Hello!
Throughout all my time in Osu, I have never got a clearcut answer to how to improve my speed or accuracy. You may have asked someone in an Osu Lobby and got the answer “Just play!” as I have the 100 times I have asked. “You cannot get better without playing.” While that is true, you can focus on specific aspects of playing that WILL increase your performance.
Now, before we begin, I am not an expert at Osu, however, I have noticed a massive improvement in my gameplay following these guidelines over the span of 3 months:
The following are Theoretical Improvements that are habits I have picked up that may relate to my sudden increase in skill, however, they cannot be proved:
Throughout all my time in Osu, I have never got a clearcut answer to how to improve my speed or accuracy. You may have asked someone in an Osu Lobby and got the answer “Just play!” as I have the 100 times I have asked. “You cannot get better without playing.” While that is true, you can focus on specific aspects of playing that WILL increase your performance.
Now, before we begin, I am not an expert at Osu, however, I have noticed a massive improvement in my gameplay following these guidelines over the span of 3 months:
- Pain = No Gain!
This is the most important factor I have noticed. It should NOT hurt during or after playing. Just like playing guitar, you must relax your fingers. Think of the motion you are doing, it should take no more energy than regularly typing. Some techniques, like Jacks, will make your forearms burn, but the speed comes with practice, not stress. If you find yourself tensing up, pause, let your fingers loose, then resume. Bamboo breaks under tension, be formless, shapeless, like water. - Consistency
While it is self explanatory, setting aside an hour day for osu can aid you in the long run. If you feel you're performance is great one day and bad the next, then practice every other day! - Perfection of Action
Similar to the practice of flamenco guitar, you should practice Osu Mania through minimizing the action of your button press (or string plucking). Doing this can increase your speed phenomenally. Start slow, build upon; Rome was not built in a day. - Practice, practice, and more practice!
Memorize each pattern in your muscles, not your head! If you find yourself reading each of the notes more than acting, try practicing that specific pattern until it is second nature. - Dive in the deep end! (Only if you feel you can handle it..)
Sometimes struggling on something above your skill level can force you to get better. Example: You are a 3 star, go for 4.5 for a while. - Be Confident!
Feeling like you are going to lose will make you lose. Be confident in your capability and your ability to grow!
The following are Theoretical Improvements that are habits I have picked up that may relate to my sudden increase in skill, however, they cannot be proved:
- Ligament Training
Closely related to a rock climbers exercise. Eat then work out the ligaments in your hands, the nutrients will go into your ligaments as they stretch and expand. - Forearm, biceps, and triceps training.
Not only is it a healthy habit, but some speed comes from the forearms. - Healthy Eating
Theoretically it could make you more alert and quick to see patterns. Heating healthy helps the mind and body function at its prime.