Paintballing is a pretty recent sport that has developed exponentially in the past several years. As more people start to get into and compete in this high-energy activity, organized games and scenarios become larger and more complex. It is most likely in your best interest to play with other beginners if you are one yourself because experience counts for a lot in the game. In serious paintball scenarios, experienced players will commonly join teams. Once amateur players have mastered many of the general tactics and techniques of paintball and paintballing gear they can think about moving into one of the more extreme competitions. Trial and error is the best way for participants and groups to form the best techniques for themselves.

250-300 feet is how far the standard paint gun is able shoot. Of course there are customized paintguns that have significantly farther distance and accuracy, but these can get really pricey. Also, because a paintball is not a solid object, it is harder for a player to make his shots steady. It is critical to move in as close as possible to an opponent without exposing yourself to get the greatest chance at hitting another player. Players will be forced to take shelter out in the open if you fire at them and hold them down. This will make them unable to spot you as you move in on them. You may want to spread to either side and change your viewpoint as you continue in their direction. This will allow you to flank your opponent from the side. It is usually better to avoid face to face encounters with opposing competitors and try to eliminate them from covered locations so as not to endanger yourself.

Another integral part of paintball is taking cover and using the natural terrain as a form of defense. When playing in surroundings like the forest, terrain is used for shelter and camouflage. Staying in one spot for too long and exposing their position is a common mistake for many amateur players. They might hit a couple of the opposing team but allow for the others to go around and flank them. It is a good idea to stay on the move as much as possible and to stay unseen as long as possible. This gives a competitor the advantage of stealth. Many players nowadays are buying gilly suits to give themselves the edge on the field and in organized games. When a competitor in a ghillie suit is staying still to blend in with their surroundings the suit's unique properties make it extremely hard for other players to see them. Players who want greater mobility and field of vision by not having a ghillie suit may choose a technique of speed and offense to make up for their disadvantage of being seen.

When trying to take cover in paintball, position is extremely important to consider for a defensive strategy. Standing up will give a participant more mobility by letting them escape fast in situations where they have to. A player limits what they can see around them when they kneel or lie down under the cover of a big object like a rock or tree. Opposing competitors may be able to gain the advantage if you allow them to sneak up on you. Bushes and high brush offer some camouflage and some visibility, making them great spots for both surprise melees and defensive locations. A player will find it difficult to get away rapidly if he has to crawl between two barriers to remain under cover and will discover their mobility and stealth go down significantly.