Paintball is a game played on outdoor or indoor fields, using markers (paintguns) to tag opponents with capsules of nontoxic water-soluble dye embedded in a gelatin shell. The game involves teams of players competing to eliminate opposing players or capture a flag and return it to their base (“flag station”). It’s a fast-paced, fun and tactical team sport that requires a combination of skill and strategy to succeed.
Players wear protective gear including masks, chest protectors, goggles and gloves. They load their guns with “pods” (capsules of paint) that are typically stored in a pod pack or harness designed to be carried on the player’s body during play. A paintball gun, also called a marker, is a high-powered pneumatic device that shoots the paintballs. It can be gravity-fed, with the pods dropping into a loading chamber on a vertical stem, or electronically force-fed by a cartridge of compressed air or carbon dioxide.
The game is overseen by referees who enforce safety and game rules. Players are ejected from games or the field if they violate safety or playing rules, such as shooting outside a designated boundary. The sport attracts men and women of all ages, professions and lifestyles who share a love for adventure and a strong competitive spirit.
A key to success in paintball is having good communication with teammates. Players need to be able to listen and watch their enemies to anticipate where they will be hiding or moving, rather than simply running blindly around the field. The more prepared you are stepping onto the game zone, the more confident you will be and the more likely you will win.