A beginner paintballer has a lot to learn. Paintball isn’t an easy sport and you can’t just come in and instantly be an expert. There is a learning curve that all paintballers must go through. We are here to help and have come up with 5 tips that will help newbies overcome common mistakes.
1. Know where to go
Most rookie paintballers are only concerned about protecting themselves and will do everything they can to find good hiding spots. They will choose the deepest hole or the thickest bush. They choose places where their visibility is limited and they can’t be a threat to other players.
Other rookies go even further and refuse to get into good position to fire a shot. When they are discovered, they don’t know where to go so they sit there and take hit after hit.
So where should you go when playing paintball? You need to find shelter and protect yourself but you also need to be able to see the entire playing field so you can see your targets. You should be close enough to your opponents that you can easily shoot them but far enough away that they won’t easily be able to see you.
2. Know when to look
The biggest key to winning a game of paintball is to find your opponent before he finds you. Beginners are often too scared to look around and find the opponent. They think that they will get shot at if they stick their head out of their shelters so instead, they sit around and wait until they hear the opponent. By this time, it is too late and they get shot before they even have a chance to point their guns.
Do not be afraid to look out from your hiding spot. You need to find your target and shoot them before they have a chance to shoot you. Don’t stick your head out from the top of the shelter because it is easier for your opponents to see you that way. Use the sides of the shelter and focus on finding the enemy.
3. Know when to move
One mistake beginners make is that they don’t move around. They get so scared that they will get shot that they stay in one hiding spot the entire game. If they do move, they stay as low to the ground as possible which limits their ability to run quickly and avoid enemy fire.
Another mistake they make is that they refuse to get into position to get a good shot. If they spot an enemy, they will start shooting without getting into good position first. Not only will they miss the target but the target now knows exactly where they are hiding.
When playing paintball, make sure you run fast, don’t stop shooting just because you are running away and yell for help. Your teammates would love to know where the enemy is located and will quickly come to help when you start yelling. Let them know you need help and, ultimately, you will help the team. Finally, if you are spotted or you spot the enemy, move to a better spot.
4. Know when to yell
Beginners tend to be very quiet and don’t want to give away their position. This is actually a good thing, however, if you do happen to be spotted by the enemy, it is important to start yelling and let your teammates know where the enemy is so they can come and help you.
5. Know when to shoot
Most beginners have a hard time deciding on when to shoot and when to wait it out. Their accuracy is often bad and will sometimes shoot their teammates by accident because they are too trigger happy. If you shoot at anything that moves, then it will be easier for your opponents to find you.
Before shooting your gun, make sure you know what you are shooting at and be patient. Make sure you have a clear shot and you are absolutely certain that you will hit the target. When you are defending a teammate or are shooting to distract the enemy, then these rules obviously won’t apply.
When you are a beginner, you may feel nervous or scared but just remember that it’s a game. It is supposed to be fun so don’t take it so seriously. Get in there and be dangerous. Try new things and find new strategies that can help you win. It doesn’t matter if you lose as long as you are having fun.