Tactics: The Pincer

The Pincer

The Pincer movement is an interesting tactic. It has benefits and has flaws. The technique if used correctly can be a very effective method of encapsulating and destroying the enemy. But the question here is: What exactly is the Pincer? How can it be used for Sporting purposes? and What are the down sides to the Pincer?

So lets start of talking about what the Pincer is.

What is the Pincer?

The Pincer movement is where a unit/units attack an enemy from all flanks (Merriam-Webster).
Figure 1.

Typically as the Enemy unit advances for attack, or is in a defensive position, the Engaged unit will move to engulf the enemy unit on all flanks; hence the “Pincer” or Pincher.
The Pincer performing unit will divide it’s forces into multiple elements. The main body maintains it’s defense, while the flanking units advance along the flanks of the enemy with the goal of encircling them.
When the enemy unit is engulfed they are now receiving contact from their flanks, reducing their ability to fully utilize their strength in any given direction. This forces the enemy to defend it’s flanks, and traps them in a cross fire.

Benefits of the Pincer:

The Pincer when performed correctly essentially can stop forward enemy movement.
Can block of enemy reinforcements.
Traps the unit in place
Reduces the enemy capability of focusing an attack

Negative Impacts of the Pincer
Command and control is minimized
Flanks are vulnerable to outside attack
If poorly coordinated the Pincer can fail.
Divides forces into multiple units — The main body, and the flanking attack elements.
Friendly Fire!!! Sectors of fire must be understood, when troops advance from both sides, there is a high risk of friendly fire. Coordination is key.


How to employ a pincer tactic:

There are several methods to create a successful Pincer. As with any tactic, it takes guile and discipline to pull off.

• The Feint: The feint is a tactic where one force fakes a retreat from battle, with the goal of drawing the other force into a more favorable position. As the main body (the center of the formation) falls back, the idea is the enemy forces advance into the gap. The flank elements of the main body — the left and right wing- advance forward to encircle the enemy.
• Leaping: Leaping is where the elements move and take position. In the process of flanking, the side elements would move forward, take a defensive position, and allow other units to pass them. It is a slow process and not constructive for creating a Pincer.

Defending against a Pincer:

• Tactical Retreat: Before an enemy can engulf the unit, the best method is to tactically pull back your position. If you pull back the enemy can’t engulf you.
• Focused Attack: In the event of being trapped in a pincer, the unit can react in a coordinated attack. Focusing all fire power in one direction and breaking through to break the Pincer.
• Ignore the Feint: This may be hard to do, but be careful when following an enemy in retreat. The retreat may be nothing more than a feinting tactic.

And that is it folks — the Basic of the Pincer.

Keep in mind, that there are other methods of successfully employing, and that the level of communication and coordination is extremely essential in these type of tactics.

Use your terrain to your advantage, keep the momentum going, and have fun!