Paintball Gear and Tactics for Beginners

There's much more to paintball than knowing how to aim a paintball gun. Most veterans are happy to help out a newbie who's eager to learn, but there are a few faux pas that could earn you the nickname "noob," which refers to an overeager greenhorn who forgot to check his ego at the door. Earn the respect of your fellow paintballers by following these tips:

Expect Physical Activity
Get moving! Paintball requires extensive running, ducking, squatting, crouching, and moves that have no verb equivalent. A slow-moving target ends up splattered with paint, so be sure to hit the ground running . At the same time, stay ninja-alert for signals from your teammates indicating it's time to freeze.

Be a Team Player
The biggest sign of a noob is charging onto the field, acting like the Lone Ranger. At the heart of any successful paintball game is a well-coordinated team. On the battlefield, your opponents will yell commands and observations that you and your teammates should answer with actions. Another way to show that you're a team player is to meet the requests of your teammates. If you are asked to provide cover, you should monitor and shoot in the locations where an opponent is most likely emerge.

Get the Right Paintball Gear and Know How to Use It
The proper paintball gun (or marker), paintball accessories, protective wear and paintballs also distinguish the experienced players from the noobs. Before looking at a sports store's collection of cheap paintball guns, rent guns from a paintball facility, or borrow guns from your friends. Ask veteran to show you how to disassemble, clean, and put together a paintball gun. Once you have experience using a paintball gun, you will have a better idea about which paintball marker package and pressure system is appropriate for you.

Pack Enough Power
Don't be the guy who is forced to walk off the field with his arms in the air because he ran out of compressed air or Co2. Make sure you have plenty of firepower going into the game.

Remember: Fresh is Best
Did you know paintballs can go bad? That's because the outside of a paintball is made of a perishable material, gelatin, which is soft enough to break when it hits a target, but strong enough to fire through a marker. Old paintballs that have been exposed to humidity are duds. Always use fresh paintballs.

Wear the Right Protective Gear
Seasoned paintball players know to clothes they do not mind splattering with paint. It's also necessary to don a protective vest; elbow, knee and shin pads; and paintball goggles or a mask. Once you have your protective gear on, never take it off during battle.

Just because you're a paintball newbie doesn't mean you have to look like one. The best way to show you're a force to be reckoned with is simple: be prepared, be safe, be willing to learn, and have a great time.