Best Paintball Tips

Paintball is a safe, simple yet challenging and strategic sport that is played usually by two teams, each with at least two players. Adults and kids alike enjoy this sport as they often refer to it as an advanced or improvised game of tag.

Tournaments attract many spectators of all ages, as it is a very exciting game to watch.

Paintball games are of various types, however, the most popular game often played is called "capture the flag". The object or the goal of this game is for teams to advance to the opponent’s base, move the other team’s flag to its destined location, at the same time guarding your own flag.

The paintball field has many obstacles such as tires, forts, old cars, hay and the newest are “inflatables” that are constructed as refuge for team players; making the game all the more exciting, as if participating in an actual game of war in videos.

When one is hit, it can hurt briefly and at times give players bruises. Players are typically required to be in long sleeves shirt and pants, making sure that the color is not be identical as that of the judge and complete paintball gear such as mask, helmet and goggles for safety.

The sport of paintball has a distinct and accurate set of rules that are strictly followed. The producer of the tournament is the absolute authority in regard to either an alteration or addition to the rules; marshals oversee the event, and their decision is always final. No dispute on the paintball field is accommodated or entertained.

A military approach to paintball is useless, as that knowledge is recognized and understood by the teams. A team’s tactic should be carefully planned; your team’s line of attack will not be known by the opposing team, and there should be a quick switch of plans in case something goes wrong.

There must be a lot of team work involved, as everyone moves through the field. As a team member moves, there should be others to guard and keep watch and give off covering shots when necessary. A team that moves together with a common objective will have a great chance of succeeding in this game.

Communication in the field is also very important. A team-mate can shout the position of the opponent. The moment that a player is seen, the game for that player is up; so there is no reason for you to keep quite; instead, inform the others the location of the enemy.

The excitement of this game concludes when you are seen and eliminated - a situation that all team players struggle to avoid.

The best offense is having a good defense. This kind of thinking is usually deployed in sports such as basketball or soccer where the team does its best to prevent the other team from scoring especially in a championship match. A team can also use the same tactics in the game of paintball by preventing the opposing force from capturing the flag.

Games start with both sides having limited ammunition. Since the game can last for a very long time, the team should make every shot count. The players should only fire when there is a clear shot rather than not being able to fire when it matters the most.

Spreading out over a certain area is a good defensive tactic. This is to cover the enemy no matter which direction he may come from. Should the opposing team see one of your team members, the others who have a better view should neutralize the opponent.

If in the opening minutes of the game, the team has lost half of its members, the best strategy is to fall back to the base and regroup. A perimeter should be set up to prevent the other team from outflanking the group while patrols can be sent out to search for the enemy.

If a scout has spotted the enemy, the person can take the opponent out. Should there be a group moving towards the base, then go back and tell the others and fight off the enemy with the same number of people. This plan could fail if any of the members of the opposing force escapes the attack and informs the others the location of your base.

The trick in catching the enemy off guard takes camouflage and concealment. Since the guns have a limited range, it is best to wait until the opposing force enters the “kill zone” before any shooting takes place.

When a firefight takes place, the player’s position has been revealed. Since the enemy will return fire, the person can still survive the enemy’s bullets by getting sufficient cover.

If this is not feasible, then transferring to a better area is a good idea. The player should inform the others before moving so that the others can give adequate cover.

It takes planning for the play to work. By communicating on the field, the team has a good chance of defending the base then surging forward to kill the enemy or capture the flag.

Among the many sports that bring about solidarity and sportsmanship in various competitive activities, paintball ranks third among the most popular and highly stimulating games in the world.

According to the 2005 statistics of Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association International, paintball ranks third, next to inline skating and skateboarding.

This paintball hype is based on the premise that people who love “extreme sports” would most likely use activities that will stimulate adrenaline rush. Because every players aim is to win the game, they would most likely try to obtain all of the possible pointers and suggestions available just to achieve their goal.

Here is a list of some tips on how to play the game well and prevail in the battle:

1. Establish an optimistic approach

Paintball is, basically, a war game, where players can either win or loose; so there are instances where things may not always conform to the plans of the players. What must be observed is that each player must look at the results in a very optimistic way.

For instance, if a player was not able to win the game, he must accept the fact and identify the areas where he failed to perform, which contributed to his failure.

Remember that there is always another opportunity to win the game.

2. Learn by experience

Every failure is a learning experience: view it constructively as a learning experience. Work on the things that need more consideration and improvement.

3. Never play solo

In order to win the battle, it is better for a player to play on a team rather than playing solo. The concept that there are other players ready to cover up for you is a good indication that you will last throughout the game.

4. Do not hide forever

If you are trying to win the game by avoiding being seen and hit by your opponents, you will also have fewer chances of hitting the opponents. You will never learn the correct strategies needed to win the game unless you come out in the open and take action.

5. Never surrender

Just as in real battle, it is best not to surrender even if the odds of winning the game are probably higher. The point here is to stay in the game as long as you continue to be a “hard target.”

Winning a paintball game is not so much about how you stay in the game but about how you played the game.

Paintball is an exciting game, but unless you know the right techniques in playing the game you can never win the battle.

Paintball is an example of a war and chasing game. Because of its tremendous impact on people who love highly stimulating games, its popularity continues to grow. In fact, according to the 2005 statistical reports of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers International, paintball currently ranks third among the most well liked intense and ultimate sports.

The Concept

Paintball is a kind of stimulation game in which the players are engaged in a battle. The object of the game is based on “survival of the fittest.” Using paintball guns or markers loaded with “gelatin capsules filled with paint,” every player will try to eliminate his opponents. Once the player is hit by the paintball marker, he is automatically removed from the game; therefore, he can no longer participate.

The Playing Techniques

Since paintball is focused on letting an individual or a team obtain an advantage over the other players, it is important to know some of the playing techniques that will enable the player to succeed in winning the game.

Like any stimulation or war games, techniques are important in establishing the right position, the right plan, and the right approach in order to win the game.

Here is a list of some of the playing techniques that every player must know:

1. Invisibility

This is an important technique when playing paintball because as long as the player remains invisible to his opponents, the more chances he will have of winning the game.

The main concepts of invisibility are: a) motivate the players to play well in the game because they feel good when they are invisible; b) achieve the goal of winning the game because an invisible player is a “tough target” to catch spot ; and c) invisibility initiates comradeship among teammates.

Besides, once a player remains invisible, the longer he can stay in the game.

2. Vision

It is not enough that a player has good camouflage so that he will remain invisible throughout the game. It is also important to obtain tools and devices that would mislead the other players by letting them believe that they have spotted their opponent, but in reality, it was just a ploy.

3. Development

Try to employ movements that would initiate security and clearance from other players that lurk in the area. Stop running or walking every 30 seconds and check to see if the area is clear.

Using these techniques will definitely ensure the player of winning the game.

To realize a common goal, teammates in a paintball game should take two important roles: one is to suppress and the other to invade.

Suppression is a way of distracting the opponent so that they fall short by not seeing the other team that is already starting to invade. Suppression’s goal is not to get rid of enemies. Control and concentration are needed to keep a team member from shooting.

A team who uses suppression as a tactic should consist of three or more players. Each member must know that their main objective is not to eliminate the other team’s members; although that could be true in other events. Movements during this game should be accurate and targets must be aligned in order to make sure that the opposing team is unaware of the suppression. A steady target and aiming of fire from the suppression players must not be in unison to leave the enemies with a puzzled feeling.

When making an assault, two or more of the paintball players who are making the suppression constantly distract one of the opponent’s players in order to disguise the players who are about to invade and attack the opposing team. Suppression often conceals the other players and if done well, would eventually destroy the enemies who would have to retreat and could soon be eliminated when caught.

The other role that is played by the rest of the team is invading. The players that are involved in the invasion must try very hard to hide themselves from the opponents while the suppression team is doing their job. This requires patience, control, and discipline to keep from firing in order to save the position. Make sure that with one shot severe damage to the opposing team is incurred rather than firing at one enemy player that did not realize the invader was there.

The invasion players target at least the majority of the opposing team’s players. Once they are in position to capture the flag, they must fire with great power and with full force. Since paintball guns are really loud, as soon as players start hitting target it must be accurate as there is no turning back. Enemies will know where the guns are firing from so the invasion team will have to incur damage all at once to keep the opponent from counter attacking. This will be shown by the amount of paint that is shot at the other team.

It hurts when the team realizes that it is time to retreat, but nevertheless there are numerous ways to execute a successful retreat. Here’s how.

Strategize a plan. The whole team must be ready to go to a safe area if it is necessary to retreat. Find a place that provides enough cover to protect yourself. It would be a good idea to move closer to the assist team members in order to obtain help. The assist units are usually concealed prior to the start of the game so the opposing team will not have any idea where the players are heading.

Be a team: work together, run together, and fight together. The best protection is always team power. Watching each other’s back can save the whole squad as this helps the team re-engage as soon as they’re back in a safe area.

Fire back: to free your selves from the enemy, the team must fire in sync and with great intensity to keep the enemy’s heads down. This could buy time for you to make a successful retreat. Three to four seconds of blasting can be good preparation for retreat.

Move with a plan: to repeat, strategize! Retreating does not necessarily mean rushing to safety. While retreating make certain that the opposing paintball players are given a hard time. The whole squad should take turns in returning fire for cover. In the end it is surprising to see that there were multiple shots fired at the opposing team while retreating. They may be running after the retreating team so is it is easy to shoot at enemy when they are in the open.

While there is still room for control, end the retreat: not when the whole team can no longer be shot but when there is still a chance to fight the opponent. It will be harder when the enemies cannot to be seen because the damage they could inflict is much worse.

The catch! There are special occasions when a team retreats just to lure the enemies into a trap. By keeping the paintball team together and drawing back, it might give the opponent the feeling they are already winning and they might be easier to attack. Once the assisting unit is behind you, utilize speed and shoot the enemies. Ah! The winning moment.

Being fired at during a paintball game is not to be used as a reason to retreat. It could be a good chance to change stations and use the advantage for better cover. It might be good to retreat in order to mess up the enemy’s strategies.

People play in the rain for the love of paintball and the rain adds so much interest and challenge to the game.

When playing in the rain, everything will be muddy and slippery: consequently running, stopping and crouching will be harder than normal; visibility will be lower; and wind can make paintball courses more difficult. All of these make playing paintball challenging which is exactly shat paintball fanatics look for; the action and the thrill!

Here are guidelines so you can enjoy your paintball game on a rainy day:

1. Put on something that keeps water off of your body, such as a raincoat, “slicker”, waterproof clothing or even plastic garbage bags. It is very important that you stay dry so you don’t shiver as this will affect your mobility, accuracy and can be very uncomfortable.

Remember to cover your head too. Wear any waterproof covering but make certain that water will not be sliding down your face and cause fog to form on your goggles. Wiping the fog from your goggles each time you pause behind a tree or a bunker can distract from your concentration on the game.

2. Take paper towels with you. The lens on your mask, even if it is a thermal type of lens, will fog up and paper towels come in handy; you can just wipe off the fog. Do keep in mind that you should turn away from the action - in a “sitting duck” (crouch) position - before you wipe the fog from your mask.

3. Wear boots or cleats instead of sneakers to keep your feet from getting wet.

4. Wear gloves to prevent cold and wet hands.

5. Having a soaked paintball can be really frustrating. You should pack extra garbage bags for use as spare coverings. These can be used to cover your gear and function as a raincoat in emergencies. Huge plastic transparent bags also are great for covering the head, hoppers and the gun. You can effectively turn your gun into a waterproof weapon by simply covering it with plastic and securing it with rubber bands.

6. Shooting on a rainy day is much more different than the typical “hose down”. Consider the amount of barrel smoke that will be produced even when using HPA. Bring along an “unported barrel” if you happen to have one. Porting allows water to get into the barrel resulting in twisting shots.

There are really so many ways to add thrill to your paintball game: just allow your imagination to run wild and experiment with things. Have fun in the rain!

There are various types of paintball fields that offer a challenge and excitement to players. Paintball fields add to the overall enjoyment of the sport.

Woods

“Woodsball” as it is referred to by a lot of paintball players is the “purest” type of setting where paintball is played. On this type of field, players get the feel of the real war game.

Basically, the field is a secluded area in the woods which has an open area. Players “hare”, learn stealth or how to advance the field in a very sneaky manner.

Concept Fields

The concept field is often created outdoors, with many objects that have been set up for players to take refuge in or seek protection from. Usually concept fields have a theme, the most common of which is the urban city setting with cars, buildings and many other city elements.

There are some fields that are very creative with their themes, such as medieval themes with castles which have towers, wagons and cutouts of people. Concept fields are interesting and fun: players are able to adjust the skill level of the group by removing or adding obstacles.

Speedball Fields

According to paintball fanatics the most exciting and challenging of all fields are the speedball fields. They are made up of equally spaced and equally sized barriers.

The challenge here is that a player can not see past the huge barriers and can bump into or encounter anyone at any time. With the smaller barriers a player can be concealed one way, yet revealed to another player.

Indoor Fields

These fields offer a much different approach and encounter from an outdoor field. The first and major thing that new players encounter is that here paintball guns are very loud: some find that the sound hurts their ears so they wear earplugs; but this is not necessary most of the time.

Indoor fields are generally found in cities where there is a lack of open areas to play the game. Similar to outdoor fields, indoor arenas also offer a variety of themes and set ups. The range is considered to be the major difference.

A team with great team effort is the key to the game of paintball regardless of where you play - the basic paintball idea remains the same. The option is up to you: select a field that fits your interests and your performance level the best. Paintball fields are as diverse as one’s imagination.

The face mask is the most significant protective gear in playing the sport of paintball. It mainly shields the eyes from balls with a traveling speed of up to three hundred “feet per second”. Most completely cover the face and the ears, but there are those who prefer to wear goggles, protecting only the eyes.

Paintball masks are designed to absorb any direct shot, from any distance or range. An ordinary pair of goggles will supply only a false sense of security and put one at great risk since it they are not constructed to block a paintball. All paintball mask manufactures measure up to DOT safety criteria and safety standards.

The choice of the mask’s material is of significance. There are masks made of different material from rubber, plastic to foam. It is a wise idea to buy your own face mask rather then renting one. It should be the first equipment purchased before playing paintball. Be sure to properly test the fit of the mask to your face and make sure that you can see clearly so you can well and enjoy your game. The lens is the mask’s most significant quality, so check it carefully; then examine the foam and see if it is comfortable to wear and the design is attractive

1. Typically, paintball masks will have either non-thermal or thermal lens or be anti-fog for fog resistance: these do not need an anti for agent applied to the lens to perform their function. These thermal lenses will cost more but they are a good choice because they just won’t fog up.

2. The foam in a paint ball mask is an important factor to consider, as it can determine your level of comfort. For instance, a “Vforce Armor” is a neoprene type of foam – a type of foam that is considered a good foam, but it is uncomfortable. The “Vforce Shield” and “Vforce Profiler” is and open cell and two layer foam which is very comfortable to wear. The open cell foam can be compared to a memory foam that is used in pillows.

3. Style is another factor. There are masks that are more expensive even when the foam and lens are the same quality as cheaper models, but the difference is in the style of the mask.

Choose wisely and never sacrifice cost over quality; your safety should always come first!

As paintball improved and became popular, many individuals tried their abilities at it; giving rise to the assortment and diversity of paintball tournaments and games.

Recreational or Capture the Flag

Played by two teams, where each team has a flag and the objective of both teams is to capture or seize the opponent’s flag and carry it to your team’s starting point. This is one way for your team to win and another way is by eliminating the opposing team entirely.

Each team has to defend their base and simultaneously dispatch team players to eliminate the opponent and capture their flag.

These games are usually played in the forest; bunkers and structures can be put up throughout the area.

Scenario Paintball

This is a paintball game with a theme set up behind it: there are an endless number of themes that can be created making the game feel and look very realistic. There are a number of players; in many cases as many as a hundred are involved in each team.

Each team gets the theme (storyline) a day before the start of the game. There are usually two teams participating, having the “general” as a team’s leader.

Each player is given a role and they should work together as a team in order to carry out and win an assigned mission. Props in accordance with the theme are introduced and distributed throughout the field. There are questions asked in connection with the theme and points are awarded for correct answers.

These points are totaled at the conclusion of the game and the team having the most number of points wins.

Backyard

This can be played right at your own backyard, a friend’s empty property or at times any property but you must as you get permission first. You gather your friends to form a group and then conceptualize your own game which typically is “capture the flag”.

Speedball

Also called “Center Flag”, the speedball field is designed with many huge bunkers; usually “inflatables” filled with air that are shaped similar to big snakes, soda cans, water tanks etc.

Here, a team can be composed of between three to ten players in a game. There is only one flag that is involved and it is located at the center of a field. The two teams start at each end of the field and attempt to gain possession of the flag at the center and carry it to their bunker. The team that does this successfully wins.

Paintball can surely challenge the “soldier” in you. Give it a shot!