From the Pro Archives:  This article was originally published on 4/28/08

In my last installment, I explained the problems with the majority of our common practice routines. In this article, I’ll explain the benefits of the practice routines that the Europeans have been using for years.

The most effective practice you're ever going to get, is actual experience. Nobody starts out on top and everybody has to work their way up from somewhere. Don't let it get you down; your time will come. However, in the meantime, there are many steps you can take to make your journey to the top quicker, easier and more fun. Why spend 5 hours scrimming to get the same effect of 1 hour in a server practicing with your team? The information to get to the top is out there. All you have to do, is use it. Below I will explain the benefits of the practice routines the Europeans have been using for years.

LAN Tournaments - (8/10) - Competing in LAN tournaments is by far one of the most effective ways to practice. This is what you practice for, so competing itself must be the best practice available. Money and pride are on the line, everyone has the same computer specs, pings are even and the playing field is level. If you lose, it was fair and square. All of the best teams in the world compete at every event possible because like anything else, the more you do it, the better you get at it.

The problem with LAN tournaments is that unless you're at a reasonably high level, the chances of you getting knocked out very early are high. This means you'll only get a few matches of practice at most, and that's if the event is being played in a group play format -- which most local events do. However, the mental and physical game necessary for a LAN event will really push your team forward with each and every event. The more you go to, the better you'll do and the more effective they will be as practice. Besides the practice itself, LAN events are very useful to teams because they allow for you to bond with your teammates, get to know each other outside of the game, which allows for better communication and teamwork in-game. The other problem with LAN tournaments, especially local events, is 90% of the time that you will spend at the LAN center, you will be standing around bored out of your mind. It's important to keep yourself occupied, and if necessary, go over ideas and concepts with your team.