Double Mats

[elly]

I've been playing DDR at home for a few months now and can do most of the 6-8 footers (8s are still tricky, but I can usually get through). I was bored today and decided to play with 2 mats. I started on the 2-3 footers, thinking it would take some getting used to. Wow, that crap is hard! Anyone have any advice? Obviously, it's going to take more practice, but I'm not even sure where I should be standing.

On a side note, my cat just walked on the pad and started a game. Go kitty go! ;P

[Spooty Biscuit]

Oh boy, this brings back memories.

*insert overly lengthy flashback to my first doubles experiences here*

Anyway, first off. If you're not using heavier pads, DO SOMETHING TO STICK THOSE PADS TOGETHER. I can't stress how important this is. It doesn't matter if you build some sort of frame for them or just stick them together with half a roll of duct tape. Just do something to keep them from sliding apart.

Second, if you haven't already, learn how to do crossovers, or in other words, try to avoid stepping with the same foot twice in a row. This will make you turn your body, but trust me. Once you get to know how to do it properly, it's a lot easier than double-stepping. If you haven't done crossovers on single yet, try to get used to them there first on step patterns like LDR, where you hit left with your left foot, down with your right foot, and then right with your left foot.

Third, learn to understand the new arrow combinations (like jumps involving both pads). This one can only come with practice. Which leads me to my fourth and fifth points...

Fourth, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

And fifth... did I mention practicing?

[elly]

Thanks, Spooty. I've already done the first 2, so I guess I just need to get on with the practicing. I foresee many days of uncoordinated jumps in my future!

[Spooty Biscuit]

Hey, at least with DDR you don't have to deal with stuff like split jumps like in ITG (Jumps on the same arrow on both pads), or stuff like reactor double (left on left pad, then right on right pad 1 beat later) so it can't be too uncoordinated. Just practice and you'll get the hang of it.

[kikome]

I tried double play yesterday after reading this thread. Uh, never made so many 'uncoordinated jumps' in my life. It was fun though, a different thing to play while I don't get any better on single.