Wave Management

Wave management is deliberately controlling the minion waves — how fast they push and where they meet — to gain an edge in lane. By shaping the wave you can pull it toward your tower for safety, build a big wave to crash into the enemy, or set up a freeze that starves your opponent.

It influences who can roam, when it is safe to back, and how exposed a lane is to ganks. Often called the most underrated skill in League, mastering it separates climbing players from those stuck at their rank.