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