Flexibility and balance are such big factors. That, and tunnel vision, is such a bad habit that really needs to be covered more.

It for sure dissipates as one improves, but it'll still be there in some manner no matter what.

A really underrated thing to learn early on imo. I think that can tie into relevancy and patience, too.

In my own words, which may expand on your thought, Splatoon 3 is a game of taking space as quickly as possible while being able to hold it for as long as possible.

For sure. They don't realize how much time they have on defence to do those things.

People should think the same way on offence to an extent where you can step away from pressure during a push instead of trying to get a few extra points. (Unless it's a do-or-die situation).

It makes me wince a little whenever I see it in replays during sessions. By not recognizing the changes in game states, many opportunities are missed, and so many deaths happen that could've been avoided in the first place.

Nonetheless, I agree and think that it's something that's overlooked.

I swear having a proper mindset is half the battle at improving, so I totally agree.

If your thoughts and energy are taken up by frustration, then where is there room for learning and reflection?

With how unique Splatoon is, I definitely agree. Regarding specials, the sooner one learns how to use them/how they work and basic timing, the better. They’re just THAT important at any point in a match.

You can take what I said however you want, but this is my initial thought after teaching inside and out of gaming for almost 7 years while considering people’s opinions regarding coaching and the quality of it.

Nonetheless, play or improve in a way that makes you feel the most comfortable. I understand that a lot more goes into excelling at anything, such as proper diagnosis, feedback, communication, discipline, and more. I also understand that everyone’s brain is wired differently.

Ultimately, while both bottom-up and top-down approaches can shape your perspective of learning, I believe prioritizing a broader understanding first leads to smarter play. Even if it takes more time, it'll help you sustain and build on your progress, rather than relying on short-term gains.

They will provide a strong foundation that can be refined and adapted to your weapon or character of choice, making your progress more sustainable over time.

If you switch it to a bottom-up one, significant improvements will take longer to develop. It’ll take longer to comprehend all the moving parts of the "bigger picture", but once you understand some broader concepts—map awareness, team dynamics, objective play etc.— they will carry you further.

Focusing on a character or weapon can show quicker results, as you can rapidly build the specific skills you need for your level to see immediate improvements. However, what you learn during that time will often fade in the short term and may not transfer smoothly to new strategies or situations.

No way in hell you're 33. Happy birthday nonetheless!