Paintball is a team-based tactical game of strategic marksmanship. It is typically played on a large outdoor playing field and is commonly used as a team-building exercise for corporate groups and school/university clubs. The sport is also popular in recreational and tournament leagues worldwide, as well as as a stand-alone hobby for many players.
Players equip themselves with a mask and hopper, which is a receptacle that holds a supply of paintballs. Pod packs (typically made of mesh or nylon) and belt loops allow players to carry multiple pods for easy access during play. In officially sanctioned games, teams are limited to 15 players. However, unofficial games often have much larger teams.
When a player is hit, they must leave the game area and raise their hand. If a paintball hits and bursts on their body, it counts as a hit; however, if the ball merely deflects off of a player and splatters insignificantly, it does not count as a hit. It is important to avoid hitting opponents in the head or face as it is both dangerous and unsportsmanlike.
The chances of a player getting seriously injured while playing paintball are very low, but proper equipment use is essential. The most common injuries are twisted ankles and knees, as well as abrasions on the hands, feet and chest from running and crawling while stalking opponents or diving for cover behind bunkers. Fewer than one out of every 135,000 players will be admitted to the emergency room from the sport each year.