High-Performing Esports Teams

# Best Practices, Skills, Techniques, and Tactics of High-Performing Esports Teams



## Introduction

In professional esports, talent alone doesn’t win championships — it’s the **combined effort, mindset, and preparation** of **high-performing teams** that makes the difference. Whether competing in *League of Legends*, *Valorant*, *Rocket League*, or *Counter-Strike*, elite teams demonstrate clear **characteristics**, practice effective **team dynamics**, and consistently refine their **skills, tactics, and formations**.

This article explores:

* The essential **qualities of high-performing players** and **teams**
* The **tactics and techniques** used by elite esports squads
* Real-world team examples and how they operate
* Best practices that players and coaches can apply
* External links and further reading



## What Makes a High-Performing Team?

A high-performing esports team consistently:

* Achieves competitive success
* Communicates effectively
* Adapts to changing strategies
* Supports personal growth of its members
* Upholds a strong and positive reputation

These teams combine **individual excellence** with **team synergy**, creating a performance level that is greater than the sum of its parts.



## Characteristics of High-Performing **Players**

### 1. **Professionalism**

Top players understand that esports is a **career**, not just a hobby.

* They stick to training schedules
* Respect teammates and staff
* Communicate constructively
* Represent their team and sponsors with maturity

**Example**:
Pro player *Perkz* (LoL) is known for his leadership and discipline, even switching roles to help his team win.



### 2. **Positive Attitude**

Winning is important — but learning from losses is key.

High-performing players:

* Stay calm under pressure
* Encourage teammates
* Remain solution-focused, not blame-focused

**Pro Tip**:
Teams often assess **“tilt resistance”** in tryouts — can the player stay composed after a losing streak?



### 3. **Problem Solving**

Esports requires **real-time critical thinking**. Top players:

* Read the enemy team’s strategies
* Adapt their positioning, builds, or timings
* Think ahead and communicate plans

**Example**:
In *Valorant*, a player might recognise an enemy team's site hit pattern and suggest a rotation or stack before the play happens.



## Characteristics of High-Performing **Teams**

### 1. **Role Models On and Off the Server**

Elite teams behave professionally at all times:

* On-stream behaviour aligns with values (no toxicity)
* Social media is clean and brand-safe
* Players take responsibility for mistakes
* Appearances at events and interviews show maturity

**Example**:
[Team Liquid](https://www.teamliquid.com/) promotes its players not just for their wins, but for their community involvement and sportsmanship.



### 2. **Team Dynamics**

High-level team dynamics include:

| Dynamic | Description |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Trust** | Players rely on one another's decisions and reactions |
| **Role Clarity** | Everyone knows their responsibilities in-game |
| **Conflict Resolution** | Problems are solved through communication, not arguments |
| **Accountability** | Players admit to misplays and work to improve |
| **Constructive Feedback** | Criticism is framed positively and with purpose |



### 3. **Ability to Adapt to Opposition Strategies**

Top teams constantly:

* Scout opponents
* Prepare counter strategies
* Adjust their play mid-game based on what they observe

**Example**:
In *Dota 2*, teams will ban the enemy’s comfort picks and draft disruptive heroes to force mistakes.

**Best Practice**:
Hold a post-game review and a **pre-match “scouting report”** on opposition habits and map preferences.



### 4. **Personal and Team Appearance**

Just like in traditional sports, appearance can reflect **seriousness and pride**.

* Branded jerseys or uniforms at events
* Clean, professional setups for streaming or LANs
* Organised and calm behaviour on stage

**Why it matters**:

* Builds **audience and sponsor trust**
* Signals a **serious team culture**
* Contributes to a team’s **marketability and legacy**



## Skills, Techniques, and Tactics of High-Performing Teams

### Solo vs Team Play

| Type | Explanation | Example |
| ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Solo Play** | Individual mechanics, game knowledge, and micro decisions | Outplaying 1v1s, clutching rounds |
| **Team Play** | Communication, positioning, synergy, macro strategy | Coordinated pushes, crossfires, team fights |

Elite players **excel at both** — they can win duels, but also support team objectives.



### Common High-Level Techniques

#### 1. **Crossfire Setup** (FPS)

* Two players hold the same area from different angles.
* Ensures a trade or double-kill if enemies push.

#### 2. **Wombo Combo** (MOBA)

* Combining ultimates for maximum teamfight damage.
* E.g., *Malphite + Orianna + Miss Fortune* in *League of Legends*

#### 3. **Fake Rotations** (FPS)

* Pretend to rotate away to trick enemy rotations.
* Common in *Valorant* and *CS2*.

#### 4. **Wave Management** (MOBA)

* Freezing, pushing, or slow-pushing waves to control lane state.

#### 5. **Boost and Peek Mechanics** (FPS)

* Boosting a teammate onto a ledge for surprise vision or angle advantage.

#### 6. **Demo Control** (Rocket League)

* Coordinated demolitions to disrupt rotation and force an opening.



### Team Tactics by Genre

| Game | Tactical Focus |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ |
| *Valorant / CS2* | Execute timing, map control, utility management |
| *LoL / Dota 2* | Wave control, jungle pathing, objective fights, vision |
| *Rocket League* | Rotation, pressure cycles, passing plays |
| *Overwatch 2* | Ultimate economy, point control, composition counters |
| *Fortnite* | Zone awareness, build fights, third-party timing |



## Case Studies: Teams That Excel in These Areas

### 1. **G2 Esports (Valorant)**

* Known for disciplined **utility usage** and **fake site plays**.
* High communication standards and fluid team roles.

[Watch G2 highlights](https://www.youtube.com/c/G2Esports)



### 2. **T1 (League of Legends)**

* Famous for in-depth preparation and **macro gameplay**.
* They track cooldowns, vision control, and rotations flawlessly.

[Watch T1 coaching sessions and VODs](https://www.youtube.com/@T1LoL)


### 3. **Moist Esports (Rocket League)**

* Excel in **rotational discipline** and **team synergy**.
* Prioritise structured communication and calm gameplay.

[Moist Rocket League Analysis](https://liquipedia.net/rocketleague/Moist_Esports)



### 4. **Team Spirit (Dota 2 – The International 10 Winners)**

* Adapted to unexpected strategies throughout the tournament.
* Strong use of **off-meta heroes** and **drafting creativity**.

[Watch their TI10 documentary](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rp6AcFSD_c)



## Best Practices of High-Performing Teams

| Best Practice | Why It Matters |
| ----------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| **Regular VOD Review** | Fix micro and macro errors |
| **Scrim Variety** | Train against different playstyles |
| **In-House Conflict Management** | Avoid interpersonal tension |
| **Balanced Training Schedules** | Prevents burnout and maintains motivation |
| **Coach Feedback Integration** | Helps implement strategic improvements |
| **Mental and Physical Health Monitoring** | Supports long-term performance |



## Communication: The Heart of Team Success

### Verbal Skills

* **Clear callouts**
* **Structured decision-making** (e.g., “I flash, then you peek”)
* **Status sharing** (“My ult in 20 sec” or “Need a rotate”)

### Non-Verbal Skills

* **Pings**
* **Map drawing (MOBA/RTS)**
* **In-game positioning**
* **Mini-movements to signal tactics**

> Effective teams use both — especially when voice comms get hectic.



## Soft Skills and Team Mindset

| Skill | Description |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------ |
| **Resilience** | Bouncing back from losses or tilt |
| **Focus** | Avoiding distractions, locking in |
| **Adaptability** | Changing roles, tactics, or comms under pressure |
| **Empathy** | Understanding teammates' perspectives and limits |
| **Growth Mindset** | Constant learning and iteration |



## Fun Facts

* **League of Legends World Champions (2023)** wore matching suits to the finals to demonstrate **team unity and professionalism**.
* In *CS2*, teams like **NAVI** have **comm drills** as part of practice — practicing saying less but conveying more.
* The **average age** of players on top teams is often under 23 — but they usually have full-time analysts, coaches, and nutritionists behind them.



## Useful Links and Further Reading

* **British Esports Association – Team Play Resources**
[https://britishesports.org](https://britishesports.org)

* **G2 Esports Team Site**
[https://g2esports.com](https://g2esports.com)

* **LoL Esports Global**
[https://lolesports.com](https://lolesports.com)

* **Esports Coaching Academy**
[https://coachingacademy.gg](https://coachingacademy.gg)

* **Red Bull – Inside a Pro Esports Team**
[https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/what-it-takes-to-be-a-pro-esports-team](https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/what-it-takes-to-be-a-pro-esports-team)



## Final Thoughts

A high-performing esports team is built on **professional individuals**, **structured tactics**, and **a powerful team culture**. Whether you’re aiming to compete at a high level or improve as a team in class, focus on:

Building trust and clear communication
Practicing both solo mechanics and team play
Adapting to your opponents and to patches
Holding each other accountable while growing together