"Wow, they just mowed us down. There was nothing we could do. It was a slaughter." I wish I had a dollar for every time I have heard that statement or something similar coming from paint covered players in the neutral zone after a game. The truth of the matter is that yes they did mow you down but there is always something you can do. If you know the types of engagements that may occur on the paintball field while you are moving toward the opponent's base you will be able to overcome and dominate any situation.
The key to overcoming these seemingly impossible situations is to have a plan prepared beforehand, make sure everyone knows what to do and have simple commands that everyone can understand. The commands you use must be clear and easy to understand for every member of the team. No secret code words or fancy details, just keep it simple. Remember that when the paint starts to fly and the adrenaline is pumping, players, even experienced ones, tend to get tunnel vision and may not remember what a '22 Bravo' is but they will understand 'RUN' or 'Ambush Right' or 'Sniper Left'.
There are five basic types of contact with the opposing force that you will make while your team is on the advance during a paintball game. They are; you are outnumbered, you are ambushed, run into a lone sniper or sniper team, your team is flanked and lastly your team bumps into the opposing side. For simplicity lets look at each situation individually.
Outnumbered
It has happened to all of us at one time or another. You and three or four teammates are creeping toward the enemy base and then 'wham' paint, and lots of it, starts coming down on you. You are obviously outnumbered. You cannot flank and it is suicide to charge. You have only one choice… RUN. Once you realize that you are outnumbered scream 'RUN'. At that point everyone shoots as much paint as you can in three or four seconds at the other side. Have half of your team break contact and pull back while the rest continue to shoot. The first team should run about 10 yards turn around and start shooting as much paint as possible giving the rest a chance to pull back. Keep repeating the process until you are out of harms way. The keys to successfully accomplishing a fighting withdrawal are to shoot a lot of paint, move fast and do not hesitate. Once you know you are outnumbered start shooting and moving.
Ambush
You are moving toward the other team's base and you walk into an ambush. Since the ambushers are in prepared positions and have the angle on you if you stop, drop and fire or try to pull back you will be cut to pieces. You are left with one option, charge the ambush and hope for the best. When the ambush is sprung yell 'Ambush' and the direction that the paintballs are coming from. Keep it simple, 'Ambush Right', 'Ambush Front' etc. Everyone immediately starts shooting in that direction and runs toward the ambushers. Unlike being outnumbered you will have numerical superiority over the ambushers. The hail of paint coming from you should keep their heads down and give you time to rush in for the kill. Charging is your only hope. Once you fight through the ambush, reorganize what is left of your team and keep moving.
Lone Sniper
How can you tell the difference between a sniper and an ambush? You can tell by the amount of paint coming your way. A lone sniper is easy to contend with. As with an ambush yell 'Sniper' and the direction from which the paintballs are coming. The sniper will be hard to see also yell where you think he is. Keep it simple. 'Sniper left in the bush by the bunker', 'sniper front left of the building'. Immediately have all players shoot paint toward the suspected sniper position for two or three seconds. Two players should continue to put paint on the sniper as one player rushes in for the elimination. While this is happening the remainder of your team should move forward toward the enemy base and set up a hasty ambush in case the sniper fire brings reinforcements in your direction. Unlike the military where sniper can shoot at extreme ranges in paintball all markers shoot approximately the same distance. If the sniper can hit you, you can hit him. Isolate and eliminate the sniper.
Flanked
Getting flanked while you are on the advance is very bad. The other team has spotted you and moved up along your side giving them the maximum amount of markers pointing at one. You have two choices push forward or pull back. If you turn to fight you will be completely eliminated. No matter what you decide to do you must do it quickly. Yell 'Flanked', the direction of the attack and the direction you want everyone to move. 'Flanked Right, Back'. Unlike with other contacts you should not stop and fire aimed shot if you are flanked. You must break contact as quickly as possible perpendicularly to the direction of the attackers. Pick up and run in the direction given while shooting paint in the direction of the attackers. Once everyone has pulled back 50 yards stop, reorganize and then carry on.
Bump
When you bump both your side and their sides has an equal number of players and are moving toward each other but neither knows the other is coming. The tactic is exactly the same as when you are outnumbered. If you stand and fight it will degenerate into a 50/50 fight that is not good for you. Once you realize what is happening yell 'BUMP'. Once the command is given everyone shoots as much paint as you can in three or four seconds at the other side. Have half of your team break contact and pull back while the rest continue to shoot. The first team should run about 10 yards turn around and start shooting as much paint as possible giving the rest a chance to pull back. Keep repeating the process until you are out of harm's way.
You have probably noticed that when you are advancing toward the flag and make contact with the other team you must break contact as quickly as possible. This is vital because you do not want to fight accord to the other team's plan, you want to fight according to your plan. Everyone on you team must know what to do and be able to execute the plan when the time comes. Being ready to take action will make the difference between success and failure.
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