Almost everyone knows the golden rule of life, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” It’s a simple rule to understand that anyone can follow. In paintball, there are similar rules. While you may not need to know every single official rule in the paintball rule book, it’s always important to know the basics. Whether you are about to play your very first game or you are a professional, you should always follow AC Paintball’s golden rules.

Be Safe

Your first priority when playing at AC Paintball should be safety. While risky plays may lead you to a win, no game is worth a major injury. You should always make sure your attire is suitable and your equipment is working properly. Take the weather into consideration when planning what you will wear. If you are not used to paintball you may want to opt for longer sleeves, layers, or some padding. Be sure to wear suitable shoes for running and never remove your mask while on the field.

AC Paintball regularly checks their rental equipment, but it doesn’t hurt to double check your equipment before playing. On rainy days, make sure all of your equipment stays dry. If you ever notice a malfunction, exit the field with your arms raised so the other players know not to fire at you.

Think Before You Act

Paintball isn’t just a physical sport, but a mental sport as well. You need to make sure your head is clear before an AC Paintball game. Pay attention to what you are doing at all times. If you get overly excited, it is easy to forget to pay attention. Make sure you take an extra second or two to aim your marker. You don’t want to accidentally fire your marker and injure someone. Before you make any risky moves, analyze the situation and think about the consequences.

Plan Your Moves

While planning may seem boring to some, good planning pays off in the end. If you charge into one of AC Paintball’s fields without a plan, you will likely find difficulty. While you figure out what you are doing, your opponents will be shooting at you and taking charge of their goals.

It’s a good idea to get to know the field before the game. This way you will know where the bunkers and obstacles are. You will want to keep moving during the game, as well. Don’t stay hidden behind the same bunker the whole with. Good planning will help you be more successful.

Listen and Communicate

Communication is an important tool in paintball. As a team sport, you need to know what your teammates are planning and vice versa. You rely on your teammates and they rely on you. If at any time during the game you change your plan, be sure to let your team know so they can adjust accordingly. It’s also important to listen to the Marshall or team leader. They usually have important information that you will not want to ignore.

Play Fair

No one wants to play with a cheater. If you play unfairly you will take the fun out of the game. At AC Paintball in southern New Jersey, we focus on fun and friendly paintball. We want our players to enjoy spending time with their friends and family. Be sure to read through AC Paintball’s rules ahead of time and discuss any other rules you may want to enforce with the other participants. AC Paintball also provides referees who monitor the games and help keep each game fair.

Be a Supportive Teammate

Think back to when you may have played other sports you may have played in the past. What made your experience more enjoyable? It was likely the people you were playing with. Playing with supportive teammates if more than playing with aggressive teammates. If you act like you don’t want to play with your teammates, they won’t want to play with you either.

If you are an experienced player, offer tips to help out newer players. When someone comes under fire, back them up and defend them. Continue to encourage them so they will want to get better. Offer compliments if someone makes a smart move. Being supportive will lead both you and your teammates to have a good time.

Keep Practicing and Don’t Give Up

No one is the best the first time they do something. Whether you are new to the game or a professional, it is important to keep practicing. Every time you play, there is a chance to learn a new. Don’t get down on yourself if you make mistakes. Everyone makes them. Look at each mistake as a learning experience. If you don’t give up, you will continue to improve and eventually become a role model for other players.

If you want to continue practicing, consider an AC Paintball membership. Members receive discounted prices on paintball sessions and equipment. If you want to schedule a game, you can do so here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/.