I Coached 100+ Supports. This Is Why They Lose Lanes.

Summary

The video argues that supports often lose lanes not because they fail to pull or because their carry is at fault, but because they don’t create enough pressure. Pressure means making an enemy change their behavior—for example, missing a last hit, backing away, or risking death.

Supports should use their hero’s strengths to apply pressure. Windranger can harass with her range and damage, Death Prophet can deal sustained damage, and Tusk can threaten a collapse with good positioning. Other examples include Mirana’s right-click damage, Shadow Shaman’s shackles, Clockwerk’s Cogs, and Marci’s displacement. Standing behind a core without threatening the opponents can leave the lane effectively 2v1.

Four things to consider in lane

• Lane position (“lane gradient”): The closer the creep meeting point is to your tower, the safer your carry tends to be; the closer it is to the enemy tower, the safer their carry is. Help keep the lane in a favorable position using pulls, including half-pulls.
• Two-versus-one trades: Look for ways to isolate one enemy, such as pulling the opponents apart or harassing one out of lane. Avoid trading when the enemy can respond with two heroes and your teammate cannot help.
• Creep advantage: Base aggression partly on the number of creeps each side has. Trading when your side has more creeps can make the enemy take extra damage; be cautious when they have the advantage. Also avoid starting a fight when your core needs to secure a wave of last hits.
• Power spikes: Watch for temporary changes in strength, such as reaching level two first, gaining a new spell or item, an enemy using an important ability, or an opponent running out of regeneration. Adjust your play rather than treating the lane the same for all ten minutes.

The key takeaway is to be aggressive when the situation favors you, not simply for aggression’s sake. Consistent harassment or kill pressure can help win more lanes.

Gamers and sources featured

Support Heaven is the video’s creator and coach. The video references coaching more than 100 students but names no individual players.