Basic Playing Techniques

So you're new at this great sport (or hobby depending on how serious you are). The great thing about Paintball is that anyone can play...any age, male or female, small gig, etc. This month in Square One we're going to give you some advice on playing the game more successfully. We'll do what we can to keep you in the game longer. Here goes:

Before the game: Before your game begins, take a look at the terrain. Pick a spot on the field where you think you'll have shots at opposing players and study it carefully. Pick a direct path from your flag station to your spot. Get there ASAP and you'll probably have some good shots. Look for places where you think the opposition will be. This will help you eliminate opposing players and at the same time, you'll know from where you are at danger from. Don't forget to check the shooting angles and "lanes".

Is your spot a tree? If so, do you have enough cover from the left, center, and right side of the field? Some trees are a bit wider at the bottom. Use the extra width for cover by getting low to the ground. Make sure you have a secondary spot to go to if things go well. You should also have a spot to fall back to if things don't go so well. Look for shooting angles from those spots as well. When you play behind a tree sometimes you can back up a few feet taking away the angle your opponent might have on you, and still remain safe from the guy shooting at you from your 12:00.

Is your spot a bunker? If you are playing the game from a bunker, don't come out to shoot in the same spot all of the time. This will allow your opponent to fix his sights on you. Depending on what type of bunker you are playing you may be able to shoot through it. Are there holes in the bunker? If you can shoot through the bunker, so can the bad guys. It's very important not to get caught with your head down in a bunker, especially if you're being fired upon heavily. This usually means that someone is making a move on you. If someone is shooting steadily at you, let your teammates know. Chances are someone can shoot the guy that's bothering you. Make you calls to your teammates clear like this, "On me from the center". Those five words let your buddies know that you're being shot at and where your being shot from.

Playing the lay of the land: Although most of the spots on a Paintball field are behind something, sometimes there will be a spot that is not. Many fields have tall grass that makes for perfect crawling. You may be able to crawl to a key bunker or tree is you're careful. When you're crawling close to you opponents, wait until you hear his gun firing to move. This will mask any noise you will make.

When you are looking at a field before the game starts, try to find spots that are below your opponents line of vision. Many times you'll find that you can crawl out in the open without the bad guys knowing. This can really surprise the other team.

Communication: You can only get so much done on the Paintball field on your own, even in rec. ball. Keep in constant touch with your teammates. Let them know how many opponents are in front of you; let them know when you are going to make a move; and listen for when they need help as well.

Set goals for yourself: Before the game, try to figure out where you'll be when the game is won. How did you get there? Plan your game out in your head and stick to it. Have as many "moves" planned as possible.

Individual skills: Learn to shoot with both hands. This is probably the most important individual skill you'll ever learn. By shooting with your off hand you'll be a much smaller target to your opponents during the game, and you'll have much more to shoot at. Are you fast on your feet? It's easier to improve your running speed than you think. By running a few sprints per week you'll almost immediately improve your burst speed. Learn to play "small". Tuck your gun, harness, head and body in tight when your under heavy fire. Usually after a few futile minutes, your opponents will stop shooting at you. If you give them an elbow, chances are they'll take it. Don't get tunnel vision. Watch and listen to the whole field. What happens on the other side of the field almost always affects you at some time in the game. Practice "snap" shooting for accuracy. This will help you in surprise situations later.

That's it for this month. If you have any ideas for this column please fax them to our office at (703) 491-6199. We'll give you a free one-year subscription if we use your idea or question here. Thanks for reading.