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Serrin
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Joined: 16 Oct 2004
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640.  Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 10:10 pm Post subject: |
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I can't seem to progress any more and I'm about to go insane. Just so you know, I only have DDR max and no real access to an arcade, so I'm a bit limited in my choice of songs. I've been working my way through standard, and I've A'd everything except for a small handful of songs (one of the Paranoias, MAX300, anything green that's Deep In You or later, etc). I can do *some* heavies, but I'm not getting A's any more (unless you count stupid stuff like Cutie Chaser). I just can't seem to get better. I can practice certain songs, so that I make less dumb mistakes (like on the easy steps) but I just can't nail the streams, and I'm having trouble with gallops and sixteenths. I'm also pretty isolated, being that I don't know any other DDR players around here so I can't ask them for advice.
So. What should I practice? Thanks in advance. |
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Slowpoke
Trick Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2003
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| 641. Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:48 am Post subject: |
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| Serrin wrote: | | Just so you know, I only have DDR max and no real access to an arcade, so I'm a bit limited in my choice of songs. |
If you're typing this on a PC, then you have access to Stepmania, which means unlimited choice of songs...
| Serrin wrote: | | I can do *some* heavies, but I'm not getting A's any more. |
Is it possible you're just being impatient? How long have you been working on heavy stuff?
| Serrin wrote: |
but I just can't nail the streams, and I'm having trouble with gallops and sixteenths. |
Is it because you can't read them, or because you're getting your feet tangled up, or because you can't get a handle on the rhythm? If it's #1, try speed mods and solo; if it's #2, look at the step chart and see where you're getting thrown off (eg crossing over when you should be double-stepping, starting a run on the wrong foot, etc). If it's #3, go into training mode and turn the assist click on. |
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Serrin
Basic Member
Joined: 16 Oct 2004
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| 642. Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 12:44 pm Post subject: |
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True that about Stepmania. Need to get an adapter though. I think. Yeah, you can tell I haven't really looked into it.
It's not the fact that I'm not getting A's on heavies that bugs me (well, it does, but yeah, I'm impatient) but that I don't seem to be improving on the newer difficult elements. For the record, I've been doing meandering around the heavies for what amounts to four days of nonstop playing, minus sleep.
Yeah, for the streams it's not being able to read it. I've tried speed mods and they do help a lot. Fr'instance, I went from a low B to FCing 511 on standard. Then I go back and do it without the speed mod and I'm still no better. If I keep on using speed mods, it'll become a crutch, but if I don't, I'm pretty much stuck where I am. But then for the sixteenths, it's just a simple matter of me not having the skills. I've taught myself what an eighth note should sound a feel like, but I'm having trouble doing the same with sixteenths. Yeah, yeah, I know. It should sound like an eighth cut in half. I can either do it fast enough, or I can do it controlled, but not both. For reference, the one that I currently hate is Deep In You, standard. |
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French Fry
Trick Member
Joined: 23 Jul 2004
Location: georgia |
| 643. Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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| just try to do fast songs you said you can fc 511 with a speed mod so just try to do fast songs |
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PARANOiA290
Basic Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2004
Location: asegaseg |
| 644. Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
Yeah, for the streams it's not being able to read it. I've tried speed mods and they do help a lot. Fr'instance, I went from a low B to FCing 511 on standard. Then I go back and do it without the speed mod and I'm still no better. If I keep on using speed mods, it'll become a crutch, but if I don't, I'm pretty much stuck where I am. But then for the sixteenths, it's just a simple matter of me not having the skills. I've taught myself what an eighth note should sound a feel like, but I'm having trouble doing the same with sixteenths. Yeah, yeah, I know. It should sound like an eighth cut in half. I can either do it fast enough, or I can do it controlled, but not both. For reference, the one that I currently hate is Deep In You, standard. |
Well i'd been where u are and, what i did was took a break, trust me it's gonna do u better than worse,  and after the rest i came bak from getting A on 9 footers from getting D's on them, rest help u like recover ur brain i guess, i dunno, but it's always worked  and those streams, it'll come in time i had same problem with max300 but not it's np, well gl on going to heavy.
(edit): woops i dunno how to properly quote, sry for the confusion 
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luminarius
Trick Member
Joined: 19 Oct 2004
Location: Humble, Tx |
| 645. Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2004 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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| This is a method ddys at Tilt used to help me get good at standard and move onto heavy. For cross overs, pick Butterfly on light and use 1.5x. This some how made me realize how to do a cross over. to get 8th beats, just do a cross over for them. If its a left and right 8th beats, just hop on it . For streams, just learn cross overs and when to use them. |
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tehjoshua
Basic Member
Joined: 20 Oct 2004
Location: Rancho Cucamonga |
| 646. Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 1:39 pm Post subject: What i did |
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well, i basically played for about 5 months til i got to 9 and 10 footers. I am in soccer which i have calf muscles and ya, some stamina. However, to get good all i did was use stepmania to listen to the assist tick, then even when i would miss a step... id know when to continue on the others. That, quiting smoking, stretching, and not giving up all contributing to me getting better
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-If DDR is just a game then i guess im just a player |
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|cey
Trick Member
Joined: 18 Oct 2004
Location: Vancouver, Canada |
| 647. Posted: Wed Oct 20, 2004 8:32 pm Post subject: |
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I know why I can't do 9-10 footers, the thing is.. I'm not even trying to fix my mistakes lol..
I even do triplesteps sometimes..? I think that's what its called.. for example.. LDUR, I will hit L with my left foot then my right foot hits DUR, haha and I usually hit it all too  , but it really messes me up if I have something right after the LDUR. I can't do fast gallops, therefore I can't do "Rhythm and Police" and "Speed Over Beethoven". Basically all the U steps are done by my right foot no matter what.. sometimes with my left but rarely. I have problems doing UR together because I'm not used to hitting U with my left foot.
Funny how I know all my mistakes.. 
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antimony
Trick Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2003
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| 648. Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2004 8:39 am Post subject: |
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| If you know your mistakes, I think the only thing for it is to go back to songs you can A/AA easily and fix them. Also, if you have two pads, play doubles -- you'll get better at being comfortable in weird positions, and you'll see likely a lot of improvement quickly, which is always nice for the ego. |
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luminarius
Trick Member
Joined: 19 Oct 2004
Location: Humble, Tx |
| 649. Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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| I'm in a bit of a problem my self. Ever since seeing shady AA every song he touched on heavy Saturday, I want to do it. I can A/B most songs on heavy, any advice to make the jump to AA? |
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ropeadope
Trick Member
Joined: 20 Jul 2004
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| 650. Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 4:20 pm Post subject: |
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| Is it better to play with Assist Click on or is that more like having training wheels? |
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Slowpoke
Trick Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2003
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| 651. Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 7:58 pm Post subject: |
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| What's wrong with training wheels? Most people learned how to ride a bike that way. But anyway, if you're using the assist click just to improve your PA, that's kinda pointless. But if you're using it to understand the rhythm of the steps because you can't quite get it, that'd be the smart way to learn it. |
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CoastalMixX
Trick Member
Joined: 05 Apr 2002
Location: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo |
| 652. Posted: Sun Oct 24, 2004 8:27 pm Post subject: |
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I've reached a plateau yet again.
I want to AA more songs but I just can't seem to do more than a select few I have. I also got into the habit of Bar raping the three maxes.
1. How do I get less greats and more perfects? I play minimally using my heals and toes and sometimes my whole foot for certain songs.
2. How do you get out of the habit of bar raping? I always tense up and lose my balance...
Thanks in advance.
Edit: This is all arcade play, btw. |
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Shadow_Dragonz
Trick Member
Joined: 16 Mar 2003
Location: California |
| 653. Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 11:06 am Post subject: |
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| Serrin wrote: | True that about Stepmania. Need to get an adapter though. I think. Yeah, you can tell I haven't really looked into it.
It's not the fact that I'm not getting A's on heavies that bugs me (well, it does, but yeah, I'm impatient) but that I don't seem to be improving on the newer difficult elements. For the record, I've been doing meandering around the heavies for what amounts to four days of nonstop playing, minus sleep.
Yeah, for the streams it's not being able to read it. I've tried speed mods and they do help a lot. Fr'instance, I went from a low B to FCing 511 on standard. Then I go back and do it without the speed mod and I'm still no better. If I keep on using speed mods, it'll become a crutch, but if I don't, I'm pretty much stuck where I am. But then for the sixteenths, it's just a simple matter of me not having the skills. I've taught myself what an eighth note should sound a feel like, but I'm having trouble doing the same with sixteenths. Yeah, yeah, I know. It should sound like an eighth cut in half. I can either do it fast enough, or I can do it controlled, but not both. For reference, the one that I currently hate is Deep In You, standard. |
As for your comment for speed mods, i do not believe you are 100% correct that it'll be a crutch. There have been people that have passed 1x and used speed mods, and there are those that cannot. Either way, it's up to you and others to choose. Anyway, just wanted to say that so you know. Oh, as for songs like Bag, I'd probably use some sort of a speed mod until I know where the steps are since they are so close together.
| solo*gal wrote: | | just try to do fast songs you said you can fc 511 with a speed mod so just try to do fast songs |
There is a difference when a speed mod is used and when you play a faster song. Speed mods just increase the gaps between the arrows (simulating a faster BPM). So, it just increases the window in which you can see the timing for the arrows. As for faster songs, the arrows scroll up faster. So, it may not be easier if it is done at 1x (I think that's what's inplied). Also, there could be a problem with reading the arrows on fastewr BPMs with speed mods.
Hmm..it just seems vague from what is said 
| PARANOiA290 wrote: | | Quote: |
Yeah, for the streams it's not being able to read it. I've tried speed mods and they do help a lot. Fr'instance, I went from a low B to FCing 511 on standard. Then I go back and do it without the speed mod and I'm still no better. If I keep on using speed mods, it'll become a crutch, but if I don't, I'm pretty much stuck where I am. But then for the sixteenths, it's just a simple matter of me not having the skills. I've taught myself what an eighth note should sound a feel like, but I'm having trouble doing the same with sixteenths. Yeah, yeah, I know. It should sound like an eighth cut in half. I can either do it fast enough, or I can do it controlled, but not both. For reference, the one that I currently hate is Deep In You, standard. |
Well i'd been where u are and, what i did was took a break, trust me it's gonna do u better than worse, and after the rest i came bak from getting A on 9 footers from getting D's on them, rest help u like recover ur brain i guess, i dunno, but it's always worked and those streams, it'll come in time i had same problem with max300 but not it's np, well gl on going to heavy.
(edit): woops i dunno how to properly quote, sry for the confusion |
Yeah, it is good to take a break. Usually I take a 2-3 day break when I go for my 2-5 hours of non stop playing ddr at the arcade. Try not to get too frustrated also. It doesn't really help, and everything should come together in time.
As for the song, try assist trick. It'll help a lot, since you'll know when to step. Some times the arrows aren't where you think they should be, and it can throw you off. Also, try segments of the song--break it down at the parts where you are having difficulty. Slow it down and/or use speed mods to also help. Lastly, concider watching some one else with more experience play the song. You could get a better feel on how to position your feet, how they read, how they anticipate for the arrows/patterns, and how the beat sounds when they play.
| luminarius wrote: | | I'm in a bit of a problem my self. Ever since seeing shady AA every song he touched on heavy Saturday, I want to do it. I can A/B most songs on heavy, any advice to make the jump to AA? |
Practice 
Learn the beats to the songs (as in when you need to step). Assist trick is the best for that. Also, probably work on FC songs first, then working on correct timing. AA usually won't come fast, and you'll have to be willing to put up with A's for a little bit.
| Slowpoke wrote: | | What's wrong with training wheels? Most people learned how to ride a bike that way. But anyway, if you're using the assist click just to improve your PA, that's kinda pointless. But if you're using it to understand the rhythm of the steps because you can't quite get it, that'd be the smart way to learn it. |
I'd like to say that I do not think it's pointless (for PA). If you cannot really understand the beat of the song, or you can't get the beat due to a beat change, then assist trick can help. In any case, assist trick is there to help, with any matter (PA or not). It may be that everyone does not use it for PA reasons, but it does not make it pointless.
There isn't a "smart way" of using the assist trick or anything. Everyone has their own way/style of learning, and they should probably go with what's best for them. Pretty much, what ever works, go for it. It's great to see others out there trying to improve and asking for advice .
Sorry about the flame Slowpoke, but there is no right/wrong way of learning or using a method to aid in ddr. People come here for advice, and I think we should give them advice in which can help them improve (or let them see something they didn't notice before). And, probably the advice should be this has helped, I do it this way, it works best for me.., and so on. Just I don't think it should be limited to this is the way/smart/best/only/etc.
| CoastalMixX wrote: | I've reached a plateau yet again.
I want to AA more songs but I just can't seem to do more than a select few I have. I also got into the habit of Bar raping the three maxes.
1. How do I get less greats and more perfects? I play minimally using my heals and toes and sometimes my whole foot for certain songs.
2. How do you get out of the habit of bar raping? I always tense up and lose my balance...
Thanks in advance.
Edit: This is all arcade play, btw. |
1) Practice, and learn the beats for the songs. It can be difficult for certain songs to get the beat down correctly. Also, some songs have a more difficult step pattern. So, it also might help to check out the step charts and know how to position yourself for certain patterns.
2) As for bar raping/using the trick bar, it'd just be practice. Um, try not to get so tense/worried and just play the song. Try playing some songs and not worry what grade you are going to get and just play for fun. You might not do your best but you will probably have better balance. Also, you can try working on faster songs like the paranioas and such songs with fast BPM to help with balance.
Oh, you can try pivioting your body. If you use your toes, I'd think you'd be trying to move your body around some. When doing that and trying to stay stationary, you can throw some times (almost literally) throw yourself off the dance pad. If you play with the heels and flat footed, then it'd be just adjusting to moving your legs correcly (I think). Probably see how others do it and try and figure out where your center of balance is.
Have fun 
I hope that helps 
Shadow_Dragonz
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Slowpoke
Trick Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2003
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| 654. Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 12:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Shadow_Dragonz wrote: | | I'd like to say that I do not think it's pointless (for PA). If you cannot really understand the beat of the song, or you can't get the beat due to a beat change, then assist trick can help. |
That's pretty much exactly what I said... ie "if you're using it to understand the rhythm of the steps because you can't quite get it, that'd be... smart" You seem to misunderstand my "pointless" remark, so I'll rephrase: It's pointless to use the assist click merely to get a good score on a song you already understand, mainly because you don't have the option to have an assist click in the normal gameplay mode or when playing at the arcade. |
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Shadow_Dragonz
Trick Member
Joined: 16 Mar 2003
Location: California |
| 655. Posted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 1:28 pm Post subject: |
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| Slowpoke wrote: | | Shadow_Dragonz wrote: | | I'd like to say that I do not think it's pointless (for PA). If you cannot really understand the beat of the song, or you can't get the beat due to a beat change, then assist trick can help. |
That's pretty much exactly what I said... ie "if you're using it to understand the rhythm of the steps because you can't quite get it, that'd be... smart" You seem to misunderstand my "pointless" remark, so I'll rephrase: It's pointless to use the assist click merely to get a good score on a song you already understand, mainly because you don't have the option to have an assist click in the normal gameplay mode or when playing at the arcade. |
Okay, my bad , and yeah I can see your point.
Shadow_Dragonz
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CoastalMixX
Trick Member
Joined: 05 Apr 2002
Location: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo |
| 656. Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 8:49 am Post subject: |
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I'll try some of that out later today.
I usually play with my heels, toes, and sometimes my whole foot. I've gotten into the habit of conserving energy by doing so and trying to put the minimal amount of effort into getting the "Perfect!" and it's worked for me most of the time. Either I have to adjust to the machine here or I need to actually concentrate when I play.
What I mean by tense up is not psychological. The muscles in my legs tense up and it's harder to keep moving. This happens when I don't bar rape 10 footers (the only things I bar rape). |
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Shadow_Dragonz
Trick Member
Joined: 16 Mar 2003
Location: California |
| 657. Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:01 pm Post subject: |
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| CoastalMixX wrote: | I'll try some of that out later today.
I usually play with my heels, toes, and sometimes my whole foot. I've gotten into the habit of conserving energy by doing so and trying to put the minimal amount of effort into getting the "Perfect!" and it's worked for me most of the time. Either I have to adjust to the machine here or I need to actually concentrate when I play.
What I mean by tense up is not psychological. The muscles in my legs tense up and it's harder to keep moving. This happens when I don't bar rape 10 footers (the only things I bar rape). |
Yeah, I think that's what I thought it was. I still get the muscles tensing up, but that's with songs that are 10 footers. Um, I can only suggest (at the moment) would be to practice, practice, and practice. Try slower songs but play for an extended amount of time. that way, you can build up your stamina more gradually. Also, you can play harder songs/faster songs. If you tense up or feel you'll fail, play with a friend and keep on trying. Rest for a bit, and then go back playing again. In a sense, you'll be wearing out your legs. After doing that, maybe take a break for a few days, then go back and play (get used to it again. As for me, it takes a few games after wearing my legs really bad). Maybe after a month or so you should see some significance in performance eg stamina, speed, etc.
Hopefully that can help you out. If not, maybe someone can give you some better advice .
Shadow_Dragonz
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LastVampiel
Trick Member
Joined: 14 Oct 2004
Location: Soul Society... well, not really. Gainseville, FL... |
| 658. Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2004 4:01 pm Post subject: |
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When I was trying to level-up (as it is) to 8-Footers and now 9-Footers, I found that just slowing the songs down with training mode to read it really helps. And, amasingly, I still have a hard time with cross-overs. Do'n't know what it is about them, it's just unnatural feeling. So I look kinda silly like, leg-whipping back and forth to hit the things.
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French Fry
Trick Member
Joined: 23 Jul 2004
Location: georgia |
| 659. Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2004 4:22 pm Post subject: |
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| solo*gal wrote: | | just try to do fast songs you said you can fc 511 with a speed mod so just try to do fast songs |
i take that back |
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