Paintballing Tactics

Paintball is a war game. Firepower and manpower do matter. Firepower is the ability of a paintball gun to inflict a lot of paint on your opponents and the ammunition it can carry. However firepower is useless in the wrong hands. It is still manpower that will win teams their games.

Manpower is the ability of a player not to only play harder but to also play smarter in the field. This article tackles about stealth and how it can win games for you.

Stealth is the ability to blend with your surroundings. Using different techniques to achieve this, stealth will usually indicate who the "newbie" is in a paintball environment.

Stealth is about moving the right way. When you have to make a quick dash, it is best to just stick to paths where there are no twigs. Twigs are the worst things to step on as they will snap, break, and make noise. It is recommended that you take your time (when you still have it) and move slowly when going through a cluttered area.

Stealth is best accomplished when using the proper equipment. Shoes and clothing will help tremendously in minimizing the sound you create when moving. Shoes with soft soles are recommended as they make less noise than army combat boots because they have a natural sound absorption property that helps limit the sounds made while stepping.

Soft clothing will also be an advantage as coarse fabrics will create a lot of noise when brushing against branches and the foliage. It is great for crawling quietly to go to a desired place with a minimal amount of noise created.

Other things must also fit snug or tightly on your body. This includes harnesses and holsters. You should also avoid putting anything in the leg area since walking and running will cause it to make noise - this includes your reloads and ammunition.

There are also several techniques such as using colors that match the foliage of the battlefield: this will hide you and makes you virtually unseen (when not moving) by your enemies.

When you have to move, it is recommended that you learn how to crawl the proper way (and with the ability to still fire when needed).

Stealth takes a lot of time to learn properly. Even experienced players will make mistakes and with these mistakes they learn how not to do it!

Paintball has consistently prevailed as the fourth major unconventional sport in the U.S. In fact, statistical reports say that there are almost 12 million paintball players worldwide with 104 countries participating in various paintball competitions. This shows that more and more people are enticed to play this game.

However, it does not necessarily mean that the game is easy. Most of the players contend that they have experienced many trials, hardships, failures, and defeat before they were able to master the game.

Experts insist that playing paintball, just like the other kinds of sport, needs some skills in order to win the game. These skills are the primary tools that every paintball player must try to learn. Once they have mastered these skills, winning the game is relatively simple.

Here is the list:

1. Basic stance

The problem with most players is that they tend to face the bunker whenever they are standing next to it. This is such a difficult stance because it will give the player inadequate balance and a time-consuming response.

The best way is to stand behind the bunker with the foot that is opposite with the paintball marker or gun in lead. For instance, if a player holds the marker with the right hand, the left foot should be in lead.

2. Trick shot

It is important for every paintball player to know the psychological aspect of the game. This means that the player must know how to think and act appropriately according to the possible actions of the other players.

Therefore, fire some "trick shots" in an area where the other player is probably hiding. It does not necessarily mean that firing too many shots creates advantage. The object of this skill is to create a ploy that will instigate the player to respond in return if ever he is really in that area.

3. Run and Shoot and Run

Like any person in a battle, it is best to master this type of skill in order to achieve the best action and win.

The problem with most players is that they continue to hide thinking that they can win because they remain invisible to their opponents. The point is that a player can never win if he does not try to eliminate his opponents.

Mastering this skill will definitely give every player an edge over the others.

In every activity, there is an equal skill to master. Mastery of these skills will ensure that the player can win the game.

Among the many sports that bring about solidarity and sportsmanship in various competitive activities, paintball ranks third among the most popular and highly stimulating games in the world.

According to the 2005 statistics of Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association International, paintball ranks third, next to inline skating and skateboarding.

This paintball hype is based on the premise that people who love "extreme sports" would most likely use activities that will stimulate adrenaline rush. Because every players aim is to win the game, they would most likely try to obtain all of the possible pointers and suggestions available just to achieve their goal.

Here is a list of some tips on how to play the game well and prevail in the battle:

1. Establish an optimistic approach

Paintball is, basically, a war game, where players can either win or loose; so there are instances where things may not always conform to the plans of the players. What must be observed is that each player must look at the results in a very optimistic way.

For instance, if a player was not able to win the game, he must accept the fact and identify the areas where he failed to perform, which contributed to his failure.

Remember that there is always another opportunity to win the game.

2. Learn by experience

Every failure is a learning experience: view it constructively as a learning experience. Work on the things that need more consideration and improvement.

3. Never play solo

In order to win the battle, it is better for a player to play on a team rather than playing solo. The concept that there are other players ready to cover up for you is a good indication that you will last throughout the game.

4. Do not hide forever

If you are trying to win the game by avoiding being seen and hit by your opponents, you will also have fewer chances of hitting the opponents. You will never learn the correct strategies needed to win the game unless you come out in the open and take action.

5. Never surrender

Just as in real battle, it is best not to surrender even if the odds of winning the game are probably higher. The point here is to stay in the game as long as you continue to be a "hard target."

Winning a paintball game is not so much about how you stay in the game but about how you played the game.

There are a few things you could do when you are outnumbered during a game of paintball. The first - do not panic. The second, you must think - it is just a game. Or is it?

The first thing to do is to select a team leader. After that is done, it is the leader that teammates must rely on when quick decisions have to be made.

The following are basic things that can be done when you or your team feels that they have been outnumbered in paintball.

Be on the defense:

Make sure that all of your team mates are placed near the boundary of the field so that the opposing team will have little chance to sneak up on you. Next, designate one to three players to patrol the field (the number depends on your team's size). Ask them to patrol around the field, specifically looking for an enemy and taking that enemy out. In case they notice a group of the opposing team, and this group does not notice them, this small patrol team must immediately go back and advise the rest of the team the location of the enemy.

The squad:

Make sure that if any enemy force is notice, and this force is the size of a squad, a similar sized squad should be dispatched to face the opposing team.

Lure them out:

The patrol should be sent out to attract the opposing team and entice them to be defensive. However, there is a risk when doing this as there is a possibility that a member of the opposing team could escape and be able to warn his own team mates. It is also a possibility that it might not happen, and victory could just as well be yours.

Ignore the enemy:

You could also make the choice to pretend that you have not seen the opposing enemy. The idea is that, if they did not see you, you are not a threat to them.

Get together everyone:

Make sure to gather all members of your team together then carefully, cautiously move up the side of the field that you think is less likely to be utilized by the opposing team. When you are there, try to hunt the enemy force and strike the opposing team from that side.

Basically, the best thing to do when outnumbered is to relax. This makes thinking easier and the action clearer.

The best offense is having a good defense. This kind of thinking is usually deployed in sports such as basketball or soccer where the team does its best to prevent the other team from scoring especially in a championship match. A team can also use the same tactics in the game of paintball by preventing the opposing force from capturing the flag.

Games start with both sides having limited ammunition. Since the game can last for a very long time, the team should make every shot count. The players should only fire when there is a clear shot rather than not being able to fire when it matters the most.

Spreading out over a certain area is a good defensive tactic. This is to cover the enemy no matter which direction he may come from. Should the opposing team see one of your team members, the others who have a better view should neutralize the opponent.

If in the opening minutes of the game, the team has lost half of its members, the best strategy is to fall back to the base and regroup. A perimeter should be set up to prevent the other team from outflanking the group while patrols can be sent out to search for the enemy.

If a scout has spotted the enemy, the person can take the opponent out. Should there be a group moving towards the base, then go back and tell the others and fight off the enemy with the same number of people. This plan could fail if any of the members of the opposing force escapes the attack and informs the others the location of your base.

The trick in catching the enemy off guard takes camouflage and concealment. Since the guns have a limited range, it is best to wait until the opposing force enters the "kill zone" before any shooting takes place.

When a firefight takes place, the player's position has been revealed. Since the enemy will return fire, the person can still survive the enemy's bullets by getting sufficient cover.

If this is not feasible, then transferring to a better area is a good idea. The player should inform the others before moving so that the others can give adequate cover.

It takes planning for the play to work. By communicating on the field, the team has a good chance of defending the base then surging forward to kill the enemy or capture the flag.

A team may apply various defensive strategies during the course of a paintball game. When it comes to the game of paintball, members of the team must be oriented with good defensive tactics to protect themselves from being hit as well as protecting their flags from the opponent's aggressive attacks.

Although there could be some instances when the team is more cautious in protecting their flag and becomes more tentative to attacking aggressively may become a problem if the other team advances nearer to the base. A good defensive stand may just be enough to save them from losing the game. Here are some strategic defense systems that a team may apply to win a paintball game.

1. It is important for a person to cover himself safely from attackers firing paintballs from every direction. It is important that a person be good in concealing himself from possible close range attackers.

2. Look for concealment first, before finding a safe place where a person can hide. The best attack to execute is by catching the opponent by surprise. The attacker may think that he is firing on anything that he thinks would be a threat to his possible elimination.

3. As a team, the leader should assign each member a different position. They must not be grouped in the same position as that cause multiple elimination since the members could be attacked in a single round of fire without any effort from the opponents: that would be an easy way for them to win the game.

4. He must exert an effort to act as a back up for his other teammates. They must be within sight all the times so that they may ask for a counter attack if they are surprised with a firefight.

5. He should know how to control his firepower. Concentrate on a specific target so that no effort is wasted. It is not advisable to be firing at a sure target unless a teammate asks for a cover from his launches.

When it comes to this sport, a good offensive attack is supported by a strong defensive tactic. When a person aims and hits a target, it actually means that he is playing with good defense because he is aware of the positioning and movements of his opponents. When he hits and eliminates a target that will advance him to the next flank for more possible targets. This is one good method for the team to win the game with a good defense system and a strategic offensive attack.

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.

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.

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.

Most team sports require teamwork, skill and planning. This can be seen in the winning teams of sports like basketball, football and hockey. The same approach can be taken to make a very good paintball team.

The best way to become a championship team is to know how to play both as a team and individually. It starts at practice where the team will learn to play both offense and in defense.

War games are simulated to emulate the real thing. A fort can be made and some members selected to protect it while the other group attacks. After each game, an assessment must be made so that any mistakes made can be corrected to make the team more efficient.

Aside from conducting some exercises within the group, other teams can be invited to participate in a practice to sharpen the skills before a tournament.

There are several ways that the exercise can end: by capturing the flag, eliminating all the members of the other group or waiting until the time expires. A good way to train the participants to move swiftly during an offensive is by agreeing to a time limit before the exercise begins...

The members should rotate the roles of offense and defense during training exercise as both will have to be used in a real game.

Marksmanship should also be part of training. The members must be able to hit both stationary and moving targets since both are necessary in an actual game where both sides have limited ammunition.

Since the exercise usually lasts from 30 minutes to an hour, the team should make every shot count. The players should only fire when there is a clear shot available rather than not being able to fire when it matters the most.

Stealth is another element needed to win the game of paintball. By being able to sneak up on the enemy first, the team can attack the enemy position before the opposing forces can mount a counterattack.

Learning to communicate using hand signals and sounds will prevent the other team from knowing what the team's plans are. By practicing all of these drills and scenarios in practice, the group will be ready to take on anyone in the league.

The secret to winning at paintball is not rocket science; it just takes a lot of practice so that each person knows what to do which will pay off during competition.

In cases where you encounter a situation where you or your paintball team have to back down and retreat, the following are effective ways to make retreating more effective, if not successful.

Always have a plan b:

When you or your squad needs to move to another position, make sure that this area is far safer as this will be the place where you have to retreat to. Plan ahead so that you will know the ideal place for you and your team to be. Usually, good places to retreat are those that provide cover for the team or is a nearer to the other squad units of your team. It is essential that this area is known by everyone, and all know how to get there. It is also important that all go there together, when such a need arises.

Fight together, run together:

When it is time to retreat, retreat all together, retreat as one group. "All for one and one for all" is the best defense you can have. Your group's combined strength is a force to reckon with when under attack.

Imagine if your team was to run off in various directions, you would be unable to watch and protect each other. It is difficult to battle the enemy if everyone is far apart, especially if you and your other team mates are safely nestled in their separate areas.

Fire, fire, fire and fire:

The most effective way to break from an attack is to fire back with an enormous amount of paintball ammunition as this will cause the opposing team to hide and protect themselves from your fire. When the leader of your squad decides to retreat, continue firing all together, hit everything that is moving for about three seconds and then, retreat! Do not forget to fire back and occasionally turn around to check on anyone who may be firing at you. Do this as a group.

Keep in mind that retreats are not an opportunity to duck and cover but to make moves that are strategically important to the group's welfare. Therefore, it should be quick.

Exception to the rule

There is an exception to the "fire when retreating rule." The act of retreating and not returning any shots is when you or your squad is asked to help your fellow team members. On this occasion, moving as a unit with speed is still very important.

Retreating is not easy but it could be the best choice you or your group have to keep your team from losing.

To realize a common goal, teammates in a paintball game should take two important roles: one is to suppress and the other to invade.

Suppression is a way of distracting the opponent so that they fall short by not seeing the other team that is already starting to invade. Suppression's goal is not to get rid of enemies. Control and concentration are needed to keep a team member from shooting.

A team who uses suppression as a tactic should consist of three or more players. Each member must know that their main objective is not to eliminate the other team's members; although that could be true in other events. Movements during this game should be accurate and targets must be aligned in order to make sure that the opposing team is unaware of the suppression. A steady target and aiming of fire from the suppression players must not be in unison to leave the enemies with a puzzled feeling.

When making an assault, two or more of the paintball players who are making the suppression constantly distract one of the opponent's players in order to disguise the players who are about to invade and attack the opposing team. Suppression often conceals the other players and if done well, would eventually destroy the enemies who would have to retreat and could soon be eliminated when caught.

The other role that is played by the rest of the team is invading. The players that are involved in the invasion must try very hard to hide themselves from the opponents while the suppression team is doing their job. This requires patience, control, and discipline to keep from firing in order to save the position. Make sure that with one shot severe damage to the opposing team is incurred rather than firing at one enemy player that did not realize the invader was there.

The invasion players target at least the majority of the opposing team's players. Once they are in position to capture the flag, they must fire with great power and with full force. Since paintball guns are really loud, as soon as players start hitting target it must be accurate as there is no turning back. Enemies will know where the guns are firing from so the invasion team will have to incur damage all at once to keep the opponent from counter attacking. This will be shown by the amount of paint that is shot at the other team.

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.