How do you decide what play is the one you want to go for as a team? That’s an important question that doesn’t have an exact answer. Some teams opt for an in-game leader that is in control. Other teams opt for a team wide discussion. Other’s still try to have such a clear game plan before that there is no need to discuss what call is. All of these have their strengths and weaknesses, and what works for one team may not work for others.

The In-game leader means that there is one game plan directing the actions of the team. Everyone knows to listen to that player, and can react to their calls appropriately. It can be a quick and decisive way to organize the game. However, this system of shot calling can break down easily. If the primary voice is having a bad game, or low energy, or something that means they are not speaking as much as they should it can leave the team without a voice. There can also be a disconnect when the shot caller is not the one with the go button. They may see an angle to fight but in the time they are saying “Engage now” and the person who needs to engage hears and reacts to it the moment can be gone. Another cause of this style failing is when the lead shot caller loses the trust or respect of their teammates. Ultimately the others have to believe in the vision of the leader. I personally think this is the most consistent style. Chains of command are a common tool for a reason. I think in general League can benefit from a clear leader and reliable followers. But working as a team to mitigate the failure points is important.

Everyone having a voice and deciding as a team is another option. This allows for a lot more ideas to be considered. It allows for pivoting based on what is happening. If one player is having a rough game the other players can pick up the slack. But this can be slower to react and make decisions if everyone needs to have their voices heard and ideas discussed. League of legends, and most esports, are fast games. The team needs to be quick to decide and react to the situations in front of them. Resentment or feelings of being ignored can also build up if the team is not careful. No one likes having their ideas constantly ignored. I think this style can create a versatile team because their style of game may change depending on who is being listened to at the time. But it can also lead to indecisiveness and slow reactions to the game state.

Going in with a clear game plan and focus beforehand is not an exclusive style, but what trying to shot call with this style means is that everyone knows exactly where they need to go without any discussion. Everything happens with minimal communication. Amazing when it works, it is fast and feels like all five players share one brain. When everyone knows what kinds of fights the team is looking for you don’t need anyone to say “I am engaging” because everyone is already expecting it. However, it is very difficult to actually make this a reality. This style also falls apart quickly if a unexpected game state happens. Getting all five players on exactly the same page is a challenge that I don’t think is solved in one or two seasons. Players need to spend a lot of time discussing their thoughts outside of game to come to a cohesive and clear plan.

I think striving for the one mind style, while utilizing the in-game leader is the most effective approach in game. Outside of game is the time for everyone’s voices to heard and discussion to be used. It helps build the clear and precise plan that every team wants. But ultimately when trying to figure out how your team shot calls understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the team matters. If you have a lot of loud voices it may be important to declare one voice as the one to be listened to, or if they can have a quick and effective discussion in game then maybe you allow for that. Whatever style works best for the team is fine, having it be a clear and well understood system is what is most important.