How to Design a Paintball Field

Paintball is played by private groups and organizations in numerous locations.

Paintball is a great game to play for those interested in contemporary warfare combat games. Paintball is generally played inside specific boundaries on private property, or on a designated field with obstacles and bunkers. Many paintball enthusiasts prefer to design their own field by determining the placement of obstacles, trails and bunkers. The design is entirely up to the landowner or the team members. A paintball field should be designed differently on both sides, but made equally difficult to navigate and engage the opposing team, without giving one side an advantage.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the property or field for which you'll be designing the course. You may be able to find the property measurements in your city records department or on your land title. If you have a large property, decide what the boundaries should be. This is up to you or your team members. Note any natural obstacles such as large rocks, rivers, streams, lakes, trenches, tree-lines or hedgerows.

2. Draw the field dimensions on a large piece of paper to make a map-like design. Include the natural obstacles as you draw out the field dimensions.

3. Divide the field into two sections by drawing a line across the middle of the paper. This will represent both sides of play, designating the territory for both teams.

4. Decide how many artificial bunkers or obstacles you want to have on the field for both sides. Both sides should have an equal amount of bunkers to hide behind and a fort where the team flag will be placed. Bunkers are typically large inflatable objects that you can place wherever you like, or plywood sheets mounted onto stands. Both are used to hide behind when engaged in a fire-fight.

5. Draw the bunker placement on the field. Keep an equal amount on both sides, but don't make both sides of the field symmetrical. This will make it too easy for both teams to navigate enemy terrain. Generally you want to place bunkers in an open area, as trees will provide cover in wooded areas. Place the team forts at opposite ends of the field, like the end-zones on a football field. Each team will start at their own fort and advance toward the enemy fort.

6. Finalize the sketch with your team members and make copies of the field map. Purchase your supplies and build your field.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that opposing teams have a copy of the field map and have time to scout out the field prior to a game. It would be unfair to play an unprepared team on your own property.

• A variety of software programs are available to digitally design a paintball field as well.

• Use extreme caution playing paintball. Always wear adequate head and eye protection.

References

• Style Career: Paintball fields
• Hematomas Paintball: Paintball fields
• Mighty Sports: Paintball Field Design 101

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish