How can amateur Esports teams effectively improve synergy and communication during competitive scrims?

For amateur Esports teams, competitive scrimmages are the crucible where strategies are forged, skills are honed, and team dynamics are tested. However, simply playing together isn’t enough. True improvement hinges on how effectively a team builds synergy and communicates under pressure. This guide offers actionable steps for amateur teams to elevate their performance by mastering these crucial elements.

The Foundation: Pre-Scrim Preparation & Goal Setting

Before even joining a game, laying solid groundwork can dramatically impact a scrim’s effectiveness. A disorganized start often leads to disorganized play.

Define Roles and Responsibilities

Ensure every player understands their primary and secondary roles within the team’s overarching strategy. Who is the primary shot-caller? Who handles specific utility or map zones? Clarity here minimizes confusion and hesitation during critical moments.

Set Clear Scrim Goals

Don’t just jump into a scrim to ‘win.’ Instead, identify specific areas for improvement. Examples include: ‘practice a new rush strategy,’ ‘focus on mid-game rotations,’ or ‘improve late-game objective control.’ Discuss these goals as a team beforehand so everyone is aligned.

Mastering In-Game Communication

Effective communication is the lifeblood of an Esports team. It needs to be precise, timely, and universally understood.

Develop Standardized Callouts

Create a glossary of concise, unambiguous callouts for in-game locations, enemy positions, ability usage, and intentions. Practice these until they become second nature. For instance, instead of ‘enemy behind the big box,’ use ‘one back site, default cover.’

Practice Brevity and Clarity

In high-stress situations, every word counts. Encourage short, direct communication. Avoid unnecessary chatter. Focus on conveying critical information quickly and clearly: ‘pushing B, one low HP,’ not ‘okay guys, I think we should try to push B now because I saw someone there and he looked pretty low.’ After a callout, allow space for others to react or provide equally brief updates.

Active Listening and Acknowledgment

Communication isn’t a one-way street. Players must actively listen to their teammates’ calls and acknowledge receiving information, even if it’s a simple ‘copy’ or ‘understood.’ This confirms the message was heard and processed, preventing miscommunication.

The Power of Post-Scrim Review

The learning doesn’t stop when the game ends. Post-scrim analysis is where the most significant improvements are often made.

VOD Review: An Objective Lens

Record your scrims and review them as a team. Watching replays removes subjective biases and allows for an objective analysis of individual mistakes, communication breakdowns, and strategic missteps. Focus on ‘why’ things happened, not just ‘what’ happened.

Structured Feedback Sessions

Implement a structured feedback process. Begin by highlighting positives (what went well), then move to areas for improvement. Encourage players to self-critique first, followed by constructive feedback from teammates. The goal is improvement, not blame.

Focus on Constructive Criticism

Critique the play, not the player. Frame feedback positively and with a solution-oriented mindset. Instead of ‘you messed up that flank,’ try ‘next time on the flank, consider waiting for my utility before pushing.’ This fosters a safe environment for growth.

Building Trust and Chemistry Beyond the Game

Synergy isn’t just about in-game mechanics; it’s deeply rooted in trust and personal connection. A team that knows and trusts each other will communicate more openly and perform better.

Scheduled Team Bonding Activities

Dedicate time to activities outside of competitive play. This could be playing casual games together, watching movies, or even just regular voice chat hangouts. These interactions build rapport and a deeper understanding of each other’s personalities, which translates into better in-game chemistry.

Encourage Open Dialogue

Foster an environment where players feel comfortable sharing thoughts, concerns, and ideas without fear of judgment. This extends beyond gameplay to personal well-being, creating a supportive network that strengthens the team as a whole.

Strategic Roles and Shot-Calling

Effective leadership and a shared strategic vision are vital for seamless team play.

Identifying a Primary Shot-Caller

Designate one player as the primary shot-caller for a game or specific phases. This person is responsible for making decisive calls and overriding conflicting ideas when necessary. While others can provide information, having one ultimate voice prevents confusion.

Developing a Shared Strategic Vision

Beyond individual strategies, the team should have a collective understanding of their overall playstyle and philosophy. Are they aggressive? Defensive? Utility-focused? A shared vision helps players make informed decisions independently, even without direct orders.

Continuous Improvement and Adaptation

The Esports landscape is constantly evolving, and so too should your team’s approach.

Experiment with Strategies

Don’t be afraid to try new strategies or adapt existing ones. Scrims are the perfect low-stakes environment to experiment and see what works best for your team’s unique strengths.

Embrace Adaptability

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Teach your team to adapt quickly to changing in-game situations, whether it’s an unexpected enemy push or a lost player. This requires flexible communication and a willingness to adjust on the fly.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

Frustration is a natural part of competitive play, but it’s crucial to manage it constructively. Encourage a positive attitude, celebrate small victories, and remind everyone that improvement is a journey, not a destination. A positive environment fosters better learning and stronger synergy.

Conclusion

Improving synergy and communication in amateur Esports teams requires dedication, discipline, and a structured approach. By focusing on pre-scrim preparation, refining in-game communication, conducting thorough post-scrim reviews, building team chemistry, and developing a clear strategic vision, amateur teams can transform their competitive scrims into powerful learning experiences. The journey to becoming a top-tier team is incremental, built on consistent effort and a commitment to collective growth.