Paintball is a great sport to enjoy with a group of friends. It combines athleticism, competition, and strategy. Paintball has steadily been gaining popularity throughout the country, so no matter where you live you will be able to find both indoor and outdoor paintball venues nearby.

Paintball does require a certain amount of financial commitment. If you play at a commercial venue, you will have to pay for use of the space and equipment. Or, if you play on private land, you have to have the proper equipment. Beginning paintballers may want to start by going to a venue that will have referees and experts who can teach you the game, as well as equipment rentals. As you learn the sport and come to enjoy it more, you may want to get your own equipment so you have the option of playing at your home or the home of a friend who has enough room.

The equipment you need starts with the paintball gun, otherwise known as the paintball marker. Each paintball marker has to have a loader to feed the paintballs into the gun. The paintball gun is used to tag other players with paintballs.

The paintballs themselves are small capsules filled with water-soluble paint or dye. They come in a variety of colors and each team uses a different color marker. Every player will also need a mask or at the very least a pair of goggles. You have to wear a mask that completely covers your eyes, and you may also want a mask that covers the mouth, nose and ears. For the sake of safety it is very important to protect your face against paintballs.

Once you're equipped, there are a variety of ways to play the game. You can play in teams or as individuals. Before the game starts it is important that the players decide on a set of rules. If you play at a commercial venue, there may be a referee who enforces the rules. Most games are played with a goal defined at the beginning, which individuals or teams try to accomplish without being tagged. Once tagged, a player is out, either permanently or temporarily.

Some games are played similarly to capture the flag. Each player or team tries to reach the flag or goal before an opponent tags them. Some paintball games are played at a fast pace and others are played in a more all-terrain style. Many people enjoy playing in wooded areas, although this may be better for more experienced players.

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