Paintball is a competitive team sport where players eliminate opponents by hitting them with paint-filled gelatin capsules shot from a specialized device called a paintball marker. There are various formats and modes of gameplay, adding to its dynamic appeal.
Gameplay and Equipment
The game of paintball is played between two teams. Paintball is played in formats such as "capture the flag", "attack and defend", or elimination. Woodsball is played outdoors on varied terrain while speedball is played on a more compact field with inflatable bunkers. Games typically last 20-45 minutes.
Paintballs are round gelatin capsules filled with colored liquid that mark opponents when hit. Hits are eliminated from play either by an obvious paint marking or by surrendering. Specific game rules are agreed on by teams to ensure safety, including field boundaries, dead zones, and time limits.
Equipment includes paintball markers powered by compressed air or CO2 to shoot paintballs fed from loaders and magazines.
Professional Play and Community
Most professional paintball players earn money from corporate sponsorships, tournament winnings, and working in the paintball industry, rather than just from playing. While it’s possible to make $40,000/year playing professionally, most players supplement their income with jobs related to paintball.
To start a paintball team, it’s important that all members get along and share the same mindset. There is no set number of players needed to form a team, and teams can range in size from a pair of friends to large organized groups. With proper safety precautions, equipment maintenance, and an emphasis on sporting behavior, players of all ages can enjoy paintball. The overall goal is challenging, competitive fun.