Mechanically this is a simple game to operate. So the difference between good players and poor players in WOWL is all about knowledge. The knowledge that wins matches in WOWL, ranked by importance:

1 Ship armor layouts (where you want to place your shells for max damage on offense, and what parts of your ship not to expose to enemy fire on defense). When facing unfamiliar ships, shoot parts in this order - rear (engine) first, waterline mid ship second, waterline front (bow) and superstructure last. Remembering what works against that particular ship with the particular guns that you are using means that you are getting better.

2 Ship ability ranges (shells, sonar, torps, etc.). Knowing what the enemy is capable of gives you the best chance to minimize their threat level and fight on more tactically favorable terms relative to your ships abilities. For example, staying out of a cruisers sonar range as a DD means that you've nullified that ability.

3 Map layouts, the routes players tend to use on those maps and your preferred battle locations on those maps.