Rocky's Series: How to Play Back

Back Player

A back player is the “backbone” of your team. The back player needs to have great communication skills and understands their role as a support player. Also as a back player you need to have the abilities to finish the game as needed. The back player is the last line of defensive if your team is losing.
Below are some skills you need to posses to be a great back player:

1. Great Gun skills: Back players have to be able to time of shots. Being in back the shots are far away so timing in crucial on timing your opponent.
2. Laneing: Laneing of the break is very important, if you can drop a player or 2 off the break it’s a big advantage to your team.
3. Gun Speed: Be able to roll your gun and shoot fast is very important. This will enable you to hold opponents heads down and your front and mid guys can make the moves.
4. Communication: Relaying codes back and fourth. Also joy sticking your front and mid guys to make the moves.
5. Finishing skills: Sometimes the back guys are the only ones left to finish the game. Being mobile and having the “vision” to finish games is essential.
6. Defensive skills: If you team is losing the back players should be still alive to try and chop up the opposing team.
7. Team Player: Back guys need to “Know there role”. They need not to worry about being the biggest killer but need to understand there support role. Let there fronts and mids doing the killing and if needed they will be there to clean up.

As a back guy think or yourself as a linemen. As a linemen you block so your quarterback, running backs and receivers can make something happen. I see to many back guys trying to be killers and they would be far more effective as a support player.

Rocky's Series: How to Play Mid

Mid Player

There are tons of different ways to play the mid position. In my opinion the mid player is the most versatile player on the field. Some teams use the “mid” player position as a spot between the back player and front player. My definition of mid player is someone that starts off towards the back and ends up where there needed. Versatility is a MUST for a mid player.
As a mid player you need to posses top notch skills in all positions (front, back and mid), lets go over some of the skills you need.

1. Killer Instinct: You need to be a STRAIGHT killer, sometimes as a mid player you’re going to have to fill a key bunker to get the kills or perform a ninja like run through.
2. UN selfish: There will be times where you back guy dies and you will have to fill his spot and back up the players in front of you. I see to many back guys wanting to be killers (big no, no), as back guy it is your job to keep everyone if front of you alive!
3. Communication: As a mid player you need to relay codes back and fourth to all your players. If you have any designated plays then it’s usually the mid player that will set up the play.
4. Rock Solid: You defiantly want to be VERY solid, this means don’t die stupid. You might have to perform the game breaking move, set up big play or “hold it down” incase you have to pull a game out.
5. Know the field well: As a mid since you don’t know exactly where you going to end up it’s a good practice to look at all the angles from back to front. This way if you end up in one of those spots you will know all the blind shots and easy kills.
6. As you can see there is allot involved in being a good mid, if you’re a chess player then you can see where the mid kind of resembles the “queen”.

Rocky's Series: How to Play Snake ADDED INTERVIEW!

What is the number 1 objective for a front player?

There are a few objectives. Sometimes the number 1 objective is to make key spots on the field to cause initial damage for the other team and to create openings soother guys can fill the holes left from the damage you caused. Other times the number 1 objective is to just take key positions on the field and to keep the opposition on you to free up the mid and back players to make moves.

How important is the snake?

The snake is very important. It is the only bunker on the field that you can start on your 40 and end up on the opposition’s 40 in one continuous movement.

What is the objective when playing the snake?

Once in the snake you can cause a lot of damage or you can take the snake and hang out with the objective of making the other team come and get you. Technically you don’t have to shoot a lot of people while in the snake. The other team will eventually send players to come get you and with your mid and back players posted they should be able to take out a lot of people and open up the field. Personally, I like to cause a lot of damage in the snake and not wait for the other team to come and get me.

How do you know when and where to shoot from a blind bunker?

This is all pre-game and walking the field before the game even starts. This is the most important and where you win or lose the game. You need to know your blind shots by marking every connecting corner in the snake. For example, at the first intersection I pop up and shoot at the taco and the next intersection I pop up and shoot at the Aztec.

How do you avoid getting bunkered while in the snake?

If you take the snake as your initial bunker avoiding getting bunkered is in the hands of your mid and back players. It is their jobs to free you up. If the snake is your secondary bunker the mid and front player line should have already been taken out, so you should have freedom to do some damage unless they send a back player up to get you.

How do you know when to move into the snake?

This is determined all in the pre-game. You can either take it off the break or as a secondary bunker. If this isn’t part of the strategy, and you wing it to set up a play or fill a void. If you take this approach, make sure you have made up a code for the team to know you are making the move.

What are the features of a good snake set up versus a bad snake set up?

Good features of a snake set up are when they are parallel with the field. This is when you can take advantage of moving from your 40 to the opposition’s 40 all in one continuous movement. A bad snake set up is when it is perpendicular to the length of the field and crossing the field. This snake set up isn’t as user friendly.

What is your current gear set up?

I currently shoot my own gun, the Rocky Edition of the Angel IR3. The E Rob R11 bolt and the Chris Lasoya trigger come standard on my gun. I play with a 14” JT USA aluminum two-piece barrel. I’m an aluminum person when it comes to barrels because it cuts down on the weight and shoots just as good as a steel or titanium barrel. Also, I like the two-piece barrel because I can switch the back out and keep the same front. My air set-up is the Angel Air 45 ci and 4500 psi tank, and my hopper is the 12 volt Revolution. My maximum balls per second (bps)count is currently 13, but I am experimenting with a cut down eVLution II, which sits lower and easily pumps out 14 bps.

If you could play a one-on-one with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

I would love to play one-on-one with Alex Fraige or Ryan Greenspan from Dynasty. They would probably mow me, but I would learn a lot from their quickness, as they are the best one-one-one and two-on-two players out there.

From one of the best front players out there straight to you, Cagnoni shares his inside tips on how to better your performance in the front and in the snake. Most importantly, devise your strategy in the pre-game while walking the fields, know where your blind shots will be and take them. Ultimately, if the snake is played correctly, you will be able to create damage for the opposition and take the field.

Source: http://www.paintball.com/content.php?aid=1122

Rocky's Series: How to Play Snake

How do I get there?
Can I take the snake off the break? 
If the snake is make able on the break then you need to find the best running lanes. Try to block the possible laners with bunkers to find the highest % route to the snake. What I mean by highest percentage is if the snake is really easy to lane then you might have a 50% chance in making it. Also make sure you slide before you get into the snake that will make it harder for the laner to shoot you. Walk your running multiple times so you can instinctively make the run. Be sure you know where the out of bounds so you don’t over slide.
If the percentage is to low to make, can I fill the snake easily? If you can’t make the snake on the break then you need to find a way to bump to the snake. You need to work with your back and mid guys so they can coordinate you into the bunker. Remember it’s YOUR responsibility to work with your teammates in order to make the move.

What do I do once I get there?
First thing is find the safest part of the snake to live in. You want to make sure none of the back guys can drop balls down on you. If possible try to live in a part of the snake where your back or mid guy can protect you from getting bunkered.
Find all your pop up shots to shoot guys cross field and in the middle. You can this by getting down into the snake and using “markers” that you can see while you’re in the snake. Use trees, netting poles and banners to setup your marker spots. This useful in getting up and down quick to get one ball off.
If the snake is hot, then get him out of there!! I can’t stress this enough, what I teach my guys is if someone is in your HOUSE (i.e. snake) he shouldn’t be there so you need to go get him! Off course if the snake is 100 ft long then this probably doesn’t apply. If the snake has lots of kill shots then you want to make sure and punish the guy that’s in your house. Work with you back and mid guys to make sure they help you out.
If the other team (multiple players) is shooting at you, then go to sleep. This will take the guns off of your other players and enable them to try and make something happen. Don’t get crazy and get shot stupid. That’s the worst! If you get board post on there back guy that’s at the end of the field and try to catch him slipping.

Do’s

• Mark all your easy kill shots with “markers”.
• Find the best running lane to the snake.
• Coordinate with you other teammates to make the move or protect you.
• Don’t let anyone live in YOUR HOUSE.
• Crawl low.

Don't

• Get shot stupid overly gun fight, if you don’t get them in the first or second shot look for some one else.
• Have your butt crack hanging out when you crawl down the show tape.
• Come over the top in the same spot.
• Let another player live in YOUR HOUSE

Rocky's Series: How to Play Snake

How do I get there?
Can I take the snake off the break? 
If the snake is make able on the break then you need to find the best running lanes. Try to block the possible laners with bunkers to find the highest % route to the snake. What I mean by highest percentage is if the snake is really easy to lane then you might have a 50% chance in making it. Also make sure you slide before you get into the snake that will make it harder for the laner to shoot you. Walk your running multiple times so you can instinctively make the run. Be sure you know where the out of bounds so you don’t over slide.
If the percentage is to low to make, can I fill the snake easily? If you can’t make the snake on the break then you need to find a way to bump to the snake. You need to work with your back and mid guys so they can coordinate you into the bunker. Remember it’s YOUR responsibility to work with your teammates in order to make the move.

What do I do once I get there?
First thing is find the safest part of the snake to live in. You want to make sure none of the back guys can drop balls down on you. If possible try to live in a part of the snake where your back or mid guy can protect you from getting bunkered.
Find all your pop up shots to shoot guys cross field and in the middle. You can this by getting down into the snake and using “markers” that you can see while you’re in the snake. Use trees, netting poles and banners to setup your marker spots. This useful in getting up and down quick to get one ball off.
If the snake is hot, then get him out of there!! I can’t stress this enough, what I teach my guys is if someone is in your HOUSE (i.e. snake) he shouldn’t be there so you need to go get him! Off course if the snake is 100 ft long then this probably doesn’t apply. If the snake has lots of kill shots then you want to make sure and punish the guy that’s in your house. Work with you back and mid guys to make sure they help you out.
If the other team (multiple players) is shooting at you, then go to sleep. This will take the guns off of your other players and enable them to try and make something happen. Don’t get crazy and get shot stupid. That’s the worst! If you get board post on there back guy that’s at the end of the field and try to catch him slipping.

Do’s

• Mark all your easy kill shots with “markers”.
• Find the best running lane to the snake.
• Coordinate with you other teammates to make the move or protect you.
• Don’t let anyone live in YOUR HOUSE.
• Crawl low.

 
Don't

• Get shot stupid overly gun fight, if you don’t get them in the first or second shot look for some one else.
• Have your butt crack hanging out when you crawl down the show tape.
• Come over the top in the same spot.
• Let another player live in YOUR HOUSE

How to Choose a Paintball Mask

DON'T GO CHEAP!

"What type of mask should I get.." and other similar questions are one of the most commonly asked questions. Period.

So what type of mask should you get? Like everything else paintball, it's all personal preference. Paintball IS personal preference.

DON'T GO CHEAP!DON'T GO CHEAP!DON'T GO CHEAP!DON'T GO CHEAP!

The Golden 1. Always, ALWAYS try on the mask you are interested in before buying. It's the top answer to questions like this and the most educated one as well. How are you going to play well if you can't see or feel well? Whether going to your local store or trying on a friend's mask that you like.

Always, ALWAYS try on the mask you are interested in before buying. Period.

2. Read up reviews. Most people have in their mind what they want, select a couple 1-4 that you like or however many you want. Then, search up reviews and read about them. The mask's ups and downs, prices, and features. Eliminate the bad reviewed ones, but still keep them in the back of your mind.

Then, after you have narrowed it down to 1-2, or a couple. Go try them on somewhere. If they all don't feel good, or not to your liking, try the others that you eliminated with the reviews. If still not, go back home and look up more masks

Review sites:

• http://www.pbreview.com
• http://www.pbnation.com/reviews/

And even sites like this! Just leave a comment or email me and I will write up a post about them.

Features to look for in well-designed masks.

• Thermal Lenses
• Peripheral Vision
• Soft, flexible masks. (Soft ears, Flex's)
• Dual Lenses
• MOST IMPORTANT: Must feel comfortable to YOU

These are the most important tips when choosing YOUR paintball mask. So get out there and try some masks now!

Well- Reviewed Masks

• Dye i4- $100
• JT Flex- Ranged $50-100. VERY CUSTOMIZABLE
• Empire Events- $100
• VForce Profilers- $60
• SLY Profit- $90
• VForce Grillz- $70
• Proto Axis- $80

And much much more..
Remember: No review can beat the feel of the mask on YOUR face!

How to Hold Your Marker Properly

KKoTerski

Look at the green arrow. Notice how eyes are perfectly aligned with the barrel and where the balls are coming out. This makes it so that when the gun shoots, you have a great idea which direction the balls are headed. DON'T touch the gun to your mask trying to snipe, just align the back of your gun with the center of your vision.

Look at where the tank is positioned on the shoulder. It's not on top the shoulder, it's not in the armpit. Its right in the collar bone towards the outside of my shoulder but not far enough where I couldn't rest my chin on my tank if wanted to.

Both elbows, mainly the outside one are tucked in.

Head is not angled downwards, it is level so that I can see the field and optimize my side vision of the field.

Firm hold on the marker and am not blocking the view with forward hand.

Shooting out of the right side of the bunker with right hand. When shooting left, shoot with left hand.

Here are some examples of what not to do...

Do NOT have your inside arm over a 45 degree angle.



Do NOT put your tank on your hip and shoot from there.

Do NOT put your tank on top of your shoulder.

How To Make a Paintball Gun Stand

Here are some PVC homemade gun stands::


^^ I just recently made this gun stand. Fits most Eclipse and Proto guns


^^ Stand made for Ion

How-To
As each gun stand varies in shape size and design, the following steps may not fit your gun. Please edit any tubing lengths and size depending on your gun.

How to Make Your Own Reballs

IMPORTANT!! THIS MAY NOT WORK WITH HALOS. THIS PROJECT IS INTENDED FOR VLOCITY USE.
Viewloader engineered the VLocity specifically for reballs

Seen Reballs before?

Cheapest I've seen are $119.95 for a case of 500 Reballs....who seriously wants to spend $120 for a case of reballs....

In this article I will so you how to make your own reballs that are equally or maybe even better than Reballs.

So now with ONLY $5 and a little bit of practice and perfection you can make reballs yourself.

MATERIALS

- Crayola Model Magic (One pack will do fine. I bought mine from Michael's, but you can get yours from any art supply store or Target, Staples, Office Depot....)

- Any paintball barrel you have.
Note: If you want your reballs for a .693 barrel, try to use a .693 barrel for this project.

PROCEDURE

- So firstly clean up your workspace so dirt things don't stick onto your reballs.

- Then take a small amount of model magic Take the model magic and start rolling it between your palms is a circular motion.

- After about 50 rolls you should get a pretty round ball.
Note: You can always press down on a angle to make it fit.

- Then take your 'ball' and your barrel. Put the ball on the end of the barrel. See if the ball will fit. If not take it out, take some model magic off (or add) and make it so it will fit.
Important Tip: Regular paintballs should not slide out of a barrel fast when you blow it. On the other hand, it shouldn't take your entire breath away trying to get it through. The paintballs shouldn't be stuck and shouldn't fall out too fast. This rule also applies to reballs.

- So you just keep trying until it fits. Another way is to blow the reball out of the barrel (Read Important Tip above) and see if the 'ball' slides out too fast or not.
Caution: This gets the reball a tiny bit deformed so you need to squish it a little bit. Also it tends to get a little sticky after getting your breath all over it. But after a night of drying it should be fine.

IMPORTANT CAUTION: After reading and hearing people say things abut these reballs. They may not work will Halos as the eyes won't fit it out properly. But I heard it works perfectly fine with Vlocity's.

Please don't hold me accountable for anything that happens.

Click here to learn about the 'blow-test'

If you would like to see videos of making these reballs please Click Here!