Are you a first time coach? Or are you coaching players in a game you are not fully an expert on? Coaching a game you do not know can feel uncomfortable at first. Your players might know every map, character, and strategy. You might feel like you are always behind. But that's normal.

You don't need to be the best player in the room to be a good coach. Your job is to guide the team, not to top the scoreboard. You focus on structure, habits, communication, and growth. The game is the context, not the whole job.

So, how can you coach what you don't know, especially in the world of video games? In this article, we'll guide you to get started.

Difference Between Coaching and Teaching

When you are coaching esports, it's crucial to focus on "what" rather than "how." In the context of games, there is a distinction between teaching and coaching.

Teaching focuses on how to play. It explains mechanics, roles, and controls.

• Showing how to rotate

• Explaining abilities

• Breaking down basic strategies

Coaching focuses on what needs to change so the team improves.

• Setting goals

• Reviewing decisions

• Guiding communication

• Building a healthy team culture

As an esports coach, your value is in structure, reflection, and support. You ask good questions, keep the team organized, and help players think clearly about their choices.

7 Steps to Coach Games You Do Not Know

1. Learn the Basics

Start with the fundamentals. You only need enough to follow what your players are doing.

Focus on:

• The main objective of the game

• Basic roles or positions

• How a typical match flows

Use short tutorials, official guides, or intro videos. If time is limited, a structured curriculum that gives you organized lessons and vocabulary, so you do not have to build everything from scratch.

2. Review Gameplay Videos

Visual learning is highly effective, and esports is no exception. Watching gameplay videos, developer updates, and patch notes can enhance your understanding of the game. However, passive observation is not enough. Interactive learning, where you watch and then engage with the content in-game is vital to accelerating the learning process.

Ask your players what is happening, pause and ask why they chose a certain play and look for patterns in successes and mistakes.

3. Use Training Programs and Resources

You do not need to create all drills on your own. Use resources that break down skills and concepts. A structured esports curriculum gives you lesson plans, interactive activities, reflection tasks and more. This helps you run consistent sessions even if you are still learning the game. You focus on facilitation instead of inventing content.

4. Learn from the Students

Your players already know the game. Treat them as partners. Don't hesitate to learn from your players. They may have unique insights and strategies that can benefit your coaching approach. Encourage them to share their strategies, tips, and insights. This can foster a collaborative learning environment.

5. Play the Game Yourself

You do not have to be good. You just need to try. Put your knowledge into practice in the game. While it might sound obvious, the best way to understand a game is to play it. Dive in and get a first-hand experience. Even a few matches give you better context when you watch your team compete.

6. Focus on Teamwork and Communication

Strong teams win more often than random groups of skilled players. You can coach that even without deep technical knowledge. Set basic standards for respect and sportsmanship. Address toxic behavior quickly. Make it clear that how the team behaves matters as much as the final score.

7. Keep Learning Alongside Your Team

Games change. Patches shift the meta. New maps and characters appear. Accept that you are learning with your players. You model curiosity and growth and that is often more powerful than knowing every detail.

Using Esports Curriculum to Support Your Coaching

If you feel short on time or experience, an esports curriculum provider helps close the gap.

Gameplan gives coaches and teachers:

• Ready to use lessons for popular titles and skills

• Structured practice activities

• Tools for reflection and assessment

• Professional development and support materials

You use these resources to run sessions that are consistent and purposeful. You do not have to design everything alone, which reduces stress and makes it easier to start.

Conclusion: Coaching Is About the Players

Coaching esports is less about knowing the game inside out and more about fostering growth, collaboration, and confidence in your players. With basic game knowledge, simple tools, and a clear focus on teamwork and learning, you can coach games you do not know and still run a strong program.

Schedule a 15-minute meeting with Gameplan today to explore how we can support your coaching journey!