Paintball is a team or individual sport where players use air-powered markers (guns) to tag opponents with color-coded paint balls. The game can be played on indoor or outdoor playing fields of varying sizes, which may have natural or artificial terrain for cover and obstacles. Games can last from minutes to hours, or even days in specialized scenario play.
Paintball can be played for recreation, or at a formal sporting level with major tournaments and professional teams. It is a safe, non-contact sport where intelligence and tactics are more important than strength and athleticism. It is a great way for people of all ages and professions to learn about teamwork, build self-confidence and develop leadership skills. Many corporations also use paintball as a team-building exercise.
For those planning to play paintball for the first time, there are a few things to keep in mind before heading out onto the field. It is best to wear comfortable clothes that allow for easy movement and no loose clothing (such as shorts). Closed-toe shoes are a must; flip flops, sandals, crocs or similar footwear are not allowed. Players should bring a water bottle and snacks for energy during breaks between games. A small towel or rag is helpful to wipe off old hits and dirt between games.
It is best to conserve your ammo as much as possible, and only shoot when you are confident that you can hit something and get a good return on your investment of paintballs. It is easy to run out of paint quickly, and then the game becomes a little less fun.