Lag, unfortunately, is a constant in any MP match, mainly a bigger issue in 2v2's, which are flown on one host for a full 10 minutes. In 1v1's, it's shared between a 5/5 host between the opposing pilots. However, it cannot be avoided, so all you can really do is learn to deal with it and try and use it to your advantage. Here's how:
5/5 basis this means both players host for 5 minutes. This is called sharing the host lag.
When hosting your part of the match, you will always be at a disadvantage. However, when your opponent host's his half, you're at an advantage. Therefore, fly defensively on your host and aggressively on your opponent's host.
This, of course, segways into ghosting. Ghosting can strike fear into a rookie pilot. But by keeping a level head and reading the following, it can be easily combated.
If the lag is too bad, though, call Knock it off and quit. State why, and try again on another host. If that doesn't work, try again later.
To sum it up quite simply, Ghosting=t3h suxx0rz. It is combatable though. First, though, you have to know how to spot it. You can tell if an opponent is ghosting if you're hitting his craft dead-on and getting no dice. Here's what you do:
Keep cool! This is where a pilot gets frustrated easily. Just keep cool and follow the next instructions.
Once your opponent is seen to be ghosting, employ what you learned about lead. This is where it really shines.
You'll know if you hit the target if you see a star field with nothing but the explosion animation on it. Once you've got the bandit pegged, nail him.
This is a rarely covered topic in any MP course, but it affects you in more ways than you could possibly imagine. When you start the game, you initially spawn within a 3km range of your opponent, giving you a good amount of time to plan for what's about to come up. You're doing fine, number 1. But, what happens when you get killed and re-spawn closer to the bandit, say less than one click? You keep cool, and try to turn and blast him as quick as you can
One of the worst things that can happen to you in a match is pesky bad luck in re-spawning. There is a chance that you'll keep spawning close enough to an enemy to vape you before you can even react. This is even worse when it happens several times in a row. Not much can be done in a situation like that, except to hope that you'll be spawned again farther away soon. However, this can just as easily happen to your opponent. If you get an opportunity like it, take it and milk it for all it's worth.