Kevin, I agree pretty much with everything you say because in essence, you seem to be advocating the use of the basics rather than indulging in some of the aspects of paintball that just sound good.Really interesting stuff, as usual, Pete. Having done a fair few clinics, it's always interesting how often people are totally unable to hit a static target at even the length of half a field! I'd always rather be on a field with people with tight fundamental skills - the very basics of the game are to shoot other players whilst not being shot yourself, and you can't do either solely by talking - good comms may help, but the purpose of those comms still feeds into shooting fools and staying alive, comms are not the end in themselves. I'd also suggest that knowing when to engage/not engage would be in that little mix of basic skills - choosing what gunfights to get involved in and then using your skills to win them is the most key aspect of play for me.
I think a lot of teams kid themselves as to what comms really are too - I think a lot of players get a kick out of knowing the "Xbox, Orange, apple, god etc" script "just like the pros". Actually, it strikes me as a lot more than that - watching the body language of team-mates and knowing when they'll need support, spotting them waling off the field and so on all allow you to gain information without shouting. I really enjoy playing with a couple of my long term team-mates, as I know from the body language that they'll be about to make a move, or that they have a lane held down and so on. Talking, personally, I find talking or shouting the least useful form of comms, as half the time you can't bloody hear it! Or, worse still, you assume you've been heard and stop watching a spot etc. Perhaps the most important comms is the talk off the field - discussing and planning the strategies, and updating them as a day unfolds.
If you think about it - most top teams would suffer more from being given really inaccurate, swervy paint than being made to play in silence!
I'd like to know what people think what the top ten elements of paintball play actually are ... however, it's no good just nominating your top ten, you have to qualify them in some way.
I don't mean posting another 'War and Peace' like mine but a brief outline as to what and why will do ...
And just so we don't start off on the wrong foot here, I am gonna nominate Staying tight and accurate shooting as the top two - Actually, I place them at equal first place and so it's be interesting to see what people think are the most important elements from 3 to 10.
I'm pretty sure some of Pebble's suggestions will be in there but I'd like to know which ones and where ...
However, if you wish to suggest an element of play that you believe is first or second that differs from mine then please post it ... It'll be interesting to see if anyone does after reading what's gone before in this thread.
Have Fun !!! ..... Peace out !!!!