Lecture Notes: Coaching on Video Game Mechanics

Introduction

• Player discusses recent performance and experiences in a game.
• Importance of coaching and fundamental game mechanics emphasized.

Getting Coaching

• Desire to improve due to investment of time in the game.
• The player has been active since season six but is serious about improvement now.
• Recognition of weaknesses in fundamental skills and aim to get better.

Game Strategies and Builds

Item Builds

• Discussion about item effectiveness: Yus, Thea, and new Hydra.
• New Hydra's burst potential when used with abilities.
• Concerns around Hydra’s cost and effectiveness compared to alternative items, such as dark swords.
  • Cost vs damage output analyzed.
  • Benefit of building more long swords for damage.

Champion Mechanics

• Talon as an assassin is highlighted for its burst potential and mobility.
• Importance of wave clear discussed — Talon's ability to one-shot waves with W Max once certain levels are achieved.
• The importance of maintaining map pressure and roaming effectively as Talon.

Rune Selection

• Ult Hunter rune mentioned as potentially overvalued.
• Treasure Hunter discussed but deemed situationally better suited for junglers/supports.
  • Relentless Hunter vs Treasure Hunter debated.
  • Emphasis on the need for consistent rune benefits.

In-Game Decision Making

• Aggressive plays and ganking strategies discussed, especially around bot lane.
  • The importance of assessing enemy abilities and state before engaging.
  • Coordination with the team (Fiddlesticks) emphasized.

Roaming Strategies

• The importance of timing and objectives when roaming discussed.
  • Need to push waves and recall effectively before making plays.
  • Should prioritize keeping track of enemy movements and using sweeper wards for vision.

Misplays and Learning Opportunities

• Recognizing bad trades and when to evade enemy ganks.
• Discussion of how player traded inefficiently during the game.
• The importance of farming and vision clear during lane phase.
• Emphasis on learning through review of gameplay mistakes.

Late Game Decision Making

• Importance of high-level decision making in late game.
  • The game can often be lost or won in team fights; care must be taken when engaging.
  • Need to assess whether going for objectives is the best play at any given moment.

Mental and Physical Preparation

• Recognizes that physical strain (e.g., from boxing) might affect in-game performance.
• Suggestions for improving focus discussed, including potential changes in setup and hand positioning.