Paintball is a team sport that requires effective communication and a good level of fitness. Although a sport for all ages and genders, it is primarily played by young men and some women, often as a means of socialization, recreation, character-building or stress-relief. Intelligence, rather than physical strength or speed is what sets a successful paintball player apart.
The game involves teams of players competing to eliminate other players by hitting them with paint-filled pellets fired from compressed air-powered guns, called markers. Each player wears a mask to protect their head and face. Game play is restricted to the authorized shooting areas and a time limit, with referees enforcing safety and game rules.
In the beginning stages of the game, players are coached by an experienced team leader to develop basic strategies. These strategies may involve tactical movement (flanking, stagging) and covering fire. A more advanced strategy may be to use cover and surprise to your advantage, such as a bunker snooping or a sneak attack on a well-guarded enemy base.
All players are encouraged to practice their shooting skills before playing on the field. Practicing on a backstop allows you to learn the range and accuracy of your gun, while also helping you to become familiar with its controls. If you are not used to handling a semi-automatic gun, you will need to become accustomed to the fact that it shoots one paintball each time it is fired; however, some markers can be programmed by software to fire more than once with each trigger pull, a technique known as shot ramping.