Tournaments for inexperienced, younger, and rec players, can
be an intimidating step towards the next level of paintball. Though
they were created more or less for competition, they are meant to be fun,
just like any other sport. With different series such as the Great
Western Series, NPPL, APL, etc., how do you know which one is right for
you and/or your team? It all boils down to being prepared, and knowing
what to expect when you get there.
Getting Prepared
The first and most
important thing you need to have before you even think about playing tournaments
is committment. You must have a full committment from each and every
player on your team for things to work successfully. Always have
more players than you will actually need. If it is a five man tourney,
take at least 6 or 7. If it is a ten man tourney, take at least 11
or 12. You have to expect the unexpected. First of all, you
have to make sure that all of your players show up on game day, then you
should always have alternatives in case someone gets hurt, gun goes down,
or you need help getting ready in between games. Remember, these
are all things you have to be prepared for.
Always have extra equipment
available. Guns go down, masks break, batteries die. Take plenty
of carbos with you to keep your energy up. Make sure you have lots
of liquids to keep you hydrated. Take spray bottles and paper towels
to clean off your goggles and equipment between games. Just remember,
your gun may break, you might have to clean your goggles, whatever the
excuse, the refs start penalizing and disqualifing late teams, so make
sure that you are always prepared and on the field when you are supposed
to be. The last thing the refs want to hear are excuses.
Practice makes perfect?
After you have the committment, you have to be ready both mentally and
physically. Practice is something that should be taken very seriously
to help shape the playing style of your team. You need to know who
can play what positions, who can play left/right handed, who your fastest
guys are, who are your most accurate shots, and who can provide the best
coverfire. Once you have these things ironed out, you should come
up with some simple codes which you can use to communicate to each other
on the field. Communication is crucial in tournaments. Without
it, you might as well not even be playing because a team which communicates
well, will know just how to beat you, with your team not having a clue.
On game day, you and your
players should be focusing on the game. Don't waste your time arguing
and complaining, but rather on what went wrong or right, and how it will
possibly affect you and your players on the next game. Arguing will
only make you fustrated, upset, and out of focus. Speaking from experience,
most of the people that I play with (including myself) don't do well after
we get in non-constructive arguements.
Codes and Drills/Plays
Simple codes such as a letter plus the number of the opposing team shot out is a good starter. You should also come up with a code for your team, so that you know exactly how many of you (and them) are left. Some other important codes are:
- for when you (or the opponent) is going for the flag
- when a player (yours or theirs) is crawling or moving up on you
- when your gun is down (or perhaps when you are cleaning your gun)
- when your whole team needs to start pushing
- to know how much time is left in the game.
Theses are only a few codes, however, probably the most important to
be able to communicate to your players. Knowing these things when
they happen are very important to know when you or your opponent is making
their move. These codes are the difference between winning
and losing.
Drills are another important
key in the success of your team. Just like any other sport, it is
best to be prepared with plays to counter your opponent. You should
practice drills which best simulate the tournament environment. Play
3 on 2, with the 2 trying to capture the flag. Play drills with the
last 2 minutes of the game to see what happeneds. Do drills where
your players need to move while being heavily fired upon. You should
try to recreated the situations as best as possible. Another excellent
suggestion would be to take your team to watch a local tournament in your
area. You don't need to play, just watch other teams, refs, and the
game to see how others react.
So which is the right tourney for us?
If you have never played a tourney before, that's fine. Look for
a smaller, local tournament. Try looking for ones which are for "rookies"
and first time tourney players. This is the best way to get exposure
to the tournament scene without fear of being crushed by the more advanced
teams. Also, know the difference between the classifications.
The order is Rookie, Novice, Amatuer, and Pro. Alot of tournament
series are also picking up Kids divisions, which give the younger generation
a fare shake at the tourney scene, without having to play against adults.
Tournaments can be quite
expensive as well. You want to try and play in one where at least
you have a fair chance of doing well. Just remember, its not all
about winning, but playing as a team and having fun. Winning comes
with experience. Play in the smaller tourneys to gain experience,
knowledge, and the feel of the game at the tournament level. Just
give it your best shot, and do the best you can do. You will eventually
learn the do's and don'ts on the field. You have to be willing to
lose, before you can win.
Extra Pointers
To make things smoother and easier for you and your team, here are a few pointers:
- Make sure that you fill out all of the entry forms, waviers, etc.
and get them turned in as soon as possible. This more or less will
assure you a spot in the tournament, and makes it easier for the people
running the tournament. Teams which turn in entries late, are sometimes
put in harder brackets as well.
- Know all of the rules and regulations before the tournament.
Print them out and give to all members of your team. Read it, learn
it, know it. This could be beneficial in a controversial call in
the tourney.
- Get matching shirts, jerseys, for your team. This takes alot
of the confusion out being able to distinguish between your players and
your opponent. They don't have to look like you are all pro players,
just easier for you and your team.
- Have timers, stopwatchers, whatever, so that you know how much time
is left in the game. Most teams end up not winning their games because
the time runs out.
- Get plenty of sleep. Through my experience in tourneys, the
ones which I had plenty of rest for, were the ones that we did fairly well
in.
- Carbos and Hydration. Even if you are not thirsty, be sure
to drink a little water or something so you don't pass out, especially
if you play where it gets really hot!
- Walk the fields on the day of the tournament. Get out there
early, setup, then go and take a look at the fields so that you and your
team have a little idea of whats good and what isn't. Better yet,
try and practice on the field a few times before the tourney. Even
try and setup a scrimmage between other teams which may be competing.
Tournaments are alot of fun. Although there is some stress and anxiety involved, they are very exciting. They are the true test to see how you and your team work together in a competitive environment. As your skills progress, start playing in the harder tourneys. However, a word of caution, remember that you can always move up the in level, but you can't go back down. Make sure that you move up accordingly, not before you and your team have had a chance start doing well in the tournament scene.
Sean Takeda
MPN Columnist