There are three things that should be on your mind when going into a paintball game: how to stay safe, how to win, and how to contribute to the enjoyment of the many people who take part in the event. We’re going to break it down for you here.
PAINTBALL SAFETY
Don't ignore the marshals
Paintball marshals are the members of staff whose job it is to run a programme of paintball games and take responsibility for the safety of the players. They will start the session with a safety briefing, and go on to supervise the games, enforcing the rules that have been laid down. It’s essential that you listen to their instructions, respect their decisions, pay attention to their commands before, during and after the games for your own safety and that of other players. A word of advice - they don’t take arguing kindly!
Bonus tip: as well as keeping you safe, the marshals will explain the gameplay of each match before it happens. Listen close and you can glean information that will help you plan out your strategy.
Don't take off your safety gear
We could have put this one first because it’s of vital importance. You’ll be given protective equipment, including face masks, overalls, gloves and sometimes more at the start of your session. You must enter the arena wearing it all and keep it on for the duration. Outside the safe zones of the paintball venue, there’s a chance of impacts at any moment, and you need to be protected. Marshals take this one very seriously, so we strongly suggest you stick to it. To paraphrase Hermione Granger - “You could get killed, or worse - expelled!”
Don't shoot anyone at close range
Another fat red line in the paintball arena. Paintball projectiles aren’t designed to hurt on impact, but they do need to travel a long distance for the sake of the experience. That means they leave the marker (that’s the gun) at around 90 metres per second. Getting hit by a gel ball of dye at that speed can leave a nasty bruise or even break the skin. If you find yourself within 3 metres of another player, it’s best to shout "surrender!" and give them the chance to head for the dead zone.
Don't ignore your needs
You might be here to play, but you have to pay attention to your body to avoid doing yourself harm. We recommend stretching before entering the arena to avoid pulling a muscle, staying fully hydrated and packing high-protein snacks to keep you going between games.
Don't wear your best outfit
This one’s for your clothes' sake, not yours. Almost all paintball venues in the UK are in the great outdoors, so you can expect mud, grass and water to leave their mark all over your body. You’ll more than likely be given overalls to protect your threads, but they’re not foolproof. In addition, you need things that allow free movement. Paintballing will go ahead in all but very heavy rain, so bring a dry change of clothes too!
PAINTBALL STRATEGY
Don't lose track of your ammo
If there’s one thing that’s going to ruin your chances of success on the paintball field, it’s pulling the trigger on an empty marker. The number of paintballs you have with you is one of the most important things to bear in mind when booking your session - as most venues sell deals that include a certain number of paintballs - and entering into each game.
Don't go rogue
We all love films like Rambo, when one soldier faces off against hordes of opponents, but the reality of combat (real or simulated) is very different from what we see on the screen. Paintball is a team sport and teamwork is key. If you want to emerge victorious, plan a strategy with your teammates before the game starts, support each other in the ring and share the glory!
Don't freeze up
First-time paintballers can find the experience a little intimidating and react by seeking out a hidden or easily defensible spot at digging themselves in. Though this might seem like a handy tactic, it’s actually likely to end up going wrong. If anyone sees you enter your hidey-hole and knows you’re not going to leave it, they’ll either adapt their strategy to neutralise your position, or find a way to flush you out. Keep moving to put the enemy on the back foot!
Don't get complacent
Generally speaking, a visit to a paintball venue involves playing numerous 15 to 20-minute games during a session that lasts half a day, or a full, 8-hour day. You should expect each game to be completely different from the last, as marshals like to make their sessions dynamic and interesting. Things that can change include: the game zone, the rules and objectives, the death/regeneration procedures and even the teams. You have to adapt accordingly, putting together a new game plan for each new challenge.
THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME
Don't make it all about winning
Paintball is a competitive sport, but turning up to a venue on a Saturday morning isn’t the same as being invited to participate in a competition. Though most venues keep children separate from adults, you might be playing alongside teenagers or inexperienced players, who are there for the same reason as you - to have a good time. Don’t enjoy yourself at the expense of anyone else's enjoyment, because you run the risk of creating a bad atmosphere and putting budding paintballers off.
Don't get too tribal
Even if it’s a private session for you and your mates, perhaps a classic stag or hen party, you still have to consider the feelings of your opponent. That’s because they might not be your opponent for long. Like we said above, the marshal running your game is going to chop and change the teams from game to game, and you don’t want to find yourself sheepishly entering the arena on the same team as someone you’ve just been trash talking.
Don't ignore impacts
The last one on the list is just about being a good sportsperson. Getting hit by a paintball means you have to leave the arena, and you know your status better than anyone. If you feel a hit, stick your hands up and declare it before exiting the arena. No one likes a cheat!
THE POSITIVES
Do have fun
Mission goals may change from game to game, but the overall objective remains the same. Paintballing at a commercial venue in the UK is a leisure activity that people do to have fun, relax and escape from their responsibilities for a few hours. You don’t necessarily have to have a smile on your face from start to finish, but talk to the marshals if you’re not having the experience you’ve paid for. They will do all they can to get the good vibes flowing.
Do choose the right paintball game for you
There are many ways to enjoy paintball. Different venues around the country will favour different brands or kinds of equipment, they’ll have game zones with unique installations, and the marshals will put their own spin on things. Do some research in advance to find out about the venues in your area and pay particular attention to the kinds of games they offer, from the standards (Speedball, deathmatches, capture the flag, etc.) to more imaginative mission scenarios that involve their built environments.
Something else to keep an eye out for is low-velocity paintball, often known as Splatmaster or Mini Paintball, which is perfect for kids. It uses special, child-sized equipment that makes impacts far less intense. Paintball without the pain! Check out the paintball sessions around the UK and Ireland that we list to find your perfect game.
Do ask questions
Not sure what to expect from a paintball experience? Need tips on how to prepare? Pop any questions that this article hasn’t answered in the comments section below and we’ll get right back to you - unless one of paintball veteran readers gets to it first!
