Paintball is a team or individual sport that involves players eliminating other players by hitting them with colored, water-soluble dye-filled pellets fired from a compressed gas powered gun known as a marker.[1] During gameplay, each player wears a mask to protect against the gun’s impact. The game has a variety of competitive variants and is played in arenas or natural settings such as wooded areas or abandoned buildings. It is also possible to set up your own private paintball field on your property if you have enough space to do so.
The sport has grown into an international craze and is regulated in some countries and states, with a number of different leagues based around the world. Most regulated leagues require all players to wear protective face masks, use barrel-blocking safety equipment, and adhere to safe play rules.
While the sport may seem dangerous, it is generally considered a low-risk activity with just 0.2 injuries per 1000 participants. A significant percentage of those are from the sport’s inherently aggressive nature, while the remainder are related to improper use of equipment or a lack of understanding of basic safety rules.
When playing paintball, the best way to avoid being hit is to stay small, running with your knees bent and keeping your head down while moving from cover to cover. It’s also a good idea to conserve your paint, making only short bursts and only when you have a clear shot at an opponent.