Comments on: How to Start a Paintball Team

on 10/9/2008 I'm afraid I have to disagree with you, Anonymous. Whether the ref sees it or not, CALL YOURSELF OUT the moment a paintball breaks on you! That's called honesty, and honest players are the ones who make the game enjoyable. Hit players who keep on playing only earn distain.

on 9/29/2006 Though others have mentioned it before, I'm going to emphasize it . . . PLAY AND LIVE WITH HONOR! Many people are prejudiced against paintball, in light of the "bad boy" image many paintballers project, and the instances of vandalism commited with paintball equipment. If you continually conduct yourself in a respectable manner, on and off the field, things will go well for your team. Your sponsors will be proud to have you representing them. Anti-paintball people who watch your progress will start thinking more positively. You could even become a local figurehead, depending on the sport's popularity in your area and what events (again, on or off-field) you participate in.

Volunteer, as a team, for community services and charitable events. Honor others. Shun drugs, tobacco, and alcohol abuse. Keep your language clean. Even the way you dress, the your haircut, and the kind of music you play (and the volume you play it at) can send a message about who you are. Be the kind of people parents wouldn't mind their kids being around. If one of your team members commits a felony, make it clear to everyone that you're ashamed of it, that you don't commend that behavior. Make it a goal your team for be recognized for its honesty and sportsmanship. Your team's success in the public eye is just as important -- if not MORE important -- as success on the field. PLAY AND LIVE WITH HONOR!

on 9/26/2006 When you play a game of paintball you have to be moving at the start and until you find cover. When you do find cover, find all your opponents and don't hide your face too long or you'll get bunkered (having someone charge and shoot you from 2 feet away). You can't ever stop shooting for an extended period of time, because not shooting means that the other team is under less fire and doesn't have to stay hidden at all. If you are on a 2+ v 1, then you have to get to a corner. If you stay centered then the opponents will charge on opposite sides and take you out. If you do get shot in any situation, don't go out. Wait until the ref forces you out because the ball may not have broken or the ref might not have seen it. Hope the tips helped.

on 8/8/2006 Everyone needs to have their own stuff or else the team will fall apart. If you're getting ready to practice and someone doesn't have their equipment, you have to wait longer for them to rent it. It will make everything easier if you have your own equipment.

on 7/25/2006 It is best to practice at a field you play at often. Not only do random players come in and test your skill against new opponents, you also build a bond with the field owner, which could lead to partial sponsorships down the road.

on 7/1/2006 Don't make the same mistake that I did! Learn and know how to clean your gun on the spot. This is a very important part in paintball.

on 7/1/2006 If you just learned how to play paintball, don't start a paintball team right away. Know what you are doing first. Do some research and find good tips, like those given here.

on 6/30/2006 It's a real good idea to have a private place to practice. Instead of spending 100's of dollars going to visit courses, do something like buying your own bunkers and setting them up in your backyard. Another thing you could do is have your team come over and try and find some pro games on TV. You could learn a lot by watching players that know exactly what they're doing.

on 6/30/2006 Try to get people that you know and trust, and if you can't, then get to know them. Remember you have to be able to trust them on the field. If you can't go to a field and practice all the time (because of the money), then call your team together and get in the backyard with all the equipment and run drills. Get to know how your gun works, and try to get a gun to your own taste. Also, instead of getting mad after you loose, just give your congratulations to your opponents and think about why you lost (and how you can fix what you did wrong). I play football, baseball, and track and this is far the best game to be played. Have fun!

on 3/26/2006 If you have a newly started team, I suggest your team should plan to practice at least once a week.

on 1/27/2006 When you start a team, the first thing (other than practice) should be to go to the nearest paintball sporting goods store and shop. Buy a lot of paintballs, the kind that come in 2000 ball buckets, but buy 10 or 20 of them, because in a tourney 1000 paintballs go quickly. If they have them, buy 20 ounce Co2 canisters, and even better, see if they carry refill machines - the kind that have about 500 ounces. This way when you run out you don't have to pay $20 to get your tank refilled.

on 12/20/2005 Before you enter tournaments, make sure your gun is allowed in that tournament. Most tournaments don't allow you to use markers with velocity adjusters on the outside of your marker. Example Spyders, Tippmans and Piranhas. So before entering tournaments, call or contact the tournament officials and ask them if your equipment is allowed.

on 12/20/2005 Don't cheat. This will disqualify, shame and put a bad reputation on your team. Don't cheat. It will help the game and help you.

on 12/9/2005 A really good tip, that I just used in a tournament, was hiding behind the bunkers. Don't stand in the open, I promise you won't get hit.

on 11/22/2005 You should always have 1-2 extra teammates that come along and who could be used in an emergency. But, if they travel along with you from place to place, I would think it's only fair that you let them get off the bench for a few tournaments.