Ten Ways to Master the Art of Playing Paintball

Since the paintball game was discovered, many enthusiasts have found that this game is a stress reliever and some have even made a career out of it. But funds are usually short for average players and this keeps them from taking their skill to the next level. Mastering paintball can be accomplished in ten ways:

1. Playing paintball requires vigorous physical activities: running, jumping, crawling, etc. Eating right, brisk walking, running and eliminating vices such as drinking, smoking, and drugs should be attained to get into shape. 2. Be well informed: books, magazines, and online information are always available for players who want to play or master the game. More of the skills must be learned during the actual playing of the game; but tips and suggestions are important too. 3. Visual practice. Assess the environment where the game will be played. Paintball is a real world scenario for the player. It may sound silly but try developing your instincts in a supermarket. Visualize the routes of escape, where the other shoppers are and what your next step will be. 4. Prepare all of the equipment and accessories that are needed prior to the game. Pack the batteries, towels, pads, etc. and save time looking for an item once the game has started. 5. Wear comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the paintball game. Look for comfortable camouflaged items that are loose so that movements are easily made. Do not wear clothes that make sounds when moving as this will lead the other shooters to you. 6. Before the game, if there is time use it to get the feel of the field. By doing this a player can visualize the field itself, especially during daytime. Look for hiding places and the places where you anticipate the opponents might go. 7. Attitude plays an important role in playing the game. Know your role in the paintball game so you can derive strategies not only for yourself but for the whole team. 8. Be flexible by changing tactics in every game. Opponents can see the pattern of a player and can be use it against him if he does the same thing every time. 9. Review past mistakes and try not to make them again. The best tips that a player can get are from his last game. 10. Upgrade the gadgets: some accessories have inexpensive ways to upgrade. It not only increases your efficiency but also your confidence.

Mastering the game of paintball will take some time. Be patient, practice and time is more important than expensive equipment. Playing paintball is habit forming.

Watching Paintball Videos Away from the Field

People buy videos since they are considered to be classics: chances are such films will never be made again which makes them works of art. Sports lovers feel the same and buy them as memorabilia.

There are some people that would rather watch an event at home than play the game. Many do this with sports videos about basketball, wrestling and the ultimate fighting championships that consider memorabilia. Collectors who love to borrow or buy such videos claim that they are better than the real thing.

Videos are not only there to entertain, they can be used to teach new players how to play the extreme sport of paintball. The event venues are often the same year after year and many times an upcoming event will played in the same venue which could help prepare a team for an upcoming match. It may also show how other teams performed in that venue and what weaknesses can be exploited to assist in winning a particular game.

Since videos of paintball are usually not found at the local store, searching the web is a useful alternative. With the growing number of people who are interested in this sport as well as the number of organizations that sponsor such events, it is easier for sports enthusiasts to buy a video during competitions.

The videos made about this extreme sport feature not only the rules but they show actual competitions that occurred in different parts of the country and bloopers that are caught on film.

Choosing a video about this sport may be a bit challenging if you not sure which video is worth buying so asking for recommendations from those who have seen it can be helpful. Friends and family members who share the same interest can also help in picking one for you to purchase...

Videos cost money so before getting one determine if it's really worth the price by first watching the trailer. Invite friends over to watch it with you will make it more enjoyable than watching it alone!

There are some movies that people will never get tired of watching no matter how many times they have seen it. By finding something interesting like the greatest paintball tournaments ever played or a video of the craziest events ever caught on film: watch and enjoy it and maybe even learn a few new tricks!

Buy Cheap Paintball Masks

Paintball masks are the most important safety equipment for paintball players. They act as protection for the eyes from the harmful chemicals that are contained in paintballs. Since the eyes are the most sensitive parts of the face, they must be protected when playing paintball.

If you are serious about getting on the paintball field, then you must start by getting a paintball mask of your own. Paintball masks can be bought in many sports shops that carry paintball supplies. These supplies are available in different price ranges and some brands are less expensive that others. Players can check to find the less expensive paintball masks which are on the market.

If a paintball player wants a less expensive mask he may want to check the VForce Vantage paintball mask whose price ranges from $25 to $40. A player can enjoy savings with this brand and the durability is not sacrificed. Aside from being inexpensive, they are easy to clean and can be comfortable.

Or you may want to consider the Proto Switch El. This mask has been proven to offer comfort as well as a better field of vision. However, a difficulty with the Proto Switch El masks is that they may be bulky and are sometimes "itchy". But even with these disadvantages, the mask is able to compete in the market at a low price of $25.

There is also the VForce Armor, which is sold for as little as $35. Some shops may even offer it at a lower price. The mask has proper ventilation and is free from fog and ensures that the users get the protection they need. However, some people who have tested the product have found that the pads are hard which makes them uncomfortable when playing paintball.

If a player is seeking a price and style, he may consider buying the JT USA Elite Headshield. This mask has unique features that are unlike other masks. It covers both the front and back of the head and is priced at $30. The lens were proven to have wider range of vision, however, the lens only come as singles.

Before buying a mask research the different brands and prices that are available. Also consult with your friends and other paintball players to determine what brands they recommend. Many inexpensive masks can be purchased but you should still consider the quality, comfort and safety of these masks and make the right decision regardless of the price.

Tips in Choosing a Paintball Gun

Today paintball is one of the most popular sports not only in the United States but around the world. It is a fun and exciting game that offers adventure to its players. When getting on the paintball field, it is very important to consider your one important friend - the paintball gun.

Paintball would not be paintball without the paintball gun. All paintball guns may look the same but it is important to remember that choosing the right paintball gun is not an easy task. Here are some tips that you may need to consider:

1. The very first thing that needs to be considered when buying a paintball gun is the price. It is important that the buyer determine his budget for the gun. There are many paintball guns in the market and prices may range from $100 to $900. The cost of the gun will depend on the brand and features that come with it.

2. It is recommended a person test all types of guns before buying one. He may want to try those that he has borrowed or rented which will give him the chance to choose which a gun that works for him. The paintball gun should provide ease of use and comfort for the user.

3. Before buying a paintball gun, it is important that he decide on the size of the gun, the paintball loader and the tank that he desires. Remember that the bigger the tanks and the paintball loaders the heavier the gun becomes. A good gun should be the right size for the user and should contain the amount of paintball needed to fire at the opponents.

4. The buyer should shop around first before deciding on a particular paintball gun. This will give him the chance to evaluate and compare prices. Some shops offer lower prices than other shops, so do some research and purchase the one that fits your needs and pocketbook.

5. Seek advice from friends who play paintball, instructors, and coaches of paintball games who will be able to provide some tips on what paintball guns they have used and have found effective. Paintball stores can also recommend some good paintball guns and/or those that they most often sell to their customers.

After choosing the right paintball gun, you must familiarize yourself with the machine. Practicing with the paintball gun will help you move with the gun as well as apply some strategies for using the gun.

Paintball Gears and Accessories

In any sport, proper gear, outfitting and other accessories are always necessary. Gear and accessories not only ensure the safety of players but they also allow the player to be comfortable. Gear is needed to perform a safely and effectively. In paintball, some gear and accessories should be considered before you actually play the game.

1. The most important gear needed to play paintball is the paintball gun which is used to fire paintball at opponents. There are many paintball guns to choose from. They come in various sizes depending on the needs of any player.

2. A player must have a paintball masks as they are required in playing since they ensure the safety of players. Paintball masks are not just ordinary masks but are masks are specifically designed for paintball games. An extra mask would serve as a replacement should you need it.

3. Proper clothing is needed when playing paintball. The clothes need to be heavy-duty and the colors are usually those known as "camouflage". Players are also required to use shoes intended for running since paintball requires a lot of running but heavy-duty boots may be used as an alternative.

4. Squeegees are also recommended equipment for players when out on the paintball field: but cotton rags may also be used to wipe off any paintball hits on the body.

5. First-aid kits must also be part of the equipment. Accidents and injuries are sometimes unavoidable and it is better to be safe than sorry.

6. Other tools and gear may be beneficial once a player gets used to the game. He may find that screwdrivers, tweezers, pliers, and even cotton swabs would come in handy. Spare batteries for the guns should also be considered.

This gear and accessories are necessities for paintball players. Some fields do not allow players to play the game if they are not wearing the proper clothing, shoes, etc. Players must always consider their own safety as well as the safety of other players. Protection of the eyes is a priority when playing paintball. All players must observe the safety rules and policies set by the field to allow them to have an enjoyable and danger-free game.

How to Buy and Select Cheap Paintball Guns

While one should never sacrifice value over the quality of paintball safety equipment, paintball guns are available today at reasonable prices and with a wide variety of interesting features.

When deciding which the best paintball gun is for you, be realistic and determine your "skill level". When just beginning, and do not know the frequency of your play, begin with an inexpensive gun.

To decide which features you need in a paintball gun, you can borrow markers from your friends and try them on different paintball fields. After you have decided on the features you want then start shopping for your gun.

When playing for recreation, there is really no need to spend a great deal of money as there are many recreational guns of good quality that are not expensive. Note that there are also several poor quality markers on the market so you need to your research before you buy to make certain that the marker that you purchase is dependable and can be upgraded.

When you are making plans to play in tournaments, determine what type of tournament that you will be entering. If you are going to play in small tournaments you may use a less expensive marker or upgrade your old one. However, in the larger tournaments, you will need an "electro-pneumatic" or a "blow-forward" gun, which costs a minimum of $350.

The cost of markers depends primarily on the gun's pressure system as well as its accessories. The most popular system today is the "carbon dioxide pressure system" normally used in the less expensive markers.

The primary disadvantage is that usually the carbon dioxide's performance is influenced by the temperature outside, and changes from its gas state to liquid resulting in velocity instability that affects its shooting accuracy.

Serious paintball players use the "high-pressure air and nitrogen system" markers that are much more accurate because the nitrogen will never liquefy. Having this characteristic, these markers are more expensive.

Extra accessories also increase the cost of your marker. A loader or hopper is a very popular accessory. It is a container that feeds paintballs into the gun. Hoppers are available in many varieties - some are powered and automated. Fast and lightweight hoppers are more expensive.

Just keep in mind that the any marker that you purchase will not be perfect and will ultimately have flaws. So when purchasing your marker, always double check the choices offered and purchase a gun only if you know what you really want.

Strategize the Retreat During a Heated Paintball

It hurts when the team realizes that it is time to retreat, but nevertheless there are numerous ways to execute a successful retreat. Here's how.

Strategize a plan. The whole team must be ready to go to a safe area if it is necessary to retreat. Find a place that provides enough cover to protect yourself. It would be a good idea to move closer to the assist team members in order to obtain help. The assist units are usually concealed prior to the start of the game so the opposing team will not have any idea where the players are heading.

Be a team: work together, run together, and fight together. The best protection is always team power. Watching each other's back can save the whole squad as this helps the team re-engage as soon as they're back in a safe area.

Fire back: to free your selves from the enemy, the team must fire in sync and with great intensity to keep the enemy's heads down. This could buy time for you to make a successful retreat. Three to four seconds of blasting can be good preparation for retreat.

Move with a plan: to repeat, strategize! Retreating does not necessarily mean rushing to safety. While retreating make certain that the opposing paintball players are given a hard time. The whole squad should take turns in returning fire for cover. In the end it is surprising to see that there were multiple shots fired at the opposing team while retreating. They may be running after the retreating team so is it is easy to shoot at enemy when they are in the open.

While there is still room for control, end the retreat: not when the whole team can no longer be shot but when there is still a chance to fight the opponent. It will be harder when the enemies cannot to be seen because the damage they could inflict is much worse.

The catch! There are special occasions when a team retreats just to lure the enemies into a trap. By keeping the paintball team together and drawing back, it might give the opponent the feeling they are already winning and they might be easier to attack. Once the assisting unit is behind you, utilize speed and shoot the enemies. Ah! The winning moment.

Being fired at during a paintball game is not to be used as a reason to retreat. It could be a good chance to change stations and use the advantage for better cover. It might be good to retreat in order to mess up the enemy's strategies.

All about Paintball

War games have been around for a long time. These are used to prepare an army for battle or the beginning of a surprise attack. Since people are not able to use real guns in this game, Bob Gurnsey, Hayes Noel, Charles Gaines and nine others decided to play this game by using markers that were originally used to tag cattle and trees. This game originated in 1981.

Later on, markers were used to shoot paintballs at other players. The bullets used for each shot is a .68 caliber gelatin capsule which comes in various colors so that one team can distinguish the shots they fire from those of the opposition. Anyone that gets hit is out of the game.

Paintball has evolved and through the years and can be played in different ways. In one version of the game teams can one flag each and the other team must capture that flag in order to win. Another game has the same objective as the first will except there is only one flag that is situated in the center of the field and each team tries to be the first to capture the flag. The other way of winning (other than capturing the flag) would be to eliminate all of the players of the opposing team with paintball hits.

The game can be played on a small scale which is called recreational paintball. This is the original way it was played in a wooded area and can be played in an area the size of a basketball court.

If there are many people who want to play and the field is a large area the game is called a scenario. The largest scenario ever was in 2005 on a 700 acre parcel of land and with 3,000 participants.

When a player who participates in a competition sanctioned by a governing body, that competition is called a tournament. Teams can be comprised of 3 to 10 players each. Rules during such events vary so people should check before entering the tournament.

For the safety of those who participate in these events, protective gear is required for each player. It consists of a helmet, chest pad, gloves, and knee and elbow pads. The guns used are only allowed to fire a maximum of 300 feet per second.

Paintball is one game that is gaining ground in the sports world. According to a study done in 2005, it is ranked as the third most popular extreme game in the world. It is considered a safe sport as long as proper equipment is used and people comply with the rules. People who are interested can sign up at the local club and join in the fun.