In my experience with "walk on" field games and even some tourneys, I will see an occasional newbie who gets a beating on the field.  This ranges from either getting "lit up", all the way down to getting shot point blank because they let someone rush them.  This section is hopefully "useful" advice to help the first timers, get in the game.

Tip 1 - Who cares what kind of equipment other players are using, or even what they look like.  Remember, guns are only as good as their players.  If someone "sucks", they could have an awesome gun, but not know how to play with it.

Tip 2 - Invest in a harness to carry your paint.  Even if it is a pouch, which allows you to hold a few hundred rounds.  Carrying paint in a zip lock doesn't work.  You need to have a reliable way to carry your paint on the field.

Tip 3 - Wear dark clothing with appropriate protection.  You want to try and blend into the background as much as possible, not be the background.

Tip 4 - If you plan on playing more than that one time, invest in a decent mask.  Field masks are okay, but you should invest in your own with ear protection.  JT and Scott both have comfortable, affordable masks.  No one wants to lose an eye or get shot in the ear on their first go at it.

Tip 5 - Always keep you barrel plug in the gun when you are not using it!  If you are using a rental, check your air and paint supply in between games.  After checking to see that there is no ball in the barrel and your hopper is removed, check for broken paint.  Remember a clean gun is an accurate gun.

Tip 6 - When you get shot, don't call yourself out unless you are absolutely positive that the ball broke on you (in otherwords you can see it).  If you can't see it, call for a ref or buddy near you to check it for you.  Also, if it just splatters on you, most fields require a mark the size of a quarter for you to be out (check with refs at the field you play at).

Tip 7 - Don't be afraid to go after your opponent (but do it smart!)  If you hide the entire game, you are waiting for them to come to you.  There is nothing wrong with this, but be ready for your opponents to come up near or even behind you!  Playing paintball is like playing with dogs, if you show fear, they will eventually get you.  It is natural to feel nervous and uneasy at first, but this feeling usually goes away after getting shot for the first time.

Tip 8 - Try to gain positions, which give you an advantage over your opponent.  These types of positions usually give you a "bead" (good sight on your target) on your opponent.  It usually also provides you with good cover as well.  The "choice" spots usually offer good angles, good cover, and good outs (escapes in case you can't handle it).  Shooting from hills, downward are also good locations.

Tip 9 - Communications with you teammates.  This is one of the most important tips.  Try and play with someone if you are alone.  If you are with your buddies, communicate.  Let others know where your opponent is.  Let them know if people are moving, if your team should rush them, how many, etc.  If you don't communicate, there is no way others can help you out, unless they see or hear them as well.

Tip 10 - Have fun and play smart.  A lot of paintball is common sense.  Play smart, play safe, play aggressive.  For the most part, use good sportsmanship and have fun, that's what its all about.
 

-To prevent losing your keys on the field, buy an inexpensive clip the hardware store to clip it to your pants.  You can do the same to your barrel plug by putting a string though it  and attaching a clip.

-To keep track of the "time" left in the game, buy an inexpensive timer at your local department store an d some self adhesive Velcro, and stick it on your loader.  This way you can always keep track of your time.

-When taking your gun apart, get a box to put all of your parts in so that you don't lose them.  Label parts if you think that you might forget.  This prevents losing those small pins, screws and springs. Trust me, this is the best method!

-When looking into "getting sponsors" for your team, put together a team resume of your accomplishments, goals, and what your team stands for.  Be creative, remember, you are trying to give the sponsor a reason for wanting to sponsor you.  Communications is the most important key in getting a sponsor.  Ask your local paintball store when you visit the next time you visit if they would be interested.  Mail, call, email, etc. to get your team across.  When playing in tourney's, many sponsors are usually present.  Play good, hard and fair.  That is another characteristic that many sponsors are looking for when finding teams to represent them.  Good Luck!

This month's question comes from a member of the Xtreme Paintball Chat Group (which you can become part of at my web page) who asked:

Q: I am thinking of buying an Air America Automag, but don't want to spend a lot of money on after market accessories.  In your opinion, what necessities do I need to get to get the gun shooting good, while not spending a lot of money?

A: First of all, the Automag series guns tend to be pretty good right out of the box.  I would recommend spending the extra money and get the "power fed" model of the Automag to start off.  Depending on how you want to run your C02 or HPS, I would recommend running the system "streamline" for C02, that way you can run an inline regulator (this should only be done id you play in very hot temperature area, otherwise not necessary).  Also, make sure that your C02 bottle is Anti-siphon.  That's pretty much it.  As far as upgrade, I would recommend the ANS Venturi bolt (especially if you are blowing up balls with your current bolt).  Another item I would recommend would be a new valve from Check-It products, which provides more flow through your Unireg.  The last item would be an after market Unireg from Check-it as well.  The "power station" which replaces the front part of your Unireg, which offers a series of holes (rather than the factory 1 hole) which also provide more air flow, preventing the gun from "choking" up.