Are you struggling to get out of silver?
Two months ago, I was hard stuck in silver. I would go into every game thinking about everything I needed to improve, but it didn't help. I would win a few games, but almost immediately cancel those out with some more losses.
I wanted to prove to myself that I could climb the ranks - that I could get out of silver.
In order for me to improve my game and get out of silver, I need to get a few things straight:
I needed to learn how to aim
I needed to understand how to use utility
And I needed consistency in maps (playing a different map each game with no consistency was not my ticket to success)
If this sounds like you, or you've been trying to figure out ways to consistency improve, let me save you some time and give you the recipe that allowed me to rank up.
Secret #1: I needed to learn how to aim
First things first, I needed to start practicing my aim.
I started, and consistently used, the below aim training routine before queuing up for any competitive matches. In my opinion, this was where the largest part of my improvement came from:
CSGOHUB Skills Training Map by csgostats.gg - As soon as I loaded up the game, I immediately started by loading into this map. In this map, I went to prefire training and did 3 rounds. For each round, I would try to improve my time versus the previous round.
Aim Botz - Training by Mr. uLLeticaL - After I was done with the 3 rounds on CSGOHUB, I loaded up this map and would start by hitting 50 headshots to the left and then hitting 50 headshots to the right. After that, I would practice one step counterstrafing then shooting (headshot) to the left and then one step counterstrafing then shooting (headshot) to the right. I repeated this sequence for 50 kills.
FAST AIM/REFLEX MAP - TRAINING [DUST2] - In this final map, I would practice pistol headshots for 50-100 kills and then practice rifle skills (mainly AK) with full spray, giving me practice with recoil.
With this routine in place, I began to feel the difference, even after the first session.
Secret #2: I needed to understand how to use utility
Before this point, I had used utility whenever I felt like it, throwing grenades at random times.
I started looking up specific line-ups on csgonades.com and the game completely changed. Instead of my teammates having to run into 1v1 battles hoping they were better than the opponent, I could now stack the deck in our team's favor by tossing a perfectly placed flashbang before the 1v1 took place, rocketing the 1v1/entry success rate. Smoking off key sniper positions and placing molotovs/incendiary grenades in perfect hiding spots would completely throw the enemy team off and boost my team's success rate by the needed amount.
With utility figured out, I was at a completely different level and I was playing with my team instead of for myself.
Secret #3: I needed consistency in maps
Each new map had multiple nuanced sniper spots, hiding places, and grenade line-ups - learning all of the maps was not the key to my success.
I began just playing on one map - dust 2. In the first few games, I really didn't notice a difference. Then, after about 10 games, I realized that I started, subconsciously, picking up on different timings - if on T side, I jump down with the SSG, I know that I can try for a pick between the double doors within 2-3 seconds of the game starting. If on CT side - A long - I throw a flash after the initial enemy flashes, I can get a pick. After more games, I started to figure out where the best enemy angles were and how to take advantage of them.
Once I figured out all of the advantages that consistent practice on one map gave me, each game became a bit easier - I felt like I had the advantage over the enemy.
By doing these 3 things, I immediately started ranking up.
And what I learned was that in order to consistently rank up, I needed consistent practice in these 3 areas.
If you give 100% during practice, competitive play feels easy.