Whiffing—missing shots you should have hit—is one of the most demoralizing experiences in Valorant. It happens to everyone, from beginners to pro players. But for some, it feels like an everyday struggle. Why do you keep whiffing? More importantly, how can you stop?

This guide breaks down the causes of whiffing and teaches you how to convert potential losses into easy wins. We’ll follow the case of “Dr Sigma,” a Diamond 2 player who struggled with winning supposedly easy gunfights, and use his gameplay to explain core lessons every player can benefit from.

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Defining an “Easy Fight”

Not every fight that looks easy is actually easy. For example, a duel where your crosshair isn’t ready, or you’re facing utility pressure, isn’t really a 50/50—it’s worse. Understanding this distinction is key to improvement.

Let’s look at a specific moment. Dr Sigma’s Viper tries to take Showers on Bind and immediately faces a barrage of flashes. These fights are nearly impossible to win because of the utility being used. Turning the flash or spraying randomly isn’t a reliable tactic.

The solution? Reset and re-engage. Dr Sigma pulls back and tries again with support from Sova. Even then, his team is overwhelmed, and only one favorable fight presents itself: killing a Phoenix who is reloading and pinned against a wall. That’s a truly easy fight, and he wins it.

Why Most “Easy” Fights Aren’t Easy

Let’s look at how Dr Sigma could have turned unfavorable engagements into easier ones:

• Use your utility proactively. A Snakebite could delay flash pushes. Sova could Recon Showers instead of wasting it back site.
• Scale safely. Even Sage slows or Omen blinds can force better engagements. Instead of taking dry fights, force your enemies to fight on your terms.

Crosshair Placement & Approach Angles

In another round, Dr Sigma’s crosshair is aimed into U-Haul while the enemy Yoru is in the corner. This fight ends with Sigma getting caught off guard.

The mistake? His angle approach gave Yoru the freedom to reposition without being seen. By hugging the right wall near teleporter, Sigma could have limited Yoru’s options and locked down that angle.

In Valorant, restricting enemy movement is just as important as having good aim. A good angle forces enemies into your crosshair, making for a much more winnable duel.

VOD Study: Understanding Real Easy Fights

In another engagement, Dr Sigma fights Sky in U-Haul. There’s no flash, both players are exposed, and Sigma has better weaponry. He keeps his crosshair right and corrects after a wide swing. This is an example of a favorablegunfight—one where you have clear info and mechanical advantage.

Later, he duels Yoru near elbow. Yoru had just fired at a teammate, so his recoil is off. Sigma swings and secures the kill. This again counts as a fight tilted in your favor.

Contrast this with a failed fight against Brimstone in Hookah. The enemy has a sheriff, and Sigma walks into a raw duel without any utility. Even though he has the better gun, this isn’t a guaranteed win. Without slowing or clearing with utility, these fights become high-risk.

What Truly Makes a Gunfight Favorable?

Ask yourself:

• Did I use utility to gain advantage?
• Was my crosshair pre-placed?
• Was the enemy distracted?
• Was the enemy’s movement restricted?
• Did I have the better weapon?

If the answer to most is yes, that’s a real easy fight. If not, you’re probably walking into a fair or losing engagement.

The Radiant Difference: Nats vs. Sigma

To better illustrate the difference in approach, the guide compares Dr Sigma’s gameplay with that of pro player Nats. Playing the same agent (Viper) on the same map (Bind), Nats uses every tool at his disposal:

• A Sky wolf + Viper wall to take short.
• Coordinated flashes and mollies before pushing.
• Molotov lineups to deny early aggression (including bouncing through Shower’s roof).

By contrast, Sigma mostly pushes with just his wall and dry peaks. This makes every duel more dangerous and less consistent.

How to Stop Whiffing

1. Prep utility: Don’t take fights without softening the angle with a flash, molly, or recon.
2. Pre-place crosshairs: Walk into fights with your aim already aligned.
3. Limit enemy movement: Deny exits or isolate them in corners.
4. Use team timings: Swing when enemies are distracted. Call for flashes.
5. Train your aim: Use deathmatch and aim trainers, but know aim alone won’t save bad decisions.

Final Thoughts

Everyone whiffs—it’s normal. But if you’re frequently losing fights that feel like you should be winning, you’re likely skipping key steps in your engagements. Don’t just train your aim. Learn to use utility, position smarter, and force favorable conditions.

Because the easiest fight… is the one your opponent was never ready for.

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Want to go deeper? Try reviewing your own VODs the way we did for Dr Sigma. Or, work with top-level coaches and unlock the mechanical fundamentals and decision-making that separate Diamond from Radiant.