Paintball has been one of the most exciting and adrenaline pumping sports of modern day. Invented 30 years ago for use in military exercises and training, the game would slowly move to the private sector where it was then played residentially by a number of weekend warriors.

By the early 1990s, the game had become a national sensation where leagues, tournaments, and eventually champions were born. There are a few different types of play that people enjoy. There is the traditional open-air environment where Capture the Flag is the most enjoyed game, and there are warehouse games, or speedball play, where players use barriers and rapid-fire techniques. Equipment has also came a long way from simple pistol grip single-shot guns to automatic rifles and even special paintball pants instead of sweats.

Open Air Play

For many, open air play is the only way to play the game. Open air play consists of a large field where there have been artificial barriers erected as well as many natural barriers and hiding places. Open air play is usually a flagged, wooded area where anything within that field is fair game. The game most often played on these fields is some version of Capture the Flag. Capture the flag is where players are divided into two teams. Each team has a flag placed within their side of the field, usually somewhere in the rear. Once game play begins, the two teams attempt to capture each others' flag without being shot.

Warehouse Play

Warehouse play is slightly different than open air play. Warehouse play usually involves a warehouse converted into a paintball field, simulating close combat. Players do not hunt one another as in open air play but mainly stay in a strategic position in an attempt to hit other players. This type of game play incorporates rapid fire techniques, which is when a player uses both the middle-finger and index finger to pull the tripper in rapid succession. Players may use over 100 paintballs in one game.

Tools of the Trade

Equipment has undergone many transformations over the last few years. There are guns that are fully automatic. There are even paintball grenades, which are paint filled plastics that explode in a large radius. For those that don't like getting their clothes covered in paint, there are paintball pants, paintball jerseys, and even paintball helmets that can be purchased. There are even different types of paintballs such as high velocity and increased accuracy paintballs. One can find used equipment on many classified internet trading websites as well as their local paintball field.