If you’re looking for a fun and intense sport, consider trying out paintball. Millions of Americans enjoy playing it, and contrary to popular belief, it isn’t dangerous like some people might think.
However, outdoor paintball can be intense and sometimes stressful, especially if you’ve never played it before. Luckily, by keeping a clear head and incorporating the right paintball strategies, you’ll have no problem claiming victory.
So what do you need to know?
Keep reading to learn about nine ways that you can improve your outdoor paintball game.
1. Work With Your Team
You can play with the most skilled paintball players in the world, but if everyone goes off and does their own thing, it won’t make a difference. Working as a team is essential to win at paintball.
Whether working together means deciding on a game strategy, plan, or just designating different players for different roles, make sure to figure things out before you begin.
You’ll need to combine your different strengths to win the game.
2. Communicate With One Another
Another important aspect of working with your team involves communicating with your teammates.
Before you make any maneuver or try to pull off any stunt, make sure that you tell your teammates about what you’re going to do before you do it. You don’t want to be the player that ends up costing the team the game.
By making communication a priority, you help ensure that you’re always a step ahead of the opposition.
3. Don’t Try to Show off
People tend to feel powerful when they have paintball guns in their hands. This can lead them to want to show off, pulling off dramatic stunts that look like something out of a movie.
This is an easy way to lose the match.
One of the biggest pieces of advice for paintball for beginners is to not let your own skills distract you. Instead, focus on working with your teammates to win the match.
4. Prioritize Stealth
There are times in paintball when an aggressive, all-out approach can be a smart idea. However, most of the time, you’ll find that taking a stealth-based approach works best.
Instead of just rushing in against the enemy team, look for ways to camouflage or hide in the field. You can even execute diversion tactics with your teammates before surprising the enemy with a sneak attack.
When moving, you’ll also want to stay low to the ground.
5. Study Everything Beforehand
It’s tempting to jump right in and play paintball, but make sure that you and your teammates take enough time beforehand to set yourselves up for victory.
Study everything from the mission brief to what the field you’re playing at looks like. This will give your team focus once the actual game begins.
You can even look for different hiding spots, vantage points, and objects that you can use for cover.
6. Never Stay in One Spot for Too Long
Paintball can be intense, and you might think that staying in one place can keep you safe. The reality is often the case.
When you’re stationary, you increase the chances that the enemy team will find you. Stay hidden, but keep moving.
Of course, staying 30 yards behind the front line also doesn’t help your team out at all. Stick with them, and look for different ways to help them out.
7. Don’t Get Tunnel Vision
Another rookie mistake is directing all of your attention towards a particular spot. Make sure that you always stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid getting tunnel vision.
If you think that an enemy may be hiding behind something, keep an eye out for them, but don’t ignore everything else happening around you.
While your eyes are focused on that particular rock or tree, another enemy might be sneaking around you or putting you in their sights.
8. Look for Ways to Surprise the Other Team
Playing paintball outside provides you with a plethora of different ways in which you can surprise the enemy team. Consider the field you’re playing in and work with your team to devise a strategy.
For example, one surprise tactic may involve feigning a retreat. Let the enemy team members pursue you and your teammates until you reach a certain point like a hill that gives you a strategic advantage.
You can then turn around and attack as a unified force.
9. Have Fun
It’s tempting to get caught up in the action and excitement of paintball, but remember that at the end of the day, it’s not life or death—it’s just a game.
Try to keep a positive outlook at all times, even when things don’t feel that fun. it can be hard to smile when you’re pinned down or under fire from the enemy, but you’ll have a more enjoyable experience if you do.
Having fun and not taking everything seriously can also boost the morale of your team. Everyone will perform better if small mistakes don’t have such a severe impact on the team morale.
Get to Work Improving Your Outdoor Paintball Game
Whether you’re new to the sport or just want to refine your skills, it’s never a bad idea to take a step back and learn about some paintball tips and tricks. If you’re about to participate in a game of outdoor painting, consider trying out some of the different strategies mentioned in this guide.
Don’t be surprised if when you do, your team wins!
Do you now have a better understanding of how to go about improving your paintball game? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other posts for more helpful guides and tips.