westworldpaintball.com - Previous Tips and Tatics

Do you believe strategy in paintball is important? Well, the answer to that question is YES, if you want to win more often than lose. You must plan your strategy before each game.

For example, last week my team played a 5 game set of "Capture the Flag" at Splatter Ranch (Scottsdale). The only two games we lost were games that started without a plan of attack and defense strategy. The games we won included some basic tips and tactics that everyone should know. Let's begin with a couple of intermediate to advanced paintball strategies...

1. STUDY THE OPPOSING TEAM: Knowing their strengths and weaknesses gives you an advantage because you can plan paintball tactics that work to your advantage. For example, if you know who the stronger players are, you can focus on them at the beginning of the game. Once they’re eliminated you can then pick off the weaker players.

2. Know Your Own Strengths: If you want to be part of a team, know what strength you bring to the table. For example, if you are a quick player, meaning you can run faster than most, you may want to move up to the front of your team. If you feel that you are not as fast, anchor the back and support your teammates who are up front. Maybe protect the flag (if you are playing "Capture the Flag" or related games.) Anticipating where your opposition is going to attack is a challenge in itself so, stay alert and in a position to best defend you base. If your strength is shooting, like shooting to your left or right, volunteer to move up the opposite side of your better shooting side.

3. Movement: The game is won and lost by obtaining some kind of advantage. Paintball strategies that incorporate lot of movement usually have the advantage. In paintball, advantage is in movement (usually). When all else fails, shoot and move to gain a better position. Keep your opponent from viewing your next move by shooting at their position a few times, As long as you’re firing at them their head will be down allowing you to move quickly to your next position. A better advantage is when you move to a position that gives you a better angle on your opponent without him or her seeing you get there. Staying in one position just increases your chance of getting eliminated. If you don't get an angle on your opponent, move to a better position. And if you don't eliminate your opponent after a few attempts, move! There is no point having a shootout that can possibly get you eliminated. Besides, the enemy could have someone moving in on you while you’re in that fight. If you get to a better position, don't give your position away by immediately standing up and shooting like crazy. This will give your position away. Take a peak to see what your battle field looks like. There may be a few targets, or there may be an even better position (or bunker) that might give you better protection, plus an advantage.

4. Pinching: "Pinching" is very effective. Basically, pinching is where you attack from both sides of the bunker your enemy is in. If you don't eliminate the player, they may be forced to get out, and this gives you a better opportunity to eliminate them. Paintball tactics that incorporate pinching are very effective when done properly.

5. Make your first shot count: Aim, and then shoot. If your first shot misses, fire a few more shots quickly. Shoot in bursts because not every paintball will break when your target is hit. Then, get back into a defensive position. Fire at anything that is sticking out or exposed. That includes the gun, hopper, feet, visors, etc. Practice shooting while moving. This is more difficult than it sounds. But it's also a very effective means of protecting yourself and also eliminating your opponents as well. Try to keep your gun as level as possible by keeping your body from moving up and down. I've found that being in a slight crouch and running a bit slower than usual will make your shots more accurate. Set up a target; run side to side at different distances; try to hit the target. Try running slowly and at a slight crouch. This will come in handy on the battlefield because, most people are simply running and shooting with their gun flying around. Conversely, shoot in front of your opponents while they are running. Paintballs are not as fast as bullets so let your opponent move into the path of your paintballs.

6. Terrain: Look for any advantages throughout the terrain. For example hills, trees, washes. You can start at the base of a hill and slowly climb up at a crouch. As you near the top, pop-up and take a quick look and then fall on your belly for protection. This way you get a good look to see what targets are available. If you are protecting a flag and there are trees, look for trees that give you good protection and allow for movement. Or, try sitting in the tree and surprise a few opponents. After they are hit, move. Also, look for holes and gaps to shoot through to hit your opponent. The most effective paintball strategies will use consistent movement. Trick your opponent. Fire at an opponent from one side, keeping him or her busy. Have your teammate sneak to their weak side and eliminate them. Find bunkers with good back protection to keep opponents from coming around and surprise attacking you without protection.

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I sort through them to determine the most creative, helpful and universal tactics or scenarios and pick them to be posted. Keep your eyes open, we may be inviting you to test your tactic for FREE!!!

-Scott