[dazaris]

This is a question for any Masters/GM players out there.

Been spending a lot of time recently working on my mechanics instead playing games online. Mainly been ironing out leaks in my play in yabot and playing on the multitask trainer map to improve my speed and multitasking.

Other than what I've mentioned above, is there any other specific things you'd recommend I do to improve my mechanics, specifically my macro which is generally good but falls apart when a battle starts?

Thanks in advance.

[Next_rim]

I'm no GM, but I think laddering is best practice ever. Second good thing is If you are having a very specific problem with a specific situation (like expanding to 3rd while pushing vs Terran on Shakuras), get some friends to train you and repeat same situation over and over.

Also, as Day9 suggests, focus on small things. Don't try to do all at once. When you are about to ladder, say to yourself "In the next 3 games, I'm not going to miss more than 10 injects". And focus on it no matter what. Once you got that, move on. Say, next 5 games I will spread my creep all the way to my opp's base.

[PiG]

Well if you want to improve your macro then it varies, what race do you play?

If you're zerg chances are you need to realise when there isn't much micro to do and just a-move and ignore the battle while macroing.

If you're terran: chances are not that you forgot to build units, its that you forget to add production at key points. E.g. TvP: 1 base= 3 rax, 2 base = 5-6rax, 3 base = 7-10 rax etc etc.

If you're protoss. What macro?

[Azure]

There was a good thread floating around about ways to improve and learning and so forth, I would give that a read.

[Volition]

Originally Posted by PiG

If you're protoss. What macro?

/agree

what multitask trainer map are you talking about? i think my ability to multitask is very poor. mechanics are definitely important, but dealing with losses is also important - therefore, while getting those small mistakes out with YABOT may be good, learning to do it with pressure might also be beneficial

[Homer]

Until you hit high GM, focus on MASS GAMING. Then start refining.

Quick Comments

	Bendy:	Not sure if srs
	nirvAnA:	extremely wrong approach lol
	ToRDeathsFang:	this is why your you have major negative rep

[NvPinder]

Originally Posted by PiG

If you're protoss. What macro?

You lose the right to give protoss shit about macro when you just all-in them every game ive ever seen you play.

[dazaris]

Originally Posted by Volition

/agree

what multitask trainer map are you talking about? i think my ability to multitask is very poor. mechanics are definitely important, but dealing with losses is also important - therefore, while getting those small mistakes out with YABOT may be good, learning to do it with pressure might also be beneficial

This is the map I've been using:
http://www.sc2mapster.com/maps/multitasking-trainer/

[deL]

Originally Posted by TAJPMoney

You lose the right to give protoss shit about macro when you just all-in them every game ive ever seen you play.

Also the reason Protoss doesn't go into a macro game with zerg is because you can't win it. Just beat 200/200 of infestor ling? Oh here's another 100 of mutas.

I don't think you should ever focus on 'improving mechanics' until you are grandmaster, whereupon you should work on efficiency and maybe speed.

Before then, just play a lot of games and focus on improving other aspects like builds, game knowledge/sense, etc. When you grind out a lot of custom or ladder games focussing on a particular build and hitting every timing perfectly then your "mechanics" are going to improve along with it. You don't really get much out of, or improve faster by, focussing solely on your mechanical improvement.

[aLtNinja]

The best way in my opinion is to just play alot of games while thinking about macroing, if you keep reminding yourself to macro and play alot of games it will come naturally after time.

[ZergGirl]

But I enjoy the repop races vs protoss lategame :3

I found it easiest to vs players who are stupidly good, they force you to be faster/smarter.
Think I have only played 470ish games 1v1 now and I do ok for myself

[nGenLight]

Mechanics are developed through repetition, but make sure you are repeating efficient mechanics -> e.g (Pinky for ctrl as opposed to thumb).

[ToRDeathsFang]

Getting better is about like many people have said pick something to work on and refine it. Once your satisfied with your progress move on to something else. Eventually you'll have improved on most aspects of your play.

[Champi]

i think neglecting ladder might be a problem, theres nothing wrong with trying other methods to improve your mechanics but if your not playing vs an opponent then u might have problems when u play a game and something happens to you that he didnt expect and throws off your macro or your game plan etc etc

[nirvAnA]

"Also, as Day9 suggests, focus on small things. Don't try to do all at once. When you are about to ladder, say to yourself "In the next 3 games, I'm not going to miss more than 10 injects". And focus on it no matter what. Once you got that, move on. Say, next 5 games I will spread my creep all the way to my opp's base."

+

"Mechanics are developed through repetition, but make sure you are repeating efficient mechanics -> e.g (Pinky for ctrl as opposed to thumb)."

+

learning all the short cuts / hotkeys / tricks to make them as efficient as possible.

good mechanics is like having a well oiled engine

[dazaris]

General consensus seems to be that playing actual games is more important than anything so will be getting back in to ladder soon. Thanks for all the responses everyone.

"Mechanics are developed through repetition, but make sure you are repeating efficient mechanics -> e.g (Pinky for ctrl as opposed to thumb)."

Is part of what I've been working on, trying to work out what works best for me. Switched to grid for that reason (Much more efficient). Non ladder practice has given me an opportunity to go over all my actions slowly, figure out better was to do things and repeat until it becomes muscle memory.

Thanks all.