8 Proven Steps to Find a League of Legends eSports Coaching Job
By Charlene on Oct 6th, 2023, 10:43
League of Legends (LoL) isn't just about in-game tactics; it's also about mentoring, guidance, and strategy—areas where coaches shine. As the esports scene has grown, so has the demand for skilled coaches. This article aims to guide aspiring eSports coaches through traditional team roles and the ever-growing realm of freelance online coaching.
Even the most seasoned coaches, with their vast experience and high-ranking achievements, understand that the realm of League of Legends is ever-evolving. There's always room to refine, relearn, and reimagine strategies. Here's how you can improve and stay at the top of your coaching game:
Advanced Analytics with Platforms: While you're already familiar with platforms like Mobalytics and Porofessor, delve deeper into their advanced metrics and tools. Understand champion win rates across various ranks, matchups that might not be apparent to the general player base, and new emerging playstyles.
Engage in Thoughtful Discussions: Beyond attending community discussions, leading webinars or writing articles about the latest patches. Share your insights on which champions are 'S-tier' and support your claims with data and in-game examples. This not only reinforces your knowledge but positions you as a thought leader.
Test and Experiment: Play the game in the current meta. Experience firsthand the shifts in champion viability, item changes, and strategize counters. Nothing beats practical experience in reinforcing knowledge.
Beyond the Basics of Wave Management: Wave management is more than just freezing or slow pushing. Explore advanced tactics like proxy farming, manipulating minion aggro, or setting up waves for objectives. Discuss these intricacies in your coaching sessions, allowing students to exploit nuanced advantages.
Objective Timings and Counterplays: Objectives are pivotal to victory, but the meta often dictates how they are approached. Understand the evolving priority between Drakes, Rift Heralds, and Turrets. Also, delve into strategies around contesting, trading, or feigning objectives.
Champion Power Spikes: While every coach understands the concept of power spikes, deepen your knowledge by tracking item, level, and situational spikes. Recognize non-traditional spike moments based on game flow, such as unexpected item purchases due to an early game advantage.
Dive into Pro Player Perspectives: Understanding the team's communication during high-pressure moments can provide insights into decision-making processes.
Post-Game Breakdowns: Analysis doesn't end when the Nexus falls. Focus on post-game breakdowns, where experts dissect crucial moments. Try to think ahead or counter-argue points, refining your analytical abilities.
Engage with Analysts and Casters: Directly reach out to renowned game analysts and shoutcasters. Engage in discussions or even collaborative breakdowns of high-stakes matches. Their insights can offer fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Developing a robust portfolio is a blend of showcasing your experience, results, and insights. A well-curated portfolio sets you apart from other coaches. Here's how you can add layers of authenticity and depth to it:
Start Local: Before venturing online, consider offering coaching sessions to friends or local gaming groups. This in-person interaction can provide you with valuable feedback and initial testimonials.
Online Coaching Platforms: As you begin online coaching, ask every student for feedback after sessions. Over time, cherry-pick the most compelling testimonials to feature prominently in your portfolio.
Before-and-After Metrics: Consider adding 'before-and-after' stats along with textual testimonials. If a player climbed from Silver to Platinum under your guidance, that's tangible proof of your coaching impact. Graphical representations, for example, a player's win rate improvement over time, can be powerful visuals.
Video Endorsements: Secure video testimonials from satisfied students. These are more personal and often resonate more with potential clients or employers.
VOD Reviews: Create a library of video reviews dissecting various games. Segment them based on game phases (early, mid, late) or themes (teamfight analysis, objective control, laning phase breakdown). This gives potential students or employers a clear idea of your analytical skills.
Champion Guides: Dive deep into specific champions. Don't just cover the basics. Discuss niche mechanics and matchups, and provide tiered advice – from beginner tips to advanced strategies. These guides can be a blend of videos, infographics, and text.
Meta Analysis: The LoL meta is ever-evolving. Regularly penning down or creating videos about shifts in the meta, champion viability, and new strategies can establish you as a thought leader in the scene.
Consistency in Branding: Whether it's your YouTube channel, blog, or any other platform, ensure consistent branding. Use similar colour schemes, logos, and themes. It looks professional and aids in brand recall among your audience.
Engage with Your Audience: Don't just post content. Engage with comments, answer questions, and even host Q&A sessions. This two-way interaction fosters community, increases engagement, and builds trust.
With a fortified portfolio, you showcase your skills and establish credibility and trust. Remember, results speak louder than words in coaching, and a well-crafted portfolio shouts your achievements from the rooftops.
In the vast world of eSports, it's not just what you know but who you know. Networking, when done effectively, can dramatically accelerate your coaching career. Let's delve deeper into the techniques and venues where you can make your mark:
Engage on Subreddits: Platforms like r/summonerschool aren't just for beginners. Aspiring coaches, analysts, and even professional players lurk and discuss the game's intricacies. When contributing, ensure your comments are insightful, backed with evidence, and open for discussion. Avoid being confrontational, and always aim to foster a learning environment.
Discord Communities: Joining communities on Discord is invaluable. Real-time interactions allow spontaneous discussions, mock drafts, and even impromptu coaching sessions. Be active, offer free advice, and gradually, networking opportunities emerge.
Local and Regional Tournaments: Don't just stick to the virtual realm. Attending local League of Legends events, programs, or tournaments is super helpful, too. Personal interactions often lead to deeper connections and opportunities. If you can, offer to give on-the-spot analysis or game breakdowns. Such initiatives showcase your enthusiasm and expertise.
Become a Familiar Face: Platforms like WeCoach aren't merely for listing your services. Participate actively in Discord servers, answer queries in the Q&A sections, and participate in panel discussions if they offer them.
Share Success Stories: Got a testimonial that speaks volumes about your coaching method? Share it! But remember, the emphasis should be on the student's growth and how they overcame challenges, not just a self-praising narrative.
Collaborate with Fellow Coaches: Engage with other coaches on these platforms. Sharing insights, conducting joint sessions, or creating collaborative content can expand your reach. Such collaborations often bring forth fresh perspectives and can be a learning experience.
Feedback is Gold: Just as you'd seek feedback after coaching sessions, seek it for your participation on these platforms. Understand what potential students or teams are looking for, and tailor your engagement accordingly.
Lastly, networking is as much about giving as it is about taking. Offer value, be it through advice, content, or mentorship. Authentic, value-driven networking propels you into the spotlight and earns you respect and trust within the LoL community, a foundation upon which successful coaching careers are built.
In the digital age, online platforms are the bridges connecting coaches with eager learners globally. These platforms provide visibility, structure, and a vast audience. However, to effectively leverage them, you must understand their intricacies and optimize your presence:
Diverse Platforms, Diverse Audiences: Platforms like WeCoach and ProGuides cater to different subsets of the gaming community. Some might be favoured by beginners, others by intermediate players looking to break into higher ranks, and others by semi-pro players honing specific skills. Research to identify where your target audience spends the most time.
Stay Updated with Trends: The digital coaching realm is dynamic. New platforms emerge, features get added, and user preferences evolve. Regularly check platform reviews, feedback sections, and community forums to stay informed.
Engage Beyond Coaching: Many platforms offer more than just coaching sessions. Participate in webinars, write articles if the platform has a blog, or even create video content. This multi-dimensional engagement increases your visibility and showcases your expertise.
Crafting a Compelling Bio: Your bio is often the first impression you make. Start with a solid opening statement encapsulating your coaching philosophy. Then, delve into your credentials, experience, and specializations. Personalize it; share a success story or why you're passionate about coaching.
Transparent Rates and Packages: List your rates and any packages you offer. Consider offering a discounted trial session or bundle rates for multiple sessions. This can attract students who are on the fence about committing.
Response Time Matters: Quick and courteous responses showcase professionalism. If the platform has a messaging feature, check it regularly. Even if you can't conduct a session immediately, a prompt reply can secure a booking for later.
Highlight Your Unique Methodology: What sets you apart from other coaches? You may have a knack for identifying and rectifying gameplay habits or an extensive repertoire of drills. Highlight these in your bio.
Reviews and Ratings: Encourage satisfied students to leave reviews. Positive feedback boosts your credibility. Respond to positive and negative reviews showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.
Remember, online platforms amplify your reach, but the competition is fierce. By thoroughly understanding the landscape and meticulously crafting your profile, you can stand out and draw students eager to learn under your guidance.
The Power of Pro Bono: Initially, offer free sessions. It's an investment—positive feedback can attract paying students or teams later.
Diversify Your Portfolio: While team coaching focuses on synergy and strategy, individual coaching dives deep into mechanics and decision-making. Showcasing prowess in both can increase your marketability.
Establish Your Brand: A dedicated X.com handle for coaching updates, YouTube for VOD reviews, and Twitch for live coaching sessions can significantly boost visibility.
Consistency is Crucial: Regular content—tweets, video uploads, or streaming—keeps your audience engaged and attracts potential students or teams.
Becoming an eSports coach is a journey, and like any traveller, there's always something new on the horizon. By incorporating feedback and dedicating yourself to perpetual learning, you hone your skills and solidify your position as a trusted and reliable coach in the competitive world of League of Legends.
Proactive Request for Feedback: After every session, make it a practice to ask for feedback. Provide students a structured way to give feedback, perhaps through a short survey or a feedback form. This makes it easier for them and ensures you get comprehensive insights.
Embracing Negative Feedback: While hard to digest, negative feedback can be a gold mine for improvement. Instead of getting defensive, view it as a roadmap highlighting areas that require attention. Remember, every piece of criticism is an opportunity in disguise.
Open Dialogue: Maintain an open channel of communication with your students. Sometimes, they might have suggestions or areas they'd like to focus on more in the future. You can tailor your sessions to fit their needs better by being receptive.
Patch Notes Analysis: Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, releases bi-weekly patches that can shake up the meta. Dedicate time to analyze patch notes thoroughly. Go beyond just reading them—watch discussions, participate in theory-crafting sessions, and experiment in-game to truly grasp the implications.
Collaborate with Fellow Coaches: Sharing insights with other coaches can provide a fresh perspective. They might've noticed nuances or interactions that you missed. Regularly schedule brainstorming sessions or discussions to keep each other updated.
Engage in Professional Development: Consider joining coaching workshops, online courses, or even getting certifications. These bolster your coaching acumen and add to your credibility in the eyes of potential students or teams.
Play the Game: It might seem obvious, but actively playing League of Legends is essential. Not only does it give you firsthand experience of the game's current state, but it also helps you empathize with your students, understand their struggles, and offer practical solutions.
A coach's journey doesn't end with a successful session or a top-tier student. It's an ongoing process of self-improvement and adaptation. Keeping your finger on the game's pulse and valuing feedback ensures that your coaching remains relevant, impactful, and sought-after in the League of Legends community.
Know Your Teams: If applying to teams, research their history. Tailor your application to address specific issues they've faced in past games.
Visibility Across Platforms: Diversify your presence across multiple best coaching websites. Each has its audience, increasing your chances of finding the right fit.
Becoming a League of Legends coach and landing a dream job is no small feat, but with dedication, persistence, and the right strategies, it's more than making a living, but a journey well within reach. As you venture to the next level, remember that every top-tier coach started somewhere, refined their craft, and steadily made their mark. With passion as your compass and these steps as your guide, you'll see yourself thrive in the world of LoL coaching. Best of luck on your journey!
