• Tips for Communicating Across the AC Paintball Field

    soldier-160419_960_720Your team’s ability to communicate plays a large roll in the outcome of your AC Paintball game. Communication is an issue many teams struggle with not only in paintball but in other team sports as well. If players don’t let their teammates know what they are doing, they are more likely to run into problems that prevent the team from succeeding. Some paintball fields are large which makes communicating across it even more difficult, especially when your team is spread out and you need to make sure everyone knows what is going on.

    If you want to help your team achieve victory at AC Paintball, you should help make sure your team knows how to communicate well. To help you accomplish this, AC Paintball in southern New Jersey has compiled this list for communicating and relaying message across the field.

    What Is Important to Communicate?

    To start, it is important to know what type of information should be communicated. The three most common pieces of information are about movement and strategy changes, positioning, and kill counts. Your team should know what they are up against at all times.

    Movement and Strategy

    Your team should have an idea of what to expect moving forward. This way they can prepare themselves ahead of time and improve their chances of successfully executing their roles. Some examples of information you will want to let your teammates know include:

    • You want to move from one bunker to another.
    • You need backup.
    • You are out of paintballs.
    • You are going to deviate from the team’s original plans.

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    Positioning

    It is also important to know where both your teammates and your opponents are at all times. During an AC Paintball Speedball game where the field is small and open, it can be fairly easy to see where everyone is. However, during a Woodsball game, it is more difficult to see everyone and communication becomes more crucial.

    A good way to communicate where you are on the field is by splitting the field into nine different areas and assigning numbers to those areas. You can picture a keypad on a phone and order the areas in a similar fashion. For example, the back left corner of the AC Paintball field would be zone 1, the back middle would be zone 2, the back right would be zone 3, midfield on the left would be zone 4 and so on.

    Kill Counts

    It is always good to know how many players are left on your team, and how many players are left on your opponent’s team. One of the simplest ways to do this is similar to how you would report a score for various other sports. You give two numbers. The first is how many players are left on your team and the second is how many are left on the opponents team. So if your team has 7 players left and your opponents have 6, you would say 7-6.

    Develop a System

    Once you know what information needs to be communicated, you need to know how you are going to communicate it. You need to figure out how you will get the message from one side of the AC Paintball field to the other.

    One way to do this is a sort of snake pattern. Determine a communication order ahead of time, based on where each player will be positioned on the field. Then have each position responsible for communicating the message to the next person in line until the message reaches the opposite end of the field. When using this method, be sure that players know the order of other teammates around them just in case someone gets eliminated.

    Make Sure Your Message is Short and Clear

    One problem that can often occur while trying to communicate with your team is players not fully understanding one another. It can be just like playing whisper down the alley where the message starts out meaning one thing, but as it is retold each time the message can be changed to be something totally different. You need to make sure your message is clear. Some good ways to accomplish this are to be loud (when appropriate), keep the message concise, and repeat the message.

    Don’t Give Away Important Info to the Other Team

    paintball-1282160_960_720While it is good to be loud to make sure your teammates can hear you, you also have to think about your opponents. You don’t want them learning important information that they can use against you. Therefore, you should develop a quiet communication system you can use to send messages across the AC Paintball field. Here are three common quiet communication systems you can use.

    Hand Signals

    Body language is a communication system that nearly everyone understands. If you point, you want someone to look at something, if you wave your hand in a certain direction you want the person to move in that direction, and if you hold up a fist or a flat vertical hand, you want someone to stop what they are doing. You can also create some unique hand motions for your team that only they will understand. Just make sure you don’t create so many that it becomes difficult to remember them all.

    Code Words

    Code words can be used a bit more loudly than the other communication systems. Their advantage is they mean something that is only understood by your team, at least to start. Your opponents can catch on to what code words mean, so you should only use them sparingly. When using code words pick something somewhat arbitrary that means something associated to paintball. For instance, the term “fox” could mean that you spotted an opponent hiding somewhere.

    Walkie-Talkies

    Walkie-Talkies are one of the best ways to be fairly quiet while getting a message across the AC Paintball field. They are useful when the rest of your teammates are not within your viewing range. However, there are some things to watch out for. It is good to use it somewhat sparingly just in case a teammate is trying to communicate something important and you are preventing them from doing so. You will also want to be careful that you don’t accidentally hold the talk button down while crawling or leaning against something.

    Practice at AC Paintball

    Finally, you will want to practice. The best way to improve your communication system is to keep trying to use it and correcting issues that you find. Team building exercises can also be helpful to allow your team to get to know each other better. This way they are more comfortable talking to each other and understand how each other thinks. If you are ready to practice communicating with your team, schedule a session at AC Paintball now!

    September 27, 2017

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  • Tips for Choosing Paintball Goggles

    paintball birthdayWhen choosing gear for a paintball game, many players focus on choosing the right marker. While the marker is one of the most important choices to make, you should think carefully about your mask or goggle choice as well. After all, the mask does protect your eyes and the rest of your face. Protecting your face is more important than hitting your target. 

    Safety is a primary concern at AC Paintball. It is important to keep your mask on at all times while there is a game being played on the field. With this in mind, you want to make sure that you choose the right mask. That is why AC Paintball in Williamstown, New Jersey has compiled this list of tips for choosing the right goggles.

    Price

    Price is always something to consider when buying anything. Sometimes the price carries a lot of weight in your decision and other times it is less of a priority. When it comes to paintball goggles, the price should not be too much of a concern. You will want a priority mask that will protect your face when paintballs are flying towards you at high speeds.

    Comfort

    Unlike price, comfort should be high on your priority list, especially since you will be wearing it for the majority of your four-hour paintball session at AC Paintball. Here are some aspects you will want to consider when thinking about comfort.

    Cushioning– Some masks use foam and others just use a rubber gasket. Think about how often you play at AC Paintball and how important being comfortable is you and choose wisely.

    Weight– If your mask is heavy, it can take a toll on your neck after a while. You want to focus on hitting your target and not how much your neck is aching. If other aspects aren’t as important to you, definitely consider a lightweight mask.

    Fit– Think about how secure the goggles are to your head. Are they tight to your face or do they feel like they may fall down? Some brands have silicone beads on the strap to hold the sizing slider in place so the mask doesn’t continually loosen and start to slip off your face.

    When you have a comfortable mask, you can focus your game and be your best.

    Lenses and Frames

    pintball-918086_960_720There are many different types of goggles on the market. Each one provides a different view and various advantages. Lenses come in various sizes and can give you a wider or taller view. Some lenses are flat while others are curved. Some goggles have anti-fog lenses and others provide enough room for you to wear glasses under your mask.

    There are also different levels of coverage. Some just cover the face, others also cover the ears, and some come with a visor. Many AC Paintball beginners prefer a mask with more coverage. You should think about what features are most important to you and choose a mask that best matches those preferences.

    Durability

    When paintballs are hitting you at high speeds, you want a mask that can stand up against that force without breaking. If you plan on playing at AC Paintball fairly often, you mask will also experience wear and tear over time. When choosing a pair of goggles pay attention to the material it is made of. The more durable mask you choose, the longer it will last.

    Aesthetics

    Aesthetics are usually low on the priority list, but it is still an aspect you will want to consider. Think about what type of game you plan on playing at AC Paintball. If you are going to play woodsball, you will want to choose a mask that is either camouflaged or a dark color. This way you won’t stick out when you are trying to hide. If you are playing speedball you have more freedom something bright and flashy that you can show off to your friends.

    AC Paintball’s Rentals

    If you don’t plan on playing paintball that often, AC Paintball offers two different mask models for rent. The first is Tippmann brand and provides a visor to help block the sun from getting in your eyes. The other is Valken brand and does not have a visor, but may give you more range of vision. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right equipment, a member of the AC Paintball staff would be happy to help you.

    September 21, 2017

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  • 5 Tips to Improve Your Focus

    meditate-1851165_960_720AC Paintball games can get pretty overwhelming at times. There are many aspects to think about as well as plenty of distractions. There are always markers firing loudly, people yelling, weather elements making things difficult, and more. It can be easy to lose your focus. Unfortunately, losing focus can negatively affect your game. If you aren’t paying attention for just a minute, an opponent can sneak up on you and hit you. Before you know it you’re out of the game.

    Fortunately, there are ways to improve your focus so that you don’t get sidetracked in the heat of the moment. All it takes is some practice and determination. To help you practice focus for your next AC Paintball tips, we have compiled this list of popular techniques you can use to help zone in on what is important.

    Take Care of Outside Problems Beforehand

    AC Paintball is a place where you can escape the stresses of the outside world and just focus on having fun for a while. If possible, you should take care of any potential stressors before coming to AC Paintball so you can just relax and have some fun. You don’t want to be thinking about homework you have to do or bills you have to pay while you also trying to focus on winning the game. When you’re at AC Paintball, you are off the clock.

    Visualize The Game

    The unknown is a common source of anxiety for many people. When you don’t know what to expect, you may think of various things that can go wrong. Instead, you should have confidence and think of what can go right. One way to accomplish this is trying to visualize the game beforehand. Walk around the AC Paintball field and picture yourself being away and reacting in a flash so you can create the outcome you want. Solve any problems before they even occur.

    If you are new to the game, do some research or ask more experienced players what to expect. They will likely give you some good advice. Once you have a plan, you can go into your AC Paintball game confident and focused.

    paintball-1278901_960_720Don’t Overthink

    Overthinking is one of the easiest ways to lose focus and start making mistakes. For instance, you may be trying to decide if you should shoot or not, but by the time you decide it is too late. Most times, the best strategy is to just go with your gut and not second guess yourself. Your first instincts are usually right. 

    One way to avoid overthinking is to know what to focus on. Think about what aspects you can control and focus on them. If you have no control over something, it isn’t worth worrying about. If you happen to make a mistake, put it behind you and just focus on what you have to do to get back on track.

    Find a Way To Relax

    If you do start overthinking or get too scatterbrained, try to relax. When you are relaxed, you can think more clearly about how to solve problems and accomplish your goals. If possible, find a safe bunker or a corner of the AC Paintball field where you can take a minute to calm down. Once you find have a few seconds, you can try taking some deep breaths and go to a place in your mind where you can refocus. Once you settle down a little go back out and achieve victory.

    Use a Song or Mantra

    Songs or mantras can also be useful at helping you stay focused throughout the entire game. A repetitive beat will help you focus on aspects you want to focus on. For instance, if you are playing capture-the-flag at AC Paintball and you keep saying “get the flag” over and over again in your head to the beat, you will likely stay more focused on getting the flag. You won’t waste time and energy thinking about other things and you will just do what you have to do.

    When choosing a song or beat, make sure it is upbeat, powerful, and inspires you. This will help give you the extra drive to accomplish your goals.

    September 14, 2017

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  • Deciding When To Shoot and When Not To Shoot

    1200px-USMC-100806-M-8289C-012Paintball is a game of strategy and decision-making. You have to be constantly analyzing your surroundings and constantly thinking about your next move. One of the most important skills you will need is knowing when to shoot and when not to shoot. Taking a shot at the wrong time can make things harder for you and your team. Yet, not taking a shot when you have the chance can bug you for the rest of your game.

    No AC Paintball game or situation is ever the same. You have to judge each shooting chance individually. This may sound difficult, but AC Paintball is here to help with some questions you can ask yourself to help determine whether or not you should shoot.

    What Are Your Chances of Hitting Your Target?

    The first aspect you will want to consider when deciding if you should shoot is your chance of hitting your target. In this case, you need to think about your skills, the distance between you and the target, and what obstacles are in your way. If you are far away with some obstacles in the way, you may want to wait and get a bit closer, unless you are very confident in your skills. On the other hand, if you have a clear shot, you will want to take it while you can.

    Will You Give Away Your Position?

    If you are playing on one of AC Paintball’s woodsball courses, hiding and stealth become a more important aspect of the game. In this case, you will want to choose your shots more carefully, especially if you are a sniper.

    Consider your team’s strategy and observe what else is happening in the area. If you have an important role and will give away your position, you will likely want to wait. Yet if successfully eliminating your target will give your team an advantage, you may want to take the shot, even if you end up getting eliminated yourself.

    paintball-1139966_960_720How Many Are in the Area?

    Numbers are definitely something to consider in an AC Paintball game. If you are one person shooting at a group, you will likely get shot back at and get eliminated. However, if you are in a group and have more teammates around than your target opponent, you will likely want to take the shot.

    Before the game, your team should think carefully about traveling in numbers. It can be advantageous to have some backup, but the larger the group, the bigger the target. In many cases traveling in small groups of two and three is the best choice.

    How Important Is the Player You Are Shooting At?

    With all of the previous questions taken into consideration, you will also want to judge the importance of your target player. If your target player isn’t much of a threat and other conditions tell you not to shoot, it is likely better to wait. On the other hand, if the target player is important or making it difficult for your team to win, you may want to take the chance and shoot at them.

    How Much Ammo Do You Have?

    This aspect may seem like a given but is still worth mentioning. You should always keep an eye on how much ammo you have left. You don’t want to get caught in the middle of an AC Paintball game without a way to defend yourself. Before the game starts, make sure you know how much ammo you have and plan your shooting strategy accordingly.

    Make Your Decision Quickly

    While there are many aspects to consider before shooting, you need to make your decision quickly. You may not be able to consider all of these at the moment you need to decide, but with some practice, you will improve. Learn to trust your instincts and do what you feel is best at the moment.

    Another helpful technique is to imagine and decide what you would do in various situations before the game even starts. This way, when you notice a similar situation during an AC Paintball game, you already know what you want to do.

    August 31, 2017

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  • Aspects to Consider When Creating a Strategy for an AC Paintball Game

    board-2449726_960_720If you need help creating a strategy for your next paintball game, AC Paintball in southern New Jersey is here to help with this list of aspects you will want to take into account. Once you know what you are up against, you can more easily choose the best course of action.

    Your Team

    The first aspect you should consider is your team. Figure out what your team can bring to the table. Here are some questions you will want to find answers to.

    How many members are on the team?

    If you only have a few members, you may want to play more on the safe side as each player means more to the team. However, if you have a large team, you can be more daring and plan ambushes.

    What is each player’s skill level?

    Before you start your AC Paintball game, ask your teammates how experienced they are. One good strategy is to pair off more experienced players with less experienced players. This way you always have someone at each position who can lead the others. This tactic helps create balance on your team and help avoid having weak areas.

    What are your strengths?

    When you are planning a strategy, you may want to ask everyone what their strengths are and what they can bring to the team. Knowing this will help with choosing positions. For instance, if someone is a fast runner, you may want to place them as a Frontman. If they are an accurate shooter, a sniper may be the best position. Knowing your team’s overall strengths can also help you gain an advantage over your opponents.

    What are your weaknesses?

    Just as important as knowing your strengths is knowing your weaknesses. Determining this can allow you to plan to avoid problems that you may run into due to that weakness. For instance, if your team lacks speed, you can travel in larger groups to help protect each other and stay in the AC Paintball game.  

    Your Opponents

    Gauge Your Opponents

    While you may not be able to ask your opponent’s the same questions that you ask your team, you can try to gauge them based on what you already know. If you know a certain opponent is going to carry their team, you may want to create a plan to try and eliminate them early in the game.

    Even if you do not know your opponents well, you can watch them during your AC Paintball game and determine who you may want to target. Be sure to set up a communication system with your team to inform each other of changed plans and strategies.

    Try to Predict Their Strategy

    If you get an idea of what your opponents’ strategy will be, you can figure out ways to counteract their plan. Think about what your plan would be if you were facing your team. If you can prevent them from gaining an advantage, you can improve your team’s chances of being victorious.

    The Field

    10658860_496608440479653_4244368542241473132_oBunker Positioning

    AC Paintball’s bunker set up is not arbitrary. Each bunker position is carefully thought out and can be part of your winning strategy. Before your AC Paintball game, you should take a walk around the field and try to notice how the bunkers work together. You can even create a strategy to move safely across the field.

    Coverage

    Once you know where the bunkers are and what your teammates’ strengths are, you can figure out how your team should be positioned on the field. You will want your team to cover the field well, but still be safe from elimination.

    One common strategy teams use at AC Paintball is splitting into three groups. One team travels up the left side of the field, another travels up the right, and the other group goes up the middle. However, if there is a path up the middle you may want your center group to travel a bit off the path to avoid becoming an easy target.

    Game Type

    Goal of the Game

    Finally, you will want to consider the goals of the game. Are you trying to capture a flag, eliminate opponents, or defend a specific player? The strategy will can change drastically based on what you have to do to win the AC Paintball game.

    If you are playing speedball, you may shoot more often to ensure you eliminate your opponents quickly. On the other hand, if you are playing capture-the-flag you will likely focus less on eliminating opponents and more on capturing your opponent’s flag while also defending your own. Once you know you know what your team needs to accomplish to win the game, you can choose your strategy wisely to ensure you accomplish your goals.

    August 23, 2017

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  • AC Paintball’s Tips for Shooting

    paintball-1278899_960_720One of the most important skills you will use during an AC Paintball game is shooting. If you can’t hit your target, you won’t be able to eliminate your opponents or defend yourself. Becoming an accurate shooter can make you more valuable to your team. With this in mind, there are multiple aspects to think about when trying to improve your shooting skills. AC Paintball is here to help with these tips and aspects to think about when practicing and improving your skills.

    Choose the Right Marker

    The first step to making sure your shooting is accurate, is to choose the right marker. Every gun is a bit different. Some can shoot farther while others can rapid fire faster than others. They also come in different styles, weights, shapes, and more. When trying to choose the right gun for you, you should consider your skills, position, and the game you are playing.

    AC Paintball rents two different markers, the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker, and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. You can find a comparison of the two here: https://acpaintball.com/2016/04/28/tippmann-custom-marker-vs-valken-marker/. You can also find tips for choosing the right marker for different types of games in AC Paintball’s blog. By learning to choose the right gun, you can improve your ability to eliminate opponents and contribute to your team.

    When and How Often

    The next thing you should determine is when to shoot and how often. While firing your marker is fun, you don’t want to waste ammo. Firing your gun at the wrong time can also give away your position. When on the AC Paintball fields, try to be aware of who is around and what your team’s strategy needs you to do.

    The amount you should shoot depends on your position and in-game situation. For instance, if you are a sniper trying to take your one opponent, you may only want to fire one or two shots. However, if you are part of the infantry defending a frontman against multiple opponents, you will want to fire rapidly. You will need to analyze each situation individually and fire the amount you find appropriate. The more you practice at AC Paintball, the better you will get at making the right decisions quickly.

    Posture

    sideshotHaving the right posture can help improve your aim. During an AC Paintball game, your posture may be slightly different depending on if and where you are trying to hide and if you need to be ready to move quickly. For the most part, though, you should be in a comfortable position, facing forward as much as possible, and with your marker close to the center of your body. While certain situations may call for you to shoot in a different position, this posture will typically provide the best results.

    Aim

    Once you have decent posture, you can aim your marker. Before you start your AC Paintball game, it is a good idea to take a couple practice shots. This way you can get a feel for your marker and learn how to adjust your aim for the game. To determine approximately where your paintball will go, look along the top of the barrel.

    During the game, try to observe how your gun is positioned and where the paintball goes. Try to continually learn and adjust so you can improve your overall accuracy.

    Adjusting to Elements

    The different types of southern New Jersey weather can also affect your ability to shoot accurately. For instance, rain can dissolve the outer coating of the paintball which causes it to leave the barrel and fly differently. Cold weather can also cause the velocity of the paintball to fluctuate. When the weather is affecting your shooting, it is important to take extra care when adjusting your aim.

    For more tips on adjusting your game to weather conditions, check out this AC Paintball blog: https://acpaintball.com/2017/02/20/adapting-your-paintball-game-to-the-weather/.

    Practice

    Once you determine what shooting aspects you want to work on, all that is left to do is practice. AC Paintball offers five different courses you can practice on. This includes both Woodsball and Speedball courses. If you would like to schedule a game, you can do so here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/. You may also want to consider signing up for AC Paintball’s yearly membership. This way you can save on paintballs as you practice.

    August 16, 2017

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  • Tips for Introducing Your Friend to Paintball

    pokemon-1553995_960_720Introducing another friend or family is a great way to bond with them. You can get away from your electronic devices, get a good workout, and blow off some steam from daily stresses. Some of your friends may get nervous when they hear you ask them to join you though. However, if you can persuade them to give it a try, they may find out that they love it!

    The key is to make their first time playing as fun and enjoyable as possible. Try to make it even better than your first time. AC Paintball in southern New Jersey is here to help with these tips to help you accomplish this task.

    Explain What They Can Expect Their First Time

    Think about times in your life when you have had to do something completely new that you knew little to nothing about. You may have been nervous about unexpected problems popping up or making a big mistake. If your friend is a beginner, it is a good idea to let them know what to expect. Tell them about your first time playing, what you learned, and how they can avoid common mistakes.

    You can even choose an AC Paintball field and game type ahead of time. Show them the field and explain the specific of the game. By getting them into the right mindset, they will be more confident to give paintball a try.

    Attend to Their Concerns

    Your friend may have other concerns other than not knowing what to expect. Be sure to let them vent and help them quell any fears by being supportive. If they are nervous about the pain of getting hit, tell them to wear thick clothing or padding. AC Paintball also has rules and regulations in place to help ensure player’s safety.  You can also let them that they will get used to it.  Paintball may look dangerous, but it actually sees fewer injuries than other popular sports.

    If they are concerned about not being good their first time, let them know that many players make mistakes their first time. That is how you learn and get better. You can also give them some of your tips so they feel like they are ahead of the game. People tend to like doing things they are good at so if your tips make them play well, they may end up liking paintball more.

    Show Them Why You Think Paintball is Fun

    Think about why you like paintball so much. What aspects make it fun to you? Chances are if someone is your friend, you probably have similar tastes and interests. So if you show them what you like about playing at AC Paintball, they may learn to like it as well.

    paintball bacheloretteAlso, almost any experience is more fun when you are with someone who is enjoying themselves. Moods can be contagious, so if you smile and laugh, your good mood may rub off on them. Then they will associate that fun with playing paintball and want to play with you more often.

    Include Things They Like

    Think about your friend’s other interests and try to incorporate those interests into their first AC Paintball game. For example, if they are competitive, give them a challenge during the game. You can even add prizes or bets. If you have a little money to spare have the loser buy the winner dinner or ice cream after the game. If not, just play for titles such as MVP, Best Sniper, or something silly like a largest welt award.

    If they are stylish, let them design or choose a uniform to play in. If they like capture-the-flag or certain scenarios, try to work it into your game. Make up crazy rules to follow and personalize the AC Paintball game to their tastes.

    Bring Other Friends They Are Comfortable With

    One of the reasons you may be trying to get your friend involved is because you want someone familiar to play with. Likewise, adding other people your friend is familiar with will also help them feel more comfortable.

    Playing with people you don’t know can be intimidating for some, especially if they have to play against professional players. Try to play with others on your friend’s level. If you can’t find anyone else to join you and your friend, you can always make friends with other players and staff. The more friends you make, the more fun you can have playing at AC Paintball in Williamstown, New Jersey.

    July 27, 2017

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  • 7 Ways to Stay Cool on a Hot Day at AC Paintball

    refreshment-438399_960_720At AC Paintball in Williamstown, New Jersey a little heat doesn’t stop us from playing paintball. However, it is still important to take measures to cool down when the temperature hits 90 degrees and above. Doing so will help make sure you have the energy you need to play multiple games. There are a variety of ways to stay cool when it is hot as an oven outside and AC Paintball has compiled this list to help you do so.

    Stay Hydrated

    Your most important concern should be staying hydrated. During your AC Paintball game, your body will sweat a lot to try and cool you down. You need to continually replenish your body with water so that you don’t get dehydrated. This will also help you avoid cramps or feeling dizzy.

    It is a good idea to avoid caffeine and alcohol before playing out in the hot sun. If you want to help make sure your water stays cold bring a cooler or try freezing the water bottle ahead of time. Be careful not to overfill the water bottle if you choose the second option. Water expands when frozen and you don’t want to crack your water bottle.

    Eat Lighter Snacks

    Light foods will also help you keep hydrated. Some healthy options are fruits, vegetables, granola bars, and low-fat dairy. Unlike greasy and heavy foods, these foods will now weigh you down and make you feel sluggish. This will also help ensure you are energized and comfortable while you are running around AC Paintball’s fields.

    Wear Breathable Clothing

    Before driving to AC Paintball, you will definitely want to consider the weather and choose an appropriate outfit to wear. When it is hot, you will want to choose a fabric that can breathe like cotton or other athletic wear. You will also want to avoid black and dark colors as they attract more sun. Instead, wear bright and light colors.

    While you may want to wear short sleeves to help beat the heat, don’t forget to consider safety and your tolerance for getting hit with paintballs. If you are not used to playing paintball, longer sleeves and padding can help cushion the blow.

    Bring a Fan and Spray Bottle

    There is a reason why many amusement parks sell spray bottles with battery-powered fans. They are a great way to help you stay cool. Like your sweat, spraying water on your body helps to lower your body’s temperature. The fan helps circulate the air and provides a breeze to do the same. Even if you don’t have a spray bottle or battery-powered fan, simply fanning yourself with a piece of paper can help.

    Get a Cool Cloth

    paintball-1278899_960_720Many online sources and department stores sell cooling cloths that are hyper-absorbent and can help you stay cool. Before you come to AC Paintball, you can soak the cloth in water, roll it up, put it in its container, and store it in a cooler. Then when you need it you can take it out and hang it around your neck or lay it on your body. Within minutes you will cool down and be ready to go for another AC Paintball game.

    These cloths are typically affordable, but placing a wet towel, ice, or a cool drink on your neck can also work as an alternative.

    Come Out of the Sun Every Once In a While

    AC Paintball’s sessions are each 3-4 hours long. You can play quite a bit of paintball in that time. However, you don’t want to spend all four hours straight out in the blazing sun. You will want to come in and get out of the shade every once in a while to give yourself a break. If your games are short, you may want to take a break every two games. If your games are long, you may want to take a break after each game.

    Taking a break also provides a chance to snack, rehydrate, apply sunscreen and take care of any other needs.

    Choose an AC Paintball Morning Session

    Finally, you will want to take the time of day into consideration as well. The sun is usually the highest and hottest in the early afternoon. If you think too much heat will make playing difficult for you, you may want to choose AC Paintball’s morning session that runs from 9 am – 12 pm. This way you will be able to play while the sun is lower and finish before the sun gets too high. If you would like to schedule a morning session, you can do so here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/.

    July 9, 2017

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  • Best Strategies for Speedball

    new jersey speedball paintball fieldOne of the most popular games, if not the most popular game at AC Paintball is Speedball. We offer two speedball courses in southern New Jersey. The first is the Speedball Tournament Field which meets tournament standards, and various types of bunkers. The other is the Hyperball Field which is AC Paintball’s smallest field which makes for fast and intense games.

    Once you pick a field, you need to start strategizing. Every game is different depending on what field you choose, what game you choose, the layout of the field, and the players. You need to take all of these aspects into consideration when creating a plan. However, there are some basic strategies that apply to most speedball games. So, check out AC Paintball’s tips below!

    Make a Plan

    When you start making a plan, you will want to walk around AC Paintball’s field and pay attention to the layout of the bunkers. Figure out what each player will be in charge of and choose a path of bunkers each player can move to. Make a strategy for early in the game, mid game, and late game.  You may also want to create a backup plan.  This way you won’t run into each other or increase the chance of running into other issues.

    When everyone knows what they are in charge of and can follow a specific plan, you will increase your chances of winning the game. There is potential that you will need to make adjustments based on what your opponents do. As long as you communicate those changes, you can still be successful.

    Start Eliminating Early

    paintball-1282159_960_720AC Paintball’s speedball games move fast. You need to take action early in the game if you want to gain the upper hand against your opponents. To accomplish this, you will want to start eliminating as soon as possible. As soon as the game starts, try to catch your opponents off guard. Many of them may be focused on getting to their planned location.  However, if your team focuses on elimination instead, you may be able to decrease your opponent’s numbers. This can give you an advantage for the rest of the game.

    You may want to use your back players to focus on this task. That way the frontman and other players can focus on strategizing and moving up the field. This can also work as cover fire so your frontman can move safely up the field.

    Protect Important Players

    Since AC Paintball’s speedball fields are smaller, you have a better chance of getting hit. Therefore, you will want to watch your teammates back more often. If you have a specific player trying to pull off a risky move, make sure they have someone to follow them up the field as cover.

    Teamwork is an important part of paintball. If your team can work together and communicate, you will increase your chance of achieving victory. Your team’s ability to coordinate with each other can be the difference between winning and losing.

    Shooting

    Compared to most woodsball or scenario games, speedball involves more shooting. You will need to shoot often to both defend yourself and take out as many opponents as you can. Be sure you have enough supply of paintballs before starting a speedball game. If you join AC Paintball’s membership program you can save on every case of paintballs (2000 balls) you purchase.

    Another helpful shooting technique it to snap shoot from behind the bunkers. Stay behind your bunker and use it to take cover. When you notice a good chance to shoot, quickly poke your head out, aim, and fire. Then immediately take cover again. This will help you stay protected, but allow you to eliminate players.

    Moving

    Not only will you want to shoot often, but you will want to move around often as well. If you stay in the same place for too long, you risk the chance of getting surrounded and eliminated. This is why it is important to plan a path ahead of time. Hop from bunker to bunker when you can do so safely.

    If you are ready to book a speedball game at AC Paintball, you can do so here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/. You can also check out our blog for more tips and helpful information: https://acpaintball.com/blog/.

    June 27, 2017

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  • AC Paintball Strategies for Rainy Days

    leaf-93163_960_720Even if you tell the rain to stay away on the day of your AC Paintball game, it doesn’t always listen. When this happens, you have to figure out how to adjust your game so you can help lead your team to victory. If you are fairly new to paintball, this task can seem overwhelming, especially if you haven’t mastered playing on a sunny day.

    Unless you have serious concerns, though, a little rain shouldn’t keep you from playing. By doing some research beforehand, the rain can actually help level the playing field for beginners playing against more experienced players. If you need some tips for adjusting your strategy for a rainy day in southern New Jersey, AC Paintball is here to help!

    Wear the Right Clothing

    Believe it or not, choosing the right clothes is part of strategizing. When you choose the right clothing and equipment, you can have an advantage over those who fail to plan. For rainy days you will want shoes that provide good traction. Sneakers are a popular choice. You may also want to wear something that will not soak up water, like a poncho or rain jacket. Check out the blog post below for more tips on preparing for a rainy day at AC Paintball.

    Planning for Playing Paintball in the Rain

    Move Slowly

    AC Paintball cares about our customers and their safety. With this in mind, you will want to take extra care when moving about the field. The ground gets slippery when wet, especially in spots with paint splatters. If you follow the clothing tips above, you should have a decent advantage over those who fail to prepare.

    Mobility is a key factor to success in paintball. If you can move around well, you can sneak up on opponents and dive behind bunkers more easily. Also, be aware that you may slide when diving behind a bunker. You don’t want to misjudge your momentum and get hurt or hit by an opponent. If you can learn to adjust to the terrain well, you will gain an advantage over many of the other players.

    Get Closer to Your Opponents

    When the rain gets on or inside your mask, it can be difficult to see. Getting water in your gun will also change how the paintballs leave your barrel and fly. Both of these factors will affect your ability to hit your target. The best way to ensure accuracy is to get closer to your opponent. This way you can see them better and the paintball will have less time to be affected by the elements. Also, be prepared for the rain to make a more intense, yet comical game.

    Stay Close to Your Team

    paintball-1449870_960_720Not only will you want to stay close to your opponents, but you will want to stay close to your team as well. On at sunny day at AC Paintball, some players prefer to spread out so they can cover more ground. However, when it rains, takes more time to get to your teammates if they need backup. Therefore, it is smart to stay close when it rains so you can keep an eye out for each other. Just don’t stand so close that you become an easier target for opponents.

    Use Bunkers More Often

    When it is a sunny day at AC Paintball, it is advantageous to move around more. If you don’t move around it is easier for opponents to take you out. However, in the rain moving around provides more chances to get hurt. While you don’t want to avoid moving at all, you may choose to move around less than usual. Be patient and let your opponents move towards you. When they come into view they will have to adjust their aim to hit you while you can adjust ahead of time and hit them first.

    Stay Confident

    Finally, stay confident. Many AC Paintball players do not care for rainy paintball because it is more difficult to move, see, and aim. The key is not to let the weather discourage you. If you let the rain be a problem, it will be. However, if you stay positive and welcome the challenge, you will find it much easier to succeed.

    June 20, 2017

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