Paintball Tips
Paintball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and if you are just entering the sport as a beginner, you can probably use a few paintball tips to get you on track. First of all, give paintball a try before going out to buy your own equipment. Most paintball facilities rent everything you need, so check it out before investing money in the equipment.
That said, one of the most important paintball tips is to make absolutely sure you do not ever take off your mask or goggles during a game. There are designated areas specifically for taking off your facial protection and never do it outside of one of these areas. Paintballs are not bullets but they still travel at incredibly fast speeds and they can do enormous damage to your face, especially your eyes.
Make sure you know how to operate your gun before the game starts. Your team is going to be counting on you so make sure you get any questions out of the way beforehand, even if you’re afraid it might be a stupid question. Most paintball players are very nice and want to be helpful.
Wear camouflage clothes if you have them but if not, it’s not a big deal. Any dark colored clothing will do. Avoid white and very light colors as your goal is to be invisible and bright is going to stand out. Wear boots for footwear.
Paintball tips must also include this one: be aware at all times of what is around you in every direction. You are most apt to get shot and eliminated if you concentrate on one direction to the detriment of all others. The tendency is to want to look ahead to see what’s coming but in paintball, danger can approach from either side or behind you as well.
In paintball, you need to be a team player. Before the game begins a captain will be appointed from among the players on each side. This person then has the authority to run how the game is going to play out. As in military maneuvers, there is no not following orders. Whatever the captain says goes, even if you don’t agree with it.
Don’t jump the gun by calling yourself out if you cannot see if the paintball that hit you burst or not. See the paint before outing yourself from the game. If it is in an area on your body you cannot see, call the referee for a paint check before giving up.
You want to be invisible and sneak up on your opponent in paintball, so don’t talk, use hand signals like a pitcher in baseball to communicate with other members of your team. Be quiet. Stealth can be an effective weapon.