Button mashing, the frantic and unplanned pressing of buttons in fighting arcade games, is a common habit for beginners. It often leads to predictable, unsafe gameplay and prevents skill development. To overcome this and play more effectively, several proven methods exist. First, focus on input discipline. Instead of rapidly hitting buttons, practice deliberate and singular presses for each intended move. This builds muscle memory for specific attacks. Second, learn a small, basic combo. Mastering a simple three-hit sequence teaches the rhythm and timing required for advanced play, making random pressing feel unnecessary. Third, study your character's move list. Understanding the purpose of a fireball, an anti-air attack, or a throw allows for strategic decisions instead of random inputs. Fourth, utilize training mode. Modern fighting games offer practice modes where you can execute moves against a stationary opponent without pressure. Finally, play with the intent to learn, not just to win. Accept losses as opportunities to understand why a specific move failed and how a controlled input could have succeeded. By implementing these strategies—input discipline, combo practice, move list knowledge, training mode use, and a learning mindset—you can effectively eliminate button mashing and develop into a more skilled and strategic fighting game player.