LCS: Doublelift Bashed NA’s Mindset So Here’s 5 Ways Teams Can Fix It

5. Rethink Practice

One of the most interesting discussion points that LS and Doublelift talked about what when LS asked why teams do not employ “blitz scrims” where teams only play out the first 10-15 minutes of a game before re-making. Doublelift didn’t really have an answer, but the fact that LS is asking this question indicates that this is a practice strategy that is being used or considered in Korea, but not in the LCS.

To me, I’ve always felt that the system of practice for LCS players is incredibly archaic and unproductive. Having players queue up for games over and over is only useful if the team has a focus to try a certain composition or improving at one certain strategy. Clearly, from the information we have learned, LCS teams do not do this.

Playing games against various opponents can’t really help teams improve their in-game decision-making other than in VOD review, can’t let them practice certain compositions without sacrificing some of their very few scrims. In no other sport does a team spend the majority of their practice time just playing the game out. Instead, they do drills or simulate scenarios (like what the blitz scrim would offer) to improve specific areas of weakness and have the opportunity to get a lot of repetitions in practicing a skill.

While full scrims are certainly still valuable, the fact that so many teams are behaving so poorly with regards to scrims makes me believe that teams should look to find alternative means for practicing. In addition to blitz scrims, teams could have their players practice lane matchups in a 1v1 scenario, either against their Academy counterpart or players from another team. This would let players practice mechanics and learn matchups better.

Players can also practice scenarios against their Academy team like how to position in certain comps for Baron or dragon fights, study enemy teams’ warding tendencies, and improving their understanding of itemization. All of these specific, focused practices would help improve the overall level of play in NA.

Ultimately, the onus to improve the NA mindset is going to come down to the players. If they’re not willing to play solo queue and tryhard, to make the ladder better, NA will be weaker. If they’re not willing to go into each practice and game with their full focus and confidence, NA will be weaker. And if they’re not going to take pride in their level of play, then it’s on the owners, GMs, and coaches to make sure they are incentivized to do so, or find players who will be.