If you’re practicing physically, the setup matters. A padded mat reduces the harshness of mistakes. The surface should be stable enough that your feet and hands don’t slide unpredictably.
Lighting and space also matter more than people think. Poor visibility can cause you to misjudge distance for the start and the finish. Too little space increases collision risk during reset, which is when beginners often panic and rush.
For digital versions, your “equipment” is your control setup: a keyboard with reliable key response, a controller with correct mapping, or a reliable input method for your device. In that case, the main factor is repeatability, not padding.
