Preparation and practice are the main contributors to winning in any competitive sport. This is the reason why athletes go through rigorous hours of training to keep their mind and body in peak condition.
Joining an airsoft match can be fun to do as a team or as a solo sport. However, going on a practice run at an Airsoft field won’t be ideal if you can’t focus on your particular weak points. Whether you want to be a better individual or team player, it’s best to train yourself in advance to develop your core skill sets.
Focusing on the fundamentals
When you’re playing a match, you have to consider a myriad of factors simultaneously. This overload of information can be challenging to tune down, especially if you’re just starting. For this reason, you need to take all the necessary skill sets in airsoft one step at a time. Thankfully, you can do some home exercises without having to spend a day at an airsoft field.
If you want to be a better player at Airsoft matches, here are three training drills that will improve your fundamental skill sets:
1. Drawing your weapon
The first thing you have to develop is your drawing speed. An airsoft match demands you to make split-second decisions when making offensive and defensive maneuvers. Practice drawing your weapon by seeing the natural flow of your body. Being mindful of what limbs you use will broaden your self-awareness when you’re in tight situations. Remember to maintain a solid grip on your gun to be in a combat-ready position.
Besides drawing your weapon, improving how you transition from your primary and secondary will also be beneficial in long matches. Keeping a long-range weapon with a more compact pistol for close-range encounters will give you an advantage in drawing and shooting speeds. Prioritize speedier sight acquisition with your long-range weapon’s sights and increasing your draw speed with your pistol.
2. Reloading your weapon
Reloading your weapon needs to be second-nature to you to ensure that you’re focusing on your surroundings. Keep in mind that you’re at your most vulnerable when reloading, especially if you’re simultaneously running away from aggressive enemies. You can practice reloading with a gas blowback system. Like the simple act of dribbling, reloading is all about being familiar with your weapon.
If you want to be a more effective player, memorize the feel of your weapon when you’re about to run out of bullets. You can define this through changes in weight or shot counts. Practicing enough times on your reloading will give you a general idea of when you should change magazines instinctively.
3. Increasing your stamina
Airsoft matches are physically demanding activities that require you to exercise your agility in diverse environments. This is why it’s necessary to condition your body’s overall physical performance. It’s best to focus on core exercise and cardio to improve your balance and stamina. Remember that you’ll be in full gear as well, so it’s best to consider doing your exercises with extra weights.
Doing a few rounds of burpees will be an excellent simulation of standing, kneeling, and crawling for both defensive and offensive movements. While going into these positions, simulate holding a weapon with your hand and arm movements for greater effect.
Conclusion
Performing these drills regularly will enhance your muscle memory so that you can focus on following your instincts during an actual game. The faster you are in performing the basics, the easier you’ll handle immediate and complex maneuvers. Doing a combination of solo training and in-game experience will make you a more effective player in the field.
There are numerous ways to develop your in-game skills while you’re stuck at home. If you want to be a better airsoft player, check out our online blog for informative airsoft articles and get playing tips, drills, techniques, and more!