If you are talking about PMR446 then you can't really stop anyone listening in. Using the sub-channels only cuts out others who are not using the sub-channel from coming through on your handset, e.g. using Channel 4, sub-channel 12, just means you will hear only people on that frequency and using that sub-channel. However, you are broadcasting on Channel 4, so anyone with a radio handset set to Channel 4 will hear what you are saying, provided they haven't selected a sub-channel. The sub-channels just squelch out anyone not using the same sub-channel.
If you want to be overheard less when playing airsoft, see if you can find a couple of CB portable handsets. I doubt anyone else would be using those, so you would be unlikely to be overheard. Other than that you could pay the licence fee and get a business quality handset, although the cost would go up considerably.