Learn From Those Around You

• Learn by playing. The key to elevating your skill level comes through playing. While reading up about the game and going through practice drills are important, nothing beats getting out there and playing the game. Play against people of all skill and experience levels. Play against people that are better than you are. It is important to fail. If you keep lighting up the first time players and playing the easy games, you may be having fun but not getting better. Challenge yourself by playing against better, more experienced players, and then take the time to learn what you did wrong, and what mistakes to avoid in the future.
• Wear dark or camouflage clothing on the field, avoid an all white uniform. Dark or camouflage clothing is especially important for recreational paintball. White clothing is easy to spot and can get you knocked out of the game early.
• Experiment playing all the different positions on the field. Take a different position on the field. Play offensive and defensive positions in alternate games. By playing all positions on the paintball field, you will be able to see the game as a whole and really understand the importance of each position.
• While fast shooting and high levels of competition are generally encouraged, don't forget that you are playing the game for fun. The primary purpose of the day is to have fun, to feel like you had a good time at the end. Keeping this in mind may help to minimize tactics like cheating and bonus balling that can really take the fun out of the game. Above all, play the game for the fun of it.
• Always be honest. There is no need to call a paint check if you are hit with splatter. Suck it up, announce that you are out! And exit the field.
• The most important rule is to never take your goggles off. Eye injuries are the most devastating injury in paintball, and all eye injuries are avoidable. A direct hit to the eyeball can easily blind a person. Wear your goggles and head protection system at all times, and keep them on the even when you are out of the game but anywhere near the paintball field.
• As soon as you are eliminated, put your barrel plug end in and switch on your safety. Firing accidentally at someone from close range can cause excruciating pain or injury to another player.
• Wear high topped running shoes or boots that are both comfortable to run in, and suited for the terrain that you will be playing on. Some players prefer soccer cleats or football cleats because they provide excellent traction on wet or soft or slippery surfaces. Football cleats provide excellent traction in mud and grass. High heeled shoes or boots are well suited for protecting players from ankle injuries.