Defense Against Bunkering

In a previous article, I explained the best way to go about bunkering an opponent. I mentioned that a very experienced opponent will know when you are about to bunker him... and he'll probably eliminate you during your attempt. Well if one person can dominate the field like that, you can too.

How? I'm about to tell you.

First off, you need to know it's coming. If you already have your head down and for some reason, the paint just keeps coming, someone is moving. There's only one reason an opposing back player would send dozens of paintballs your way when you are not even exposed... someone is moving! Remember this. Look around. Even while you are behind cover, you can check to your sides to be sure you aren't getting flanked.

If you aren't getting flanked, and none of your team members are getting flanked while the paint just keeps pouring into your cover, you just may be getting bunkered. Keep in mind, it might also just be that an opponent is moving up. Either way, here's the protocol:

1. Whatever side you were firing out of before, SWITCH.
2. Aim around waist level.
3. If you aren't being forced to play extremely close to your bunker, back up as much as possible.
4. Listen for footsteps, paintballs shaking around in a hopper, or for someone firing as they approach your bunker.
5. If someone comes around your bunker... Let 'em have it.

If you were shooting from the right side of your bunker, be ready for an opponent to come around the left side...and vice versa. Unless he's an idiot, your opponent isn't going to come running around the side he just saw you shooting from. He'll be trying to shoot you in the back.

Aim at waist level. Pods and hipbones will definitely mean your paintballs break. Especially at this range. If he decides to slide in on his knees to get you, you'll just end up shooting him in the face and shoulders. If he decides to slide around your bunker headfirst (superman slide), his marker will be bobbling all over the place. Hopefully he'll have a difficult time hitting you. This should give you the split second required to drop your aim lower and take him out.

If you have the opportunity and space, back up a couple of steps away from your bunker. Your enemy may be expecting you to be right up against the bunker...this means he'll be in your firing lane before he's expecting it. He also may have to adjust his aim further back. That gives you a very substantial head start considering the entire encounter is likely to take place in less than one second.

If you're listening carefully, you might be able to hear his footsteps, paintballs shaking in his hopper, or him firing if he's a little too early. This will mean you are certainly about to get bunkered. However, if it's just footsteps, only shoot once or twice when he comes around your bunker... it could just be a ref.

Don't overshoot. This clown might deserve it, but be nice. The "three plus" rule might apply.

...on a side note: If at all possible, don't shoot into your opponent's groin or throat.

Keep in mind, if you take these precautions because the paint kept flying into your bunker when you were behind cover, it may just mean that someone is moving up. If that's the case, don't sit around waiting for a chump to come around your bunker for too long. It might never happen.

On the other hand, if you are the last one standing on your team, you are outnumbered, and you have obtained a field position that makes it impossible for your opponents to flank you, you can be completely sure that an opponent is going to bunker you...or at least he's going to try. If a bunkering move is the only way the opposing team can eliminate you before the clock runs down, it should be obvious what is about to happen. Be ready for it.