• 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.

    paintball-1282158_960_720

    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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 5 Reasons to Choose AC Paintball for a Date

    couple-1210023_960_720Looking for a unique date idea in the Williamstown, New Jersey area? AC Paintball is an out-of-the-box outing idea that will show your date that you are creative and imaginative. If you have been sticking mostly to the typical date ideas such as dinner and movies, paintball can help you shake up your routine and give your relationship and extra spark.

    See Your Dates Personality

    An AC Paintball date is a great way to learn more about your date’s personality. Since paintball is a team sport, you will get to see how they interact with and treat others. You will also get to see how they interact in a competitive environment or under pressure. Seeing how your date interacts when it’s not just the two of you can help you judge if they are someone you want to build a relationship with.

    Gives You More to Talk About

    Sometimes dates can get awkward. If you are just sitting alone at a table, you have to continually find something new to talk about. If you are lucky, you and your date will click and talking will be easy. However, if you can’t find something to talk about, your date will drag on with awkward small talk.

    A date at AC Paintball can help eliminate the awkward small talk. Paintball is a sport that requires a lot of communication, so there is always something to talk about. If you are on the same team, you can communicate about your strategies and compliment each other on nice shots. If you are on opposite teams, you can try some flirtatious smack talk.

    Good for Highly Active Couples

    birthday paintball NJWhile some couples are happy to sit around, talk, and play card or board games, others want to get up and move around. AC Paintball is a great date choice for active couples. You are constantly running around, carrying your marker, and perform various stunts to avoid getting hit by a paintball. You can get a workout, all while having fun with your date.

    It’s Thrilling

    A paintball date is much more thrilling than the average date. It gets your heart beating and your adrenaline pumping. If you take your date to AC Paintball, they will likely think you are exciting and inspiring. They may even associate their fast beating heart with the feeling of being in love.

    Remember when you were in elementary school and someone picking on you meant they liked you? A paintball date can work the same way. You can flirt with each other by picking on each other throughout the game. Many people find it sexy and attractive when you show your competitive side, so you can impress your date by being bold and daring. If you want to add more to the stakes, make a bet where the loser buys dinner.

    Introduce Your Date to Your Friends and Family

    While you may want to keep your first two dates to just the two of you, paintball is a great date for later in the relationship. You can use an AC Paintball date as a chance to introduce your date to your friends and family. You can find out how your date gets along with your friends and learn what your friends think of your date. Paintball is a great way for people to bond and get to know one another. You can bring together the people you care about most for a fun-filled day.

    Schedule Your AC Paintball Date Now!

    If a paintball date sounds like a perfect date for you, schedule a game now! AC Paintball is located just a short drive away from the beach, so you can have an action-packed day, then relax on the beach. AC Paintball rents all the equipment you may need so you don’t have to worry about planning out every single detail like some other date ideas. You are sure to impress your date with this unique and exhilarating date idea.

  • Common Misconceptions about Paintball

    close-eyes-1879094_960_720Most sports and hobbies come with a variety of expectations about the activities themselves and the people who participate in that activity.  While some of these expectations may be true, others are merely misconceptions. Paintball is no exception. There are multiple stereotypes surrounding paintball.

    AC Paintball in southern New Jersey is here to contest these misconceptions. Below are some common beliefs about paintball and its players that are either completely false or not entirely true.

    It’s Dangerous and Violent

    With paintball markers closely resembling guns, some may be quick to associate paintball with danger and violence. However, paintball actually has few reported injuries compared to other popular sports such as soccer, basketball, hockey, and football.

    While guns may fire paintballs quickly, it is rare for players to endure a serious injury. With the use of some padding, players can soften the blow and help protect themselves from bruises. Even without padding, players can build up their resistance to bruises by strengthening their muscle tissue.

    AC Paintball also has many rules and regulations in place to help ensure the safety of our players. Referees provided by AC Paintball will also help ensure that all players are following these rules.

    It Is a Male Dominated Sport

    When picturing a paintball player, many people may likely picture a male first. In fact, many extreme sports are typically thought of as being male-dominated. However, this is not the case. While a large percentage of paintball players may be males, female interest is growing quickly.

    Both males and females can be skilled players and many talented female players visit AC Paintball on a daily basis. We have also hosted many bachelorette parties for thrill-seeking bridal parties. Being a girl should never stop you from playing paintball if it is something you are interested in, so don’t let anyone stop you if it is something you want to give a try.

    Having Cool Gear or Lack of Padding Makes You a Pro

    Paintball gear can get expensive. With that in mind, some may think that the cooler the gear you have, the more likely you are to be a pro. This is not always the case. Some people buy fancy equipment just because they want to. The look of the gear may just be an important aspect to them.

    paintball-2220450_960_720Others are happy just to rent their equipment, but this does not mean they aren’t good players. Just because a player rents gear from AC Paintball, doesn’t mean they won’t be the toughest opponent you have ever faced. You have to stay on your toes and be ready for anything.  Just like you can’t judge a book by its cover, you shouldn’t judge a player based on their gear.

    Experienced Players Hate Beginners

    While there may always be a few experienced players who prefer to play only with other professional players, most experienced players are happy to help out beginners. Most players would be happy to provide tips and tricks to players who are just starting out. Helping others makes players feel useful and is a good way to make friends. At AC Paintball we all share a common interest in paintball and are happy to help interest in the sport grow and thrive.

    You Have to Stick with an Archetype

    When it comes to sports, many athletes are put into specific positions and trained to specialize in that position. They may end up playing that position for most of their lives. It doesn’t have to be that way though. At AC Paintball we encourage to try different positions, games, and equipment. You don’t have to stick to always playing speedball and being a Backman with a Tippman 98 just because that is what you did the first time.

    Trying various equipment, games, and positions at the beginning will help you find what you like most and what you are best at. Even if you have been playing for a while, changing things up can help you improve in other areas. By getting other perspectives, you can learn how to better support your team. If you’re ready to try something new, schedule a game at AC Paintball now!

  • 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/.

  • 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.

  • Woodsball vs. Speedball

    1024px-Skirmish_Exeter_Paintball01When you visit AC Paintball in southern New Jersey, there are many ways to customize your experience. There are five different fields, dozens of games, multiple party packages to choose from. You and your party will have plenty of choices to make.  One of those choices is between playing Woodsball or Speedball. Scenario paintball is another option, but is typically scripted and takes more planning.

    While Woodsball and Speedball work similarly, depending on what game you play, they also have many differences. The field, game dynamics, strategies, and equipment are all a bit altered. Below you will find some comparisons to help you choose which game you want to play while at AC Paintball.

    Fields

    Size

    One of the first aspects you may notice is that AC Paintball’s Woodsball fields are larger than the Speedball fields. The Blue Thunder Woods Field is out largest field with two lines of military-style tents roughly 150 yards apart. The Black Ops Pentagon Woods Field also offers plenty of square footage and can accommodate large teams. The Red Dawn Woods Field is a bit simpler and smaller can be used for smaller groups that want to play Woodsball.

    AC Paintball’s Speedball fields are smaller. We have the Speedball Tournament Field which meets tournament standards. The Hyperball Field is our smallest, but also a fast field. It is the perfect choice for players who love action-packed games.

    Bunkers

    Woodsball offers natural bunkers such as trees, brush, and bushes. AC Paintball also adds some additional bunkers to provide good places to hide. Speedball bunkers, on the other hand, are more artificial. This includes air bunkers, drop tanks, wooden spools, and more. In Woodsball the bunkers are typically more spread out while in Speedball they are closer together. Be sure to take this into account when planning a strategy.

    Game

    Team Size

    1024px-Scenario_paintballYour party size is one aspect you will want to take into consideration when choosing between Woodsball and Speedball. If you have a large team, you may want to choose Woodsball so you have more room to spread out. Small teams may be more interested in Speedball so the games do not take too long. While team size is definitely something to consider, you should team size should be a lower priority. AC Paintball will work to help accommodate your team on whichever field you choose.

    Speed

    If you want a fast, action-packed game, go with Speedball. If you want a slightly slower, more strategic game, go with Woodsball. With a smaller field, Speedball games do not take very long. It is more difficult to hide and much easier to eliminate opponents. In a Woodsball game, players spread out more and hide which makes for a longer game.

    Movement

    You will want to take your energy level into consideration. Would you rather have to move faster, but not far, or farther, but with a bit more time? In Speedball you need a quick reaction time to be able to jump from bunker to bunker without getting hit. Woodsball allows more time for you to move around as long as your opponents aren’t too close.

    Strategies

    Simplicity

    The strategy is an important part of any AC Paintball game. The strategy your team uses can be the difference between winning and losing. Speedball’s strategies are typically a bit simpler. Unlike Woodsball, you don’t have to think as much about movement or hiding places. While you still should strategize, you are in such close quarters that there are fewer options.

    Level of Aggression

    Paintball_game_DVIDS158380With a faster game and closer quarters, Speedball can get pretty aggressive. If you are the type of person who loves competition, Speedball may be the right choice for you. Woodsball is a better choice for those who want things slightly more relaxed and laid back. Overall, being daring will serve you best for Speedball while being stealthy and thoughtful will help you more in an AC Paintball Woodsball game.

    Communication

    Communication is a key to success. You need your team to be on the same page so your plan will work without any problems. Sometimes you need to change the strategy mid-game based on what your opponents do. In a Speedball game, it is easy to communicate with everyone because they are typically only a few yards away. On the other hand, conversing in Woodsball is difficult. You may not be able to yell because it may give away your position. If you choose Woodsball, be sure to have a backup plan or bring Walkie-Talkies.

    Equipment

    Markers

    After you choose which type of game you want to play, you should take your equipment into account. You will want to pick a marker that will complement your skills and help you succeed in your AC Paintball game. For Woodsball, you will want to focus on choosing a gun that can fire long distances accurately. For Speedball, you will want to focus on rapid-fire speed so you can both defend yourself and take our many opponents.

    Choosing Your Game

    No matter which game you choose, you are sure to have fun playing with your friends and family at AC Paintball. If you still can’t choose, ask your party for preferences, talk to AC Paintball’s staff for help or check the availability of each field on the date you choose.  You can also come back twice and try both! You can schedule your AC Paintball game here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/.

  • 5 Ways to Relax Your Muscles after an AC Paintball Game

    paintball-1278895_960_720The aches and pains after a tough AC Paintball game can be satisfying. Most of the time it means you are getting stronger and building your endurance. It means you have played hard and should be proud of yourself. However, it can also make you feel stiff and if it lasts too long, it can make you miss out on other fun activities like more AC Paintball games. That is why it is important to take care of your muscles after any kind of exercise.

    Relaxing your muscles helps you feel better and helps improve your flexibility. There are a variety of ways to treat your muscles after a tough game. You will find just a few AC Paintball’s favorite ways below.

    Stretching

    AC Paintball has mentioned the importance of stretching in many other blog posts. That is because it is the simplest, effective way to keep your muscles healthy. You don’t need any special tools or other supplies to stretch. All you need is a bit of space to bend or twist your body until you feel a slight pull. Stretching offers a variety of benefits including:

    • Reducing pain and stress.
    • Increasing your range of motion and improving your performance.
    • Promoting muscle recovery and decreasing the risk of injury.
    • Increasing blood circulation as well as energy.
    • Improving posture and enhancing coordination.

    If you only choose to use one muscle relaxation method from AC Paintball’s list, it should be stretching.

    Massage and Meditation

    Getting a massage has many of the same benefits as stretching, except you do not have to do as much work. If your pain is bad or you want to ensure your muscles are worked in the right way, consider hiring a professional. However, you can just find a friend or family member who is willing to help. If all else fails, you can get some equipment and do it yourself. For instance, you can roll a tennis ball back and forth with your foot, or do the same with a larger ball on your back.

    Meditation can also be helpful while recovering from an AC Paintball game. If you can relax your mind, your body can focus on repairing your muscles.  Give yourself a chance to forget about life’s stresses, focus on your breathing, and just let yourself unwind.

    Go Swimming or Take a Hot Bath

    swimming-pool-2337949_960_720While swimming can count as exercise, it can also be therapeutic. Water changes the way you use your muscles. Your movements are less sudden and more fluid. When you elongate your body to make a stroke, you stretch your muscles out rather than push them together. If you stretch in the pool, the water will help you keep your balance for more difficult moves. The water can also help you relax your mind and boost your endorphins.

    If you don’t have access to a pool or can’t make it to one of New Jersey’s beaches, you can simply take a hot bath. The hot water will release tension and loosen up your muscles. It will also Increase blood circulation so your body can spread oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. You can also add some Epson salt or surround yourself with candles for some added aromatherapy.

    Heating Therapy

    Heat therapy works a lot like a bath. The heat helps dull the pain and reduce inflammation. There are a variety of methods you can use. You can get patches at a pharmacy or big box store. You can buy an electric heating pad or a massage pad that you place behind your back while sitting in a chair. Saunas or steam rooms can even be effective. Figure out which method works for you so you can be ready for your next AC Paintball game.

    Keep Up Healthy Habits

    If your body is too busy getting rid of a virus or dealing with more important health problems, it will take longer for your muscles to recover. That is why it is important to keep up healthy habits after a tough day at AC Paintball. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and stay hydrated. If you want, you can also take vitamins. Magnesium aids in muscle relaxation. Once you feel you have recovered enough, you can get your muscles back to normal with light cardio such as a walk or bike ride.

    With healthy habits, you are sure to perform well at your next AC Paintball game! Schedule your next session here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/.