• Deciding How Much Padding To Wear

    DSC06611 (1)Paintball is a sport where small balls of paint fly toward you at high speeds. It can sting a bit when you get hit, especially if you are not used to it. With this in mind, many players at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey wear padding. Padding provides more of a cushion so so the impact of paintballs hitting you don’t hurt quite as much.

    The question we will be looking at today, however, is just how much padding you should wear. There are both positive and negative aspects of wearing more padding. So, to help you decide, AC Paintball has come up with these questions you can ask yourself.

    How Experienced Are You?

    If you are not used to playing paintball, your muscle tissue may still be soft. This means it bruises more easily. The first few times you play at AC Paintball, getting hit may sting quite a bit. However, the more you play, the more you will get used to it. Your muscle tissue will get stronger and you won’t bruise as easily.

    If you are new to paintball, you may want to consider wearing more padding. Then, as you visit AC Paintball more often, you can progressively wear less padding as you get stronger and the impact doesn’t hurt as much.

    What Will the Weather Be Like?

    Another aspect you will want to consider is what the weather will be like on the day you visit AC Paintball. Padding can help keep you warm when the weather is cold, but will also make you sweat more in the summer. Your level of comfort can greatly affect your ability to play well. Therefore, you will want to plan ahead and dress appropriately.

    bandage-1235337_960_720Do You Have Any Injuries?

    Do you have any injuries from your previous games at AC Paintball? If you have a bruise or other injury, letting it get hit over and over will not aid in the healing process. It is important to protect areas where you have been hurt so that you don’t aggravate your injury. Some areas you will want to pay extra attention to include your head, face, neck, elbows, knees, and hands.

    How Much Do You Plan On Moving Around?

    Some people are aggressive players that love to be in the middle of the action. If you are one of these people, you may plan on running around a lot. Using too much padding can hinder your ability to move around easily. The thickness of the padding can block your range of motion and the weight can tire you out faster. If you plan on moving around a lot, you may want to wear a bit less padding.

    At the same time, more padding also means more cushioning if you plan on diving or crawling. You will want to consider what kind of movements you plan on using. If you are just running, less padding may work just fine. On the other hand, if you plan on diving to the ground or sliding behind a bunker, more padding will help protect you.

    It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry

    When it comes down to preparing for your AC Paintball trip, it is better to be safe than sorry. Start by wearing extra padding. You can always take some off if it is too difficult to move around. Yet, if you don’t have it with you, you may end up wanting it and not have it. If you can, try to add padding in layers so you don’t have to make the decision between a lot of padding or none at all.

    If you need more help, please feel free to contact AC Paintball. Our staff would be happy to address any questions you may have.

  • Tips for Detecting Opponents in Your Area

    DSC06586Playing offense in a paintball game is exciting. You get credit for taking out opponents and you get to be in the middle of the action. While it is easy to focus on the exciting offensive part, it is also important to play defensively as well.

    You should always be on guard. It only takes a second or two for your opponent to pull the trigger, hit you, and eliminate you from the game. So, what is the best way to help make sure you stay in your AC Paintball game? Detecting opponents near you. If you can see danger before you encounter it, you can avoid it. To help you do so, AC Paintball in southern New Jersey has compiled this list of tips.

    Listen

    While most players, at AC Paintball, will try to stay as quiet as possible, it is difficult to stay completely silent. Leaves make noise when moved or stepped on. Some clothing can be noisy when your opponents move. Your opponents will also need to communicate with each other. With this in mind, your ears can be a great tool to keep you protected and in the game.

    In your free time, practice listening. Research ways you can improve your skills and test yourself to see if you can determine what direction sounds are coming from. Before you know it, you will be ready for your next AC Paintball game.

    Scan the AC Paintball Field

    Think about a hunting or herding dog. They have to stay alert and pay attention to many things at once. They are trained to carefully scan their surrounds to look for movement in the area. You can use the same technique to help you be successful in your next AC Paintball game.

    When scanning, be sure to pay attention to how much time you have to do so and where you are when you do so. If you get caught up in scanning the field for too long, you may not notice your opponents sneaking up on you. Stopping on a path out in the open to scan the field will also leave you vulnerable. Be sure you find a safe place to watch before scanning the field and know how much time you have to spare.  

    Keep Your Vision Low

    paintball-1282164_960_720Not everyone stays standing during an AC Paintball game. They crouch behind bunkers, crawl on the ground, and even lay flat at certain times. This means that keeping your focus low will improve your chances of catching movement. Just be sure that you don’t get tunnel vision and keep looking down. You should be aware of all of your surroundings.

    Watch the Ref or Marshall

    Many referees and marshalls are trained to go toward where they predict firing will occur. This helps them judge the situation better. If you see a ref walking toward you and you are not aware of any opponents in the area, you will want to take a second look around. You may also want to consider trying to safely move out of the area or preparing to react and fire back quickly in case your opponent misses their shot.

    Have a Teammate Help Keep Watch

    You can only look in one general direction at a time. Depending on the type of mask you are using, your range of vision may be narrowed even more. This means that it can be helpful to have a second pair of eyes to help you watch out for your opponents at AC Paintball.

    Traveling near one or two of your teammates can improve your chances of spotting opponents and allow you to watch out for one another. Just don’t travel in groups that are too large. Doing so makes your team an easier target.

    Be Ready To React

    Finally, you need to be ready to react. If you notice an opponent in your area, you have two options. You can fight and try to shoot at them or you can run and try to get away. Every situation will be different, so practicing making quick decisions will be beneficial to you during your next game. You can learn more tips and tricks for decision making by checking out AC Paintball’s blog on our website.

  • Choosing a Paintball Marker That Complements Your Style

    pump paintball gunThere are many different aspects to consider when choosing the marker you want to use for your AC Paintball game. This includes if you want to rent or buy your own gun, the game you are playing, what position you are playing, and more.

    Yet, what if you are looking for a regular use marker and not just one you are going to use for a specific game or day? In this case, you should look for a marker that complements your style. How do you accomplish this? AC Paintball is here to help with these tips.

    How Much Do You Like To Shoot?

    Some players take their time to aim and shoot so they can conserve paintballs by hitting their target on the first shot. Other players prefer to take rapid shots. Unfortunately, some markers have more of a recoil. This affects where you have your marker aimed after the first shot is fired.

    If you are someone who prefers to take multiple shots quickly, you will want to look for a marker that doesn’t have as much of a recoil. However, if you enjoy trying to hit your target with a single shot, you may want to focus on other features such as distance, weight, and aesthetics.

    Endurance Vs. Power

    When you play paintball, do you move around the field a lot or do you stay in the same area? If you are always on the move, you will want to choose a lighter weight marker. This will help you endure carrying it around during lengthy games at AC Paintball.

    If you are more of a sniper who likes to stay in the same area, you should focus on power. The marker may be a bit heavier, but it will be able to shoot more accurately at targets that are far away.

    tippmann-a5-300x300Aesthetics

    Many players would love to have a flashy marker that they can show off to their friends. Yet, if you want to play in AC Paintball’s wooded fields, a basic camouflage pattern or dark color will help you hide from your opponents.

    If you prefer a fast-paced speedball game, though, you can go for a flashy marker. You can choose your favorite color or personalize it in a variety of ways to make it yours. You can also make an AC Paintball scenario paintball game more fun by customizing your marker to look more like the one your character uses.

    Rules

    There are many different types of paintball markers out there and different facilities have rules to regulate which ones you can use. At AC Paintball in southern New Jersey safety is a priority. The maximum velocity we allow is 280 fps and your marker cannot be fully automatic.

    Price

    One of the most important aspects players pay attention to is the price. If you plan on buying your own marker, it is a good idea to do some research and set a budget before making your purchase. It can be easy to get caught up in wanting to buy the best gun or overwhelmed by your options. Go to the store with a plan.

    If you don’t want to buy your own marker, AC Paintball offers two different models to rent. The first is the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker. The other option is a Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. Both of these models are $10 to rent at AC Paintball.

    Need More Help? Talk to Your Friends at AC Paintball

    If you need more help deciding which paintball marker to buy, your friends at AC Paintball would be happy to help. Both out staff members and regular players can give you some advice to send you in the right direction.

  • Basic Dos and Don’ts of Paintball

    DSC06605When it comes to playing paintball, there are many different dos and don’ts that you should be aware of. Knowing what to do can help you positively contribute to the game. Knowing what not to do will help you avoid mistakes or accidents that will negatively affect your AC Paintball game. To help you learn what you should and should not be doing, check out these AC Paintball tips.

    DO Pay Attention to Rules and Safety

    AC Paintball has rules put in place for your safety. We want all of our players to enjoy their paintball experience and not have to worry about reckless opponents. Therefore, we encourage you to pay close attention to the rules and safety briefing before your game and read the rules page on our website.

    DON’T Assume You Know The Rules and How To Be Safe

    If you have played before and heard our speech, you may be tempted to not pay attention or continue to talk to your friend. However, if you talk, other people may not be able to hear the rules or you may miss a new rule that has been added or changed. Remember to be respectful when visiting AC Paintball.

    stretching-2307890_960_720DO Warm Up

    Not only does stretching feel good, but it warms up your muscles so you can play well during your AC Paintball game. Check out AC Paintball’s blog for tips on how to warm up properly.

    DON’T Forget to Stretch

    When you skip your warm up, however, you risk pulling a muscle. You may also lack agility and find it difficult to move. Paintball is a very physical sport and it is important to be able to run, jump, crouch, dive, and perform other movements without any issue.

    DO Ask Questions, Make Suggestions, and Talk To Your Team

    The better your team communicates and the more everyone is on the same page, the better your chances will be of winning the game. If you don’t know something, ask. Don’t be afraid to look stupid. It’s better to correct the misunderstanding before your AC Paintball game that it would be to make mistakes during the game. Feel free to make suggestions as well!

    DON’T Exclude Yourself From Your Team

    If you disagree with your team, it may be tempting to rebel and use go off and do your own thing. This will most likely just lead to a game that is not as fun for both you and your team. Be friendly, join in the fun, and ask others to join in the fun as well.

    DO Take Your Time To Aim

    AC Paintball games can get pretty intense at times. You may think you need to shoot as fast as you can to ensure you hit your opponent before they hit you. While it is true that you need to work fast, taking the time to aim is important.

    DON’T Shoot Without Aiming

    If you don’t aim, you will likely miss and your opponent will hit you anyway. When you don’t aim, you also risk injuring someone by accident.

    paintball-1282158_960_720DO Keep Moving

    The main object of paintball is to eliminate opponents by hitting them with paintballs. Your opponents will try to hit you at the same time you try to hit them. One of the best ways to be defensive is to keep moving. It is harder to hit a moving target than it is to hit someone who is standing still.

    DON’T Stay In The Same Place

    With this in mind, you will want to avoid staying in the same place for too long. If you hide behind the same bunker for more than a minute or two, your opponents may surround you until you are cornered. Then there will be little chance of you getting away without being eliminated.

    DO Support Your Teammates

    People more driven to play and often perform better when they feel appreciated. Complimenting or congratulating your teammates on a job well done is a great way to show your team you are glad to be playing with them. Also, be sure to provide backup for them when they are trying to accomplish an important role during the AC Paintball game.

    DON’T Be Mean To Your Opponents

    Just because you are trying to win the game, doesn’t mean you should be rude to your opponents. A little teasing and friendly competition is fine if both parties are having fun contributing to banter, but be careful not to take it too far. You want to keep your AC Paintball game fun for everyone.

    DO Come Back and Visit AC Paintball Again!

    AC Paintball in southern New Jersey is always happy to help you host a friendly game, party, or celebration. We encourage you to continue to visit our facility and introduce your friends and family to paintball.

    DON’T Forget to Have Fun!

    AC Paintball’s main goal is to provide a safe place where you can have fun with your friends and family. If you have any ideas to make your game more fun or exciting, we would love to help. Just be sure to check with our staff to ensure your idea is safe and acceptable for AC Paintball’s standards.

  • 7 Ways to Practice and Improve Your Paintball Game At Home

    paintball-girl-1748134_960_720If you want to be a great paintball player, you need to practice. If you are an experienced player, you may still want to practice your skills on days you can’t make it out to AC Paintball in southern New Jersey to practice your skills. If you are a beginner, you may want to improve your skills before you play more experienced players at AC Paintball. No matter what your reasoning, there are multiple ways you can improve your skills at home, even if you can’t make it to AC Paintball.

    Set Up a Target Practice (If You Have Space and Equipment)

    Aiming is one of the most important aspects of paintball. If you can’t hit your target, they will likely hit you. If you have a large yard and some equipment, you can set up some target practice. Just make sure there are no restrictions where you live and make sure your family, friends, and pets stay out of your way and are safe.

    Try to hit your target with just one shot. This will help you make sure you hit your opponents out before they eliminate you and help you save ammo so you can play for a longer period of time at AC Paintball.

    Practice Snap Shooting

    One common way that experienced players practice when they can’t make it to AC Paintball, is snap shooting. Practice popping out from behind a bunker, shooting, then snapping back behind the bunker to hide. Be sure to learn the proper technique. Doing so will help you have a low profile for your opponents to hit you when you pop out.

    Use a Mirror to Practice Your Stance and Movement

    Using a mirror can help you practice your snap shooting as well as a variety of other aspects of paintball. If you have a large mirror and a large obstacle you can watch yourself and figure out how to improve.

    Some other aspects you can practice include posture and movement. Believe it or not, having the right posture and movement can greatly improve your game. Check out this AC Paintball blog for tips on shooting posture and movement, https://acpaintball.com/2017/08/16/ac-paintballs-tips-for-shooting/.

    Improve Your Physical Fitness

    If you and your friends are having lots of fun, you can spend the whole day at AC Paintball. With this in mind, you need to be in good shape and have good endurance, especially if you are playing on one of AC Paintball’s larger fields.

    While at home do plenty of cardio and endurance exercises like jogging, sprinting, suicides, and more. Once you improve your endurance, you can add padding or carry weights to make your exercises more like an AC Paintball experience.

    Practice Using Your Opposite Hand

    One useful skill to have when playing at AC Paintball is the ability to use both hands. This ability allows you to accurately shoot no matter where you are positioned. While at home, you can practice using your opposite hand for everyday tasks such as eating, writing, opening doors, and more. Once you get talented with this ability, you will become a more valuable player.

    meditation-1287207_960_720Practice Focusing and Visualizing

    There are ways you can practice your paintball skills without even having to move. Visualization is a popular technique both amateur and professional athletes use to improve their game and skills.

    Find a quiet place and visualize various parts of a paintball game. You can imagine yourself playing different positions, see various situations, and think about how to handle the adrenaline and various obstacles. If you know how to solve a problem beforehand, you will know exactly what to do during a game. Visualization can help improve your confidence and improve your focus during your AC Paintball game.

    Research Tips, Tricks, and Strategies

    Whether you are an amateur or a professional, there is always something new you can learn about paintball. When you have free time, it is a good idea to research various tips and tricks. This can improve your paintball knowledge and wisdom. Some people may think sports are all physical abilities and skills, but a large part of sports, including paintball, is actually strategizing and using your knowledge.

    Some good ways to learn more about paintball is to read AC Paintball’s blog and other articles. You can do so here, https://acpaintball.com/blog/. You can also watch videos or talk to other players and staff at AC Paintball in Williamstown, New Jersey. The more you learn, the better player you will become.

  • Tips to Help You Predict Your Opponent’s Plans

    paintball-1961040_960_720What is one of the best ways to gain the upper hand on your opponents? If you can predict what they are planning ahead of time, you can figure out a way to turn the game in your favor. You can avoid their ambushes, you can corner them, you can stop their runner before they capture the flag, and much more.

    Strategizing is a large part of paintball. If you can outthink your opponents, you can greatly improve your chances of winning. If you want to learn some tips and tricks to figure out what your opponents are planning, AC Paintball in southern New Jersey is here to help.

    Think About What You Would Do In Their Situation

    Put yourself in your opponent’s shoes. If you were in the same situation as they are, think about what you would do. Many times, what you would do is also what they are thinking about doing. Once you have an idea of what moves they may pull, or what strategy they will use, you can figure out how to reverse their plan to work in your favor.

    For instance, if they see that you are waiting for them to come out from behind a bunker, they may decide to just stay behind the bunker so they are safe. However, you can gain the upper hand by signaling a teammate to go around behind so that the opponent is surrounded.

    Pay Attention to What They Do In Other Games

    People have habits, even when it comes to sports. Chances are if you notice a player doing something multiple times in one AC Paintball game, they will continue to do the same in other games. Use this information to your advantage.

    For instance, if you are playing on one of AC Paintball’s wooded course and you can’t find them during the game, they may think they found a good hiding spot. They may continue to use that same spot until it stops working for them. If you can figure out where that spot is and surround them, you can force them to change their plans and put them on the run.

    Watch Them From A Safe Place

    Sometimes when you are moving around and constantly watching your back, you don’t have the focus or mind frame to try and figure out what your opponents are planning. If you are playing on one of AC Paintballs speedball fields, you may not be able to find a safe place to stop for a minute and observe. However, if you are playing on one of AC Paintball’s larger woodsball fields, you may have time to do so.

    1024px-thumbnailObserve things like their body language, how fast they are moving, and what direction they are moving. Do your best to figure out what they are doing. If you can easily eliminate them and you feel it is the best option, do so. If not, communicate with the rest of your team so they can decide what the next step should be. Just be careful not to stay in the same spot for too long. If one of your opponents is watching you, they may also be forming a plan to surround and eliminate you.

    Watch the AC Paintball Game Marshall

    An AC Paintball game marshall’s job is to fairly judge the game. This means getting closer to the action to get a better view. Knowing this can actually help you during your AC Paintball game. AC Paintball refs have seen many games and know how to observe patterns. They are fairly accurate at predicting when someone is going to fire. Therefore, if you watch the marshall, you may be able to tell what your opponents are up to. If a marshall comes near you during a game and you don’t notice opponents in the area, you may want to take a second look around.

    Stay On Your Toes and Be Ready To Adapt

    If your opponents put you in a tricky situation, you need to be ready to adapt. What you predict their actions will be, will not always turn out to be 100% accurate. Sometimes they will take the upper hand and put you on the run. However, you can combat this type of issue by improving your ability to think on your feet and adapt. The better you get at this skill, the better your chances will be of staying in the game.

    Capitalize on Unexpected Advantages

    Don’t be afraid to capitalize on unexpected advantages. While you want to keep the game honest and fair, you will also want to give your team the advantage whenever you can. Luck and chance are part of the game. If you don’t take advantage of certain situations, you may not give your team the game turning point they are looking for. Taking chances can be the difference between a win and a loss. However, if you are still concerned about unfair tricks, discuss the rules with everyone before your AC Paintball game. This way everyone can be on the same page.

  • Important Aspects That Affect the Outcome of a Paintball Game

    concept-1868728_960_720Everyone wants to win their AC Paintball game, but there are many elements that can affect your ability to do so. Each game will turn out differently. This is what makes paintball so interesting.

    While every little detail may affect your AC Paintball game in some way, some elements of the game will have more of an effect than others. By focusing on the larger aspects first, you can greatly improve your team’s chances at achieving victory. To help you think about what details you want to focus on, AC Paintball in southern New Jersey has compiled this list of some of the most important aspects to think about.

    Strategy

    The first step to success for almost anything is forming a well thought out plan. If you don’t know what you are doing, you will likely end up standing or wandering around while your opponents are busy eliminating you and the rest of your team. AC Paintball has a blog full of strategy tips and tricks that you can visit here: https://acpaintball.com/blog/. These blogs will help you organize your team and form a winning strategy.

    Combine Skill Levels

    Every paintball player on your team will have different skills. You may have professionals and beginners and then every experience level in between. If you bring a large group to AC Paintball, you will want to try and divide the skill levels evenly across your teams to keep the game fun and fair.

    While a single good player will make a difference during your AC Paintball game, a team is typically only as good as the team’s combined skill level. This is why it is important to support your teammates and help them improve their skills as well. If you notice a team member that could use some tips, help them out in a friendly and sportsmanlike manner.  

    Communication

    Paintball is a sport where you need information to be successful. The better your team can communicate and stay on the same page, the better you will do.

    Some of AC Paintball’s fields are large. Therefore, communicating can get tricky. Before your game, make sure all of your teammates know the plan and how your team plans for communicating. Make sure they know what various code words and hand signals mean. You may also find it helpful to use Walkie-Talkies.

    Equipment

    Ego08One of the most important choices you will make before your AC Paintball game even starts is what equipment you are going to use. If you have a low-quality marker or goggles, you may struggle to defend yourself and eliminate opponents.

    AC Paintball offers two quality guns to rent. These are the Tippmann 98 Custom and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. These are reliable guns that are fairly even with features. To choose the right equipment, think about what you have to do during the game and what equipment features will help you accomplish your goals. You can check out AC Paintball’s blog for more tips.

    Team’s Ability to Adapt

    As stated before, every AC Paintball game is different. Over time, you will face different opponents, play different positions, and experience different elements. You might be surprised at how much the weather can affect your game. When the game changes for any reason, you need to be able to adapt and change your strategy. You need to constantly stay on your toes and be ready to think of plans to tackle new challenges. If your team can master this skill, you will become a more difficult team to beat.

    The Drive To Win

    Even if you have a great strategy and everything else listed above, you need the drive to win. If you want something bad enough, typically you will be able to find a way to get it. If your team seems to be lacking drive, but you still want to win, find a way to inspire them. You could promise to buy ice cream if you win, play some pump up songs, or just give a great speech. When you inspire people, they will play better and have more success.

    If this blog has inspired you to test or improve your paintball skills, why not schedule a game? You can do so here: https://acpaintball.com/paintball-rental-equipment/.

  • Tips to Avoid Getting Eliminated

    texture3If you had to explain paintball in the simplest form possible, you would likely tell someone two rules: eliminate your opponents by hitting them with paintballs and don’t get hit yourself. While countless players will give you tips on how to aim and hit your opponents, it is also important to remember that avoiding getting hit is also a large part of the game. To help you avoid getting hit AC Paintball in southern New Jersey has compiled this list of helpful tips to help you avoid elimination.

    Analyze How Important You Are In the Game

    The first aspect you will want to think about is how important it is for you to stay in the game. If your team is low on players left or if you are playing a certain position, you will want to be more careful not to get hit. However, if your team has the upper hand, you may be more willing to sacrifice yourself by pulling off a risky move that will help lead your team to a win.

    Be Stealthy When Moving

    Probably the most obvious way to avoid getting hit is to be stealthy. If you draw too much attention toward yourself, you will become a target for one or more of your opponents. When you move, try to make as little noise as possible. This can be difficult when playing on one of AC Paintball’s wooded fields. Unless you know someone will spot you, walk slowly and walk heel-to-toe. Walking sideways may also be helpful. Plan your path out ahead of time and chose dirt or grass paths over areas with leaves, twigs, and other foliage.

    Keep Moving

    Not only will you want to be stealthy while moving, but you will want to keep moving. If you choose to stay in the same spot for too long, there is a chance that your opponents will be able to surround you or corner you. Then you will have nowhere to go and it will be more difficult to avoid elimination.

    Staying in motion is also helpful when you know someone is trying to eliminate you. It is more difficult to hit a moving target than it is to hit a still target. Try to be unpredictable with your movement and you may just avoid getting eliminated from your AC Paintball game.

    Use the Bunkers

    hiddenshotAs you continue to move, it is a good strategy to choose a path and hop from bunker to bunker. At AC Paintball the positions of the bunkers are carefully thought out for players to use strategically. If you study the field before the game, you may notice a good path you can take during the game and use it to your advantage. To learn how to use each type of bunker to your advantage, check out this AC Paintball blog: https://acpaintball.com/2016/12/21/different-ac-paintball-bunkers-and-how-to-use-them/.

    Wear Camouflage

    Another way to be stealthy is to camouflage yourself, especially when playing on one of AC Paintball wooded fields. Bright colors will stick out against your surroundings and make it easier for your opponents to spot you when you are trying to hide. Pay attention to your equipment as well, if your outfit is camouflage, but your mask, marker or sneakers are bright, they may still give you away. If you can’t find camouflage equipment, choose black or another dark color.  

    Be Quick and Eliminate Opponents Before They Eliminate You

    Another way to ensure you stay in the game is by eliminating your opponents before they shoot you. While it is good to try to hide and avoid getting hit, if you don’t be aggressive at all, you won’t make any progress. Without you seeking out your opponents to eliminate them as well, it just becomes a more intense version of hide-and-seek.

    Awareness of your surroundings is an important aspect in paintball. You need to be able to anticipate your opponent’s in the area so you can be ready to shoot them before they get you. When you have free time, practice your reaction time and awareness so you can do well during your next AC Paintball game.

  • Tips for Looking More Like a Pro When You Are a Beginner

    texture2When you first start out with any new activity, you likely won’t be as good as the professionals the first time you try. Paintball is no exception. Professionals have had years of practice and have learned dozens or even hundreds of tips and tricks. They know what aspects to pay attention to and how to look out for trouble.

    If you are a beginner among experienced players, however, you will likely want to play up to your teammates and opponents level. To do this, you have to do some research and learn some tips, tricks, and lessons beforehand. To help you accomplish this, AC Paintball in southern New Jersey has compiled this list of helpful tips.

    Choose Your Gear Carefully

    The first aspect you should understand is that your equipment can make a big difference. The first piece of equipment you should focus on is your marker. You will want one that is accurate so you are able to successfully eliminate your opponents. Next, you will want to find the right goggles. If the weather is rainy on the day you visit AC Paintball, rain can start to seep into your goggles if they are not tight to your head. This will affect your game by making it difficult to see. You may also want to consider a pair of goggles that are fog resistant.

    Also worth mentioning is clothing. Camouflage will help you hide while you are playing on AC Paintball’s wooded courses. Lightweight clothing will allow you to more easily throughout the day. Also, be sure to wear proper footwear. Sneakers typically work best.

    Aim Properly

    paintball-1278901_960_720If you can’t hit your target, you won’t be able to eliminate your opponents. This is why aiming properly is so important. When shooting, you should center your marker with your body. Look along the top of the barrel to see approximately where the paintball you are about to fire will go. It will also help you stay focused on your target while firing. If you change your focus, you may also change the direction of your aim.

    Also, be sure to test your marker before your AC Paintball game even starts. This way you can learn how to adjust your aim to help ensure you hit your target.

    Don’t Go Crazy with Rapid Fire

    When you are new to paintball, it is easy to get excited with your marker and want to fire rapidly at every opponent that comes your way. However, this is not always the best way to ensure you hit your target. Many markers recoil after you shoot them. This can throw off your aim. It is better to ensure that your first shot hits your target, rather than firing multiple shots that miss. Your supply of paintballs will also last longer this way.

    Be Aware

    The next aspect that can make a difference is your awareness. If you can sense opponents nearby and think ahead of how to deal with them, you can gain the upper hand. It is important to avoid tunnel vision. If you only focus on one thing, you may miss out on opponents nearby who are preparing to shoot at you.

    During your AC Paintball game, you should try to be aware of where your teammates, opponents and even the marshall is at all times. Marshalls typically move toward where they expect firing to happen so they can judge the event more accurately. If you see a marshall move to a certain spot, expect a battle to occur there and use the information to your advantage.

    Use Cover

    south jersey paintball fieldsIf you are standing out in the open, chances are, you won’t be in the AC Paintball game long. Be sure to use the bunkers. Don’t just stay behind the same bunker though. This will make it easier for your opponents to corner you. Try to keep moving from bunker to bunker. If you get stuck and can’t find a hiding space, run. It will be more difficult for your opponents to hit a moving target.

    Communicate

    One paintball aspect you will definitely want to research before you visit AC Paintball is the terminology. There are many different terms paintball players use to refer to different aspects of the game. If you don’t know what your teammates are talking about, you may struggle to help your team be successful.

    Once you know the terminology, be sure to use it and continually communicate throughout your AC Paintball game. Doing so will help your team work together well so you can win the game.

    Be Confident

    Finally, it is important to be confident. If you are timid, you will likely become an easy target. On the other hand, if you are confident, you will likely play better. You will also have to be a bit aggressive and daring. If you don’t take chances, your opponents will be able to predict your moves and use that information against you. Try to think out of the box and be unpredictable. Doing so will help you gain the upper hand in your AC Paintball game.

    Schedule an AC Paintball Game Now!

    Once you feel confident and ready to play, schedule a game at AC Paintball. You can test your skills and learn even more tips and tricks from the other players. Follow this link to schedule a game: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/.

  • Tips for Being a Middleman

    paintball-1282159_960_720In paintball, there are many different positions and each player has their own specific role. Middleman is one of the most exciting positions to play. There is almost always something to do and you see a lot of action.

    Middleman is an important role and there are many responsibilities you need to take care of. To help you be the best middleman you can be, AC Paintball has compiled this list of helpful tips to help you fulfill your role.

    Be Alert

    Every player on the AC Paintball field needs to be alert, but the middleman has to be ready for anything. The middle of the field is typically where teams will meet and begin to fire at each other. Be on the lookout for your opponents at all times and be ready to aim and fire quickly.

    Play Both Offense and Defense

    Middlemen are responsible for both providing cover fire for the frontmen and taking out opponents. When on the AC Paintball field, try to stay fairly close to the frontmen so you can get to them quickly if they need protection. Also, be ready to be aggressive and take out your opponents if you notice one nearby.

    Be Flexible

    Not only should you play both offense and defense as a middleman, but you should also be ready to take over other team members positions. If another important team member gets eliminated, someone will have to step up and fulfill their responsibilities.

    At times you may have to take care of both your responsibilities as a middleman and the responsibilities of whichever position has been eliminated. This is why it is important to know the roles of your teammates are assigned as well as your own. When planning for your AC Paintball game, your team should also determine who is responsible for taking over each teammates responsibilities in case someone is eliminated.

    Bonus Tip: Choosing a Middleman

    When choosing who will be a middleman for your AC Paintball game, try to choose players who are evenly skilled in many areas of paintball. This will make it easier for your team to adapt and transition as players are eliminated.

    Get Creative

    paintball-1139966_960_720If you want to give your team the upper hand, you’ll have to get creative. It is easy to just focus on shooting and defending yourself, but if you add a level of strategy to your AC Paintball game, you can make things more interesting. Try to think outside the box. Some things you can do include creating ambushed, forming traps, and performing diversions.

    Pay Attention to Communication

    Another important role of middlemen is communication. You are between the frontmen and the backmen and are responsible for getting messages from one side to the other. When one side is giving you a message, be sure to listen carefully and ask your teammate to repeat themselves if you need. When telling the message to another teammate, make sure you are loud (if possible), clear, and concise. It may also help to repeat yourself to help ensure your teammate understands.

    Choose a Balanced Gun

    Every position should choose a gun with features that complement the role they need to play. For instance, a sniper should have a marker that can shoot far and a frontman should choose a light gun that is easy to run with. For a middleman, a well-balanced gun would be one of the best choices. If any features stand out, a gun that can shoot rapidly would be useful when trying to defend frontmen as well as eliminate opponents.

    Practice

    The best way to improve your skills is to practice. AC Paintball in southern New Jersey offers five different paintball fields for you to practice your middleman skills on. If you would like to schedule a game, you can do so here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/.