CT rotation

Novice

CT setup

To begin understanding CT rotation, we first need to have a basic understanding of CT setups on a macro level. We generally want to cover all entries to each site, to ensure noone can reach the site without CTs knowing, and keep an easy overview of where enemies may be. We therefore need to spread out across the map. Now this means we get a new problem. Ts have number advantage if they push directly to a site. We obviously want to defend with as many players as possible in the position the enemy is pushing, think crossfires, trading kills etc. To allow these two things (covering all entries while defending with as many players as possible), we need very good CT rotations.

Default CT setup
General idea

The entire team should be involved in rotations whenever needed. Typically a rotation is needed if we hear at least 2 players at any location. The player closest rotates in to help with the fight, while the rest of the players “scooch” over to cover for the player that rotated. The player on the other site will typically end up alone on the site for the duration of the rotate. This is not that bad as we know a maximum of 3 players can attack the site. As long as the anchor knows how to solo hold, he should very often be able to get a kill and play for 5v4 retake. Now, in the case where you know 4 players are towards a specific spot, you want to rotate 4 of your players and only leave the anchor for the other site, to keep an eye on a potential lurk play.

3 players are heard top banana, so the 3 middle CT players rotate one spot towards B
Our new setup still covers the same spots. Note that 3 CT players were involved in the rotate and moved 1 spot each.
4 players were spotted top mid, so we rotate players towards A. Again, players rotate one spot.
Our new heavy A setup, after the rotate. Note how the B rotate now covers long, so the A rotate can play site.
Short rotates

As mentioned above, the closest player should rotate first. The anchor on site should always be the last to rotate, and generally only if the bomb is spotted. Each player(except for anchor) has the responsibility to rotate to their adjacent spots fast.

Allowing time for rotates

To be able to rotate quickly, your teammates need information as early as possible that multiple enemies are playing towards your spot. If they are rushing in, it is super helpful to slow down the push with a molotov. Also, you dont want to sit back site from the start of the round. Whenever possible, getting the information of enemy positions help the rotates massively.

Intermediate