I don't know, it's not working.
Lucas has lots of stuff and he's alright, but he definitely has frustrating flaws.
Greninja I don't even know where to start. Have not improved with him at all, incredibly difficult to land KO's, terrible defense, his shuriken isn't working for me. I just don't really want to play anybody, really. I'm not feeling this game. Haven't improved as anyone and don't see how to.
Your knowledge of the characters you use are pretty spot on, particularly Greninja and Lucas. Because of that, and your losing, it's causing understandable frustration. Take a step back then and try to determine where you are going wrong. Perhaps it is not the character flaws?
You are at a point where what you need to improve is your knowledge of your opponent, and of the situation, which can change at a moment's notice. Your offensive and defensive moves and combinations that you have learned are good, but I find that you are struggling at adapting when the situation doesn't allow for you to use those options.
Let me give you an example of how I view a matchup when I am using Ness, because I know Ness backwards and forwards, but I feel like it's my ability to size up and read my opponent that is the biggest factor to me winning a match.
A typical approach option for Ness is to short hop fair or short hop nair. A typical defensive option that can lead to offense is to pivot pkfire.
Scenario: Shamrock vs FluxWaveZ's Sonic. Short hop fair and short hop nair upon approach is essentially worthless, as is pivot pk fire, because I understand Flux is very quick on reaction. He knows exactly when I will have end lag and use that moment to approach with Sonic's spins. How do I counter this? I have to change my approach. One option I do is run forward and quickly shield as I near Sonic in an attempt to bait him to use his spin. This will hopefully put him in a position for me to counter with an attack after he misses with spin and goes for another follow up. Another option is to fully jump using fair. It is safe, get's me near Sonic, and makes Flux have to think about how he is going to use his spin. Based on what Flux does, I will remember his movements and counter accordingly the next time the scenario presents itself.
Sometimes I will do the same thing a few times to condition my opponent to react a certain way. I will then re-create the scenario, they will expect me to do what I have shown them, and I will do something completely different to throw them off and catch them, getting some hits or a KO in.
These are the things you now need to work on. It's the hardest part area to develop no doubt, but you can do it. Don't lose heart. My suggestion is, as you play someone, no matter the level of the opponent, try to memorize mannerisms and movements that they are doing. Often times the opponent does not even know they have these habits. Once you are able to predict what they are going to do, even if you can't immediately offer a punish, you will start to feel good and develop.
