| PCRI Tech Tips
from Oh Pawlak
Tech Tips from Oh Pawlak is a monthly column that deals with the every day
equipment dilemmas that Paintball players face. The opinions expressed within
this article are not necessarily the opinions of PCRI. Have any questions
for Oh? Call 916-482-GAME.
Before I get into the technical aspect of my article, I first want to thank
some special friends. The past four years of my professional career have
been filled with some memorable and exciting moments. I have been fortunate
enough to have come in contact with some wonderful people; Tom Cole, Pev,
John Amodea, Jackie George, Mike Leffler, Jeff Shank, Rookie, Scotty Shoemaker
and the rest of Bad Company and PCRI to name a few. I have recently joined
a new California team (Bob Long's Ironmen) and I am looking forward to making
some new history with them, but I won't forget the time I've spent with Bad
Company.
On-Field Communication
Communicating is by far the most important overlooked aspect of playing
paintball. Players around the world still misplay the game by undervaluing
the importance of getting the "correct" info to the "right" people. Someone
once said, "Bad info is twice as harmful as no info". This month's tech tip
deals with the simple nuances of improving your communicating skills while
playing paintball.
1. Always try to turn your head towards the direction of the player whom
you wish to communicate with. A lot of people yell out to their fellow team
players without ever properly directing their voice. It becomes nearly impossible
to hear words when the game is on and this hindrance is compounded when the
player doesn't properly direct his voice.
2. Speak slowly and clearly with a stern voice. Words become incoherent when
they are spoken quickly and without pause (I'm one of the worst when it comes
to this). Try taking a deep breath or two between key sentences.
3. When you are playing paintball on a field where your opponent is within
ear shot of your players, try using hand motions instead of basic codes.
A simple adjustment from yelling a code for a broken gun to pointing to your
gun can save your position.
4. Try using cross-field communicating during the game. This will help your
tape players see the openings in the center of the field during the game.
The majority of tape players worry themselves with just the players in front
of them rather than peaking into the middle of the field once in a while.
5. Most teams fall into the fallacy of only allowing their backfield players
to communicate during key moments in the game. Try getting your front line
players into the habit of barking out directions to backfield players and
organizing key moves during the game. Some of the most critical information
comes from the front line players.
Don't forget that communicating is something that anyone of any size, age
or ability can do successfully. It can be the difference between winning
and losing.
When the critics say you're not good enough to play this game, prove them
wrong!
Oh Pawlak
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