This step is optional, but from my personal experience, it can be incredibly helpful. I used to play only lobby games with a friend who was a bit better than me, and I always pushed myself to beat him. Having a practice partner at your skill level is also a great option. Playing lobby games with friends removes the fear of ladder matches that some people experience and makes the process much more enjoyable.

The previous step was about learning from your mistakes and focusing on your weaknesses, which is easier to do when there are no ladder points on the line. With a practice partner, you can work on improving without the pressure of losing ranking points. Additionally, the opportunity to discuss the game you just played with your opponent, especially over voice chat, can provide valuable insights into your mistakes from another perspective.

One of the biggest benefits of having a practice partner is the fun it adds to the experience. You’ll find yourself getting addicted to 1v1 matches with a good partner, as the friendly competition and shared goal of improving can be highly motivating.

You can find a practice partner by joining my Discord, or by becoming one of my students. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice with other students.