keep on practicing.
Posted by Ginny on January 26, 2010 at 7:09 p.m. #65
I really don't understand why the grip of doom was not shown in the pics it is by far the best grip out there with that you dont evan need to be good people run away when they first see ya grab the stick
Posted by SomeDude on January 27, 2010 at 6:12 p.m. #66
@#37; agreed. The board is woefully underrated. Sure 360s are a lot tougher to do, but if you don't use grapplers (and in SFIII's case it's *very* lenient since all of its grapplers have great non-360 specials and Supers) it's not really a problem. Just make sure there's no dust in there xD.
Since I do a lot of typing, it's just more natural to use it. Sucked horribly w/ it at first but eventually if you force yourself to adapt you get much better. Plus, since w/e hand's moving the directions is (should) naturally be the one doing the most work-and my right hand is the stronger of the two-it's more comfortable than either stick or pad. Strip all but the essential keys off if you have to; try the board and a lot of people'll be surprised.
Posted by help on January 29, 2010 at 6:25 a.m. #67
i use a square gate and i cant even do a hadpoken or a psycho crusher
Posted by tonydeception on January 30, 2010 at 7:48 p.m. #68
forever pad player lol ....... but it kinda suc trying to play mavel vs capcom on pad now that is hard .....
Posted by Sonicsage on February 1, 2010 at 1:57 p.m. #69
This is so going to help me out when I buy my MvC2 TE fightstick. Thank you so much! =D
Posted by Kabob on February 10, 2010 at 8:35 a.m. #70
Why did I not find this sooner? Alot of it you'd think is common sense but tons of good tips in here. Thanks!
Posted by little sf prodigy on February 12, 2010 at 9:43 p.m. #71
thank i was so confused
Posted by Ben on February 14, 2010 at 12:39 a.m. #72
I use the PS3 controller, and the dpad works fine, prolly cant fire out jabs as fast but
Posted by Steve on March 7, 2010 at 10:36 p.m. #73
Dang is it bad if i transition between all of these? idk why it just depending on the situation i just instinctively switch between. im not that great a player could this be why?
Posted by Mike on March 8, 2010 at 8:55 a.m. #74
I just got a stick, it's really frustrasting, I grew up with sf2 on snes been a pad player ever since. Figured Id give the stick a go, with the pad I'm a g1 player, with the stick I'm horrible. I find myself thinking about doing the moves instead of just doing them like on a pad(hard to reset 15 years of muscle memory). Basically my question is how long will it take for my stick skills to catch up with pad skills? If ever. PSN: PutThatCoffeeDwn
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