Only 30-some-odd years old, the sport of paintball continues to grow in size and complexity.
The level of play is increasing as well, turning a one-time hobby into a professional sport.
The most recent culmination of this trend is the PSP World Cup in Kissimmee, Florida, where teams strap on their paintball masks, load their guns and head into battle.
The venues can be quite diverse.
A majority of participants attend commercial locations.
These may range from a forested area.
Using the natural surroundings as obstacles, to entire man-made courses.
There things like inflatable bunkers and tents for players to maneuver around in make it easy for the field owners to redesign the course to fit customer needs.
Although it may seem like a free-for-all, there are rules to the game.
As with the venues, the specifics may vary, but overall the point is for each team to protect a certain area or object, while attacking the other teams.
Similar to the rules of capture the flag, the game requires each team to reach the other's protected area or obtain the object to win the game.
Since there is no time limit, the game can last from a few minutes to hours on end.
From artillery to protection, there is an array of paintball gear to choose from.
The industry for paintball guns, also called paintball markers, continues to grow, offering weapons in all shapes and sizes, from handguns to grenade launchers.
The most important items in paintball gear are the paintball masks.
These have gotten fairly high tech, with most resembling high-speed motorcycle helmets.
Chest protectors, gloves, and knee pads all offer protection as well, from the sting of direct hits.
Many tactics are involved in being a successful player.
Although serious competitors may have subtle strategies, the first-timer can stay alive by following a few simple tips.
First is the technique of "hit and run.
" Many players feel inclined to act like Rambo and barrage the opponent with paintballs.
More often than not, however, they will end up being shot from the prolonged exposure.
Another, useful tip is to buddy up with a partner.
This allows each player to cover the other and ambush unsuspecting opponents.
Although many have yet to try it, those who do participate in a paintball match tend to get hooked.
In 2009, the National Professional Paintball League was founded, making the activity a legitimate professional sport.
While still quite new, it will be interesting to see how the game grows and matures in the years to come.
The level of play is increasing as well, turning a one-time hobby into a professional sport.
The most recent culmination of this trend is the PSP World Cup in Kissimmee, Florida, where teams strap on their paintball masks, load their guns and head into battle.
The venues can be quite diverse.
A majority of participants attend commercial locations.
These may range from a forested area.
Using the natural surroundings as obstacles, to entire man-made courses.
There things like inflatable bunkers and tents for players to maneuver around in make it easy for the field owners to redesign the course to fit customer needs.
Although it may seem like a free-for-all, there are rules to the game.
As with the venues, the specifics may vary, but overall the point is for each team to protect a certain area or object, while attacking the other teams.
Similar to the rules of capture the flag, the game requires each team to reach the other's protected area or obtain the object to win the game.
Since there is no time limit, the game can last from a few minutes to hours on end.
From artillery to protection, there is an array of paintball gear to choose from.
The industry for paintball guns, also called paintball markers, continues to grow, offering weapons in all shapes and sizes, from handguns to grenade launchers.
The most important items in paintball gear are the paintball masks.
These have gotten fairly high tech, with most resembling high-speed motorcycle helmets.
Chest protectors, gloves, and knee pads all offer protection as well, from the sting of direct hits.
Many tactics are involved in being a successful player.
Although serious competitors may have subtle strategies, the first-timer can stay alive by following a few simple tips.
First is the technique of "hit and run.
" Many players feel inclined to act like Rambo and barrage the opponent with paintballs.
More often than not, however, they will end up being shot from the prolonged exposure.
Another, useful tip is to buddy up with a partner.
This allows each player to cover the other and ambush unsuspecting opponents.
Although many have yet to try it, those who do participate in a paintball match tend to get hooked.
In 2009, the National Professional Paintball League was founded, making the activity a legitimate professional sport.
While still quite new, it will be interesting to see how the game grows and matures in the years to come.