So you’re new to the paintball industry. You’ve heard friends talk about playing paintball and what a blast it can be. When you have a large enough group of people, everyone can split off into two teams for a fun-filled day of competition.
Because you’re new to the sport, you still have a lot to learn, however, before you can begin to play. Knowing how to play paintball is the first step. If you go onto the field with no direction at all, then you could find yourself out of the game or even disqualified before you get to play.
If you have plans to attend your first paintball game soon, then you’ll want to continue reading below. Here’s everything you need to know about playing paintball!
Gather All the Right Equipment
There’s gear specifically for playing paintball. If you’re playing your first game in a paintball range, then be sure to contact them and ask if they rent out equipment/gear there. Most paintball ranges will rent out equipment to those in need.
If you’re playing on a homemade field, then you’ll want to purchase your own gear and equipment. Otherwise, rent the equipment to see how you like the game and what type of equipment you like best before purchasing your own. Here are some items you’ll want to have.
- paintball guns– when you own your own paintball gun, you begin to get a better feel for it and eventually play better with it
- paintballs- your paintballs are your ammunition for your game and are biodegradable and non-toxic (get different colors when playing on teams)
- safety mask and goggles- you must wear a safety mask and goggles to play the game and you won’t be allowed on the field without them (consider buying non-fogging goggles for better vision)
- full sleeve jacket and pants- expose as little skin as possible to prevent injury
Once you have all of your equipment, you’ll be ready to suit up and hit the field.
Choose a Paintball Field
Now it’s time to choose where you’ll play. Depending on where you live, there might be a few different options of paintball ranges. Take your time doing some research to find the right range for you and your friends.
Read reviews, visit the range in person, and ask about range rules and procedures. If you have enough open space for it, then you can even set up your own paintball range on your property.
Know General Paintball Rules
There are some general rules of paintball that everyone needs to follow. These rules will be the same no matter what range you go to. It’s important to know what these rules are so you can avoid breaking any of them during the game and becoming disqualified.
Here are a few safety rules to keep in mind each time you play the game.
- once the game starts, you can’t remove your safety mask and goggles
- before the game starts, you can’t aim your gun or remove the safety feature
- you must remain distant while shooting at an opponent (you can’t shoot at point-blank range)
- once someone shoots you, you’re out of the game (put your hands up to exit the game)
- if a ball hits you and bounces off without splattering on your clothes, then you’re still in the game
- wiping the paint off is not allowed
These rules will apply to any paintball range you go to, so it’s ideal to have a good understanding of all of them.
Practice Your Aim
You can wait to practice shooting your paintball gun until you play your first game, but it’s recommended to practice your aim before you play. Take the time to practice shooting at different targets. Some ranges might offer practice ranges for you to use.
Otherwise, if you have your own paintball gun, practice with it on your own. Paintballs are heavy and will drop before it reaches your target. For this reason, it might take you some time to learn how to aim.
For moving targets, you’ll need to lead your shots to avoid missing them. You can aim for your opponent’s neck when playing a game. If you aim for their neck, you won’t hit them in their neck.
The paintball will drop and you’ll hit them in their chest or waist.
Prepare to Communicate With Teammates
Paintball gun games are all about communication. You’ll need to learn how to communicate with your teammates. It’s a team game that takes teamwork to win.
You’ll want to synchronize your attacks with your teammates and avoid trying to play solo. Your teammates might even make up code words to use while playing. Because you’re new to the game, follow the team leader and work well with others.
You can still win the game this way, even as a novice.
Always Stay on the Move
One of the last tips we have to give you is to stay moving at all times. If you stop in place during the game, then there’s a good chance you’ll be hit with a paintball gun. Even if you think you’ve found a safe spot, no one is safe anywhere.
Keep moving to give your opponent a more difficult target to hit.
This Is How to Play Paintball
Any new paintball beginner will need to know how to play paintball before stepping foot onto the paintball range. Use all of the information in the guide above to help you prepare for your first game. Remember to grab all of your safety gear and follow all of the general rules and specific rules given at the range you play at.
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