How can amateur esports teams optimize scrims for faster skill growth?

The Untapped Potential of Structured Scrims

For aspiring professional esports players and amateur teams, scrims (scrimmages) are the lifeblood of skill development and competitive readiness. Yet, many teams fall into the trap of simply playing games without a clear purpose, hindering their growth. Optimizing scrims isn’t just about playing more; it’s about playing smarter. By implementing structured approaches, amateur teams can transform casual practice sessions into highly effective learning experiences that accelerate individual and collective skill.

Set Clear, Measurable Objectives

Before even queuing up, a successful scrim session starts with defined goals. Instead of a vague ‘win the game,’ focus on specific, actionable objectives. These could be individual goals, like a support player focusing on ward placement efficiency or a duelist practicing specific entry timings. Team goals might include refining a new rotational strategy, improving objective control, or successfully executing a specific team composition.

Having a brief pre-scrim meeting to outline these goals ensures everyone is on the same page and knows what to prioritize beyond just winning. This targeted approach allows for focused practice and clearer feedback.

Implement a Structured Approach to Gameplay

During the scrim, it’s vital to maintain a structured mindset. This means active communication, calling out mistakes, and trying out new strategies even if it means losing the round or game. Resist the urge to revert to old habits simply because a new approach feels uncomfortable or leads to immediate setbacks. Scrims are for experimentation and learning, not solely for victory.

Consider pausing between rounds or games for quick huddles to discuss immediate takeaways, adapt strategies, or address glaring issues. This ‘live feedback’ can prevent bad habits from persisting throughout the session.

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

Amateur teams often believe that more scrims automatically lead to more growth. However, a handful of highly focused, well-analyzed scrims can be far more beneficial than a dozen aimless ones. Avoid burnout by scheduling manageable scrim blocks. Ensure each session has a dedicated facilitator or leader who keeps the team focused on their objectives.

If a scrim partner isn’t providing the level of challenge or strategic diversity needed, it’s okay to seek out new opponents. The quality of your opposition directly impacts the quality of your learning.

Master the Art of VOD Review

The post-scrim VOD (Video On Demand) review is arguably the most critical component of skill growth. Every scrim should be recorded and reviewed thoroughly. This isn’t just about identifying mistakes; it’s about understanding why they happened and how to prevent them. Dedicate specific time slots for VOD review, treating it with the same importance as playing the scrim itself.

During review, focus on:

• Individual Performance: Each player should identify their own misplays, positioning errors, or missed opportunities.
• Team Synergy: Analyze team fights, rotations, objective pushes, and communication breakdowns.
• Strategic Execution: Did the team follow the pre-scrim plan? What worked, and what didn’t?
• Opponent Analysis: What did the opposing team do well? What weaknesses did they expose?

Constructive criticism is key. Foster an environment where feedback is given and received respectfully, with the ultimate goal of collective improvement.

Effective Communication and Constructive Feedback

Open and honest communication is the backbone of an improving team. During scrims, callouts should be clear, concise, and actionable. After scrims, feedback sessions should be structured. Start with positive observations, then move to areas for improvement. Avoid personal attacks and focus on in-game actions and decisions.

Encourage every team member to contribute to discussions and to voice their perspectives. Sometimes, the quietest player might have a crucial insight. A strong team culture built on trust and mutual respect will make these difficult conversations much more productive.

Adapt and Iterate for Continuous Improvement

The lessons learned from scrims and VOD reviews should not stay on the whiteboard; they must be applied in subsequent sessions. Implement new strategies, refine old ones, and continuously adjust based on performance. This iterative process is how teams truly evolve.

Regularly reassess your team’s goals and progress. Are you hitting your objectives? Are there new areas of focus emerging? Continuous adaptation ensures your scrims remain relevant and effective for your team’s current stage of development.

Conclusion

Optimizing scrims is a journey, not a destination. For amateur esports teams, transforming practice from aimless games into a structured, analytical process is the fastest route to significant skill growth. By setting clear objectives, structuring gameplay, prioritizing quality, mastering VOD review, fostering effective communication, and continuously adapting, teams can unlock their full potential and ascend the competitive ladder.