First off, a couple definitions of vocab used in the introduction:
Lanes of damage

A lane of damage is where your teammates are going to be fighting, and thus will be taking damage. This example demonstrates where those lanes are on the map product, in other words the area where you don't wanna hang out in. This doesn't mean don't go there at all!!! It just means be aware that spam directed at your teammates may hit you instead while occupying these zones.

Playing your beam
Red arrow represents the direction of heals, from you to your soldier

Playing your beam / playing the length of your beam means allowing for distance between you and your heal target in order to take less of the damage they take. The medigun stays connected to your pocket about 1/5 further than the distance it takes to attach it, so use this to your advantage!! Above is an example of a place you could position yourself on product in order to heal your target while still remaining out of damage lanes AND playing the length of your beam.

When ♥♥♥♥ goes south (finding an escape)
Black arrow represents a sniper smoking your soldier like a blunt. yeeouch!! Green arrow represents your path to safety.

Inevitably, something's going to go wrong. When it does, it's always good to have a plan for escape in your mind. In the above situation, your soldier dies to a sniper occupying the right lane. Luckily for you you're currently out of the sniper's lane of influence, so let's keep it that way. Retreating backwards and to the left would be your best option because regardless of how good the sniper is, they won't have another opportunity to take a shot on you.

What not to do
Lastly I'll give an example of what NOT to do in this same situation healing your friendly soldier with a lil quiz at the end to test yourself. The answers correspond to the 3 rules discussed here, so try saying them out loud before revealing!! It'll help ya lean better :33
if you position like this i will GET you

Reason number 1 to NOT do this you're standing in a lane of damage!! you're more likely to catch explosive spam meant for your teammate

Reason number 2 you're not playing the full range of your beam!! different cause, but same bad outcome. you're gonna catch stray shots

Reason number 3 your retreat is longer!!! playing this close and far up means you have further to run when a situation isn't going your way. that sniper in the above example could have a second bullet with your name on it if you're positioning yourself here here

Time for some examples!! I got help from a couple friends to demonstrate this concept on one of the most popular pub maps, badwater. For this demonstration the medic will be played by NEBULA and the pocket will be played by Rory

Badwater second, initial roof defense

This is an example of how a red medic may want to position when defending agaist blu players attempting to take badwater roof from inside house. The next couple images will demonstrate how one could retreat to roof while still maintaining beam range.

Badwater second, retreat step 1

This is what I would consider giving up one layer of cover. Giving this space forces your enemy to fight at a lower point from you if they wish to push from this angle.

Badwater second, retreat step 2

Now that we've made it all the way to roof....

!!! QUIZ TIME !!!

For the purpose of this demonstration, I have cloned NEBULA twice using EVIL MAGIC!! In the cloning process, two NEBULI were lobotomized and have forgotten how to position by staying out of damage lanes, playing beam length, and planning an escape route. Think to yourself, which of these NEBULI have the best positioning?
3 NEUBLI

HOVER HERE TO REVEAL ANSWER
|
|
|
|
|
V

Da real one >:)

Explanation below vv
That's right, NEBULI #2 is correct!! If we're going by our rules discussed today, NEBULI #3 is in the worst position due to a. standing in the same lane of damage that comes from inside house b. not playing the full length of their beam and c. playing too close to an attacker's possible position to allow for an easy escape. NEBULI #1's positioning is slightly better, they are playing the length of beam and staying out of the house lane of damage. However, those with a keen eye may have noticed that NEBULI #1 is also standing right next to a sentry! This makes the area where NEBULI #1 is standing an ACTIVE LANE OF DAMMAGE which is vulnerable to explosive spam from the tracks below where the cart is pushed from. (perhaps EVIL MAGIC leaves some clones with half a brain?) This leaves us with NEBULI #2, the real one 💯. Avoiding BOTH lanes of damage while ALSO playing beam length AND with a safe retreat to the stairs behind, this NEBULI is clearly real.
Original image for reference

to be listened to while reading the message below
https://youtu.be/3_-a9nVZYjk?t=41

Hey you!! Thanks for giving this one a read!! I hope this was a guide was helpful and feel free to comment with feedback whether it be positive or negative. My goal is I was able to provide a couple helpful ideas for you all to digest. My dm's are always open if you have any questions, critiques, or if u just wanna talk. have a wonderful day !!!!!


photo of me nd my kitty for making it to the end <33