The attraction of ascending the League of Legends (LoL) ranked ladder is irresistible, especially for college students with aspirations of esports greatness. However, balancing academic responsibilities with intense LoL practice can seem daunting. Fear not, aspiring Summoners! This blog presents a psychologically-driven weekly training schedule specifically crafted for college LoL players to maximize both in-game performance and academic success.

The Psychology Behind the Grind:

Effective LoL training goes beyond just mindlessly grinding ranked games. Here's the science behind the schedule:

• Peak Performance Window: Studies show cognitive function peaks in the late afternoon/early evening (D’Angiulli, 2023; Heller, 2024). Schedule intensive practice sessions (Solo Queue/Scrims) during this time for optimal focus and reaction times.

• Spaced Repetition: Cramming games can overload your memory. Spreading practice sessions throughout the week allows for spaced repetition, a technique proven to enhance learning and skill retention (Bikas, Pfau, Muender, Alexandrovsky, & Malaka, 2023)

• Preventing Burnout: Excessive practice leads to burnout and decreased motivation. Rest days are crucial for mental and physical recovery, allowing you to return to the game refreshed and eager to learn (Hong, Wilkinson, & Rocha, 2023).

• Variety is Key: Monotonous practice breeds boredom. This schedule incorporates diverse activities to keep things fresh and promote well-rounded improvement (Thillier, Besombes, Agbangla, & Vitiello, 2023).

The College LoL Warrior's Training Schedule:

Monday:

• Focus: Mechanics and Fundamentals (1-2 hours)

• Activities: Warm-up with last hitting drills, practice champion mechanics in Practice Tool. Analyze pro player VODs (Video-on-Demand) focusing on specific skills like wave manipulation or warding.

• Psychology: Sharpening core mechanics early in the week strengthens the foundation for more complex strategies.

Tuesday:

• Focus: Macro Play and Decision-Making (2-3 hours)

• Activities: Solo Queue ranked games with a focus on applying learned mechanics and analyzing in-game decisions. Review replays of your own games, identifying areas for improvement.

• Psychology: Transitioning from isolated skill practice to applying those skills in a competitive environment.

Wednesday:

• Focus: Rest and Review (1 hour)

• Activities: Light cardio or stretching. Briefly review notes from VOD analysis or coaching sessions (if applicable).

• Psychology: Allowing time for physical and mental recovery is vital for peak performance.

Thursday:

• Focus: Champion Pool Expansion/Counter Picks (1-2 hours)

• Activities: Practice Tool sessions with unfamiliar champions or champions strong against your mains. Research champion counterpicks and their strengths/weaknesses.

• Psychology: Expanding your champion pool provides flexibility and strategic options in ranked play.

Friday:

• Focus: Team Play and Synergy (2-3 hours)

• Activities: Flex queue with friends or teammates. Focus on communication, team coordination, and objective control.

• Psychology: Practicing communication and teamwork prepares you for potential competitive team environments.

Saturday:

• Focus: High-Intensity Practice (3-4 hours)

• Activities: Scrim block with your college or community team (if applicable). Ranked Solo Queue with a focus on pushing your limits and climbing the ladder.

• Psychology: Intense practice simulates competitive pressure and allows for refining skills under high-stress situations.

Sunday:

• Focus: Rest and Recharge (Free Day)

• Activities: Disconnect from LoL. Pursue hobbies, socialize, or simply relax.

• Psychology: Mental and physical rejuvenation are crucial for long-term success.

Remember:

• Adjust the timeframes based on your personal schedule and LoL experience.

• Be flexible - adapt the activities based on your current strengths and weaknesses.

• Track your progress - monitor your in-game performance and adjust your training methods accordingly.

• Prioritize academic success - maintain a healthy balance between LoL and your studies.

Implementing this schedule and its underlying psychology allows you to elevate your LoL training to a college-friendly, results-oriented system. So, climb that ranked ladder, aspiring Summoner, but remember, a healthy mind and a well-rounded life are the ultimate keys to esports mastery!

References

Bikas, I., Pfau, J., Muender, T., Alexandrovsky, D., & Malaka, R., (2023). Grinding to a Halt: The Effects of Long Play Sessions on Player Performance in Video Games. In Companion Proceedings of the Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play (pp. 36-42). https://doi.org/10.1145/3573382.3616073

D’Angiulli, A., Byczynski, G., Yeh, W. H., Garrett, G., Goldfield, G., Devenyi, P., ... & Leisman, G. (2023). Cognitive control, bedtime patterns, and testing time in female adolescent students: behavioral and neuro-electrophysiological correlates. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1022731.

Heller, H. C., Herzog, E., Brager, A., Poe, G., Allada, R., Scheer, F. A., ... & Paul, K. (2024). The Negative Effects of Travel on Student Athletes Through Sleep and Circadian Disruption. Journal of Biological Rhythms, 39(1), 5-19.

Hong, H. J., Wilkinson, G., & Rocha, C. M. (2023). The relationship between basic needs satisfaction, self-determined motivation, and burnout in Korean esports players. Journal of Gambling Studies, 39(1), 323-338. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10899-022-10132-8

Thillier, C., Besombes, N., Agbangla, N. F., & Vitiello, D. (2023). The Effects of Different Types of Training on Cognitive Performance in Professional Esports Players. Journal of Electronic Gaming and Esports, 1(1).