• Support

Body-blocking is standing in the line of an enemy projectile so it hits you instead of your carry. Many skillshots stop on the first unit they touch, so a support in the right place can soak a hook or a long-range shot meant for a low-health ADC.

What it is

A projectile is a missile that travels along a path. Some stop on the first target they hit, and others pass through. The ones that stop are the ones you can block. Ezreal's Mystic Shot hits the first enemy it meets. Caitlyn's Ace in the Hole homes in on its target, but the target's allied champions can intercept it, and the bullet damages the first enemy champion it hits. Jhin's Curtain Call shots stop when they hit an enemy champion. Blitzcrank's Rocket Grab and Nautilus's anchor also stop on the first enemy hit, so a support walking in front takes the stun and the pull instead of the carry.

Not everything can be blocked. A melee attack or a ground-targeted zone does not travel as a missile you can stand in front of, and a pass-through projectile hits everyone along the line. Minions in the way also catch many skillshots, so the best blocking position often uses the wave as well as your body.

Some champions block for you with a tool. Braum's Unbreakable raises a shield that intercepts enemy projectiles that hit him and destroys them, though it does not stop turrets. Shen's Shadow Dash taunts enemy champions he passes through, which pulls their attention onto him. These tools do the same job as walking into the line, with fewer steps. The goal is always the same: the enemy's best shot lands on a unit that can afford it.

How to do it

  1. List the blockable shots on the enemy team

    At the start of the game, note which enemy abilities are skillshots that stop on the first target. Caitlyn's and Jhin's ultimates, Ezreal's Q and the hooks are the usual ones. Recheck the abilities in the champion's tooltip if you are unsure.

  2. Stand on the line between the shooter and your carry

    Imagine a straight line from the enemy to your carry. Step onto it, slightly closer to the enemy. The projectile will reach you first. Stay on that line as the enemy moves. When your carry is low, your position matters more than your damage.

  3. Move toward the shot when the animation starts

    Watch for the cast animation or the cast bar. For a long channel such as Caitlyn's ultimate, there is a window of about a second. Walk to the line the moment it starts. A bullet already in flight is hard to block, so move early.

  4. Use your own shield or dash if you have one

    With Braum, raise Unbreakable toward the shooter just as they line up the shot. With a mobile champion, dash in front. Shen can use Shadow Dash to stand in front of the carry or to reach a diver.

  5. Block the hook for the one who needs it

    A hook or anchor catches the first enemy in line. Walk slightly ahead of your carry while it is available. Taking the hook yourself is better than losing your carry, and a missed hook leaves the enemy support exposed for your engage.

  6. Count the cost before you block

    Do not block if it means you die. A support with no health is no use to the carry, so check your health and the enemy's follow-up before stepping in.

Watch it

What to watch for: No video covers body-blocking alone, so this is a broad support guide. The chapters list posturing from 6:59 and combined health pool from 9:14. Watch how the support positions relative to the carry.

Video: Why YOU SUCK at SUPPORT (And How to Fix It) - Season 16! — Skill Capped Challenger LoL Guides

Common mistakes

  • You block a pass-through shot. It continues through you, so step aside with your carry instead.
  • You step in too late. Move the moment the animation starts, because a missile already flying is hard to intercept.
  • You block at the cost of your life. Step in only when you will live or when the carry is the win condition.
  • You forget minions. A well-timed minion line can block a shot for you, so keep one between you and the shooter.
  • You rely on Braum's shield for everything. Abilities that are not projectiles ignore it, so keep your position.

Practice drill

  • In a custom game, have a friend on Ezreal fire Mystic Shot at your ADC. Step into the line before it lands and watch it stop on you.
  • Ask a friend on Blitzcrank to try to hook your carry in lane. Walk ahead of your carry each time the hook is up, and see how often it lands on you.

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