So You Want to Be a League of Legends Coach? A Guide (Mostly) From Someone Who's Not Faker
Ah, the glamorous life of a League of Legends coach. You get to yell at people (constructively, of course) from the comfort of your own chair, witness epic fails that would make blooper reels weep, and maybe, just maybe, help some poor souls climb out of Bronze. But before you strap on your metaphorical coaching whistle and dream of LCS analyst fame, there's a few things you should know.
Master the Craft (Without Losing Your Mind)
Game Knowledge is King (and Queen): This one's a no-brainer. You gotta know your Aatrox from your Amumu, your champion matchups like the back of your hand. Every champion's power spikes, weaknesses, and that weird cheese strat you saw on a questionable YouTube channel – all valuable intel.
But Remember, You're Not Faker: While emulating the map awareness of a pro might be your goal, aiming for their mechanics is a recipe for frustration (for you and your student). Focus on core fundamentals – wave management, map awareness, objective control – that apply to everyone, not just the next big streamer.
Don't Be a Patch Slave: The meta may shift faster than a Singed fling, but focus on teaching core concepts that stay relevant. Acing champion rotations in one patch will still translate to better map movement in the next, even if the flavor-of-the-month jungler changes.
Coaching 101: Patience is Your Most Important Rune
We All Start Somewhere (Even You): Your student might be the embodiment of every frustrating teammate you've ever had, but remember, everyone starts somewhere. Bronze to Challenger is a marathon, not a sprint, so buckle up for the long haul.
Positive Vibes Only (Except When They Int): Tilt is contagious, and the last thing your student needs is a coach who flames harder than a Dragon fight. Channel your inner Mr. Rogers and focus on positive reinforcement, even when they miss every CS under tower.
Be the Analyst They Never Had (But Kinda Needed): VOD reviews are your friend. Help your student identify patterns in their gameplay, good and bad. Replays are a great tool to break down mistakes and develop winning strategies.
Be Flexible, My Friend: Not everyone learns the same way. Some students thrive on visual aids, others need a good verbal beatdown (phrased nicely, of course). Adapt your coaching style to their needs, or risk losing them to a coach who speaks their language (literally and metaphorically).
Bonus Round: The Coach's Survival Guide
Mute Button: Your Lifeline: Some champions (and players) are designed to test your patience. There's a reason the mute button exists, use it liberally to protect your sanity.
Develop a Thick Skin: Not everyone will take kindly to your coaching, even if it's gold. Learn to brush off criticism and focus on the students who appreciate your wisdom (and maybe even pay for it).
Take Breaks: League can be intense, and coaching adds another layer of stress. Take breaks to avoid burnout, grab a snack, maybe even go for a walk to cool down after a particularly… “spirited” session.
Remember, becoming a League of Legends coach is a journey, filled with both hilarious fails and triumphant victories (yours and your student's). So, if you have the game knowledge, the patience of a Saint, and a genuine desire to help others improve, then by all means, grab your metaphorical coaching whistle and dive in! Just be prepared for the ride, because it's definitely not for the faint of heart (or easily tilted).
