Five Tips for IGLs to Balance Brainpower and Firepower
If you’re the IGL in a team-based FPS like VALORANT, you’re probably no stranger to the mental gymnastics that come with the role. You’re not just aiming and shooting, you’re managing team coordination, calling mid-round adjustments, monitoring the minimap, and constantly thinking ahead. It’s no wonder that many IGLs see their personal stats take a hit… But just because you’re shouldering the macro doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the micro. Here are five practical tips to help you stay sharp in the server, without letting your team fall apart.
Strengthen the Comms Ecosystem
On a recent Aimlabs Podcast episode, G2 Gozen’s mimi pointed out something every IGL will relate to, if you’re spending too much time watching the minimap, it probably means your teammates aren’t feeding you enough information. Strong callouts let you keep your eyes forward instead of babysitting the radar. Take time to review VODs and see where comms fall short. Encourage your team to narrate their utility usage, enemy positions, and plans clearly, so you can focus more on executing your own role.
Rein in Team Comms Mid-Round
When the round is live, every syllable counts. A team environment where the comms are tight, relevant, and focused can take massive pressure off the IGL. If you’re having to sift through small talk or tilt-fueled chatter just to hear whether someone pushed A Main, you’re burning mental bandwidth you can’t afford. Set expectations with your squad: when the round is happening, comms should be purely functional. Save the jokes, venting, or debriefing for the time when there is space to talk.
Train to Think and Aim Simultaneously
One effective way to sharpen your mechanics as an IGL is by aim training with a cognitive twist. Aimlabs tasks like Decisionshot (Ultimate) or Decisionshot (Speed) are great examples. These routines challenge you to make quick decisions mid-flick, by matching target colors on the fly while under pressure. This can resemble the pressure of needing to stay mechanically sharp while your brain is juggling calls, rotations, and setups.
Build Up Your Multitasking Muscles
Multitasking is a skill just like comms and mechanics… and it can be trained. Try activities that require simultaneous mental and physical coordination. Things like playing rhythm games, learning to play an instrument, or even doing puzzles while listening to podcasts can enhance your split-focus skills. The goal isn’t just to train your brain to handle more… it’s to become more efficient at switching tasks under pressure.
Don’t Let the Numbers Get in Your Head
Look, not every IGL is going to top frag, and that’s okay. You’re still doing one of the hardest, and most thankless jobs in competitive gaming. Coaches, analysts and teammates know how much work you’re doing behind the scenes. And if someone’s giving you grief over your KD, offer to let them lead a scrim and see how easy it is. Who knows? You might uncover a secondary caller who can ease the load and give you a bit more room to focus on your crosshair.
Being an IGL means playing 4D chess while others are playing dodgeball. But with the right tools, mindset, and team support, you can keep the brainpower flowing and land your shots. Keep training smart, and if you want more insights from pros like mimi, be sure to check out the Aimlabs Podcast on YouTube.