Why Coaching Works
Watching VODs and reading guides are great starting points, but they can't tell you why you specifically keep losing. A good coach acts as a mirror, reflecting your blind spots back to you in real time.
Studies in traditional sports consistently show that personalised feedback accelerates skill acquisition by 2–3× compared to self-study alone. Esports is no different.
What to Look For
Rank and Experience
Your coach should be at least two full tiers above your current rank. A Diamond player can effectively coach someone in Silver or Gold, but may lack the depth needed for a Platinum student. For high-elo players, look for coaches with competitive or semi-pro experience.
- Silver–Gold students: Diamond+ coach
- Platinum students: Master+ coach
- Diamond+ students: Grandmaster/Challenger coach or pro player
Teaching Style
Coaches generally fall into a few categories:
- VOD reviewers: analyse your replays and point out patterns
- Live spectators: watch you play in real time and give callouts
- Co-pilots: play alongside you and guide decisions in-game
- Curriculum coaches: follow a structured lesson plan across multiple sessions
Think about how you learn best. If you're a visual learner, VOD review might click. If you need hands-on pressure, live spectating is more effective.
Specialisation
Some coaches specialise in a single role or a handful of champions. If you're a jungle main, a coach who has played jungle at a high level will give you far more actionable advice than a generalist.
Comparing Coaching Formats
| Format | Best For | Price Range | Session Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| VOD Review | Identifying patterns | $15–$30 | 45–60 min |
| Live Spectate | Real-time decision-making | $20–$40 | 60 min |
| Co-Pilot | Hands-on learning | $25–$50 | 60–90 min |
| Multi-Session Bundle | Long-term growth | $80–$200 | 3–5 sessions |
Red Flags to Avoid
Not every coach is worth your time. Watch out for:
- Coaches who promise a specific rank ("I'll get you to Plat in a week")
- No reviews or a brand-new profile with no sessions completed
- Unwillingness to do a short intro call or answer questions beforehand
- Coaches who blame teammates during your review instead of focusing on your play
Getting the Most From Sessions
Before the Session
Come prepared. Write down 2–3 specific questions or areas you want to focus on. Save 2–3 recent replays that represent your typical play (not your worst tilt games).
During the Session
Take notes. Ask "why," not just "what." If a coach says "you should have backed here," ask what signals told them that. Understanding the reasoning lets you apply the lesson to new situations.
After the Session
Play 3–5 games focusing exclusively on the coach's top recommendation. Don't try to fix everything at once.
Final Thoughts
The right coach can shave weeks or months off your climb. Take 10 minutes to read reviews, check their champion pool, and make sure their teaching style matches how you learn. Your future rank will thank you.
