Stay Safe While Playing Paintball

Paintball is an extreme game that has thousands of players nationwide. There are more than ten organizations that sponsor events throughout the country at different venues. Though the inventors of this game created it just for fun, this game has grown. A recent survey has shown that this is the third most popular game in the world. 

Safety is the most important concern for those who want to play this game. This goes from the clothing that should be worn to the types of weapons that can be used.  

Protective equipment consists of a face mask, gloves, pads for the chest, knees and elbows. They must be worn at all times while inside the playing field. It is advisable to wear shoes with rubber soles given the rough terrain where the game is usually played.

Guns should be inspected before being used in any of the matches.  This is because there is a maximum velocity allowed. The paintballs should not travel over 300 feet per second since anything greater can seriously injure the players. 

To prevent a misfiring from occurring, barrel plugs should be used for the safety of the gun owner and the people who are present during the event. 

The facemask may fall off suddenly during the heat of the action. It can also fog due to sweat, paint or dirt. When this happens, the player should call on the referee so that it to be cleaned off of the field. The opponent is not allowed to fire on the player until that person is ready to return to the firing zone.

Since this game is about fun, players are not allowed to curse or hit other players. The only activity allowed is shooting the opponent so that he will be eliminated.

Another safety feature allowed in the game involves giving the opposing player the opportunity to surrender; but should the player show any form of hostile action, then one has no choice but to shoot the opponent.

Aside from protection given to the players, the organizers of such events also put safety nets around the area and require the audience remain a certain distance away from the action to avoid being hit by any of the balls. 

Safety is a primary concern of paintball and almost every other sport: this is why rules are set in place which the players have to abide by. This is done to protect both the players and the fans: to prevent injuries from happening and so that everyone can have a good time. 

3 Paintball Skills to Master and Win the Game

Paintball has consistently prevailed as the fourth major unconventional sport in the U.S. In fact, statistical reports say that there are almost 12 million paintball players worldwide with 104 countries participating in various paintball competitions. This shows that more and more people are enticed to play this game. 

However, it does not necessarily mean that the game is easy. Most of the players contend that they have experienced many trials, hardships, failures, and defeat before they were able to master the game. 

Experts insist that playing paintball, just like the other kinds of sport, needs some skills in order to win the game. These skills are the primary tools that every paintball player must try to learn. Once they have mastered these skills, winning the game is relatively simple.

Here is the list:

1. Basic stance

The problem with most players is that they tend to face the bunker whenever they are standing next to it. This is such a difficult stance because it will give the player inadequate balance and a time-consuming response.

The best way is to stand behind the bunker with the foot that is opposite with the paintball marker or gun in lead. For instance, if a player holds the marker with the right hand, the left foot should be in lead.

2. Trick shot

It is important for every paintball player to know the psychological aspect of the game. This means that the player must know how to think and act appropriately according to the possible actions of the other players.

Therefore, fire some “trick shots” in an area where the other player is probably hiding. It does not necessarily mean that firing too many shots creates advantage. The object of this skill is to create a ploy that will instigate the player to respond in return if ever he is really in that area.

3. Run and Shoot and Run

Like any person in a battle, it is best to master this type of skill in order to achieve the best action and win. 

The problem with most players is that they continue to hide thinking that they can win because they remain invisible to their opponents. The point is that a player can never win if he does not try to eliminate his opponents.

Mastering this skill will definitely give every player an edge over the others.

In every activity, there is an equal skill to master. Mastery of these skills will ensure that the player can win the game.

Defensive Tactics in Paintball

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.

Why Paintball is Popular

Paintball is fast becoming one of the most popular games around. It has become an alternative past time from the usual athletic games being played; and it has become one of the most exciting outdoor sports in the world. Anybody can play paintball, regardless of race, sex, age and social status. It is a game for people who have taste for competition and adventure.

The game combines two of the most popular childhood past times: tag and hide-and-seek, the objective being to capture the flag of the enemy while protecting one's own. 

There are several reasons for the popularity of paintball:

1. It is the team sport that enables one to remove an opponent from the game without being penalized for it. In fact, removing one's opponent is very much part of the game. It is the survival of the smartest and the quickest. 

2. There is a strong sense of danger, not necessarily a physical one. The threat of being removed from the game makes it more exciting for the participants. But since it is only a game, the fear is not enough to make one mentally-incapacitated. With the right safety gear, no one is really in any real danger. It is all in the mind.

3. All players are equal. Experience is the only basis of one's edge over the other player. Factors such as race, gender and age do not put one ahead of the other. 

4. There is a total absence of physical contact. There is no need for a player to manhandle his opponent so that he can be eliminated from the game. One only needs to shoot the opponent, which can be done from a relatively safe distance. Very few injuries and no deaths have resulted from playing paintball.

5. There is no need to be an athlete. Playing paintball does not require extreme physical strength. In fact, the game can be played with very few physical movements.

6.No one really needs to be experienced to enjoy the game. Though it matters, a lot of old-time players find themselves surprisingly eliminated by first-time participants. It is anybody's game.

7. It is gadget-crazy. Everybody likes gadgets. Paintball requires a lot of them. 

Paintball is a very stimulating and exciting sport. Playing the game gives one the chance to renew the inner child in people. It enables one to maximize his sense of adventure, without risking life and limb for that sought-after rush. 

Why Everyone Loves Paintball

Today, many people from all over the world are playing or at least have tried playing paintball. It is becoming one of the most popular outdoor sports in the world, an alternative to classic favorites such as basketball and football. It is the kind of game where everyone can play; a competition where things such as gender, social status, age or race does not bring about discrimination or disadvantage of any kind. All that matters is the ability to think and act quickly. Intelligence and decisiveness are the primary factors that can make a person a paintball expert.

The objective of the game is simple enough: To capture the flag of the enemy while protecting his or her own. 

Here are several reasons why paintball is a sport well-loved by many people:

1. Physical contact is not really needed. People can dispense fears of being physically injured, or worse, death. Players do not need to hurt their opponents to have them ejected from the game. You only need to mark them with paintballs, and the deed is already done. No fuss, no “black eyes”!.

2. Equality exists among the players. It is the game where a man has no edge over a woman, or the young can take advantage of the old. The only thing that can give a player have an advantage over the other is experience.

3. Even amateurs can enjoy the game. Chances are that a first time player can eliminate an experienced player. 

4. One does not need to be an athlete, since the game can be played with minimal physical contact.

5. Paintball players use a lot of gadgets. Everyone loves the sense of childhood one gets when using intricate toys. 

6. The fact that one can just eliminate players is a thrill in itself. Eliminating one's opponent is even encouraged, while protecting the team's flag.

7. There is a foreboding sense of danger. It stems from the awareness that one can be removed from the game in just one blink of the eye, and no one is invincible. The fear is enough to arouse a little bit of anxiety in a player, but not enough to make him so nervous he cannot perform his tasks.   

There is no doubt that paintball is one of the most exciting sports ever conceived. It is the kind of game where people can experience the stimulation that other strenuous sports provide, and paintball can develop teamwork and camaraderie among its players.

Requisites of a Paintball Leader

It takes a lot of guts and character to be a leader in any sport. Even in paintball, where there is minimal physical contact and it can be played by everybody from all walks of life, there are certain qualities needed to be a leader of a paintball team. 

First, he has to achieve that certain level of respect; the kind where other paintball players, some of them close friends, are willing to follow his orders. This is a feat to achieve since not everyone can bear to take orders from  

just anyone. He should be a master strategist. In this case, flexibility is a must since he must make the initial battle plan suitable for any kind of battlefield. He must also be courageous, the type of player that will never hesitate to go into the frontline, even if he is protected by his men. He must be a well-liked character, someone who has the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all types of people.

What are the attributes that a paintball commander should have?

1. Experience and quick-wit:

Experience is one thing that is not gained easily: it takes a lot of time and patience to achieve the kind of experience suitable for a leader. 

2. Physical fitness:

He must be able to get into the thick of things, and to be able to get into any areas that his men can go. Mobility is a necessity for a paintball commander

3. Respected aura

Respect is needed to convince all of the members of a team to follow whatever orders that are needed, dispensed, and carried out. No team player will follow someone he does not like and/or respect.

4. Ability and willingness to communicate

A commander talks with authority and conviction - he can make people listen and take action. 

A paintball commander must be able to put aside his personal performance for a while to analyze the performance of his team. He should survive almost every battle. He should be able to dissect and identify the flaws of his team and the battle plan whenever things go wrong and have the “smarts” to come up with a better plan the next time around.  

Like all other participation sports, a paintball leader must be able to inspire other people to perform the best they can.  Once this is done, the whole team, not only the paintball commander, will achieve victory.

Paintball: A Sport for Everyone

Paintball is one of the most popular outdoor participation sports around. The good thing about paintball is that everyone or anyone can play. There are no special requirements needed. Players can partake of the thrill paintball brings, regardless of race, age, gender and social status. The only requirement is a competitive spirit and the desire for adventure. 

Paintball combines the elements of two childhood games, tag and hide-and-seek. Given the nature of those two games, paintball is for people who want to experience the unique rush that participation sports gives, minus physical contact. The objective of paintball is to capture the flag of the opponent while protecting his or her own. At the same time, players aim to eliminate their opponent from the game by shooting them and marking them with paintballs coming from paint guns. There are almost no limitations when it comes to the number of players, the limitation will only stem from the size of the playing  

field.

The game can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, whatever lifestyle or profession. There are no discriminations when it comes to paintball. It is a competition where the quickest and smartest survive. The chances of winning for each person are very fair, since old timers can find themselves being eliminated by neophytes. Men and women are equal in the game, and it is where the young do not necessarily have advantage over the old. To be an expert in paintball, a player must be able to think quickly, with precision. Victory is not at all dependent on strength and agility.

What can paintball bring to its players? Primarily, it builds character. Through paintball, one can garner skills on teamwork, leadership and self-confidence. The sport provides fun and relief from everyday stress, without the danger of injuries and death. This is a big plus for companies, and paintball is fast becoming a recommended activity for employees. Paintball gives the following benefits for the staff and management: morale boost, improved camaraderie, removal of the barrier between employer and employee, and enhanced group dynamics. 

Paintball is available to everyone, and serves as an alternative activity for several events. Groups from college sororities, fraternities, athletic teams and company staff and management all grab at the chance of playing paintball. It is featured as a central theme during birthday bashes, bachelor parties, or just simple gatherings. It is an activity that everyone can truly enjoy.

Where to Play Paintball

Paintball is usually played in neighborhood backyards, somewhere in the woods, or on abandoned or empty lots. Though it is usually alright to hold paintball games at these places, there are safer venues for having paintball competitions. 

Many fields specially designed for paintball games are being developed in the U.S. These organized fields allow paintball players to have their games in a safe environment.

It is recommended that paintball games be held in commercial fields rather than backyards and empty lots. Commercial fields have referees who know how to play the game in a safe manner. In addition, commercial fields offer several 

choices when it comes to types of field, making the games more interesting and challenging for the players. Most importantly,  these fields have insurance, and are in the proper zone.

If one decides to play in the woods, make sure permission is granted to play there. No one wants to have a game interrupted by an angry landowner because his or her property is being trespassed upon. 

The scope of the playing arena should be determined, and the boundaries marked with neon tape so that players will know where and/or where not to go. 

What are the factors to consider when scouting for a field to hold the games? 

First, there is the price. The going rates for field rentals range from $15-20, plus the fees for gun rentals and paintballs. Secondly, one should inquire if the place serves food and drinks to customers. Lastly, one should inquire about their playing hours.

One of the best fields in the country for playing paintball is Robinhood Paintball located in Havre de Grace, Maryland. They provide different kinds of paintball games, such as recreational and tournament style plays. Robinhood Paintball has a total of six playing fields that give new gaming experiences for users because of its constant rearrangement. Considering the experience of the staff, their willingness to ensure that players will have a good time while staying on the premises, and the prices that Robinhood Paintball charge are fair enough. They will also guarantee the safety of the equipment that the players will use.

Aside from Robinhood, there are other fields in Maryland that offer good services to players. There is Maryland Paintball on Route 40 and Outdoor Adventures in Bowie.

When engaging in paintball games, just make sure to take all the necessary precautions in order to have a good AND safe time. Always remember to check the fields for potential danger, and to observe all the rules so that nobody gets hurt. 

Do you know where to shop for paintball gear?

There are many online shops as well as retail stores all over the country that sell and offer paintball guns, markers, as well as anything and everything that relates to the game of paintball.

One shop that can be accessed online is paintballgun.com.  This online store is unique in its own way because this shop is operated, built and run  by players of paintball.  

They have solid as well valid ideas what paintball players need and/or want to have. They also have a number of years of experience in the paintball industry.

Usually, items ordered thru paintballgun.com are shipped immediately - in as little as twenty four to forty eight hours.  

Believe it or not,  paintballgun.com offers a thirty day guarantee so that you can get your money back if you are in any way dissatisfied with their product.  Just make sure that all merchandise purchased, whether new or used, is returned using the same packaging in which it was originally received.

A one year warranty is provided to all and /or any parts of items purchased, as well as an extended warranty on all guns purchased.  

The catalogues they provide are also available online.  This is one of the reasons they are able to keep their prices low since printing is expensive and takes longer than posting item details on the net.   Also, their prices are updated online and they try –as much as possible – to lower their prices for you.

Currently, any items purchased through their online store can be paid for using credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Amex and Discover.

They also accept checks and are also utilizing the online service of  Paypal.

All items purchased from paintballgun.com  are one hundred percent insured. 

Just make sure that you keep on record the number of the invoice, the tracking number and any damage the item might have incurred during shipping when you call the department that handles claims at paintballgun.com.  

Another online shop that sells paintballs is Xtremez Wholesale.  They are the source of most items found in paintball shops that are found across the country.  However, their focus is on special paintball as well as Airsoft retail stores.  

Their trade shows are a perfect venue to display their products, making it easier for you or anyone to directly make that one essential purchase in one shop, conveniently and easily, rather than going to many others.  

There are many paintball stores but it may be easier to locate and purchase goods online thru the internet.  All one has to do is seek and surely you will definitely find!

Paintball: the art of retreat

In cases where you encounter a situation where you or your paintball team have to back down and retreat, the following are effective ways to make retreating more effective, if not successful.

Always have a plan b:

When you or your squad needs to move to another position, make sure that this area is far safer as this will be the place where you have to retreat to.  Plan ahead so that you will know the ideal place for you and your team to be.  Usually, good places to retreat are those that provide cover for the team or is a nearer to the other squad units of your team.  It is essential that this area is known by everyone, and all know how to get there.  It is also important that all go there together, when such a need arises.

Fight together, run together:

When it is time to retreat,  retreat all together, retreat as one group.  “All for one and one for all” is the best defense you can have.  Your group’s combined strength is a force to reckon with when under attack.  

Imagine if your team was to run off in various directions, you would be unable to watch and protect each other.  It is difficult to battle the enemy if everyone is far apart, especially if you and your other team mates are safely nestled in their separate areas.

Fire, fire, fire and fire:

The most effective way to break from an attack is to fire back with an enormous amount of paintball ammunition as this will cause the opposing team to hide and protect themselves from your fire.  When the leader of your squad decides to retreat, continue firing all together, hit everything that is moving for about three seconds and then,  retreat! Do not forget to fire back and occasionally turn around to check on anyone who may be firing at you.  Do this as a group.  

Keep in mind that retreats are not an opportunity to duck and cover but to make moves that are strategically important to the group’s welfare.  Therefore, it should be quick.

Exception to the rule

There is an exception to the “fire when retreating rule.”  The act of retreating and not returning any shots is when you or your squad is asked to help your fellow team members.  On this occasion, moving as a unit with speed is still very important.

Outnumbered, outsmarted, but not outdone

There are a few things you could do when you are outnumbered during a game of paintball.  The first - do not panic.  The second,  you must think – it is just a game. Or is it?

The first thing to do is to select a team leader.  After that is done, it is the leader that teammates must rely on when quick decisions have to be made.  

The following are basic things that can be done when you or your team feels that they have been outnumbered in paintball.

Be on the defense:

Make sure that all of your team mates are placed near the boundary of the field so that the opposing team will have little chance to sneak up on you.  Next, designate one to three players to patrol the field (the number depends on your team’s size). Ask them to patrol around the field, specifically looking for an enemy and taking that enemy out. In case they notice a group of the opposing team, and this group does not notice them,  this small patrol team must immediately go back and advise the rest of the team the location of the enemy. 

The squad:

Make sure that if any enemy force is notice, and this force is the size of a squad, a similar sized squad should be dispatched to face the opposing team.

Lure them out:

The patrol should be sent out to attract the opposing team and entice them to be defensive.  However, there is a risk when doing this as there is a possibility that a member of the opposing team could escape and be able to warn his own team mates. It is also a possibility that it might not happen, and victory could just as well be yours.

Ignore the enemy:

You could also make the choice to pretend that you have not seen the opposing enemy.  The idea is that, if they did not see you, you are not a threat to them.

Get together everyone:

Make sure to gather all members of your team together then carefully, cautiously move up the side of the field that you think is less likely to be utilized by the opposing team.  When you are there, try to hunt the enemy force and strike the opposing team from that side.

Basically, the best thing to do when outnumbered is to relax.  This makes thinking easier and the action clearer.

Mark! You are it!

Paintball is a game where markers or guns are filled with non-lethal paint put in gel-like capsules which basically are used to shoot opponents. These markers are propelled by compressed gas.  

Markers used in paintball evolved through the years - their use now is not the reason they were created years ago.

Markers for trails, trees and cows:

Believe it or not, the use of these markers started in the 70’s when farmers and members of forest groups used them to mark trees as well as trails, and cattle.  The guns used then were powered by gas.  Then - whether by inspiration or boredom – the users of these guns began playing around and instead of aiming them at other objects, decided to use the guns on each other.  

And then there was paintball:

It was in 1981 that a group of friends decided to play their own unique version of paintball.  They were using same guns they were using to mark trees when they talked among themselves and decided to buy into a tree-gun manufacturing business.  The guns were then modified to control the speed as well as the power of the marker.   

They promoted the guns and markers to the public and “viola”,  the game of paintball officially began at a field near Rochester, New York, in 1982.

The first paintball marker:

Ironically, the first ever paintball marker was not called a paintball marker and was not even used for paintball.  It was called a paint-pellet and was created by the Nelson Paint Company originally for the forest industry.  It was invented by James Hale and the patent was approved on  January 29,1974. 

The first paintball gun:

The first and only gun designed especially for paintball was called Splatmaster   was invented by a man named Robert Shepherd who was issued a patent on July 3,1985.  Later on, markers know as electro-pneumatic guns were  developed.

The first paintball marker that is washable:

A specially designed marker with a washable fluid placed inside of soft gelatin capsules was invented by a man named George Skogg: the patent was officially granted on January 6,1987.  This special marker fluid is more precise when shot:  when it hits something, it is brighter and more visible. It is easily washable with regular soap and water or detergent.  

Paintball markers have become user and player friendly through the years.  Who could imagine that what was used originally for cattle and trees could be enjoyed by many people as a game?  Hooray for paintball!

Paintball: it is not a game, it is a cool war

Paintball is a game where there are two groups (teams) of players and each group’s aim is to eliminate the opposite team via shooting paint balls at each other.  

The following are the basic rules in playing paintball.

Follow the referee: 

Paintball should have only one referee for each game.  This referee who will start and end the game as well as stop it (in order to check for paint) and be the decision maker should any problems or game issues arise.  Fortunately or unfortunately, any verdict issued by the referee – as in any other game – is final and cannot be repealed.  

You are out:

A player is no longer in the game if he or she is shot by a paintball marker that cracks or splatters on him or her.  This applies when the marker or pellet breaks anywhere on the player’s clothes, equipment or gun.  Take note that whether the shot came from a fellow teammate or from an enemy,  the marked player is required to call out “DEADMAN” or to yell “OUT” in reference to themselves.  They are required to immediately leave the field using the route that is the safest as well as shortest, all the while calling him self out.

You are in:

If a player is hit by a paintball marker and the marker does not crack or break, that player is still in the game.  A player is also considered in the game if he or she is accidentally splattered by a paintball marker, especially if the splatter is caused by the paintball marker hitting a rock, a bush or tree.  But this rule no longer applies if the player calls him or her self “OUT” or “DEADMAN” even if they have mistakenly thought that they were hit only discover that they were not.  The rule says that they are still required to leave the field using the safest as well as shortest route.

Safety is the best policy

All players are required to wear protective clothing that covers the arms, neck and legs. “T” shirts are not allowed to be worn during the game.  All players must have goggles as well and these cannot in any way, be removed during play.

Paintball is a game of strategy as well as quick thinking.  But just like any other game,  there are rules that need to be observed to make the game not only more challenging, fun, exciting, but most importantly fair.

Paintball: It’s all about the Gun, Baby!

A paintball gun (also known as paintball marker) is used to mark opposing players with paint. It uses air (carbon dioxide) to force the paintball out of the barrel at the speed of about 300 feet per second. This will cause paintballs to break upon hitting somebody but will only cause mild bruising to a person. This could blind a person, though, thus making it a necessity to wear a face mask or eye protection such as goggles.

There are four types of paintball guns and they are classified according to their firing modes. These are pump action guns, semi-automatic guns, fully automatic guns and ramping-mode guns.

In the early days of paintball, all guns were pump action. Each shot would require the person wanting to shoot to manually pull back the bolt to let a paintball fall in front of it and then manually push forward the bolt to bring the paintball in the position to fire. This was excruciatingly slow when compared to other firing modes used today, but is loved by many people as it teaches the importance of a person’s skill with his gun.

Semi-automatic guns were designed so that when the trigger is pushed down, a shot will be fired and the bolt moves back automatically to load the new paintball in position for the next trigger pull. This allows the player to increase firing frequency and accuracy because he will not have to manually pump the gun.

Fully automatic guns are those that will continue to fire paintballs as long as the trigger is held down. The Tippman SMG was the first to feature a fully-automatic gun.

Ramping-mode guns are guns that can fire up to 15 shots per second. This type of gun prevents abuse from semi-automatic guns or fully-automatic guns that can shoot more and can cause injury to other people. 

These types of guns are used in different kinds of situations, usually to prove who the best player in a tournament is. Pump action guns promote using stealth and are desired by experienced players because of the challenge they present. Semi-automatic guns are used by players hoping to improve their shooting accuracy and since they do not have to pump every shot, they are able to concentrate more on their targets. Fully automatic guns are used by infantry and middle men in attacking another team’s base. Ramping-mode guns are for controlled environments where there is a specific rule to prevent injury and other problems.

Winning Paintball as a Team

Paintball is a war game and like in real war, you are never alone. You have your friends fighting beside you and with the same spirit - wanting to win as much as you do.

Paintball is a tactical game. You have to know your team’s strengths and weaknesses. As a rule, it is best to use your team’s strength to win rather than trying to cover up your weaknesses. This does not mean that you will not care about your weaknesses: if you are disadvantaged because of it, then you have other days to learn how to change it. What really matters now is how to prevent the other team from exploiting your weakness and making it a turning point in your battle.

Paintball also requires your team to have a battle plan. Who will be the designated shooter (sniper)? Who will charge and start all the action for your team? These are just two of the different positions and strategies that your team will have to determine so that your team can win. 

Paintball is designed to bring out the creative side in people. You have to make sure that your battle plan allows for a contingency plan for when mistakes happen. You are never really sure how your opponent will react when you stage a certain part of your plan. The sign of a great “general” is knowing the different plans that your opponent will make to counteract every thing you do. A general should not be rattled when every plan he has made has failed. He should be able to devise new plan in the middle of the fight.

Paintball also requires your team to be flexible. Just because you are not a designated hitter does not mean that you cannot do that to your opponents. Your team should understand each others job and make sure that when one of your teammates falls, there are others who can carry on the job he was doing.

Paintball requires good communication between teammates. You should have your own signs and you should learn to bond with your teammates so that you will know what he wants by just a look of the eye or nod of the head.

Paintball is also not just about winning as a team, it is also about experiencing losing as a team and experiencing all of the hardships of playing and surviving as a team. It is in learning as a group and bonding as brothers.

Paintball 101: The Importance of Stealth

Paintball is a war game. Firepower and manpower do matter. Firepower is the ability of a paintball gun to inflict a lot of paint on your opponents and the ammunition it can carry. However firepower is useless in the wrong hands. It is still manpower that will win teams their games.

Manpower is the ability of a player not to only play harder but to also play smarter in the field. This article tackles about stealth and how it can win  games for you.

Stealth is the ability to blend with your surroundings. Using different techniques to achieve this, stealth will usually indicate who the “newbie” is in a paintball environment.

Stealth is about moving the right way. When you have to make a quick dash, it is best to just stick to paths where there are no twigs. Twigs are the worst things to step on as they will snap, break, and make noise. It is recommended that you take your time (when you still have it) and move slowly when going through a cluttered area.

Stealth is best accomplished when using the proper equipment. Shoes and clothing will help tremendously in minimizing the sound you create when moving. Shoes with soft soles are recommended as they make less noise than army combat boots because they have a natural sound absorption property that helps limit the sounds made while stepping.

Soft clothing will also be an advantage as coarse fabrics will create a lot of noise when brushing against branches and the foliage. It is great for crawling quietly to go to a desired place with a minimal amount of noise created.

Other things must also fit snug or tightly on your body. This includes harnesses and holsters. You should also avoid putting anything in the leg area since walking and running will cause it to make noise - this includes your reloads and ammunition.

There are also several techniques such as using colors that match the foliage of the battlefield: this will hide you and makes you virtually unseen (when not moving) by your enemies.

When you have to move, it is recommended that you learn how to crawl the proper way (and with the ability to still fire when needed). 

Stealth takes a lot of time to learn properly. Even experienced players will make mistakes and with these mistakes they learn how not to do it!

The Secrets to Winning at Paintball

Most team sports require teamwork, skill and planning. This can be seen in the winning teams of sports like basketball, football and hockey. The same approach can be taken to make a very good paintball team. 

The best way to become a championship team is to know how to play both as a team and individually. It starts at practice where the team will learn to play both offense and in defense.

War games are simulated to emulate the real thing. A fort can be made and some members selected to protect it while the other group attacks. After each game, an assessment must be made so that any mistakes made can be corrected to make the team more efficient.

Aside from conducting some exercises within the group, other teams can be invited to participate in a practice to sharpen the skills before a tournament.

 There are several ways that the exercise can end: by capturing the flag, eliminating all the members of the other group or waiting until the time expires.  A good way to train the participants to move swiftly during an offensive is by agreeing to a time limit before the exercise begins...

The members should rotate the roles of offense and defense during training exercise as both will have to be used in a real game. 

Marksmanship should also be part of training. The members must be able to hit both stationary and moving targets since both are necessary in an actual game where both sides have limited ammunition. 

Since the exercise usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour, the team should make every shot count. The players should only fire when there is a clear shot available rather than not being able to fire when it matters the most.  

Stealth is another element needed to win the game of paintball. By being able to sneak up on the enemy first, the team can attack the enemy position before the opposing forces can mount a counterattack.

Learning to communicate using hand signals and sounds will prevent the other team from knowing what the team’s plans are. By practicing all of these drills and scenarios in practice, the group will be ready to take on anyone in the league. 

The secret to winning at paintball is not rocket science; it just takes a lot of practice so that each person knows what to do which will pay off during competition. 

Paintball Home Videos

Homemade videos capture a moment in history. They were filmed in black and white more than 40 years ago and they are still used today to capture interesting moments. The person who records them does not have to a professional; but can film a video as long as they know how to use a camera. 

Sports enthusiasts record many events for fun or entertainment purposes. Videos such as these can’t be bought at the local video store but can be found at a sports venue or on the internet. 

Paintball videos can be used to educate and invite others to participate in the sport. A local club could rent a booth/stall with a television and paintball player to feature the game. Passerby’s who are interested will come, stop, and look at what is being featured and those who are interested could then be invited to sign up to receive further information or a trial game. 

These videos can also be used as an instructional tool for those who are new to the game.  The briefing could explain the rules, proper techniques of playing and other information that “newbies” need to know about the game.

Paintball videos can also prepare a team for an upcoming match. Paintball competitions occur in the same places nearly every year so a video could provide information about the opposing team, the layout of the venue and the strengths and weaknesses of an opponent that the team might use to its advantage. 

Videos cost money so just in case the person does not know if one is worth buying or not, consider watching the trailer. Another idea is to ask those who have seen the video if it is worth the price of purchase.

After purchasing or making a video of an event; take it home and invite friends to watch the highlights of the event with you. Perhaps lessons can be learned to prevent mistakes from occurring in future matches. Aside from watching the video and just admiring how the filming was done done, another idea would be to create a personal paintball video which could highlight tournaments, dos and don’ts about this sport as well as others, or perhaps feature bloopers that were caught on film. 

This video could then be sold which might be better than a video from someone else. 

This will save money for a person since it was he who took the shots and knows that the video is worth watching.

Supplies Needed for the Game of Paintball

Paintball is a growing game not only in the United States but also in the world. A survey conducted in 2005 has shown that this is the third most popular game in the world. 

The use of equipment to protect the players has earned it a reputation as a safe sport - this is better than football or hockey which have a reputation for causing injuries. 

For people to play this game, it is required that a player wear safety gear at all times. This consists of a helmet, chest pad, gloves, and knee and elbow pads. The guns used are only allowed to have a maximum firing speed of 300 feet per second.      

Anyone who wants to try this game should first buy the necessary equipment which can be purchased at the local sports store or online. A helmet may $20-$90. Since it fogs up due to perspiration, dirt, or paint it would be a good idea to buy a cleaning solution and anti-fog spray as well.

Protective gear for the chest can be bought for less than $30. These come in different colors and will protect the individual should a direct shot hit the body. Pads for the knees and elbows can also be purchased for less than $40 each. 

The most important thing needed for battle is the player’s firearm. This can be handguns to assault rifles. The price of these guns run from $100 to more than a $1,000 depending on the features of the gun. Most of these are semi-automatic and can hold several paintballs before being reloaded.

A crucial part of the game is ammunition. This also comes in different colors and ranges in price from $24- $60. A box contains 2000 rounds - more than enough for one game. The player can also buy grenades to be used against the opponent for almost the same price. It is a good idea to buy a loader that will save time when it is time to reload.  

Paintball as some would say is “better than the real thing”. This thrilling sport keeps the heart pounding and the adrenaline going. Should the person be interested in this game, the first thing that needs to be done is getting the right equipment from the shop and learning the rules. 

After briefing, it is time to suit up, lock and load, and get ready to be in the combat zone.  

Where to buy your paintball gadgets?

Paintball is fast becoming one of the world's most exciting and popular sports.  In fact, paintball has risen from being known as just a pastime or a hobby, to a favorite sport among men and women in over 40 countries.

Those who have tried playing paintball to pass away their time have become smitten by the excitement of the sport.  More and more people are forming their paintball squads and clamoring for more paintball items.

If you are among those who have learned to love paintball as a sport, then you need to check out the various paintball stores for basic and new paintball products.

Various shops selling paintball accessories have sprouted in the marketplace like mushrooms, due to the high demand for them.  Blame it on the rising popularity of paintball.  Visiting paintball stores is not only fun but it will give you a firsthand feel and view of the products you are buying.

There also are many online paintball stores that are selling paintball products for prices lower than those offered by actual paintball shops.  By doing your shopping online, you do not only save on cost but also time.  Just let your fingers do the walking and the talking.

Some online stores have more than five thousand paintball items that can be shipped within 24 hours.  However, online stores will only offer free shipping of products when the items purchased amount to more than $150.   Online stores also accept payments via credit cards like Master Card or American Express, cash, or through personal or cashier's checks.

Among the important paintball accessories that a player should possess, aside from the paintball guns and pellets of course, are the following:

1. Paintball mask - Never play paintball without the mask!  Paintball experts are as one in saying that new players should buy the mask before the gun because it is a safety tool.

2. Batteries - Spare batteries for your guns will always be handy in case your gun needs them.  Why waste a good opportunity to fire upon your enemy just because of a battery failure.

3. Oil for the paintball gun - This tool may not top the list of items being carried by paintball players but believe me; it makes your gun more efficient and keeps it in tip-top shape.

4. Gun manual - This is necessary when you have to take your gun apart and then put it back together again.  With a gun manual, you can never go wrong.

5. First aid kits - While paintball is not a particularly dangerous sport, carrying a first aid kit in one's pockets will not hurt - in fact, it is necessary for the unexpected bumps and bruises that occur while playing the game.

When buying your paintball items either from the actual or online paintball stores, make sure that you have reviewed their product return policy as you might no longer be able to return certain products depending on the paintball store's policy.