Paintball is a team-oriented sport that requires both tactical skill and camouflage. It is also an excellent way to get exercise and socialize with friends. Like many sports, paintball can be played by people of all ages and professions. Intelligence and determination, rather than strength or speed, are the keys to success in paintball.
Paintball players use specialized airguns called markers to fire colored paint capsules at opponents. The markers were originally designed for a utilitarian purpose (marking trees and other objects from a distance), but their simple mechanism and ability to shoot projectiles over long distances caught the attention of individuals who began using them recreationally.
The game has since evolved into a variety of modalities, each with its own set of rules and strategy. Several popular variations include woodsball, where the field is composed of natural terrain and cover such as bushes and trees and may require varying degrees of stealth; and speedball, which takes place on small fields with little or no cover and can be very fast-paced. Scenario paintball, in which a team attempts to recreate historical or fictional settings, is another popular variant of the game.
Before each game, the playing field is inspected to identify any potential hazards that could be overlooked during intense physical activity. A warm-up period, consisting of dynamic stretching and light cardiovascular activity, prepares the body for this intense physical activity and can help prevent injuries.
One of the biggest concerns that new players have is whether or not paintball will hurt. While the sensation can vary based on where and how hard you get hit, with today’s lightweight paintballs and top-quality body armour, it usually feels no more than being flicked by a rubber band.