TIPS FOR BEGINNERS at paintball

                           TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
              What to do before and during your first game

                          by Randal Greenwood

 [The following article originally appeared in Action Pursuit Games
  magazine.  I stole it from I&I Sports' catalog.  --steve]


 One of the most important things to do is to check out the fields where
 you intend to play.  Ask questions, and insist on answers.  If you are
 on your own and don't have a buddy to take you under his wing, ask if
 the field has games for just rookies or players using strictly rental
 paintguns.  This helps because you will probably be playing against
 other new players of roughly your own experience level.  By talking to a
 field operator or some of the players that frequent a particular field
 you will find out what the general policy is toward rookies.

 When you have found a field that you feel will help you have a good game
 experience, the next step is to think about equipment.  Ask if you can
 rent camouflage clothes, or if you need your own.  Camos help you last
 longer by letting you hide better.  It can also give you more confidence
 because you at least like like a regular player.  Footwear is a personal
 consideration, but you need something that will give good ankle support
 and protection from thorns, rocks, and stickers.  They must be
 comfortable enough to do a lot of running.  Take time to break in new
 shoes since blisters can ruin your day.  Army boots in the regular or
 jungle styles are popular and reasonable in price.  Be aware that
 running shoes do not give adequate support for your ankles when you are
 running over rocks, fallen trees, and heavy brush.

 If you have knee pads, wear them.  They make life so much easier when
 you're kneeling in goat head stickers or sandburs.  Some players that
 like to do a lot of crawling through the brush, also like elbow pads.
 If you have an athletic cup it is a good idea to wear it.  Women players
 need chest protectors, they are not expensive.  Also, I have found that
 gloves are a real help.  They help take the sting out of hand hits and
 help you stay camouflaged.

 Next, check to see what the field offers in the way of face protection
 and goggles.  All fields should have some kind of approved eye wear for
 you to use, if they don't, DO NOT PLAY THERE!  If you are serious about
 trying the game and they don't have some good head protection to rent,
 ensure your fun, spend some bucks and buy some.  Try them on, especially
 if you wear glasses because not all eye or face protectors will fit with
 glasses.  The first piece of equipment you should buy is not a paintgun
 but proper head gear.  Try to buy a squeegee as soon as possible.  Then
 you can clean out your own gun on the field.  This will ensure continued
 accurate shots.

 If you are renting, go to the field early enough to check in and get
 all your equipment.  You'll need additional time to try out your gun and
 get used to it.  Make sure they show you how to load the CO2, the
 paintballs and how to tell if the safety is on and how to disengage it.
 Take the paintgun to the designated target area and shoot ten paintballs
 at a slow pace while aiming carefully.  This allows you to see where the
 paintgun is shooting and allows you to get used to the feel of the cocking
 motion.  Then fire ten more paintballs.  Aim the first five and shoot as
 fast as you can.  This will show you how fast you can shoot, and if you
 are going to have problems with double feeding or pinching balls.
 Change the CO2 before you leave the target area so you'll have practice
 loading and unloading it and to make sure there's a full charge for the
 first game.  Be sure you clean your gun before the game starts and
 remember to put a full load of paintballs in.

 Most fields have an orientation meeting before the first game to explain
 field rules and select teams.  Do not be afraid to ask questions if you
 don't understand.  Be sure to find out what the local custom is on how
 you call yourself out and how to call for a paintcheck.

 After you have been assigned to a team for the game, let the team
 captain or the other players know that you are a new player and will
 take suggestions and work with the team.  If they know you want to learn
 or that you will work with them things will go better.  Buddy up with at
 least one other player so you can cover each other while changing CO2 or
 loading paintballs.  Take a tip from veteran players, load anytime you
 have a chance just to keep you weapon as full as possible.  If you feel
 you have time and there is any doubt about the amount of CO2 you have,
 change it.  Try to carry more paint and CO2 than you will need so you
 don't run out during a fire-fight.

 Try to avoid typical rookie mistakes.  When moving through open ground
 with no cover, have someone on your team give you cover fire.  Move
 quickly, and never stop in the open.  Try to run a zig-zag pattern.
 Scan ahead  for suitable cover that will hide your whole body.  When you
 get good cover, look around, and when you are prepared to give cover
 fire, have your teammates advance in leap-frog fashion.  Rookies usually
 stay in one place too long.  If you stay put too long, the other team
 will find you and shoot you.  Do not let your fear of being shot for the
 first time make you play too cautiously.  If you have a fear of being
 shot, you need to force yourself to be aggressive.  Usually after the
 first couple of times the fear of getting hit leaves  you.  Another good
 habit to develop is to check behind your back every so often.  It will
 prevent your getting shot in the back and allows you to keep tabs on
 your teammates' locations.

 After the first couple of games you will get to know some of the better
 players on your team.  You can learn a lot by watching them play.  Ask
 them questions between games because most will be glad to give you
 reasons why they do certain things.  Use what you feel will work for you
 and forget the rest.

 These guidelines will give you a considerable edge on most new players
 and even some experienced players.  Don't forget you are playing
 paintball to have some adventure and fun.  Keep your sense of humor,
 expect to be shot some and have a great time!