Did you know that paintballs do not contain any actual paint? They are made of a gelatin capsule that contains water-soluble, eco-friendly materials. It is also not the only surprising thing about this fun-packed sport.
Paintball is easy to play, but hard to master. Read on as we discuss how to be good at paintball and lead your team to victory.
1. Embrace the Paint
Paintball hurts, despite what anyone may tell you. When you get hit by a ball, it can cause bruises that last for a long time. This means that once hit, many people tend to back off and cower in terror at the thought of being struck again.
This is not a good way to spend the game. If you have invested in expensive paintball gun packages then hiding away is not the best way to utilize them. Should you have a low pain threshold, then consider layering up or wearing a thick jacket.
When you hide, your team is down a member. This is certain to make them lose, which means at some point you will get hit anyway! Instead of sheltering away, get out on the field, make yourself a moving target, and hit others before they get you.
2. Learn to Shoot
When taking part in your first paintball tournament, it can be easy to run out into the field spurred on by excitement alone. Yet a little preparation can go a long way. This involves taking the time to learn how to shoot.
Every paintball gun will have its own weight, way of shooting, and mechanisms. Get to know them, then take some time to do target practice.
If you have a laser pointer, tape it to the barrel and look at how far out the guns shots are at different distances. This allows you to compensate, improving your targeting.
You should also practice shooting while running. Try it while walking, jogging, and then at a sprint.
One of the best paintball tips is to do this while keeping the barrel pointed upwards. Most guns won’t work if the internal mechanism is below the barrel of the gun. If you have the gun sideways or upside down when running, it won’t fire.
3. Have a Plan
Paintball is a team game. If you go in without a plan, everyone will go their separate ways and you won’t last long. When you have a plan of attack, you stand a much better chance of winning.
Firstly, make sure it is a team plan. There is no room for ego and though you may have lots of heroic scenarios in your mind, you need other people. Running in like your favorite action movie star is sure to end in misery.
The team plan does not have to be complicated either. Some people may defend, and some may attack. You could have some people drawing fire, or you may decide to employ a pincer movement.
Knowing Positions
An effective but easy tactic you can use is to give everyone positions. They can be broken down into front, middle and back positions.
People who take the front positions move forward. While at the front, they play it safe and relay information to the people behind them about where the enemy team is and how to get around them.
The middle players relay this information to the back. Being in the middle, they shoot a lot and are often shot at. They need a good gun and their wits about them.
Finally, the people at the back have defensive positions. They spread fire, so you will need a lot of bullets. It is their job to stop people from moving and pin them down so that the front and middlemen can get in close for shots.
4. Communicate
Paintball is not overly loud, but it can be hard to hear over the crack of guns and excitement. However, you must communicate with one another.
Make sure you use your senses to identify where your enemies are. Call out clearly and directly to your teammates to let them know.
Being behind cover is a payoff. On one hand, you don’t want to be out in the open and get shot. Yet it limits where and how you can see, effectively taking you out of battle.
Get used to breaking cover in short blasts. It will take a second for an enemy to register you, then another for them to shoot. If you are moving from one place to another, this makes it even harder and you get to view the battlefield while you traverse the scenery.
5. Heed the Marshalls Instructions
The Marshall serves two purposes. Firstly, they ensure that everyone on the field stays safe and does not put themselves in harm’s way. Secondly, they make sure that everyone is playing fairly and sticking to the rules.
If you break the rules, the marshal may remove you from the field. They can also help you if you think you may have been shot but are not sure. Finally, if you need to leave the game for any reason hold up your hand and they will help you move to a safe position.
How to Be Good at Paintball
Now you know how to be good at paintball, get a game booked. Do some practice shooting with your gun and get used to moving. Plan some tactics with your team and victory must be yours.
If you found this article helpful, we have many more. From outdoor sports to events, we can keep you fit and healthy in the coming year.
