By Philip Schilling
Backers, breaks and bunkers, oh my! Because of the distinct characteristics of paintball, enthusiasts across the globe have developed a very unique language that you will find only in the extreme sport of paintball. With the invention of paintball guns in the 1970's as a tool for marking trees and livestock, this practice opened the door for gamers to create one of the most exciting, most popular of group extreme sports. Low and behold, in 1981, 12 friends got together and played the first officially recorded game of paintball on a 100-acre stretch of field. And they played without the use of any safety equipment whatsoever!
Today, the concept is the same, but the game is played quite differently with the use of advanced equipment. Tournaments are held throughout the world, with the first professional tournament held in 1983. Gaining recognition with the formation of the NPPL in 1992, the popularity of paintball has made leaps and bounds as an extreme sport with the progress of technology in the realm of paintball equipment such as guns, masks, suits, magazines, paintballs and pods. Advancements have been swiftly made in the area of paintball fields as well with the design of various props and layouts.
Once the referee yells, "Go, go, go!" to begin the game, the field is transformed into a battleground of strategy and warfare. A number of ways to play the game have been introduced, but the basic concept is to eliminate the opposing team by "killing" your enemy or capturing their flag. Avoid a direct hit from enemy forces and maneuver your way around the battlefield to victory. All you need is a marker, or paintball gun, plenty of ammunition, safety equipment to avoid serious injury, a battlefield and a good strategy. The sport of paintball can be as simple or as complex as you make it.
You don't necessarily have to learn the jargon of paintball to play the sport. You don't even have to purchase expensive equipment if you don't want to. Many places offer rental equipment and although safety equipment is required, you can rent as many or as few accessories as you wish. The basic paintball gun is an air compressed or CO2 powered gun and you can upgrade with faster loaders, extra tanks, and an additional guppy (which is a pod to hold your extra ammo, by the way), depending on the rules of the game agreed upon between you and your opponent.
There are no particular special skills required to participate in the game of paintball, only a strategic mind and the bravery to be pummeled by balls sometimes sailing at you at speeds in excess of 200 mph. Ouch! That's where that good safety equipment really comes in handy. Paintball courses can be found in many places all over the world. There is likely one in your area that caters to varying levels of play from the beginner to the expert. So, grab a fully and a guppy, hug a dorito, and Go, Go, Go!
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