So i finally decided after watching awesome games done quick on YouTube to dive in and have a go at speedrunning however i have not got a pc with a controller currently so have been trying to have a go on the ps3 version which i see is done on rta.

Its the first game ive tried running and i'm already loving seeing improvements in time but a silly thing i found awkward is accurate spin dash movement are there any tips to help make it easier or is it just practice?

Also am i better just going straight for full run sor stick to individual levels first to get used to the strats and techniques?

Well, for the Spin dash stuff, here is an easy way to go fast. You charge your first spin dash, then you let it go, then you keep breaking it with the action button. Usually, beginners keep using the action button without any spin dash charge and this is actually slow. If you pay attention to the top runners, you will notice that they are charging a first spin dash before actually breaking it.

Now, there is another way to go fast with the spin dash, it's not really for beginner, but if you feel learn it someday, here is actually how to do it: it's called chain spin dash or TAS spin dash. Basically same idea, you charge a first spin dash, then you break it, but this time, you want to break it by alternate both action buttons, since you are on PS3, that means you have to alternate Square and Circle buttons again and again. That also requires a specific position with your fingers. If done correctly, you will notice that Sonic is definitely faster. Here is a video with hand cam stuff, you will understand a little bit better what I'm saying:

As for a full run... well there is no really "ideal" moment to start a first full run, but obviously it's better if you can practice and become more consistent before actually start.
Now for your first few runs, don't look for the perfect run or don't keep resseting for dumb mistakes, otherwise you will never improve. I can say that by experience, the best way to get good at this game is playing it a lot and also watching many runners of different skill levels. General movement in this game isn't that hard and if you play it a lot, you will notice that you will get better feeling for it. Now, obviously it takes a lot of time and you will have to understand why issues happens and how to avoid them if you really want to improve.

If you haven't already, I highly recommend watching Gpro's tutorial, which will teach you the most important stuff for this game.

If you have more questions, you can also join the Discord. 🙂