The first time you step foot on a paintball field, it becomes immediately clear that there’s much more to the sport than learning how to aim a paint ball gun. Most veterans are happy to help out a newbie who’s eager to learn, but there are some faux pas to be aware of that could get you branded a “noob,” or an overeager cub who forgot to check his ego at the door. Follow these tips to earn the respect of your fellow paintballers and show them that just because you’re new doesn’t mean you’re an easy target:
Expect Physical Activity
One way to show you’ve got an idea what you’re doing is to get moving. Paintball involves a lot of running, ducking, squatting and running while squatting. A slow-moving target ends up splattered with paint, so be sure to hit the ground running – but also stay alert for signals from your teammates letting you know when it’s time to stand still.
Be a Team Player
The biggest sign of a noob is when someone charges onto the field and acts like a lone ranger. Don’t forget that in a paintball game, you are part of a team on a mission. On the battlefield, your opponents will yell commands and observations that you and your teammates should answer with actions. If you are asked by a team mate to provide cover, monitor and shoot in the locations an opponent is most likely to peek out of.
Have the Right Paintball Gear and Know How to Use It
The proper paintball gun (or marker), paintball accessories, protective wear and paintballs also distinguish the experienced players from the noobs. Before looking at a sports store’s collection of cheap paintball guns, rent guns from a paintball facility first or borrow guns from your friends. Have an experienced player show you how to take apart, clean, and assemble a paintball gun. Once you have experience using a paintball gun, you will have a better idea about which paintball marker package and pressure system is right for you.
Have Enough Power
Don’t be that guy who has to ask the referee to escort him off the field or walks away from a fight with his arms in the air because he ran out of compressed air or Co2. Make sure you have plenty of firepower going into the game.
Remember: Fresh is Best
Always use paintballs that are fresh. The outside of a paintball is made of gelatin that is soft enough to break when it hits a target, but strong enough to fire through a marker. Old paintballs have most likely been exposed to humidity and are as good as duds.
Wear the Right Protective Gear
Experienced paintball players know to wear old clothes or clothes they do not mind getting dirty, plus a protective vest; elbow, knee and shin pads; and paintball goggles or a mask. Once you have your protective gear on, never take it off while in battle (especially your goggles).
Just because you’re a paintball newbie doesn’t mean you have to look like one. The best way to show you’re a force to be reckoned with is simple: be prepared, be safe, be willing to learn and have a great time.
