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paintballimpact.com / Player Positions / Utility Players
Utility Players | Player Position
Paintball utility players may play every player position in a given game. The utility player usually starts the game in front of the back player, and behind the tape runner. Utility player need to be flexible and have the skill to play multiple player positions. In games they will often be laying down paint for the front player breaking towards enemy lines, and they are ready to drop back to guard the flag if needed. Utility player needs to be very versatile. Utility players may start the game in the middle position, or they may move into the middle position as the game progresses. These mid fielders may take over a front or back position if one of their teammates has been eliminated by the enemy. They may also move towards the front or back of the field to take flank positions for their teammates. Flank is a military or paintball strategy where one or two players provide cover fire while another teammate moves down the middle of the field or around the sides. Without the flanking player providing cover, the attacking player would have very little chance of surviving.
The Utility players are also the communication centers of a team. These mid players relay messages and code from the back players to the tape runner, and vice versa. The primary responsibility for the utility player is to protect the tape runner and keep him in the game. The utility player keeps the tape runner in the game in two ways. First he supports the tape runner by offering him encouragement and by alerting him of the position of the opposing players. Second, he lays down paint for the front players and shoots at the enemy as the front players make their moves. The utility player is always talking to the front player to let him know that he is there for him when he is running and shooting and running for cover. The front players are spending so much time running towards the enemy end of the fields and jumping from bunker to bunker that they often do not even see where the shots are coming from. It's comforting to know that the utility players are close by and to know that someone is watching over him. The mid player may repeat "I have got your back, so the coast is clear", or "I've got your front, everything is OK."
Communication is essential for the utility player, as he may be changing positions in a game often. If he is currently backing up the tape runner and has to move back to guard the team flag, he needs to let his teammates know this also. The mid players gun is usually smaller than the back players, but it is usually bigger than the front players. The utility player will have enough ammunition to back up his tape runner, but he must also be equipped so that he can run quickly and swiftly if he does have to take up a position for a fallen tape runner. He may also be called upon to take over a defending player's position if he is struck down by the enemy.
Utility players need to be able to move, they need to be able to shoot, and they're usually changing positions quickly. Some teams call these players mid player, "wingmen", or "support" players. Utility players carry with them a large mounted tank in case they will need to shoot after to back up the tape runner. Some popular air tanks include the Conquest Air System by MACDEV, and the Air System by System X. The System X Air System is very light and easy to fill.
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