How can you get the best feedback from your esports mentor?

1 Choose the right mentor

The first step is to find a mentor who is qualified, experienced, and compatible with your goals and learning style. You want someone who has proven success in your chosen game or genre, who can communicate clearly and respectfully, and who can challenge you without discouraging you. You can look for mentors online, through platforms like Gamer Sensei or ProGuides, or through your own network of contacts and friends. Before you commit to a mentor, make sure you have a clear agreement on the expectations, goals, and feedback methods.

2 Prepare for feedback sessions

The second step is to prepare yourself for receiving feedback from your mentor. This means being open-minded, respectful, and willing to learn from your mistakes. You also need to have a clear idea of what you want to improve on, and what specific questions or issues you want to address. You can use tools like replays, stats, or notes to document your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also ask your mentor to review your gameplay and provide feedback on specific aspects, such as strategy, mechanics, or decision-making.

3 Listen and ask questions

The third step is to listen carefully and actively to the feedback that your mentor gives you. You want to understand the reasoning behind their suggestions, the goals they have for you, and the steps they want you to take to improve. You also want to ask questions to clarify any doubts, confusion, or disagreements. You can use the Socratic method, which involves asking open-ended questions that invite deeper explanation and reflection. For example, you can ask your mentor why they think a certain move was good or bad, how they would handle a different scenario, or what they think you can do better next time.

4 Apply and practice

The fourth step is to apply the feedback that you received from your mentor and practice it until you master it. You want to make sure that you understand the feedback and that you can implement it in your gameplay. You can use drills, exercises, or custom games to practice specific skills or strategies that your mentor recommended. You can also use scrimmages, tournaments, or ranked games to test your progress and performance in real situations. You can track your improvement by using metrics, goals, or feedback forms.

5 Reflect and evaluate

The fifth step is to reflect on the feedback that you received from your mentor and evaluate its impact on your gameplay. You want to assess how well you applied the feedback, how much you improved, and what challenges or difficulties you faced. You can use self-evaluation tools, such as journals, logs, or surveys, to record your thoughts and feelings about the feedback process. You can also use peer evaluation tools, such as feedback from teammates, opponents, or coaches, to get a different perspective on your performance.