The Parents introduction to Airsoft

So your child or children have gotten into the sport of Airsoft, congratulations. Yes I did say that Airsoft is a sport, and it's also a hobby as well. Airsoft is a physical, mental, and sometimes frustrating sport to play. In order to be knowledgeable in this sport, I will walk you through basic tactics, practicing advice, the basic rules of Airsoft, and How airsoft is an excellent bonding experience for you and your family. So lets break everything down from a fundamental standpoint. 

Basic Tactics of Airsoft

• Room clearing 
• flanking maneuvers
• holding a defensive position/strongpoint
• creating fields of fire 

These are the four main tactical components to Airsoft and can be broken down and bisected individually. As a thirteen plus year veteran player of the sport, I use these tactics every time I play. I do have an article about the basic tactics of airsoft and break the most import ones down and explain how to execute them effectively.  

Practicing Advice

As a parent you want your child to play their best match or battle at their best. Getting them to practice the basic is essential to them being effective players and shooters on the battlefield. Have your child practice a smooth clean reload with their primary weapon. A clean and fast reload makes it possible for you child to put bb's downrange effectively. Having a sloppy reload, wastes time and energy. Second have them practice running with their gear on, because in airsoft it's a lot of short distance sprints and sometimes long walks to certain areas on the battlefield. Third, practice the four main tactical components to airsoft (reference "The Basic tactics of Airsoft" article), knowing how to execute these effectively and efficiently, will better your child's chance of obtaining a victory, lessen the likelihood of him/her getting hit, and makes them a more effective player than they were when they started the sport. Finally, playing in airsoft battles and matches frequently is the most effective form of practice for a beginner airsofter. The first three pieces of advice can be done at home, with empty (unloaded) weapons. 

The Basic Rules of Airsoft

1. Call your hits (even if you don't think your but someone else thinks you are)
2. No close range shooting (20ft or less) on semi or full automatic
3. Airsoft gun should exceed 345fps (this depends on the battlefield(s) in your area)
4. Wear Eye and face protection when entering the battlefield even when not playing
5. No physical fighting (hand to hand combat or fighting because you got mad at some other player)
6. Maintain trigger awareness (Keeping your finger off the trigger  and the gun on safe)
7. Maintain barrel awareness (Keeping the barrel pointed to the ground until ready to fire)
8. Refrain from hurtful, negative, or foul language
9. No Blind firing (firing without out aiming on purpose)
10. No Full auto in buildings
11. Minimum engagement distance (semi auto) 25ft or more (depends on the battlefield and the game style)
12. Minimum engagement distance (Full Auto) 45ft or more (depends on the battlefield and the game style)
13. Have Fun

These are what I like to call the Universal rules of airsoft. Each battlefield has their own set of rules and regulations, and depending on what type of game being played, there are specific rule for the game as well. Just having the basic knowledge of what the basic rules of the sport are, can prevent your child getting hurt or called a cheater. 

A great bonding experience

Playing airsoft with your kid(s) created memories, you can teach them while y'all are playing the game, and also gets you active as well. My dad has played airsoft with me a few times and he has watched me play airsoft also. With him playing and watching, he gives me pointers and tips on how I can play a better game and how to correct my mistakes. Seeing you child and other people play airsoft, makes you more knowledgeable about the sport. But playing along side you child and other players gets you that first hand experience, to know what goes on in an airsoft match or battle. The best thing you can do for your kid(s) is to create memories and to bond as a family. 

I hope this has helped beginning parents of airsoft, with what the sport is about, what to do to help your child excel in Airsoft, and the most effective way to bond with your child. For more information on the tactics, and other basic info on the sport of airsoft; check out my article titles "A Beginners Introduction to Airsoft" and "The Basic Tactics of Airsoft". Comment your thoughts and ideas for future article, constructive criticism is welcome, and a follow is always appreciated. I am the Indian Rider and I am Riding on for now.