Paintball is a team shooting game in which players eliminate opponents by hitting them with spherical dye-filled gelatin capsules called paintballs that break upon impact. It is played for recreation or on a formal sporting level with organized competition including major tournaments and professional teams and players. It is typically played on outdoor fields of varying sizes and may be configured with natural or artificial obstacles that provide tactical cover for players.
The game is regulated by a referee or other designated official who enforces safety rules and game play. The sport is typically played in groups, with each player equipped with a mask, a marker (also known as a gun), and a load of paintballs. Some players choose to wear additional clothing, such as a hat or bandana to protect the head from direct hits and to stop sweat running down into their mask.
Most games of paintball have a set time limit that players must complete, and the time limit is usually indicated on the playing field visibly or by some other method, such as a countdown or a projected scoreboard. It is also common for a team to coordinate the movement of its members on the field using call signs or hand signals.
A key strategy in paintball is to control as much territory on the field as possible, which can be done by being first to occupy advantageous obstacles or by quickly eliminating one or more opponents. In addition, it is beneficial to have a good understanding of the game’s rules and how to use effective cover to hide from an opponent.