The 5 Points of Movement
by Blacksheep

Movement is everything. It's what makes paintball fun. It's also what allows
the opposing players to see you. Throughout several years of playing with
Nurf guns (don't laugh, it's what got me into paintball) and paintball, I
learned how to move, how not to move, and what to consider. The following is
a long list of things I think about before I make that five second sprint
from one position to another.

1)Decide where you want to move by asking the fallowing:
     a. What position provides the best cover
     b. What positions are obvious areas of cover for a sniper
     c. What position will give me the greatest firing/observation lanes
     d. How many covered positions are there to escape
2) Determine if the risk is worth it:
     a. What is the tactical advantage of moving to that position
     b. How much and what risks are involved
     c. Do the potential gains outweigh the risks
     d. What is the best/worst/probable scenarios
     e. Does this benefit my team
3) Scout the area, looking for:
     a. Covered entry and exit routes
     b. Where the enemy is/could be
     c. Likely ambush spots
     d. Noise making obstacles
4) Plan your route:
     a. How you will compromise or avoid obstacles
     b. Areas of cover
     c. Speed in which you will move
5) As you move:
     a. Update your intelligence
     b. Pay attention to changes in your environment
     c. Pretend the enemy is observing your location
NOTE: If you are observed, then run. Forget stealth, it's not going to do
anything for you but keep you exposed longer. Sniper generally don't have
the firepower to engage in a long, drawn out paint exchange, so you'll want
to disengage. If you have a spotter, leave him hanging while you exit.

This list may seem extraneous, but I've found that if you just take one
minute to think before you move, then you can often avoid being eliminated
early or avoid detection. Too many times, I've watched a player run from a
covered position just for the sake of moving, and he was quickly eliminated
by one, well-placed round in the hopper. Don't move for the sake of moving.
Remember, if there is no value, there is no point, and if there is no point,
it's just wasted energy.
     Another things I'd like to point out is head movement. Why do people
insist on moving all ten pounds of their head? The head is a very large,
distinct target enough, but moving it back and forth, well, that's almost
like wearing pink and hot yellow in a green forest. Also factor in the glare
off the lenses, it's almost impossible NOT to see the player moving the
head. Instead, make sweeps with your eyes. This save some energy too. Imagine
how much energy is take to move your head compared to the small eyes.
     Limb movement also tends to be excessive. Sometimes, a player will
shake out his wrists! The fast, choppy motion is a dead giveaway, not to
mention hand camouflage seems to be disregarded. A good tip is once you are
in a position, don't move until you've considered what the outcome could be.
Essentially, use common sense.

Well, that's all I have to say about movement. I hope that my methods work
as well for you as they did for me.
- Blacksheep