How can amateur teams improve crucial in-game shot-calling & comms?

The Foundation of Competitive Success: Why Comms Matter

In the high-stakes world of esports, the difference between victory and defeat often hinges on more than just mechanical skill. For amateur teams striving to climb the ranks, crisp, timely, and effective in-game communication – often referred to as “comms” – and decisive shot-calling are absolutely critical. While individual brilliance can win skirmishes, superior teamwork coordinated through excellent comms wins games. This article will explore practical strategies for amateur teams to significantly improve these vital aspects of their play.

Establishing Clear Communication Principles

Before diving into complex strategies, teams must establish fundamental communication guidelines. These principles lay the groundwork for effective information exchange:

• Clarity and Conciseness: Avoid jargon, filler words, or overly long sentences. Get straight to the point. Instead of “I think there might be someone coming from the left side, be careful,” try “Enemy top lane, pushing left!”
• Active Listening: Communication is a two-way street. Players must not only speak clearly but also actively listen to their teammates, processing information quickly and reacting appropriately.
• Relevance: Only communicate information that is immediately actionable or vital for the team’s current objective. Unnecessary chatter creates noise and can drown out crucial calls.
• Tone and Demeanor: Maintain a calm and collected tone, even in high-pressure situations. Panicked or aggressive comms can spread anxiety and impair decision-making.

Developing a Structured Shot-Calling System

Shot-calling is the art of making in-game decisions and directing the team’s actions. Without a clear system, multiple players might call conflicting plays, leading to confusion and hesitation.

Designating a Primary Shot-Caller

Ideally, one player should be designated as the primary shot-caller for most macro decisions (e.g., when to take an objective, push a lane, or rotate). This individual should have a strong game sense, a strategic mind, and the respect of their teammates. While the primary shot-caller has the final say, all players should be encouraged to provide relevant information and suggest plays.

Establishing Micro Calls and Roles

Beyond the primary shot-caller, other players often excel at making “micro calls” specific to their roles or immediate vicinity. For example, a support player might call out enemy cooldowns, while a jungler calls for ganks or objective control. Define who calls what in specific scenarios to avoid overlaps and ensure all critical information is covered.

Pre-Set Calls and Contingency Plans

Develop a library of pre-set calls and strategies for common scenarios (e.g., “fast baron,” “split push,” “defend base”). Discuss contingency plans for when things go wrong. This reduces on-the-fly decision-making time and allows for quicker execution.

Practice, Review, and Refine

Improving comms and shot-calling isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a continuous process that requires dedicated practice and analysis.

Dedicated Comms Drills

Beyond regular scrims, teams can run specific drills focusing solely on communication. For instance, play a game with the objective of making only essential calls, or practice rapid-fire information relay. Some teams even practice calling out plays with their screens off, relying purely on teammate information.

The Power of VOD Review

One of the most effective tools for improvement is video-on-demand (VOD) review. Record your gameplay and re-watch it as a team. Pay close attention to:

• Missed Calls: What information was not relayed?
• Unclear Calls: Which calls were confusing or misinterpreted?
• Timing: Were calls made too late or too early?
• Shot-Calling Effectiveness: Did the team follow the calls? Were the calls strategically sound?
• Emotional Regulation: Did frustration or panic affect comms?

Constructive feedback during VOD review is crucial. Focus on specific instances and discuss how to improve without personal attacks.

Tools and Techniques for Enhanced Comms

Leverage in-game tools and adopt specific techniques to streamline communication.

• Ping Systems: Most competitive games have robust ping systems. Use them effectively for non-verbal communication, pointing out specific locations, targets, or warnings without breaking verbal flow.
• Hotkeys for Important Information: Set up hotkeys for quick access to scoreboards, enemy ult timers, or other crucial information that can be called out rapidly.
• Concise Callouts: Develop a team lexicon for common situations. For example, “mid-missing” instead of “the enemy player in the middle lane is not there anymore.”

Fostering a Positive and Trusting Environment

Ultimately, communication thrives in an environment of trust and mutual respect. Amateur teams must actively cultivate this culture:

• Trust in Shot-Calling: Once a call is made, trust your shot-caller and execute the plan. Discuss alternative strategies during downtime, not mid-fight.
• Constructive Feedback: Encourage an open environment where players can give and receive feedback without feeling attacked. Frame feedback around improvement, not blame.
• Emotional Regulation: Learn to manage tilt and frustration. Negative emotions can quickly degrade communication quality and team cohesion.
• Team Building: Spend time together outside of the game. Building stronger personal relationships can translate into better in-game chemistry and communication.

Conclusion

Improving crucial in-game shot-calling and communication is a journey, not a destination. It requires consistent effort, disciplined practice, and a commitment from every team member. By establishing clear principles, structuring shot-calling roles, leveraging VOD review, utilizing available tools, and fostering a positive team environment, amateur esports teams can transform their comms from a chaotic free-for-all into a finely tuned, strategic weapon, paving their way to competitive success.