How to Win At Paintball

Unfortunately, there is no tutorial that will make you a champion paintball player without a good amount of practice. There are, however, some good tips for new players that can help you paint the other team green with envy in no time.

Once you have some good playing clothes (don’t leave any exposed skin, unless you aren’t afraid of the sting!) and a top notch gun, it is time to get prepared to play. If you can, start by walking the playing field prior to play so that you can get a feel for the layout. Knowing where the bunkers or cover are for various places on the field is essential.

When you are just starting out, you may be tempted to find the nearest, deepest hole or biggest shelter and then stay there waiting. This is a mistake, as you usually won’t see much action as you won’t easily be able to look around. In paintball, oftentimes, whoever spots the other person first is the winner, as you have that split second longer to fire. If, however, you are hidden away in a cubby hole, you most likely will be there until someone springs around the corner and shoots you before you can get to him/her. Pick a good first shelter out before the game starts so you know where you are headed first. Find a spot that you can easily get your head around a corner and get the layout of the land in under a few seconds.

That barricade is awful cozy, but you didn’t come to sit on your hands—you came to play! If your team is charging forward, charge with them. You may be tempted to stay behind and guard the “fort”, but it could be a bad move. If you are not there to help, your team could get slaughtered, leaving only you against a larger team of opponents!

Another helpful tip for those just starting out in paintball is to remember that you have vocal cords and to use them. If you’ve been spotted, there is no longer a need to hide your position; go right ahead and yell for your teammates so they know you need help, and also so they know where the opponents are. Try not to get too trigger happy; instead, plan your moment of fire. If you are shooting at anything that moves, even hundreds of yards away, you are only giving away your position. Plan your strike so that your shots have the best chance of making an impact.

Following these paintball tips are sure to help you win…or at least help you not look like a noob out there on the field!