In the past several years the game of paintball has developed exponentially. Games and scenarios become bigger and more complex as more and more people begin to play and compete in this high-energy activity. Experience carries a lot of weight in paintball, so if you are a beginning competitor it would more than likely be in your best interest to compete with other amateurs. Experienced players commonly form groups to play in more intense paintballing situations. When amateur competitors have mastered several of the basic tactics and techniques of paintballing and the equipment they can consider going into one of the more serious events. Trial and error is the most effective way for competitors and groups to develop the most efficient techniques for themselves.

The average gun can fire a ball about 250 to 300 feet. Of course there are special guns that have a way farther distance and accuracy, but these can become very pricey. Also, because a paintball isn't a solid object, it is harder for a participant to make his shots steady. To have the best chance at hitting an opposing competitor you need to move in as close as you can without endangering yourself. It is a good idea for you to hold the opposition behind objects out in the field so they will be forced to take shelter. This will make them unable to spot you as you move in on them. As you move to their location, you may want to move to either side to change your angle. This will let you flank the enemy from the side. To keep from endangering yourself and efficiently shoot other participants it is generally best to stay away from direct encounters.

Taking cover and using the natural terrain as a form of defense is an integral aspect of the sport of paintball. When playing in surroundings like the woods, terrain is used for shelter and camouflage. It is common for novice competitors to make the error of remaining in one position for too long and endangering their location. They might hit one or two of the opposing team but allow for the others to go around and eventually flank them. To stay hidden as long as possible is a good idea as well as attempting to stay on the move as much as possible. This gives a player the advantage of stealth. Today, to give themselves an advantage on the playing field and in organized events, many players are getting ghillie suits. When a competitor in a gilly suit is being still to blend in with their surroundings the suit's special properties make it extremely hard for opposing players to see them. Participants who want better mobility and range of vision by not having a gilly suit may prefer a technique of speed and offense to make up for their disadvantage of being easily seen.

For strategy, position is really significant when attempting to take cover in paintball. Standing will give a player the most mobility by letting them escape quickly in scenarios where they have to. A person limits what they can see around them when they kneel or lie down behind a large object like a stone or tree. This might allow for opposing players to sneak up and have the advantage on you. High grass and bushes are good for both surprise attacks and defensive positions because they offer both camouflage and some visibility. If a player finds that he must crawl between two objects to remain under cover the mobility and stealth goes down and they will discover that it is hard to escape rapidly in this position.