FIREFIGHT SURVIVAL TIPS
Most Airsoft games include some kind of "mad minute" or intense exchange of rounds; this is a FIREFIGHT. Indeed, this can be the most hostile environment for an Airsofter, aside from extremes of weather. Certainly, to stay in the firefight and not get tagged, is a skill in itself and one that all Airsofters need to know. Your main priority in such an engagement, should be to remain UNTAGGED (ie. not HIT).
There are several ways to avoid getting shot, although none are infallable. Firstly, it is important to stay low to the ground at all times. Crawling, is tiring, but worth it, when the terrain allows it. Using hard cover, over vegetation is also the key to remaining untagged. Always look and fire from cover, in the following order; (under, through, around, over) as this makes you harder to locate. If at all possible, avoid shooting from the same position, as your oppoennts will soon learn your exact position. Keep your gun in cover too and only bring it to bear once you spot your target. Quickly put down your rounds and if you feel exposed, get straight back into cover.
If you take heavy or accurate fire, then either remain in hard cover, or look for a better position, nearby. If pinned down, keep in a safe position and do not try to return fire. Let your team mates get you out of the situaution. Instead use the time for comm's or reloading. Keep an eye open towards your exposed flank.
When moving from 1 position to another, in a FIREFIGHT, first of all choose your next position and intended route. This should be the best optional available to you. If it's possible to crawl there, without being seen, then that is the best option. Otherwise, you will have to dash. The distance of the move should be only short, 5 or 10m, only longer if being engaged at long range. Crawl from your position, if possible. Time the dash with friendly suppressive fire and get up without prewarning your opponent. Dash the short distance, before dropping/diving into cover. Always make sure you never run directly at your opponents, instead, try to present only a crossing target. If the terrain allows, crawl a couple of yards, before spotting for targets or returning fire.
Only ever consider sprinting to safety (hasty retreat), if you are being engaged at long range or the cover is dense. Again, give the opponent's no warning and make your move quickly. Hesitation in a firefight, can often result in being tagged. So be decisive, when an oppertunity arises, espescially in CQB. Always remember that foliage is not BB proof. Also, at long range BB's are more likely to arc in, from above, so pick your cover accordingly (thick tree trunks are great, in all situations.)
Another great way to avoid getting HIT is also to have a guardian angel watching over you. This is easily done if you pair up with a team mate and use a BUDDY/BUDDY system. This gives a player more confidence to know someone is watching out specifically, for him. If anything goes wrong and a team mate is under pressure, his BUDDY is expected to "dig him out." This may include having to lay down heavy support fire, or risk a move to flank his opponents. These simple "pairs" of players are the building blocks of many teams.
When attacking, in a FIREFIGHT, do not get overconfident or sloppy. When your BUDDY moves; cover your firearc and keep low. Any sign of movement or firing, deserves a shot or burst. Keeping your opponents pinned, is often the key to winning a FIREFIGHT. In order to succeed in pinning them down, you will need to fire at least as many pellets as you are recieving, often more. So putting down lots of pellets over a short period of time is only useful if your team mates are going to make a move. Pinning you opponents can be achieved by using controlled bursts or even accurate single shots.
When the chips are down and the firefight goes mad, try to stay focussed and not just tunnel visioned. Keep an eye out for other opponents and also communicate with your BUDDY. Try to workout what is happening (ie. who is where) and therefore what your own best course of action should be....... |
