Top 5 Airsoft Skirmish Tactics: Win More with These Pro Tips

Introduction

In this article we're going to cover top five tips that are going to help you improve your overall tactics and performance on the airsoft field. These can be applied in numerous environments from open ground to urban operations.

By now you are probably aware when operating in the airsoft field it can be very chaotic at times and that having a good understanding of strategy, tactics, patience and situational awareness in the environment you are operating in is key to success. These tips I often find are helpful for those with no military background. These are aimed not just improving your performance which is one element of airsoft however I understand people play it for other reasons, use it as you see fit.

Top 5 Tips

1. Understand the ground. Before you start playing see if there are maps or models that will give you an idea of the ground in general and in ground in detail. In the Army before we do anything operationally, we address the ground that we will be operating in, as it is so important on how you will conduct you mission. Having this understanding, you can see the advantages and disadvantages the ground is going to afford you and your opponents. This can help you plan accordingly and dictate how you're going to achieve your objective. For example, if you are playing in a woodland skirmish you want to use cover as much as possible, analyse the ground to see if there is any dead ground (terrain that cannot be seen into which can potentially hide threats, like a ditch), Tree cover, BUND lines (Built Up Natural Defences. ) etc that are going to give you or your opponent advantages. You want to understand this as much as possible to give yourself the best chance of success.

   
   

2. Static targets are a dead target. Move around as much as possible, do not get bogged down. As soon as you become static and get stuck in one area you're just presenting yourself an easy target. Try to keep moving as much as possible, while having good situational awareness. This will keep you and your movements dynamic and random to the enemy, allowing you to have a greater chance at the element of surprise. This also applies to when you are engaging with the enemy, you do not want to be static in the same position for too long, take a few shots and move slightly so the enemy do not get zeroed in on your exact location.

   
   

3. Fight light. This is a common saying in the Army, and it really applies to Airsoft too. Equip yourself and dress yourself appropriately to the environment and the mission you are undertaking. Try to strip back any unnecessary gear to lighten your overall loadout. The amount of times I have seen people get stuck in doorways during CQB because they're carrying far too much kit is ridiculous. MilSim is obviously a huge element to airsoft and I understand a lot of the time people carry extra kit for the aesthetics, this is absolutely fine but just be aware that it might impact your ability to operate at the best possible level you can. In the military we actually have to plan for huge number of possibilities however with airsoft you generally know what to expect in the upcoming games.

   
   

4. Don't always rush. Even though in Tip 2 I tell you to keep moving sometimes you don't need to rush into situations. Depending on the game you are playing you might have to take up a defensive position, if this is the case then don't rush and allow the enemy opponents to come to you. Take a up a good defensive position, however don’t forget to move around to stop people from zeroing in on your position.

   
   

5. Hit them where it hurts. Flank them. Flanking is a term which means to maneuver around an enemy forces side, gaining a advantageous position in doing so. This has huge potential in Airsoft as most people get tunnel vision into what is directly in front of them, often ignoring the greater situational awareness and organisation to protect rear and side flanks. This comes back to Tip 1 and 2, by understanding the ground and where the enemy forces may be located you can then move to hit them where they are not expecting it. This then can divide their strength to deal with you allowing the main contingent of friendly forces to push deeper into the enemy position. Doing this will rack up the kills.

Summary

In conclusion these are 5 starting Tips to help you develop you personal tactics and performance on the airsoft field. This is certainly not a exhaustive list and there will be other articles in the future revisiting this topic. Just remember to be dynamic, and don’t play into the enemy’s hands. Most of all have fun testing out new things, Airsoft is a great place to just try something that might seem wild – but who knows it might just work. Good luck and stay safe.

Train Hard Fight Easy. T .