Here are some tips for beginner paintball players to avoid common mistakes:
1. Never Take Off Your Mask When Playing Paintball
My first time playing paintball, I was super excited to start shooting. When the game started, I ran out onto the field with my friends. Then my mask started fogging up, and I could barely see anything! It was hard to find people to shoot.
I thought about taking my mask off to see better. But the referee yelled a reminder to keep masks on no matter what. I’m glad he stopped me, since a paintball to the face or eyes would really hurt!
So I kept trying my best to aim at blurred shapes running around. I only got a couple lucky hits before the game ended. My friends told me that bringing anti-fog spray next time would really help.
I realized that keeping your mask on at all times is very important for safety, even if it fogs up. That’s a beginner mistake I will never make again!
2. VISION
When I first started playing paintball, I didn’t realize how important having good vision was. The first few times I went to play, I just wore my regular glasses instead of goggles or a mask.
Once we started the games, it was so hard to see anything clearly from more than a few feet away! Everyone else looked blurry as they ran through the field. I could barely aim at the shapes to try hitting them with paintballs.
After those frustrating early experiences, I got some prescription goggles so I could see clearly both up close and far away. The difference was amazing! Now I could actually see which players were on my team versus their opponents. And I could aim much better at long-range targets.
My vision made such a huge difference in helping me play well and enjoy the action. I learned the hard way that having proper protective eyewear tailored to your vision is essential for succeeding at paintball.
Never try to play just by wearing regular glasses or contacts! Get the best paintball mask for glasses, and your game will improve tremendously.
3. Anti-Fogging
During my first ever paintball match, my mask started fogging up in the middle of the game. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t get it to clear! My vision got so blurry that I could barely see anything.
I tried wiping the lens, but that only smeared it more. The humidity that day was just making it impossible to defog. I spent the rest of the game shooting randomly at fuzzy shadows since I couldn’t see specific targets.
After that experience, I started applying anti-fog spray before every match. What a difference! Now, when humidity kicks in, my mask stays crystal clear. The anti-fog coating keeps moisture from building up and ruining my vision.
I learned quickly that keeping your lens fog-free is critical in paintball. You never know when weather conditions might cause issues. Applying anti-fog products as routine maintenance guarantees I can always see clearly, no matter the humidity. I won’t let fog ruin my game ever again!
4. GUN BASICS
When I started paintball, I didn’t know much about how the guns worked. My first time using rental equipment, I forgot to turn on the air tank before the game started!
As soon as the game began, I tried shooting at the other team, but nothing happened when I pulled the trigger. I didn’t realize the gun wasn’t getting any air pressure.
Later, a more experienced player reminded me that you first have to turn on the tank air supply, load paintballs into the hopper, and make sure the safety is off. Only then will the gun actually be ready to fire.
I felt silly but was glad I learned those basic steps. Now, before each game, I always remember: air on, hopper loaded, safety off. Following that simple routine means my gun will shoot when I need it! Understanding the fundamentals of operation is so important for beginners. I don’t want to make that obvious mistake again.
5. Follow The Rules
When I first started playing paintball, I didn’t pay much attention to the field rules. I figured I already knew the basics of how to play from watching videos online. But the first few times I went to a field, I quickly realized there was more to learn.
The staff emphasized important details like keeping your mask on everywhere outside the staging area, yelling “out” when hit, not overshooting eliminated players, and not shooting wildlife. I had to adjust my behavior and remember their specific guidelines to play safely and fairly.
After accidentally breaking the rules a few times and getting warnings, I realized each field has its own unique protocols to follow. Now I make sure to carefully listen to the introduction briefing before playing anywhere new.
That helps me avoid inadvertently ignoring rules that more experienced players already know. Learning to double-check and follow all field-specific guidelines is crucial for paintball newcomers like me. Knowing proper conduct makes the day more fun for everyone!
6. Come Well Prepared
My second time playing paintball, I didn’t know what to bring and showed up with just a basic hoodie and sneakers. I quickly learned how painful it was to get shot without protection!
Welts aside, I also found myself slipping constantly in the woods without proper shoes. And I was way too hot running around in a heavy sweatshirt.
Now, before playing, I make sure to wear old athletic shoes for traction, padding on my chest, and lightweight, breathable clothes.
Packing backups like extra shirts and socks is also crucial in case I get soaked and muddy. And I bring plenty of water and snacks to recharge without having to go back to the staging zone.
Coming ready for the elements and physical exertion makes all the difference. As a beginner, I’ve learned to overprepare so I can focus on the action once we start, not my gear.
Taking time to pack properly for a day of paintball prevents so many rookie issues that used to ruin my fun. Being well-equipped lets me play longer and enjoy the sport more!
7. Pocket Microfiber
When I first started playing paintball, I quickly learned how messy it can be to dive behind bunkers and crawl through the woods. My mask would get smeared with mud and paint so much that I could barely see!
In the beginning, I just tried wiping my mask clean with my t-shirt, but that only made it worse by smearing the lenses with fibers.
Now I always keep a small microfiber cloth in my pocket when playing. It’s amazing how quickly a few wipes with the microfiber clear away smears, spatter, and fog to restore full vision.
Having that pocket microfiber ready lets me scrub my mask no matter where I am on the field. I can clean up and get back in the game within seconds instead of wasting precious time fumbling to see again.
Keeping lenses crystal clear during a match is so important. A simple microfiber spare is an essential item that helps me stay competitive as a rookie player.
8. Don’t Lose The Barrel Cover
My third day playing paintball, I was so excited to get out on the field that I completely forgot about the barrel cover on my rental gun. As soon as I started running around near the starting station, it slipped off without me noticing!
I didn’t realize it until a referee had to stop the game to retrieve it. I felt bad for delaying everyone and got a stern reminder that I must keep the barrel covered anywhere off the playing field. Without it, a paintball could accidentally shoot out and hurt someone nearby.
From then on, I make sure to check that my barrel cover is securely in place anytime I’m not actually playing in a live match. Once the game starts, I safely tuck the cover in a pocket rather than tossing it aside. And I always put it back on before leaving the field.
Losing that cover and getting publicly corrected my first day was embarrassing. But it taught me an important safety lesson about keeping the barrel protected. As a beginner, remembering that simple barrel cover rule prevents dangerous mistakes and keeps everyone safe.
9. Extra Padding
When I tried paintball for the fourth time, I didn’t think much about padding or protection. I figured a long-sleeve shirt would be enough covering as I ran around playing. But after just a few direct hits, I realized how much those paintballs can sting without extra layers!
By the end of the day, my arms were covered in big welts that took weeks to fully heal. And getting shot anywhere, like the neck or hands, without padding was unbearable.
Now I wear thick, padded clothing protection anywhere exposed, like neck guards, padded shirt sleeves, and gloves. Adding that extra barrier makes direct impacts much less painful when you inevitably get hit sprinting between bunkers.
The padding also protects me if I have to dive onto rough ground during intense matches. As a beginner, I learned quickly that extra protection goes a long way toward preventing unnecessary welts and abrasions. The right padding helps keep new players in the game longer and enjoying this fast-paced action sport!
10.Playing Aggressive
When I first started playing paintball, I always tried charging ahead and being super aggressive. But that “run and gun” style just got me eliminated quickly. As a beginner, it’s smarter to move cautiously, stay behind cover, and stay with teammates for support.
Rushing into unknown areas uses up all your paintballs and gas. Take your time learning the field layout in early games before going on the attack.
I improved more when I began playing strategically rather than overly aggressively. Save the rambo heroics for when you have better skills and experience. Tactical patience is key for rookies.
11. Team Up!
When I first started playing paintball, I liked trying to run around on my own as a “lone wolf” player. But I quickly learned how difficult that made things as a beginner.
Whenever I tried flanking the other team alone, I would get pinned down by groups of more experienced players. And in defensive positions without teammates watching my back, opponents could sneak up and ambush me easily.
Now I make sure to communicate and coordinate with at least one or two other beginners like myself. Moving together, we can watch each other’s blind spots and concentrate fire much more effectively.
I’ve found that teamwork is essential in paintball, especially when you’re just starting out. Even just one partner makes a massive difference, helping you advance on opponents carefully and avoid getting surrounded.
Sticking together provides crucial support to help new players thrive. I always remind myself to team up now rather than try to be a solo operator!
12. Check your Tank
One of the worst feelings as a new player is when your marker stops shooting mid-game because you’re out of air. Before starting every match, make sure to check your tank pressure so you don’t run out of propellant. Also, listen for the sputter when it gets low so you can switch tanks.
Having a backup tank ready to swap in your gear bag is smart too. Running dry at the wrong time can mean getting ambushed without being able to shoot back. Save yourself the headache and regularly monitor your air supply. Developing good tank habits early on will prevent untimely surprises in big moments.
13. Extra clothes: waste bag
As a beginner, having extra clothes or a change bag on hand is smart in case you get hit and covered in a lot of paint. But don’t go overboard when packing your gear bag. Remember, you’ll have to carry everything all day.
I now just bring an extra t-shirt and maybe pants, plus a small wet or dry bag for dirty clothes. Rookies often haul their whole closet of clothes and a suitcase-size bag that weighs them down. Pack light but smart so you can focus on playing hard, not lugging heavy gear!
14. Bring snacks and water
One of my biggest beginner mistakes was not bringing enough water and snacks to games. Paintball takes tons of energy to run around in the heat. I now always pack a cooler with lots of water and some quick, energizing snacks like fruits, protein bars, trail mix, etc.
It’s easy for a new player to forget that paintball is an exhausting sport, and you’ll drain your fuel tank fast. Staying hydrated and fueled is crucial.
Make sure to pack extra water and filling snacks so your energy stays high all day during intense matches. Dehydration and hunger will sap your strength when you need it most.
15. ADVANCED GUN FIGHTING
As a beginner getting my first marker, I wanted the most advanced long range paintball gun with all the cool add-ons. But starting simple is smarter. High-end electronic paintball guns with lots of capabilities and customization are wasted on rookies who can’t utilize them yet.
Instead, focus on mastering the fundamentals of aiming, shooting, moving, and communicating. A basic, reliable marker will serve you well as you learn the ropes. Once your skills improve, look at upgrading to a more advanced setup.
Don’t get overwhelmed when starting out with complex equipment meant for seasoned players. Learn the basics first and earn the fancy gear by developing true skills over time.
Conclusion
Paintball definitely has a learning curve. But being aware of common newbie mistakes can help you avoid them yourself. Little things like packing light, sticking together as a team, and having the right footwear may not seem critical at first.
But they make a huge difference in having fun and staying competitive in matches. Following tips from experienced players gives beginners a leg up by helping them start off on the right foot.
Stay positive through those early losses, focus on improving, and before long you’ll be the one sharing wisdom with the next generation of new paintballers. Keep at it and enjoy every step of the journey toward mastering this challenging but rewarding sport.
FAQ
Q: What should I wear to protect myself for paintball?
A: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed toe shoes to protect yourself from paintball welts. Avoid shorts and T-shirts.
Q: How many paintballs will I need to bring?
A: Expect to use 200-300 paintballs for a full day of recreational play. Bring at least an extra 100 in case you need more.
Q: How to play paintball for the first time?
A: Listen to safety briefing, ask for tips from staff, stick with teammates, keep mask on, and have fun!