Being an ADC requires having numerous skills that are not so easy to learn and master. For example, a good ADC has to maximize its damage output in teamfights, properly kite, be able to dodge skillshots all the time as being constantly vulnerable is maybe the biggest disadvantage of this role, and, last but not least, last hit like an expert. In this article, I am going to analyse last hitting in general and help you achieve excellence in it. So without further delay, let's begin.

What is last hitting and why is it important?

Before we start, let's clarify something. There is a difference between farming and last hitting, as farming is killing minions in general. The term "last hit" has a slightly different meaning, which means that the following advice only applies to last hitting, and not farming at all.

Last hitting is having the ability to time the execution of a minion with only one auto-attack. In other words, deal the killing blow on a creep. By doing so, you will earn a chunk of gold and experience points which grow larger and larger as time progresses. Using this gold will help you buy your Infinity Edge way faster, thus deal way more damage faster, which is the ultimate goal of every ADC.

Now let's see how the gold given by the kill of each minion is compared to the gold given by a champion kill. All of these stats are about the start of the game. Please keep in mind that minion gold raises over time, but only by a little amount.

Melee minions give 20 gold, which means 15 melee minion kills equal an average kill.

Caster minions give 17 gold, which means approximately 18 caster minion kills equal an average kill.

Siege minions (which spawn by 1 in every 3 waves) give 45 gold, which means approximately 6 siege minion kills equal an average kill.

All these stats compared, a kill is equal to 18 minions in terms of gold without a siege minion kill. This way, you can translate your CS into kills, and see what your actual value truly is. In addition, having a lot of CS will not give the enemy extra gold for killing you, while champion kills will do.

Now you know why all pro players focus on farming at the early game rather than getting a kill, as getting a kill is really difficult to achieve early on, especially in the Bot Lane where there are at least 2 enemies helping each other at each given time.

Now that we know exactly what last hitting is, let's move on on how to do it.

How to practice last hitting?

Learning how to last hit is a really simple task. Just do it over and over again. Just play more normal games and focus on that. But if you really want some advice on how to learn it through a harmless way (and not play against real opponents), here's the deal. Below are some ways that can help you achieve perfection in last hitting, on an ascending order of difficulty. Remember to keep your auto-attack option toggled off (in the in-game settings menu), as this will make the whole last hitting process impossible.

- Create a custom game and last hit.

This way you will learn the basics of last hitting. Try to get as many minions as possible.

- Practice your last hitting in a Bot game.

By doing so you will only keep your mind on last hitting and not on having to dodge skillshots or stay out of enemy AD's range all the time. Make sure to add 2 Bots in the Bot Lane so you feel more realistic, simply by selecting 5 enemy Bots. Remember to not harass the enemy Bots continuously as they will back off and recall, instead of staying in lane.

- Use no Runes, Masteries or Items in a Bot Game.

Things are getting serious here, as having no extra stats while make your last hitting way more difficult. Use an empty Rune and Mastery page, load into the game, and walk straight into the lane without buying anything. Now you need to time your auto-attack better.

- Use intermediate Bots.

The most difficult way to practice your last hitting, besides an actual game. Not only will you have reduced stats (if you choose to apply the previous way here, something I highly recommend), but you will also have to keep in mind the enemies' position, dodge enemy poke, and also learn how to use your range effectively. It almost feels like a real game. Here you can trade with Bots a bit more, but don't overdo.

You can even play with Bots before you start an actual game, in order to be and feel more prepared to last hit.

Image courtesy of RiotOpti from LoL Boards

Any more piece of advice?

So far it's all working smoothly, huh? Well not for long, as it is time for you to queue up into an actual game, facing real opponents. There are no excuses now, every lost minion means advantage for your opponent. So here are some tips on how to improve your laning even more, as far as minions are concerned.

First and foremost, move between your auto-attacks. It is really unsafe being at a stationary position all the time, because enemies can lock you down faster and easier that way. Remember to be constantly moving.

Next, do not make a habit of using spells to last hit minions all the time. Although using spells might be a good idea when needing to clear waves fast or needing to stay in a safer position and farm at the same time, please don't do it if it is not for losing a lot of CS. This way you lower your Mana more and more, consequently ending up with you not having enough for crucial times. In addition, you get used to farming using spells, something that is not acceptable at all.

Image courtesy of Teehunter

Conclusion

Being an ADC, having the ability to last hit effectively is a commitment you cannot overlook. With minions being the best source of gold in the game, it is a virtue being able to not lose any. The best way possible to practice your last hitting is simply by playing more and more. Using Bots can be a good way to get practice it and/or warm-up, yet the actual games are what it is all about. Never forget to move between your auto-attacks, and to only last hit in order to kill minions in lane. See you on the Rift.

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