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Balance: The Entity of a One Man Army - By Evil Angel

As with any sport the key to being successful and performing exceptionally is directly relative to the balance in one's technique. To use an example, an aggressive player should also know when not to be aggressive, and to allow the opposition to withdraw. And a particularly defensive player should know when it's time to actually turn to the offensive.

We Nerfers are a different group of people who have actually found a fine blend of competition and actual enjoyment, unlike most sports which are driven towards dry and unforgiving competition, we take our time and pleasure in what we do. Winning is not as important as it might be elsewhere, but at the same time it's not fun to lose.

Teamwork is essential, just like Cxwq established in his excellent article, but a team is made of individuals. Slack needs to be picked up and people need to work towards their goals as a team. But when it comes down to an actual firefight, when it really does count, what team is going to win? The team that wins is the one with the most balanced players. They often are the ones who are capable of making contact with distant targets, and have the capacity to engage at close range as well.

To make yourself a threat from any range is a talent which is refined with time and experience. But in order to remain a threat throughout the rounds of any given day, you need to keep aggressive just as well. To be aggressive is to go after the enemy, either as a team, or as a singular instrument of harassment. A balanced player has the advantage in both cases, as they are able to work their way out of the more difficult situations with either speed, or sheer firepower and accuracy. As a team unit, they are able to work in conjunction with others, using cover and the ability to hold their own as a weapon itself.

Compensation is also a major factor in being a balanced player. If you aren't a long range player, then you compensate as a closer range member of the team who works within closer quarters of the opposition. This kind of player remains valuable, as their compensation for their lack of long range ability is countered by their talent for the close range exchange.

Balance also means however, that you can be prepared for the defensive and the offensive just the same. Not much should catch you off-guard unless your opposition is that damn good. When it comes down to that, it helps if you can work quick on your feet. Just like before, it's a matter of time and experience. It doesn't help to get worked up about much, because a cool head creates an aura of calmness and invincibility which can transcend the player, and affect the teammates as well. Taking a breath now and again, and actually retreating to formulate a generalized strategy as well as exchange ammo, can work and is more effective than a standoff which gets nothing done.

It helps to be part of a team which has all the variables which can be attributed to actual victory. But when a player can do a little bit of everything, hold their own, pick off the opposition occasionally, play clutch (as in when needed the most), work as a teammate fluidly, dodge efficiently, maneuver easily, think quickly, and is confident in their own capacity on the field, you yourself are a force to be reckoned with just as much as any team.

Posted by cxwq on July 07, 2003