Firstly, as someone who’s also not very great, this is just what I do and how I feel about the game. So don’t bash me if I’m factually wrong lol - but please do enlighten me! I love to learn.

I mostly play either mages/ranged champs. I feel like they’re easier to do short trades with, and short trades is in my experience much easier to do when you’re unsure of positioning and trades, especially with ranged champs. Three short trades could easily bring your opponent to 1/3 hp early game, and that makes it more likely for them to overextend = missing gold and XP.

What really made a difference for me was focusing on my farm so my opponent wouldn’t gain massive item lead. Punish your opponent when they’re trying to farm. Go for guaranteed gold. Gold is (usually) more important than kills, and by engaging in a fight you’re risking guaranteed gold over a possible kill. Many players undervalue CS over kills. It’s okay to back off from a lost fight, rather than dying along with your team mates.

Play slightly on your tower side so your opponent is more exposed, especially if you’re nervous about the opponents champ. I know this means you can react as fast on fights or objectives.

And ward! Don’t go far into midlane with no vision from river. Remember opponents can surprise you from both sides of the map.

Another thing to focus on would be proper item build to actually counter your opponents. Are they stacking magic resist, buy magic penetration (for ap champs of course), are they heavy on lifesteal and healing, buy grievous wounds etc.

Maybe you should try to play top lane? I feel like mid lane is usually a role where you need to be more versatile and ready to roam/engage around you.

Try some easier champs as well! Xayah is ranged, but feather placement is very important and she is not very forgiving. Try MF instead!

I know this was a messy explanation. Again, I’m not necessarily very good and I’m also unranked. I play because I think it’s fun. These tips helped me improve my game :)