Introducing your Friends to Competitive DOTA...

http://www.dotabuff.com/matches/1205662944

So I've got some friends who play Dota and a little while back, I helped one win his first ever ranked match (He was the Windranger). He's got a solid grasp of the game, understanding the basics mechanics and whatnot but not so much regarding the competitive and technical aspects of DOTA.

Let's face it, dota a pretty complicated game and if you're not careful, you can be overwhelmed by it. I feel like my friend is ready to start taking the next step, but I want to make that step is in the right direction. So what I want to know is how do I introduce someone the competitive aspect of Dota and where do I start?

I'd argue the best thing he can do is to watch VOD's of competitive games. DAC is probably a really good thing for him to watching; it gives an understanding of complex play, what can be considered 'good' item builds, has caster insight to help break things down so you don't get overwhelmed ect ect.

It's what I did to get an understanding of the game actually works as opposed to simply knowing the basics.

More than anything help your friends understand the reasoning why Pro or High Level players do the things they do. Even if they did something wrong in a game, question why that was done in the first place. Have your friends watch tournament games like DAC or even TI and question why did this guy did this at x minute? There will be somethings that he won't pick up due to inexperience so either you or another player that has a great understanding of the game can explain their actions more clearly.

Mechanics is improved by playing more so that is something that naturally grows with more games, understanding the game is harder and will also improve your skill ceiling.