Coaches are an integral part of any good team. Their strategies, motivation, and leadership, can make the crucial difference between winning and losing. They are chosen in this role for their ability to keep a cool head, and calm down the team when the match get a little heated.
Today we will be talking with Dizzle, coach of Fnatic, considered as one of the most skilled coach from the Rainbow Six competitive scene. Therefore, his in-depth analysis permits us to find out more about the role.
***1) The Rainbow Six Siege competitive scene has grown significantly throughout the last 4 years. Have you noticed an evolution of the “coaching” role during this period?
*** A: A lot has changed not only in the coaching role, but in support staff. 1 year ago, coaches were not recognised or accounted for in tournaments. It was really tough to gather funds to attend the Six Invitational back as Mindfreak. Now teams have 1 or even 2 coaches, managers and analysts. Siege is an ever evolving game and very complex, and the fact that there is enough work for all these staff members behind the scenes is incredible.
***2) Despite the meta changes, we’ve seen a steady increase in performance from your core roster since SI 2018. How have you managed to grow to and maintain the level needed?
A: A lot of hard work. We do not have the same level of competition in our region. For example, when a new operator or meta is developed you have teams practicing and developing new strategies. In Europe, the wealth of talent and players can run 20 teams deep all practicing and developing with each other. Where as in APAC we have a much shallower pool so we kind of make our own meta. This means we develop less naturally. We also try to bootcamp as much as possible before events in EU to help counteract this.
***3) Magnet is the IGL (in-game leader) of Fnatic. Do you consider him as your main relay to spread your guidance during a game or is this role occupied by another player?
*** A: This used to be the case but a lot of others have started to step up. Mostly it is the droners talking to their respective entry follower and any person that needs to work with someone to make a play or progress our position. We have mostly gone away from IGL and now everyone calls what they need from any person at any time.
***4) Beyond in-game strategy, coaching also implies managing a team composed of different personalities. What’s your approach as a manager to foster a united-team environment?
A: I think it is important to be professional and set an example. Understand that each of your players are different and require different engagement in coaching and life. In a lot of cases these are young adults with not that much life experience. Set a standard early and a culture in your team. They’re then joining a team and a team’s atmosphere rather than just an individual in a group setting.
***5) Do you choose to emphasize a close relationship with your players or do you keep a certain distance?
A: I try to keep a close relationship with most, because that is what works for them. There are some I am not as close with by their choosing. I am happy to oblige whichever works for the individual.
***6) Before entering into coach functions, you were a Rainbow Six pro player on Xbox. Is it making a difference on the way you lead your team?
A: Not really. Siege is not the same game now as it was then. I find I draw more experience from my previous jobs in management and my youth spent in representative sports. They have offered a wealth of experience in leadership and strategy as well as managing teams and individuals.
***7) Overall, can you describe the Fnatic program in preparation for a LAN event?
A: We spend a lot of time learning different meta game and then putting our own spin on it, as well as testing what strategy of ours will work and what wont on the global stage. We try to make sure we are giving back to our organisation and sponsors with content and spending time with the magnificent team at Fnatic that supports us.
***8) Are there coaches, within esports or traditional sports, that you’ve been inspired by?
A: Traditional sports more so than others. Esports coaches still haven't reached the calibre of traditional sporting coaches. Mostly Australian Football coaches. People like Alastair Clarkson, Kevin Sheedy, Leigh Matthews, Ross Lyon and Mick Malthouse.
***9) Here’s a question from the community members who would like to become a coach. What’s some basic advice that you want to share and what are the most important qualities required?
A: Knowing Siege is a small part of what is required, and that small part requires you to know almost more than your players. Coaching is about enabling people and players so they can achieve the best version of themselves in game and out. It requires patience, understanding and very much is a people oriented role. Being a coach isn't a just a Siege thing. It is very much a people thing.
