Becoming good at Survival Games is a skill that needs to be constantly refined over and over again to continue to keep up with the elite. Some tips that I find generally helpful when I am in a losing streak are
1. Go a different route? If you are going on a popular chest route, maybe try and going a different route to maybe get some easy chests.
2. With the support of 1.7 now on MCGamer, I would suggest using it. 1.7 is superior to 1.8 PVP wise and honestly makes it easier to play.
3. PLAY battlegrounds! Take advantage of a Game Type that is given to you and will have the same ping as when you play the actual game. I also suggest using battlegrounds to warm-up, perhaps play 10-15 minute before beginning a match
4. Find what you are most comfortable with, do you like using the Sword over the Bow? Or maybe Flint N Steel over the Fishing Rod? Develop your own style and use that while playing battlegrounds to get used to it. Develop techniques to get around other peoples advantages.
5. TAKE A BREAK. Life is not about Survival Games, and sometimes all you need is a breather and cooldown.