Speedball Tips - Paintball Tactics and Tricks

• Tip: Keep moving. A good speedball player should always be moving from bunker to bunker, especially when the opposing team does not have a clear view of you doing so.

Explanation: The primary objective of this technique is to attempt to trick the opposing players. If someone thinks that you are still in "bunker A", they will keep an eye out at "bunker A", and try to keep the player that he thinks is there. However, if you are at "bunker B", you know your opponent's location, but the opponent has no idea where you are. While the opponent is attempting to keep an eye or fire upon "bunker A", you can easily attempt to eliminate him without him shooting back at you (until he finds out where you are, that is).

• Tip: Communicate with your teammates. Communication is one of the key and probably the most important factors in speedball. Always talk to your teammates. Your teammates should be extra eyes for you, so you can get a better understanding of what is happening on the field.

Coordinate your team.Explanation: Teammates must always communicate to be successful in a game of speedball. Eliminations of opposing team members or your team members will affect you. Ask which players are being eliminated, and make sure to alert your team when a fellow player or an opposing player has been eliminated. If an opposing player in front of you has been eliminated and you do not know of it, you may not advance to a better bunker, that you normally would move to if it were safe. If your teammate who is guarding your right flank is eliminated, and you do not know it, the opposing team may move down that flank without your knowledge and easily eliminate you. By knowing where all the opposing players are located on the field, you can avoid being shot unexpectedly, and know where you can advance to gain a better position on the field. Take Cover in Well Protected Bunkers

• Tip: Stay in one bunker, and do not go out into the open for long periods of time. One of the key concepts of speedball is the presence of bunkers, which hide the player's body from being shot. Use bunkers at your advantage, and stay at one or another. Going out into the open for a long period of time is one of the worst things a speedball player can do. Speedball is a fast paced game, and unlike in a dense forest, it will be easy for the opposing team to spot and tag you.

Explanation: This one is pretty self-explanatory if you have ever witnessed or taken part in a game of speedball. The only times you want to stay out in the open is when you are moving between different bunkers. Although I advise to usually stay in bunkers, do not be afraid to run to other bunkers. Many new players are afraid to move from bunker to bunker. The chances are, when you are running to a bunker, you most likely will not be hit, contrary to how it may look. When you do move from bunker to bunker, however, I would highly recommend running or if moving up, possibly crouching and slowly walking forward. Have your team practice covering each other and learn to make your way down the field in coordinated steps. Keep an Eye On the Entire Field

• Tip: Try not to develop tunnel vision. Tunnel vision is a state where you only comprehend what's happening in a certain place that you're focused on. If you develop tunnel vision, you will only a small portion of the field and not be aware of what is happening around you. Make sure you don't only focus on a certain opponent's bunker or objective, or you may find yourself being eliminated out of nowhere.

Explanation: Many new players develop tunnel vision and it is something that is not easily avoidable. You must always make an attempt to recognize activities going around you on the field, and not just on activities happening in a certain area. After playing more speedball, it will be easier to keep yourself from getting tunnel vision and having a larger recognition of what exactly is happening around you. However, do not mistake having an objective as having tunnel vision. There is nothing wrong with having a small battle with an opponent two bunkers ahead of you as long as you recognize your surroundings and other opposing players.

Other Small Tips
• Do not wipe paint if you get hit, you won't become any better at the game.
• Play hard and never loose motivation. If the odds are against you, try your best and you may prevail.
• Practice snap shooting (popping out of your bunker for a small amount of time, shooting some paint at your target, and quickly going back into your bunker).
• Watch your flank and look for any openings in the opposing team's flanks. If you can get into the opponent's flank, you will probably be successful in eliminating a few of them by surprise.
• Try to play better teams and players than you, it's a great way to hone your own skills. • Have fun, don't cheat, and play safely!