Help getting into fighting games for someone with a hand tremor

I have recently developed a burgeoning interest in fighting games, particularly Street Fighter 2 in the arcade. When I was a kid I always struggled with fighting games because I was a button masher. Also, I have an essential hand tremor (meaning my hands only tremble when I try to use them). As such I never liked them much back then. However, I recently discovered an arcade around the corner from my home, and it has many classic ‘90s fighting games that, being older, I am enjoying much more than I did back in the day.

Accordingly, I want to get into fighting games now, and be good at them. I particularly enjoy the strategy and systems fighting games present. So, I was wondering if anyone well versed in that community could give me advice on how to break into being good at fighting games? Although I am seeking all advice, I particularly want to go down the road of fighting with a fight stick eventually. I find a close arcade experience makes playing feel more fulfilling, and it adds an element of nostalgia for my childhood, which makes it more fun.

So, in summary, I want to train to be a good fighting game player, preferably with a fight stick or even in the arcade. As I said, I have a hand tremor and am all thumbs, but not hopeless. So, I would appreciate some advice on how to grip and get good at the controls so I get to a point where I don’t have to think about them anymore and can focus on strategy. I usually prefer a ball top joystick that clicks 8 ways when you pass each direction. Also, I find I get nervous when playing say SF2 or Tekken and my hands get all excited and jittery, and flubs my inputs, especially when trying to do combos or special moves like Ryu’s hurricane kick etc. How do I avoid that? additionally how hard do I hold/jerk the stick? Should I start with a regular controller’s d-pad? Are there any accessibility products for people with tremors or bad hands? And Most importantly, how would you recommend I train myself to eventually be a fighting game specialist?

I really appreciate everyone’s help.

I just wanted to add that any tips on strategy like positioning/tactics etc… would be good too.

So I'm not fighting game expert at all but I have been looking hitbox controllers as someone who is bad at inputting commands using a arcade/joystick since childhood. I imagine the hitbox is something much more accesible given directional inputs are now just button sequences.

They are very pricey though, here is the website: https://www.hitboxarcade.com/

@yapapanda: A decent alternative to a hitbox is just playing with a keyboard, so if a hitbox is out of the question then a keyboard’s probably your answer

In terms of actual gameplay though your tremors might severely limit what kind of input motions you’re able to do like quarter circles and DP motions. I’d suggest picking charge based characters like Guile or Chun LI, although in SF5 her lightning kicks are a qcf motion now. I’d probably stay away from learning grapplers in most Japanese fighting games since a lot of them have full 360 motions and that might not be feasible.

I'm honestly not sure what kinds of inputs your hand tremors would interfere with. Are you able to shoot fireballs consistently in Street Fighter 2? Do you often push buttons you don't intend to?

In general, 2D fighting games like Street Fighter have more complex stick or d-pad maneuvers, and 3D games like Tekken have long combo chains done by hitting buttons in a certain order. Figuring out which input method works better for you is a good place to start.

There is a game called Slice, Dice, and Rice. Characters are killed with one clean hit, and controls are very simple. This allows you to focus on reading your opponent, timing your blocks, striking when they are open. It's a good place to start, and frequently on sale for $1.

@judaspete: I‘m pretty good at the quarter circle forward inputs. My hand tremor mostly effects combos and costs me just a little bit of fine motion dexterity. I didn’t mean to imply that it was my biggest problem. My biggest problem with the controls is really just that I panic and start making almost random inputs with the joystick. I think this happens with most beginners. I’m sorry for being confusing. However, I will look into hit boxes though. I’ve never heard of those. If not, I’m sure a sturdy fight stick will suffice. Also, Slice, Dice, and Rice sounds really interesting for training for purely strategy/tactics. I like that. Thank you.

@robertforster: FYI the Giant Bomb FGC migrated to its own Discord server which is why you don't see many replies, click here to join.

Take a look at Divekick if you haven't done so yet. It's only got 2 buttons (not like it's a "2-button fighter" but there are literally only two possible inputs) but still manages to capture the positioning and mind games you're looking for. I doubt it will be your forever game, but it's rock solid.

That's a normal beginner thing, but it's probably related to the bad habit of flinching or tensing your body in anticipation of something (making a jump in a platformer, shooting a gun, etc.) Some of that will go away as you get more used to it, but I think it's a very good idea to be cognizant of what your body is doing, take a breath, and re-center yourself. If you find you're unnecessarily flexing muscles in your body before/during doing a certain move, then I'd try doing that move over and over again and being mindful that your breathing and body are relaxed while it's happening.

I also strongly suspect (at least in my own case) that there's contributing factors involved with how steady my hands are (some combination of blood sugar, adrenaline, hydration, caffeine, sleep, etc.) There are certain activities that I simply don't bother attempting (playing guitar, drawing, competitive FPS, drinking soup in public, etc) when my hands don't feel up to it.