Steven Pennett English 101-16 How to play paintball at a professional arena Have you ever dreamed of what playing professional paintball is like? Well it’s just as fun as it looks. Although it takes strategy to play, it is also a really good way to relieve all of your aggression. There is a huge difference between just playing paintball in the woods, and playing at a professional arena. There is actually three or four professional courses located here in Worcester. The most popular being, Fox Four Paintball, and Vietnam Paintball. If you are going to play at these places, you are going to have to know the basic rules and guidelines before you are placed into action. The first step is to check out local fields. Some things to look for are, the amount of referees to players, goggle signs, barrel plugs and personality of the staff. Usually, playing fields are crowded on the weekend. Most fields will open
during the week for a group of twenty or more, but do you should ask first. Price is also a consideration; Paintball is a really expensive hobby. You should expect to pay at least eighty five dollars for a case of paint, goggle rental and a paintball gun rental for a four-hour session. For me, I usually plan out which day im going to be attending these events, keeping the weather in mind. I usually make sure its not too cold or too hot outside, because running around in layers of clothes and being active for four hours straight usually ...
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during the week for a group of twenty or more, but do you should ask first. Price is also a consideration; Paintball is a really expensive hobby. You should expect to pay at least eighty five dollars for a case of paint, goggle rental and a paintball gun rental for a four-hour session. For me, I usually plan out which day im going to be attending these events, keeping the weather in mind. I usually make sure its not too cold or too hot outside, because running around in layers of clothes and being active for four hours straight usually becomes pretty overwhelming. On the day of the event, it is best to dress with lots of clothes on, mostly padded clothes. Being hit with a paintball does hurt. I recommend wearing gloves and a hat or helmet because being shot in the hand and the head definitely hurt the most. Wear comfortable shoes or cleats if possible. Most often, the playing fields are on grass or dirt surfaces. Usually fields have food and drinks for sale but to be on the safe side bring water, because it is really easy to dehydrate.The first stop after arriving at the field is the staging area. This area usually has tables to set your equipment on. After picking up the equipment from the staff, the referee will show you a demonstration on how the guns work, how to fill the hoppers (what holds the paintballs) and most importantly safety issues. The first is, everyone synchronizes their guns to be certain no one is shooting “hot” which means over 300 feet per second. Secondly, always wear goggles. Eye injuries are the biggest injury risk of playing paintball and wearing goggles hopefully will prevent it. Thirdly, keep the barrel plug in the gun until the game begins. That way if your finger accidentally pulls the trigger the barrel plug slows down the speed of the paintball and likely will not cause an injury. The playing fields have different themes. Most common are speedball courses with tires or tubes for bunkers. Fort and western city themes are also common. After walking to the playing field, everyone is given armbands to wear, a different color for each team. Divided into the appropriate teams and each team head to opposite ends of the playing field. Organization is key. Be sure everyone on the team knows which bunker they are going to. Most of the time, it is not a good idea for several people to crowd into a single bunker. The referee gives additional instructions, for instance if “bunkering” is allowed, that is a shot of closer than 10 feet. Usually in recreational play, fields do not allow this, whereas it is normal at paintball tournaments. Typically, the referee will count down, “one, two, three, go, go, go” then run to a bunker. Try to look and see what bunkers the other team runs to and tell this to your team. One word of caution, look but do not expose any body part. Look for players on the other team hanging out of their bunkers, and focus on shooting first these people. If there is not anyone to shoot at and no one is shooting at you, consider moving to an empty bunker further up in the playing field, again look for a shot. The referees are there to help. If you feel a paintball hit but are not sure if it broke, call for a paintcheck. If shot, put your hand on your head, gun in the air and quickly get off the playing field or you may be shot again. Typically, the games are elimination, which means, whichever team eliminates the other wins. After the game is over the teams go back to the staging area. While there, be sure to wipe off any hits from the last game so a referee does not pull you the next game for an old hit. Secondly, fill the hopper with paint and the marker with air, which is usually Co2, if needed. After everyone is ready, the next game will start. Expect to play six to eight games in a four-hour session. Also, you are aloud to leave whenever you want, you don’t have to be there. Overall, there is a huge difference between playing paintball in the woods, and playing at a professional arena, although they are both fun, its up to you to choose.
