Win the first wave decision

Lane opening through the first rotation; especially the first two waves and each recall window

Establish whether your duo wins the first push or wants the wave near your side. If you can reach the level advantage first, push with the Oathsworn and threaten the same target; if you lose the race, concede exposed CS rather than trading into the enemy's extra spell. Use Sentinel when its scouting activation is available before extending beyond the river, and crash before a recall or roam. Transition when the first lane objective, a recall cycle, or team movement makes bot lane no longer the highest-value location.

Lane

Make the wave create the trade

If your duo can reach the first level advantage before the enemy and the wave is not already crashing into you, push the opening waves together and threaten a focused target when the level lead gives you more spell access. If the enemy reaches the level first, give up exposed last hits until your experience catches up; Kalista's movement does not make a level deficit safe.

With Kalista

• If you are Kalista's lane partner, choose one target and let her build spears before forcing the exchange. When the enemy must last-hit or is slowed by Rend, add damage and crowd control; if the wave is against you, help create the crash instead of starting a disconnected fight.
• If you are a frontline or engage champion, give Kalista a visible path to keep attacking after you enter. When her Oathsworn link and Fate's Call are available, communicate the target and timing simply; if she is not in range, delay the engage until her damage can arrive.
• If you are an enchanter or peel champion, protect the space Kalista needs for repeated attacks rather than following an enemy carry through the frontline. When a diver reaches her, peel toward Kalista and let her reposition; a living marksman with steady DPS is more valuable than a chase.
• If your team is setting up an objective, move with the bot-wave plan: crash first, establish information, then commit with numbers. If Kalista has meaningful spear stacks and your team has a deliberate, practiced secure call, preserve Rend for that timing; do not treat it as a replacement for Smite or spend it on low-value poke.