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| 24 hr SKILLS |
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| STALKING Many would say that STALKING was a skill more in the realms of pointmen and snipers. However, all players would benefit from using such tactics, espescially when on patrol. Indeed, should a full team prove effective at STALKING and stealth, then they will be very effective on ENDURO style events. STALKING is the art of moving undetected towards your intended target. Pretty much like a tiger or other predatory animal does, when hunting. Indeed, humans were once such hunters and some hunting instincts still remain. The idea is to get within a successful striking range, just like a big cat does. Albeit further away if hoping to land a successful HIT, with an Airsoft gun. When STALKING, it is best not to walk upright, but rather to crouch or walk with a stoop. (see picture right) This helps to keep you in cover (makes you a harder target) and reduces the chance of being spotted at long range. The human eye, picks out upright shapes easily, so this helps to counter it. Yet the eye is quickly attracted to movement too. Even in peripheral vision, motion is instantly spotted. Espescially if contrasting colours are involved. Hence, while stalking in a crouched stance, it is best to either remain completely still, or move only in a slow, fluid, manner. Imagine you are moving in slow motion, making no sudden movements. This means that a stalker, may only cover a small distance in an hour of stalkling, depending just how quiet, he wants to be. This will test your fitness and stamina. Balance is important and can be helped by limiting the stalker's length of pace. Try not to over stretch and use your arm to brace against your knee to take the strain if stationary. If stooping gives you back ache, then try to keep you back straight. Take breaks and lay down if required to stretch out, before continuing. Should you detect someone/thing, then the best thing to do is freeze instantly. Again this can require excellent muscle control and stamina, espescially if only balanced on 1 foot or testing a footing while crouched. Moving silently is the key to a successful stalk. As sound often reveals an Airsofter, before they are seen. The best ways to limit noise include : Spend time to pick good footings, avoiding dry leaves and twigs. Prefering to tread on soft ground or tufts of green grass, that produce little noise. Move slowly and smoothly. Practice moving silently at all times, eventually, this will become standard practice. If you spot an opponent, then freeze and observe what they are doing. If they are looking away, then use the time to slowly drop into cover. As you try to get close enough for a shot, move when they are not looking in your direction and freeze if they are alert. Watch to see if they are unaware of you, if apparantly oblivious, press on. Split your time observing your quarry, with watching your feet and planning your route forward. Indeed, when stalking, it is important to come up with a route to your intended firing position. You must choose to fire from a position with good cover. Aim to get 30m away with an AEG, while 40m is still an accurate range for an APS bolt action rifle. |
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