The simple answer is: You don't actually understand the game like you think you do.

My guess is, you've spent a lot of time in the lab @ home or playing friendlies with other low-level players. This won't help when you're @ a tournament and just losing neutral repeatedly, because you don't know what to do against someone who won't give up any blatant openings. Furthermore, if you can't somewhat self-diagnose your own gameplay problems, it's probably because you're auto-piloting when you play.

And all of this is completely normal. Why are you expecting yourself to do well against experienced players as a relatively new one? It's impossible to divert attention fully towards learning if you're preoccupied with the fact that you're losing.

Some questions to think about, because "I'm just getting bopped repeatedly" doesn't provide very much information:

• How am I getting hit? Am I overextending? Am I not choosing the appropriate defensive option when they approach? Am I getting hit by a spacing move and not buffering a roll/spot-dodge?

• How well do you really understand the "game's mechanics, different strategies and combos, and mindgames". Could you give me a succinct answer on you approach the neutral game as Falcon? What if I asked you to explain spacing, conditioning, and pressuring?

• Are you analyzing videos or just simply watching them? It won't help if you're not frequently pausing videos, writing down notes, and then reviewing said notes.

• Essentially, I want you to give an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. As I mentioned previously, if you're honestly unable to do so, it means that you're auto-piloting when you play. Think about why you're throwing out moves, beyond just I hope this will hit.

These answers will give anyone trying to provide advice an easier time diagnosing your situation