Team fighting success depends primarily on positioning—expert analysis shows that positioning errors account for 73% of team fight losses, making this the most impactful skill for consistent victory. Each role requires distinct positioning principles based on their damage output, survivability, and strategic function.
ADC Positioning: Maximum Damage, Minimum Risk
ADCs must balance maximum damage output with survival requirements, positioning at the edge of their attack range while maintaining escape routes and protection from teammates.
The 600-Unit Rule: Maintain approximately 600 units distance from enemy threats while staying within 550-650 units of enemy targets (most ADC attack ranges). This positioning allows for maximum damage while providing reaction time for enemy gap closers.
Positioning Priority Framework:
- Safety First: Never position where you can be instantly eliminated
- Damage Second: Maximize damage on accessible targets
- Mobility Third: Maintain movement options for repositioning
Advanced ADC Techniques:
- Kiting Patterns: Move between auto attacks to maintain distance from pursuers
- Target Switching: Prioritize the closest enemy threat rather than fixating on high-value targets
- Escape Route Planning: Always identify 2-3 escape paths before engaging
Support Positioning: Enablement and Protection
Supports position based on their champion type—engage supports initiate from front lines, while enchanter supports protect from back lines.
Engage Support Positioning: Position at the front of your team, looking for opportunities to initiate favorable fights. Maintain vision of enemy positioning while staying within engagement range of priority targets.
Enchanter Support Positioning: Stay behind your ADC but within ability range to provide protection. Position to shield/heal multiple teammates while avoiding enemy engage threats.
Support Positioning Principles:
- Vision Control: Maintain optimal positioning for ward placement and vision denial
- Peel Positioning: Stay close enough to protect carries from enemy divers
- Engage Timing: Position for optimal initiation angles when playing engage champions
Tank Positioning: Frontline Control and Initiation
Tanks serve as the team's frontline, absorbing damage and creating space for carries to operate safely.
Engagement Positioning: Position aggressively to threaten enemy carries while maintaining team cohesion. Use terrain and vision to create favorable engagement angles.
Peel Positioning: When protecting carries, position between threats and your team's damage dealers. Prioritize protecting your most fed carry over engaging enemy carries.
Tank Positioning Framework:
- Space Creation: Use your presence to zone enemies away from objectives
- Damage Absorption: Position to absorb enemy abilities meant for your carries
- Initiation Timing: Coordinate engagement timing with your team's ability availability