A few tips for shot callers

**CivilWars** · 01-20-12, 03:53 PM

Before I get to the tips I want to say I truly appreciate those that are stepping up their game. Keep up the good work. However, that being said there are a few things that many callers have been doing lately that really bug the crap out of me, so I figured I would throw out some of my pointers. For anyone that knows me I am nowhere near even being an average CS:S player, and I do not really feel that I am some god of calling, but the bottom line is getting shit done, and I can do that.

1. Be quick - Get the call out early. Many players buy based on the call, so give them the opportunity to do so. Also, many calls are based on getting the jump on the other team, so if we are running around in spawn for 2-3 seconds allowing the CTs to setup we wasted the chance to get the jump.

2. Be clear - You may have the greatest call in the world, but if nobody can hear or understand it then it won't matter. Make sure your mic works. Make sure it is transmitting at a good volume. Make sure you aren't blaring music or the TV in the background.

3. Be concise - Most players that play here have run the same strats for years, so get it out quick. Split A is much quicker and easier than 5 people go long, 6 go short, people going short smoke mid, flash long, check the pit. Most of us know these things, so get the basics of the call out, and we can figure out the rest IN MOST CASES.

4. Be consistent - If you start calling on a map keep going. If you don't want to call anymore then make sure you have someone to take over. To me there is nothing worse than having someone call 2-3 rounds, then on the next everyone is waiting for the call only to hear dead silence, or even worse you get 3 people trying to rush in and get the call off since you didn't make one, then nobody knows what the real call is.

These are the basics I try to live by when calling. I am sure there are some pros on our server that have tons of advanced calling tips, but to me these are the basics that ANYONE can implement.

**Vocal** · 01-20-12, 04:02 PM

Noticed large failures in these areas the last few months when I've gotten chances to play

**huh?** · 01-20-12, 04:13 PM

Good tips. And if someone's mic is noisy or too low, feel free to tell them. Sometimes people are not aware of their mic issues.

**Rad** · 01-20-12, 11:01 PM

I don't think people need to try and micro manage other players or be condescending if you don't like their play style even though they are following the call.

**~~Mr_Rager~~** · 01-21-12, 01:33 AM

Originally Posted by Rad

I don't think people need to try and micro manage other players or be condescending if you don't like their play style even though they are following the call.

I realize this can be me. Sorry if I offend anyone. I don't try to micromanage (pretty sure that's directed at Luci) but I know I critique other players a lot during dead time. I'm honestly just trying to make people better and give the teams I'm on a better chance of winning. I try to balance it out though and you should see me throwing out a lot of "gj, nt, ns, etc" and over voice chat try to say some positive things. Let me know if I'm being condescending - it's not my goal, just trying to help people get better.

**Ryan** · 01-21-12, 11:16 AM

I agree with all of that. To add I would say the call should be fluid. If something isn't working out on a rush, call and audible when you think it will work.

The basics of calling are very simple. Tell people where to go.

Once you get a bit more advance with calling micro managing CAN be a good thing when used properly. Use the various skills or the players you have when possible. Each player has a strength and weakness. Play the way the team can when. If your team can't do a straight rush, don't do it unless you have an awesome jump. If you have great shots, delay and get some picks.

There are TONS of ways to call. It seems the number of callers have decreased. The last couple weeks I've played I've been stuck calling or had to because nobody else would. This goes on for 2-3 maps and then somebody may step up. I would love to see some new callers step up and try. It may seem daunting but once you start calling it is a blast.

Sent from my iPhone because I'm not home.

**Toad** · 01-21-12, 03:24 PM

Don't give up on trying to put together a decent call. I see this most on Inferno, where people get exasperated say "Ahh fuck it let's just rush banana" when we've been repulsed multiple times doing that and we're clearly going to die. I'm not saying that any call to rush banana is bad, it's when the leader is obviously just saying "screw it I don't want to deal with this crap". If you are really out of ideas then slow play and let someone else call. Some people act like calling slow play is worse than even the laziest rush call. It's not.

Even worse is when someone makes a call and says "... just to get it [the map] over with." Both are examples of poor leadership in my opinion.

**iLLusioN** · 01-21-12, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by Loco-Raider

There are TONS of ways to call. It seems the number of callers have decreased. The last couple weeks I've played I've been stuck calling or had to because nobody else would. This goes on for 2-3 maps and then somebody may step up. I would love to see some new callers step up and try. It may seem daunting but once you start calling it is a blast.

Eh, I've noticed this too. It's really frustrating because I can't call ATM because I left my mic at home so I end up typing the first strat or two until someone finds their balls.

Agree on all points Civil. Lots of callers lately have been starting to micro manage quite a bit...thats great for leagues but trying to micro manage 11 people generally isn't going to work.

That being said I do micro manage somewhat whenever I'm calling. I'll generally use players I trust to do what I tell them for tricky things or to throw fakes. Micro managing beyond that is usually a bad idea because with all the names being thrown out people get confused.

I would def. love to see people step up and call more. Lots of people find it really daunting after their first time calling and just stop...don't do that. Call a few more maps to get the hang of it and then decide whether you like it or not. Either way, don't be afraid to step up if one of the more accomplished callers isn't there(or in my case can't call anyhow). If people are giving you flak or not listening to the call, message the admin(u @) and tell them so and so isn't following calls or T's aren't following calls.

**Ryan** · 01-21-12, 04:55 PM

Most people get discouraged if they lose a map or a few rounds. There are times I'll go 15-5 on maps with complete domination but other times when it's the opposite. Just get beyond the discouragement of losing. It's going to happen. Put together the best calls you can and step up.

**Vocal** · 01-21-12, 05:18 PM

I find often times that I am calling and losing, we are simply being outgunned. Some of these instances I offer up the task of calling in order to focus more on kills and execution. As I am relatively new to calling, I find that I don't play to the best of my ability as I am focussing more on the movement/location of the team as a whole, rather than shooting people in their facehole