Paintball is a game of precision and teamwork. It can be played casually or competitively, on fields with natural or artificial terrain, and in various game modes including capture the flag, elimination, defending or attacking a specific point, and scenario play (a type of live action roleplaying event). The sport is also a formal sporting activity with organized competitions such as major tournaments and professional teams and players. It is also used by law enforcement and paramilitary agencies for training purposes.
The sport has a cyclical nature, with periods of growth and stabilization followed by decline. This is typical of recreational activities and may be due to a variety of factors, such as changes in the entertainment landscape, competing leisure options (including video games and e-sports), and economic conditions.
In general, a player is considered hit if the ball leaves a solid mark of a certain minimum size (usually nickel- or quarter-sized) on the player or their equipment. Some variations of the game do not count hits on a player’s gun or pod pack, and some only count hits that break the surface of the paintball. Other paintballs will splatter on the ground or on nearby surfaces, and it can be difficult to determine whether a significant amount of splatter has occurred.
To play well, you need to be able to move quickly and cover as much ground as possible without being detected. You need to know your team mates and communicate effectively, even in the thick of battle. Simple communication is best; it is easy to forget a complicated coded system in the heat of the moment.