Airsoft Skirmish Tactics - Things to Avoid

Tunnel vision - Keep your head on a swivel

The first thing to discuss is tunnel vision. This term is used to describe a situation where a skirmisher forgets to maintain awareness of their surroundings, often brought about by the potential of a tempting target. 

Once again we are making use of our ultra basic tactics graphic, starring Stick Stu and his X-ray buddies! 

Our scenario begins when Stick Stu rinses out the HK417 user behind the cover in the foreground and makes a swift advance to bring the fight closer to the enemy. As Stick Stu approaches the cover he sees X-Ray 1 peeking out from the cover on the left. Stu cannot quite land the hit as X-Ray 1 is making decent use of cover, but he knows X-Ray 1 will reveal himself eventually so he keeps his sights on target, waiting for the shot with his finger on the trigger...

What Stick Stu hasn't noticed or even considered is that the two pieces of cover in the background have an unknown number of enemy players hiding behind them. X-Ray 2 pops his head up to see what is going on, and he clocks Stick Stu facing down with X-Ray one, with his attention solely on his target.

Most Airsofters will know the situation depicted to the left, and how tempting it is to lie in wait to take the shot as soon as the enemy leaves cover. What many will also have learned, is that while they are focused down on their next kill, other players can be flanking to take a better position, and may pop up from somewhere unexpected and unforeseen.

Obviously, the real Stu would never find himself in this situation, he is a seasoned Airsofter who knows how to play the game, but we are working with Stick Stu here and he does what we tell him to do. Stick Stu waited exposed from cover for too long whilst X-Ray 1 distracted him, and X-Ray 2 now pops up fully with his rifle raised and sends Stick Stu on a walk...
 

The best way to overcome tunnel vision is to continually scan your environment for threats, and avoid getting drawn in by crafty enemies at all costs. Some skirmishers will actively distract you whilst their teammates flank, so be aware when an enemy player appears to be drawing you in.

When using optical sights it is best practice to keep both eyes open and make your entire peripheral vision available, and when using magnified optics we recommend a quick scan every few seconds if you think you have an enemy pinned, but there is potential for you to be flanked.

The next best solution to this issue is unpredictable behaviour which will keep the enemy guessing as to where you pop out from cover, i.e alternating between kneeling and standing, changing position whenever possible and seizing any opportunity to rush the enemies and pop up where they won't expect you.