When faced with split-pushing opponents in League of Legends, you can coordinate with your team to apply pressure elsewhere on the map, use teleport to match the split-push, or engage in team fights to force the opponent to join. Warding key pathways can also help catch them out of position.
Understanding Split-Pushing Opponents in League of Legends
Split-pushing is a strategy used by players to apply pressure on multiple areas of the map simultaneously. It involves one player (often with strong dueling or tower-taking abilities) pushing a side lane while their team either defends or creates pressure elsewhere on the map. Dealing with split-pushing opponents requires a mix of map awareness, decision-making, and teamwork to effectively counter this strategy.
Map Awareness: Tracking the Split-Pusher
The first step in dealing with split-pushing opponents is to maintain good map awareness. Keeping an eye on the minimap and understanding the whereabouts of the split-pusher is crucial. Knowing when the split-pusher goes missing from the map allows you to anticipate their next move and respond accordingly. Warding key areas around the map, particularly in the jungle entrances near where the split-pusher is pushing, can provide valuable information about the enemy's movements.
Decision-Making: Response to Split-Pushing
Once you have identified the split-pusher's location, you need to make informed decisions on how to respond. One common approach is to send one or two players to match the split-pusher in the side lane while the rest of the team either applies pressure elsewhere on the map or sets up for an objective. This ensures that the split-pusher does not have a free reign to take down turrets uncontested.
Another decision-making aspect is determining whether to engage in a full-on team fight or continue to play defensively against the split-pusher. Assessing your team's strengths and the enemy team composition can help in making the right call. Sometimes it may be more beneficial to force a fight and win a decisive team battle rather than trying to deal with the split-push in a prolonged manner.
Teamwork: Coordination and Communication
Dealing with split-pushing opponents is a team effort. Effective communication and coordination are key to successfully countering the split-push strategy. Make sure to communicate with your teammates about the split-pusher's movements, your response plan, and any adjustments that need to be made based on the evolving situation.
Coordinating engages, disengages, and rotations with your team can help in catching the split-pusher off guard or creating favorable skirmishes that can tilt the map control in your favor. Additionally, working together to set up vision control and deny the enemy split-pusher the safety of advanced vision can limit their effectiveness.
Itemization and Champion Picks
Depending on the split-pushing champion you are facing, adjusting your itemization and champion picks can also be crucial. Items like Teleport, global ultimates, or abilities that can match the split-pusher's map presence can be valuable tools in countering the split-push. Adapt your build path to include items that provide wave clear, dueling potential, or split-push defense to handle the split-pusher more effectively.
Moreover, picking champions with strong wave clear, disengage tools, or mobility can help in dealing with split-pushing opponents. Champions that can force engages or catch out the split-pusher can turn the tides of a split-push scenario in your favor. Consider picking champions that synergize well with your team's composition and have the tools to deal with split-pushers.
Conclusion
Dealing with split-pushing opponents in League of Legends requires a combination of map awareness, decision-making, teamwork, and adaptation in itemization and champion picks. By effectively tracking the split-pusher, making informed decisions on how to respond, coordinating with your team, and utilizing the right tools and champions, you can successfully counter the split-push strategy and secure a path to victory on the Summoner's Rift.