When I started playing paintball, my friends and I would assemble in the same stand of woods on an island just outside the city limits. This remote location ensured that our games would go largely undisturbed. I became so familiar with the lay of the land that I found all sorts of tactical advantages. For instance, I knew all the best locations for scouting opponents from a distance. I also knew just where to hide if I suddenly came under attack.
Unfortunately, playing so much paintball in one place made me a bit overconfident. When I joined in a game of speedball - which features man-made obstacles that are equal on both sides of the playing field - I was totally out of my element. I ended up running around with my Tippmann paintball guns blazing; I had no plan, and it wasn’t long before some experienced speedballers wasted me. It just goes to show that you should familiarize yourself with the field of play well in advance.
The first time I went paintballing I assumed that the guns would be glorified toys, spewing a pathetic amount of paint towards the target. Needless to say, I was in for a surprise the first time I got shot and a welt immediately began to form underneath my shirt. I quickly realized that paintballing wasn’t for the faint of heart, and a wide arsenal of weapons was at my disposal.

Paintball could be described as a trial by fire. When live rounds of paint are coming at you from every angle, you’re forced to make quick decisions and execute them in a timely fashion. Beginners make critical mistakes initially, but they soon learn from them or lose interest in the game. One of the most common mistakes a paintball rookie will make involves communication. Good teams keep an open line of communication at all times on the playing field. When you’re playing outdoors, don’t be afraid to shout orders or warnings to a teammate. The only time you really need to button up is when you’re hidden with an enemy bearing down with
As an avid paintball player, I recognize that it’s just not possible to win every game. Still, I find myself constantly striving to get better – to hone my mental and physical game to a whole new level. If you’re not working toward a goal, what’s the sense of even participating? For my part, I realize that defense isn’t exactly my strong suit. I’m almost always the most experienced player on my team, which means others rely on me to take precise, accurate shots. I’m always been handy with 


