To have the edge on your opponents, fine tune your play with these paintball tips.
Know the Paintball Rules:
It is important to know the rules of the game you are playing before you start. Each venue has different rules so make sure you understand them before heading into a match. Failing to do so could put you at a disadvantage or in some cases, get you disqualified. So ask questions and re-read the rules if need be.
Paintball Gear and Safety:
REMEMBER: Safety is your number one priority! Make sure you have goggles or a full face mask. Ensure these are fitted comfortably but also tight enough so they do not slip off during the game (you’re not there to get your face painted). It is also a good idea to wear knee pads, vests and neck protectors. (Although these tend to be optional.)
Paintball Tips to Better your Aim:
Paintballs don’t travel anywhere near the speed of regular bullets. They have a velocity of 280fps and the standard caliber (68) weighs only 3g. So even over a small distance you’ll see your shots dropping short. If you were aiming for your opponent’s head this might not be an issue. However if it’s an outdoor paintball game where the field is larger, you may find yourself needing to aim your paintball gun above your opponent to land your shots. This will take time to master but you’ll be popping heads in no time.
Another thing to make sure of when you’re trying to land shots is when it comes to moving players. The tip here is obvious; predict them. Aim at where they are going, not where they are.
Talk to your teammates:
Converse with your team before the paintball game and determine your strategy. Work together and give each teammate a specific task. These tasks will differ depending on the particular paintball game objective. Don’t forget to use your voice during a match too. Let your teammates know what’s going on and if you need help taking a position or holding one. It can also be beneficial to use hand signals between your teammates. Make sure everyone knows what the signals are before heading into a match.
Keep Moving
Don’t stay in one spot too long. Keep your opponents guessing where you are. Move quickly and keep low. If you are being shot at, move. Only run in a zig zag fashion if you’re in an open area and have no other choice. Otherwise run in a straight line, you will have less chance of rolling an ankle, hurting your knees and is generally faster. Do not stay in a group as this makes you an easier target. Stay apart but keep in contact.
Stay Alert
Concentrate at all times and stay alert. Listen for movement and pay attention to what your other paintball team members are doing. Listen and talk to your team at all times and encourage them to be ready for anything.
Be Quiet and Creep
In some situations keeping quiet can give you an advantage. You can catch your opponents unaware, flank them and tag them. You can do this while your teammates cover you. Remember teamwork is the key to success. Keep in mind your opponents will be trying to do the same thing. Watch your back.
Extra Paintballs and Reloading
You can purchase extra paintballs at the start of the game and carry them with you in a pack. This will allow you to reload during the game and still be a part of the action. Some venues will have paintball fill stations placed around the play area. If you are unable to reach one of these stations, retreat to somewhere on the field where you won’t be shot. Preferably around fellow teammates.
Duos
Before you start, work out who you will pair up with within your team. It is easier if you work in pairs. Work together and protect each other, cover and move. In larger teams it may be worth sticking in groups of three or four. However usually it will be teams of two.
Cover and Concealment
Make sure that you are concealed behind cover at all times. Ensure that you can see what is coming from all directions so you cannot be ambushed. If shooting at the other team, fire a couple shots, drop down behind cover again, and pop back up somewhere else to fire some more.
Aggression
Move towards the other team whenever you can. Be aggressive. Get your teammates to cover you as you move forward and do the same for them as they make their push. Try to corner the opposing paintball team. But be careful because the closer you get to the other team’s side of the field and the more ground you take, the more trenches, walls and bunkers there will be. They may be able to hold you off and inflict a lot of damage if you go about it recklessly.
Retreat
If you find yourself outnumbered, don’t be afraid to make a retreat. Run, take cover and re-calibrate with your teammates. However if you’re feeling heroic and want to make a name for yourself during the day, try and take out as many as you can with you. Not recommended however. But you have my respect.
Paintball Smoke Grenade
Utilize the paintball smoke grenade. Check which way the wind is blowing before you set it off. The smoke screen should give you enough time to get away from danger or to surprise your opponent. They can also offer some concealment when crossing open plains or be used as a distraction, making the opposite team think you’re pushing from another direction. Paintball smoke grenades can be bought on the day but are only sold to those over the age of 18. The venue will provide the safety instructions regarding them.
Paintball Rules Apply To You Too
Remember it is up to you to let people know that you are hit. Always check if you feel like you have been hit and if colored with the other team’s paint you must leave the field. Failing to do so can get you disqualified from the next match.
With these paintball tips we wish you good luck with your next paintball experience.