Paintball: sports or not?

The rising popularity of paintball games also gave rise to two opposing groups; one considering paintball as a sport while the other one dismissing it as just a pastime and a non-sporting activity. But is paintball really a sport or just a plain hobby?



Paintball is considered by enthusiasts as one of the most exciting sports in Europe and in at least 40 countries worldwide and is played by both men and women of all ages.



The reason it has been dismissed by many as a non-sport and considered a mere hobby is because of the reality that paintball started as an activity usually played during corporate gatherings. As a side activity of most company gatherings, paintball served as a pastime for corporate officials who needed to relax after tough corporate duels. However, those who have tried playing paintball have been stuck by and hooked on the game.



The reason some people see paintball as a mere hobby or pastime is because of ignorance or lack of knowledge about paintball.



Most dictionaries define a sport as an activity for individuals or groups which involves physical skill and is governed by a set of rules and is engaged in professionally. On the other hand, a pastime is seen as something participated in for exercise or for pleasure. Paintball is both.



While a glimpse of the game gives one the idea that paintball is a macho game and something which gives rise to the “Rambo” image of the male species, it is important to note that paintball is an organized sport. No one can play the game without training or without the necessary tools and accessories. Sorry to disappoint you, but paintball is not just for macho males, but also for females who want some “spice” in their lives.



Paintball is a rough game so safety is a prime concern. Paintball players are required to wear protective clothing like overalls and jackets. However, like all other sports you must follow all of the safety rules since close range shots can cause bruises and/or hurt the victim. Some game sites minimize the chances of close range shots to avoid injuries.



If you want to get into a sport which can really get your adrenaline flowing, then try paintball. It is a sport which you can play with friends or with your family.

Paintball Sneak Attack Tactics: The Devious Ploy

Since its inception, paintball has remarkably developed into a global spectacle. Nearly 9.6 million players have participated in the game since 2004.



Its popularity continues to proliferate thereby making it the third place overall “Most Popular Extreme Sport in the World” list. This is based on the statistical reports of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association International in 2005.



Along with its growing popularity are the various tactics that every player must learn in order to win the game. This is so important because, by nature, paintball is a conglomeration of strategy, techniques, skills, and ability to stimulate the mind to think fast and accurate.



In spite of the many tactics that the experts create in order to help players win the game, the sneak attack approach remains the most reliable method in obtaining victory over the opponents. This is because the object of the “sneak attack tactic” is to hit the opponent furtively and sneakily.



To those who want to know how this particular ploy can be executed, here is a list of some tips:



1. Be cool:



With this kind of tactic, your basic goal is to hit the other player without letting him know that you are even in the area. Once you have spotted your opponent, do not immediately shoot; try to relax a little and aim with your best shot.



Do not move. Movement can only imply presence. Do you not spot your opponent because of his movements? If you do the same, chances are, he will be able to see you as well.



2. Wait for the perfect timing:



In case you have seen your opponent but the distance between you and your opponent is great, then, it is best to stay calm and quiet.



The idea here is to wait for your opponent to come into your reach; because if you try to shoot early and miss, you might as well come out in the open and tell your opponent to shoot you.



3. Fire at will:



If in case your opponent was able to sense that you near, do not hesitate to start firing. You will have better chance of aiming at and hitting your target because you were the first one to spot him.



Sneak attack works best for people who think before they act. Any madcap will never get any further. The bottom line of this approach is to aim more accurately in order to shoot without letting the other person know you are there.

Paintball Playing Techniques in Developing a Good Game

Paintball is an exciting game, but unless you know the right techniques in playing the game you can never win the battle.



Paintball is an example of a war and chasing game. Because of its tremendous impact on people who love highly stimulating games, its popularity continues to grow. In fact, according to the 2005 statistical reports of the Sporting Goods Manufacturers International, paintball currently ranks third among the most well liked intense and ultimate sports.



The Concept



Paintball is a kind of stimulation game in which the players are engaged in a battle. The object of the game is based on “survival of the fittest.” Using paintball guns or markers loaded with “gelatin capsules filled with paint,” every player will try to eliminate his opponents. Once the player is hit by the paintball marker, he is automatically removed from the game; therefore, he can no longer participate.



The Playing Techniques



Since paintball is focused on letting an individual or a team obtain an advantage over the other players, it is important to know some of the playing techniques that will enable the player to succeed in winning the game.



Like any stimulation or war games, techniques are important in establishing the right position, the right plan, and the right approach in order to win the game.



Here is a list of some of the playing techniques that every player must know:



1. Invisibility



This is an important technique when playing paintball because as long as the player remains invisible to his opponents, the more chances he will have of winning the game.



The main concepts of invisibility are: a) motivate the players to play well in the game because they feel good when they are invisible; b) achieve the goal of winning the game because an invisible player is a “tough target” to catch spot ; and c) invisibility initiates comradeship among teammates.



Besides, once a player remains invisible, the longer he can stay in the game.



2. Vision



It is not enough that a player has good camouflage so that he will remain invisible throughout the game. It is also important to obtain tools and devices that would mislead the other players by letting them believe that they have spotted their opponent, but in reality, it was just a ploy.



3. Development



Try to employ movements that would initiate security and clearance from other players that lurk in the area. Stop running or walking every 30 seconds and check to see if the area is clear.



Using these techniques will definitely ensure the player of winning the game.

Paintball Markers: For Some Gun Down Actions

If you enjoy playing war games on your personal computers or play stations, then you would probably love playing paintball.



Just like the computer-generated war games, paintball is one kind of sport that is worth fighting for. It may sound like a clichй but the fact that paintball generates the same kind of adrenaline rush as fighters; it is the kind of stimulation everybody could have.



No wonder people who are so enjoy the action and adventure of exploratory activities like hunting will enjoy paintball.



The game of paintball would never be complete if it were not for the paintball markers because these markers are the primary tool used to get the game started.



Paintball markers or paintball guns are the tools used by the players to hit each other: but unlike real guns or toy guns, paintball guns make use of paint balls. These are small balls are known as “gelatin capsules” that contain paint.



The primary purpose is to shoot the paintball, which travels at a high speed, so that when ball hits the opponent, the gelatin capsule explodes and splatters the paint all over the hit mark (opponent).



Paintball markers are regulated so that the speed and the compression inside are safe enough to play with. This means that in order to avoid serious injury or problems, paintball markers should fire a paintball at an average speed of 91 meters per second.



At this rate of speed, injuries or serious damage will be avoided. Too much speed on paintball markers and paintballs can cause grave injuries to the eyes or the ears. Even with the use of safety measures it is still absolutely necessary for the players to wear helmets or any “head protection”.



When choosing paintball markers, it is important to consider the level of expertise of the player. If the player is a newbie, it is important to use a paintball marker fit for basic operations; then as the player advances in his skills he can choose markers that are appropriate for higher level of action.



It is also important to consider the kind of position the player performs in the game. For instance, front line players should use paintball markers that have a “remote air hose.” These guns are lighter so they increase the player’s pace in the game.



Yes, paintball markers can trigger a good game especially if used by good players.

How to Reach the Goal in a Paintball Game

Those who always play the paintball sport may have the experience to execute the right strategies to capture the flag of their opponents. Those who are beginners in playing this sport may tend to be wilder in making their executions and movements in the battlefield. A person must determine how to meet his objective to reach the goal of the opponent’s base.



There are flags, which stand on the bases of each team. Every team must attack and defend their bases so that their opponents will not reach their goal. If a team captures the flag of the other team, they must bring the flag back to their base to ensure that they have reached the goal by eliminating each member of the other team.



A strategy must be planned before each team proceeds with their attacks. It is up to the team leader to decide who will be assigned to attack aggressively and who will defend their base. Their goal is to not be hit by the enemies’ paintball so that they may continue playing the game. They must eliminate every person who blocks their attempt to reach the opponent’s flag. It must be well executed to ensure a chance of winning.



If the members of the team are cautious of being hit by the enemy, it could make it more difficult for their team to win the game; they tend to be more defense-minded forgetting that they must help and accompany their other teammates in the attack.



Being too aggressive can also result in losing the game. Each member must remember that it is important to have a plan that will back up each member in the attack. It is not advisable to be a “Rambo” type attacker: one must cooperate and communicate whatever plan or strategy the leader instructs.



A person cannot attack and hit a target if he is too concerned about being eliminated. However, he may have reasons to back up because he may determine that their flag must be protected and guarded at the same time. There is nothing to be afraid when being hit by a paintball. This does not cause much discomfort even though a hit may cause bruises. Protective clothing is important in playing this game.



Every person has a different style of playing this game but what is important is cooperation and sticking to the game plan that will lead to winning the game.

What Gears are needed in Paintball?

In paintball games the safety of the player is the primary concern. Nobody would like to be injured or hurt in this fast-paced and action-packed sport. Execution and the use of air-pressured guns can be dangerous if a person is not properly protected with clothing and other safety gear. Here is a list of safety gear and equipment a person must have before he plays the sport.



1. The paintball mask is essential equipment for face protection. A person may not be allowed to play if he does not wear the protective mask.



2. A person must also have eye protection. He may choose to invest in a set of goggles to prevent any splat of paint from getting in his eyes.



3. A person must have a paintball gun for his weapon to eliminate an opponent. When he hits a specific target he is able to terminate any possible threats for the win.



4. A paintball is needed as is used as the bullet fired by the air-pressurized gun. It is important to launch (or fire) when he is sure of a target. It is important not to waste any paintball by being an aggressive attacker unless the other members of his team ask for cover and back up.



5. The barrel is for the storage of the paintballs. It also guides the paintball directly at the target – if aimed properly. He may find various accessories that he can attach to the main body of the weapon.



6. Brass barrels are the best buy one can get. They are less expensive and create less friction allowing the paintballs to launch in a straight path with great speed.



7. The air tank is essential to activate any launch. It can be attached to the gun or hang horizontally on the back of the players. It is advisable to position the tank above the gun so that the liquid CO2 will raise the pressure up and out of the gun.



8. Other accessories like the remote, belt pack, and a gun-sight are optional gear you may want to invest in. These accessories are useful in any paintball game because they give extra help to the user in planning the strategy and attacks the player wishes to use.



It is important that a person is well equipped and fully protected when he plays paintball. He must consider the clothing and safety gear necessary for his safety. Have fun and experience the excitement paintball sport can offer.

Tips on How to Play the Paintball Sport

Playing paintball is so much fun. The main goal of the game is to capture the opponent’s flag and make them surrender by aggressively attacking their defenses. What excites many people is the fast pace and action-packed scenery that a person will experience.

Most paintball games are played in a place where players can move freely. Outdoor venues like fields or improvised camps provide complete facilities for everyone who wants to experience this sport. There are also indoor venues that are available during various seasons when people are unable to go outside because of the cold weather or rainy seasons.



A person is provided with a paintball gun that is primarily air pressured. The group is generally composed of ten or more persons divided into two teams. Each team must have an equal number of persons and they will battle like two opposing armed groups on a battlefield.



Each group will be provided colored armbands to mark each member so that their teammates are and opponents are not confused. The main goal is to reach the opponents’ flag and hit every opponent – when doing so - using their paintball guns. The team that captures the flag will bring it to their base to ensure they have won the game.



A person will know that he is eliminated when he is hit by the paintball. It is determined by the splat of a paintball that will break and mark the gear. A referee will determine if he may continue or to be eliminated from the game. The paintballs are about the size of marbles; but they are spherical in shape with hard shell layers that enables the paintball to go a long distance and speed up the launch when fired at the target.



Paintball guns appear similar to a real gun but it has a barrel container that stores and launch the paintball. It has a trigger that will activate the release and a reservoir that will store more paintballs. The propulsion is powered by pressurized gas.



The execution will depend on the style the player thinks will be effective for defense.



The thrill and excitement is what really makes people love this sport. Others consider it an activity that can be enjoyed with their friends and families. It will give a person a worthwhile experience with the adventure-like setting and the excitement of the game.