If my spacecraft is in an orbit of 200km periapsis and 202km apoapsis and my target has one of, let's say 198km and 200km. In order for me to shrink my orbit I would have to go to the periapsis and burn in reverse to slow me down and bring my orbit closer but the game also wants me to be going faster the closer my orbit is to the planet. Where is my disconnect here? Maybe what I'm asking is why does it seem like I need to slow down to speed up? Sorry if this is a stupid question I'm confused. If anyone can point me to a tutorial where they explain in detail the orbiting and rendezvous part of the game, I'd be very appreciative. Thanks.
This video by Scott Manley should help. Also try searching for "Orbital Mechanics" in Youtube.