What can one do to get better at top lane

Galewings·1/21/2015, 3:26:29 AM·2 votes·3,031 views

When I started league, a plat friend told me That half the players become one to two trick ponies and the other half become jacks of all trades.

I opted to go for the second one, since I feel that option is less toxic and better for what is supposed to be a team based game. I've learned a lot from playing different roles, though I still have much to learn. I feel alright in most roles, but the one I never seem to be able to get down is top.

When I top I am always behind in farm. I am usually on the short end of trades/duels and get bullied out of farm easily. It's by far my weakest role. I know I should engage when I have a minion advantage, or when they are low on mana. I always ward, too. But I always seem to struggle. I'm wondering if there's more stuff I should know and consider about being top and more things I should know about trading and the like.

11 Comments

hh the thinker1/21/2015, 3:33:00 AM1 votes

most people have trouble with at least one role, which is fine. as long as you can play it at an ok level. there is a lot to know about top lane, but not sure you are struggling with. one thing you can try is playing a tank top and joining your team when you can. you can try shen since he's great for that, or any other tank you prefer.

Blue Collar Bear1/21/2015, 3:47:16 AM1 votes

I'd like to help.

Who do you play in the top lane?

Leti the Yeti1/21/2015, 5:28:09 AM1 votes

There are more factors top lane than anywhere else there's really no general tips

top lane is the only lane where you have 2 varying volatile mongrels in hostile proximity each other while micromanaging farm and trades non stop or there is a cancer range top against a melee

top lane is a lane where you just play that 1 dude... and you figure out how to make that one specific champ work in all these specific situations cuz top lane isnt so simple that you cn just generalize everything

Wyenot1/21/2015, 7:00:02 AM1 votes

What has improved my gameplay as a top laner as of late is always be looking for something to do.

If I am too pushed I immediately look to see if I can go harass their jungler or roam down to mid for a surprise gank.

Look to make favorable strong trades. The thing I noticed is whoever sets the tone of the lane usually commands it. So always try to trade in such a way that makes them shit their pants while you remain safe. Some champions just out trade others that's something you'll learn with match up experience. An easy tip is look to trade when your minion wave is larger, you will get great results!

Pay attention to levels, they are more important than you might think. Do your best to stay in the lane and sustain if you have to. It's important you get the experience.

That's all I can think off the top of my head.

The Whamboozler1/21/2015, 8:11:58 AM1 votes

It sounds like you might be having trouble learning to trade/farm/harass with melee champs. Managing minion aggro, freezing the lane, zoning and the like are SUPER important in top lane. You said you're most comfy with Nid, who is both ranged and safe/strong in lane. That makes sense. I'd suggest picking a mobile top laner with half-decent sustain who can get in or out if they need and practice learning how to handle dueling/harassing up close. That or exclusively play ranged top laners I guess.

Try someone like Renekton, Jarvan... or even the old standby of "I can do everything". Lee Sin. They're pretty good at correcting if they make a mistake.

HeroSaitama1/21/2015, 8:16:39 AM1 votes

i Suggest you look for wingsofdeathx videos on youtube and watch his stream he's the best top laner to explain match ups when it comes to laning i have almost no problems except if my enemy runs ignite might try that new approach for the next season.

Grimspeake1/21/2015, 12:34:29 PM1 votes

yeah ive learned a lot from wings, top used to be my weakest role but now i enjoy it