An Introduction & Tips on Playing Paintball

Paintball is an extreme sport and is a lot of fun.

Players compete against another team and the idea is to eliminate the opposition by hitting them with a gelatin filled soluble dye called a paintball.

There are many variations of the game which is played outdoors or indoors any place where players can move freely. The field is natural or artificial terrain, which is scattered various object which the players use for tactical cover. Rules for playing paintball vary, but can include capture the flag, defending or attacking a particular point or area, ammunition limits, defending or attacking a particular point or area, or capturing objects of interest hidden in the playing area. Depending on the game being played,the action can last from seconds to hours, or even days in scenario play.

Wherever paintball is played, there are strictly enforced game rules and dress codes. The game codes and rules are posted at each venue but dress codes include compulsory helmets and visors Equipment comprises, paintball marker, (known as a paintball gun) body armour (optional), paint grenades, paintballs and hopper.

Physical contact between players can be cause for elimination because this is a game of skill not bodily contact.

Group generally consists of 5 people or more divided into 2 teams. Each team has an equal number of players who will battle each other just like opposing forces on a battle field

The best and easiest to understand information on this subject can be found at

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Paintball Information.

The thrill & excitement is what really makes people love this sport. Another consideration its an activity that can be enjoyed with friends & families.

This page has lots of excellent paintball videos

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 The Most Fequently Asked Questions     

1. What gun should I buy?. ..  Don't wory about your gun yet, lets talk goggles. .

Proper paintball goggles are compulsory  so, when you buy your goggles, don't skimp. Get the thermal ones with a good field of view (if you already own goggles, go back and buy the thermal lenses for them). If you can, get a fan. You will never regret the purchase.

Simply put.If you cannot see, you are no help to your team and you are endangering yourself. I would take being able to see and a pump 'gun over the best 'gun and fogged lenses.

One last piece of goggle advise. Don't ever wipe paint off your goggles!! Paint is sticky. More times than not as you walk off the field, stuff will get in the paint. If you wipe it off, you could scratch the lens with the stuff that got stuck in the paint. Remember, you have thermal lenses, you paid good money so you could see, don't blow it now.
TIP. . .  Get a spray bottle, fill it with water (just water) and throw it in your paintball gear bag. When you need to clean your goggles, spray all the yuck off and then dry them. You will have clean lenses and they will last a lot longer.

Ok, now back to "what gun should I buy?". I would highly suggest purchasing a semi-auto. They are just a lot easier to play with to start. You pull the trigger and a ball comes out the end. Very nice.

DO NOT purchase a tournament level gun right out of the blocks. Most newbies that do end up spending more time working on it than playing (because they don't know how to care for it and they break it or get it so gooped up that it doesn't work right). Get a decent semi and learn how to clean it. Practice cleaning it. Be able to clean it in your sleep! Then and only then, are you ready to head to the field to shoot it.

Practice, practice, practice. Practice shooting, practice loading and practice cleaning. When you get on the field, you don't want to have to think about these things. Besides, it is fun to practice loading and cleaning your first gun! You get into the paintball mindset and let other worries go.
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2.  What should I wear?

This is really a two part question. The most important thing you will wear is your shoes. Bring something that has traction, ankle support, can get really dirty and won't hurt your feet! Don't get a new pair of boots on the way to the field unless you bring an ample supply of Band-Aids! If you do get new footwear, wear it at home for several days before you bring it to the field. Also, invest in a pair of socks designed (yes, socks are technological wonders, just like paintball gear!) for sports use.

I have seen people wear lots of different things while playing. The happy people tend to wear light hiking boots or football cleats. There are some very nice shoes made for paintball. Check with your local store for more info about paintball specific footwear. Alternatives are high top sneakers, but remember, they will get dirty (often very dirty).

Wear gloves if you have them. If you don't, buy a cheap pair of brown cotton gardening gloves. You can cut the gloves to allow you to "handle" things better. I would suggest that you cut the top half off of the glove finger that you use to pull the trigger.
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3.  How much paint will I shoot?

Depending on how active a player you are you will probably go through 500-1500 rounds in one day.
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4.  What will I need to bring?

On your first day of paintballing it is best that you bring a spare change of cloths. When you play wear cloths that offer some protection that cover all surface skin, especally gloves and some neck protection. Make sure they are ok that your cloths will get dirty. Wearing shoes like cleats offer great traction when playing on outdoor fields. Bring plenty of hydration fluids, you will get hot and need fluids. For a day trip besure to bring a good lunch, and dont skip out on the fruit and veggies. Remember, you are going to have fun so be happy!
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5.  How long are the games?

A few minutes, a few hours or days depending on what type of game you are playing.
Your referee will determine the legnth of the game. When there is minimal movement or no shooting he will put a few minute warning to speed the game up. 

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6.  Will I die?

Probably not unless its from excitement But hey, ya never know. :)