What does that mean for today’s eSports athlete? Simple: Whenever they sit in front of their keyboard, fire up their console or grab their phone, they’re doing the same things humans have done for all of history — albeit with better technology!
For example, just as traditional sports demand practice, esports athletes also need to hone their craft. That’s why we’re taking a look at player training: what it is, why it matters and how your teams can take advantage of it.
Why eSports Players Need Training
To those outside an eSports team or the gaming industry overall, it may not be immediately obvious why a professional gamer needs training. Sure, any type of tournament requires practice — but eSports players don’t rely on the same level of physical activity as their counterparts in traditional sports, don’t wear the same kinds of gear and certainly don’t face the same risks.All of that may be true — but it doesn’t capture the full picture. As every eSports athlete knows, competitive gaming can be incredibly demanding both physically and mentally. Without the proper preparation, a pro gamer can face all kinds of injuries and physical strain, particularly long-term hand, wrist and finger pain. There’s also no shortage of pressure: With some eSports pros making millions of dollars in prize money and overall earnings, individuals and teams have a lot on the line. On top of that, professional eSports players tend to retire young, with most ending their final gaming session between 20 and 26.
The trick to overcoming all of these challenges is preparation. To extend careers, improve team performance and boost immersion across every competitive gaming experience, players need to think like athletes and — just as importantly — train like athletes.
Of course, proper training doesn’t just prevent problems; it also delivers important benefits. With the right routine, a pro player can improve:
● Aim.
● Precision.
● Response time.
● Hand-eye coordination.
● Problem-solving skills.
● Collaboration and communication.
Simply put, every eSports team deserves a good training program.
Training Tips Your eSports Team Will Love
If you want to propel your eSports gamers to new heights, it’s time to put a spotlight on training. Here are some tips to help get your players on the right track:Try Warm-ups and Cooldowns
Any athlete will tell you that warmups and cooldowns are an absolute must before physical activity. The same is true for a good gaming session. Have your players make a habit of warming up before training, practice or a tournament by doing hand stretches and other gentle exercises. After the game, encourage players to cool down with similar movements or cooling technology.Always Think About Posture
Gamers know that posture is important for comfort and performance — but in the heat of the competition, it’s unlikely that your team will be focused on how they’re sitting or holding their controllers. That’s why it’s important to keep them thinking about posture during training sessions. If they make it a habit early on, posture will become instinct before, during and after the game.Create Routines
Routines have a lot of power in the human brain. It’s smart to come up with training routines that help your teams build consistency and hold one another accountable. However, training isn’t the only thing that benefits from a bit of regularity. Encourage your players to think about sleep schedules, meal times, physical activity outside of gaming and more. After all, healthy bodies and minds can perform better.Practice Scenarios
Planning specific training scenarios helps prepare eSports players for anything and everything they might face in-game. This can be as general as using a particular weapon or map, or as specific as navigating preplanned enemy techniques. Even if your teams don’t run into these exact scenarios in-game, they’ll have built the creative problem-solving skills necessary to adapt and overcome new challenges.Review Results
Many platforms and games offer the ability to record a gaming session. Have your players review their performance after training to reflect on their decisions and learn from their own mistakes. It’s equally important to focus on areas where they excel — not just to encourage good habits but to help other players pick up new skills along the way.Learn From eSports Pros
When inspiring your teams to do more, go further and be even better, don’t forget that there’s plenty to learn from the eSports industry at large. Every professional player has training tips and tricks that can help encourage others. Look to retired pros and more experienced players on your own team to share their advice.The Secret To Boosting an eSports Athlete’s Performance
It’s one thing to structure effective training sessions and keep your players on a smart schedule. However, it’s another thing entirely to ensure you’re getting the most out of this work.That’s where gaming gear comes in.
Just like any other athlete, a professional eSports player needs equipment that can help them stay comfortable, flexible and focused during the game. The right gear can potentially help prevent pain — which, in turn, improves performance, helps extend careers and reduces the risk of longer-term injuries. Gamer equipment can range from suits and gloves to game- or platform-specific wearables like virtual reality headsets.
One example is the GamerTech Magma Glove — a customizable, battle-tested glove for channeling heat, improving ergonomics and amplifying dexterity. Gamers can pull on the glove during a training or warm-up session to become familiar with the feel and features — then, when the battle is on, they’ll be ready to leverage this glove to its full potential.
“Before I used the Magma Glove, I had a lot of wrist issues,” says one gamer. “It’s helped a lot with recovery. I haven’t felt that same soreness in my wrist and forearm after eight- to ten-hour days. I’ve really enjoyed using it!”
Another player says the Magma Glove has “made it much easier for me to perform after a day of continuous practice. The lack of strain on my wrist has really assisted my gameplay.”
Overall, professional eSports gamers and casual players alike can agree that a little warmth, comfort and support goes a long way. “Just taking care of your muscles is going to take care of you in the long run,” says a third pro gamer. The truth is that when players focus more on the game than their bodies, they risk impacting their performance, reducing well-being and even adding stress to the competition. Fortunately, the right gear helps make training more effective and tournaments more enjoyable.
That means your eSports teams can have the perfect equipment before, during and after training, practice and tournaments. All it takes is the right gear at the right time.
Help Your eSports Athletes Soar
Even the best training regimen can be improved with a few tips and tricks — and it can go even further with gamer-focused gear. Help your eSports athletes reach their full potential by outfitting them with everything they need — physically and mentally — to dominate the playing field.Ready to take training to the next level? See what else GamerTech has to offer.