anyone have any tips on how to do good checkmates?


Yes. Chess.com has a section for you to learn and practice checkmates. If you practice them, you will learn what to do when you face similar problems in a game.
https://www.chess.com/endgames
Yes. Chess.com has a section for you to learn and practice checkmates. If you practice them, you will learn what to do when you face similar problems in a game.
https://www.chess.com/endgames