COMMON MISTAKES

INTRODUCTION

Here are the most common mistakes most players make. Surprisingly, they make these mistakes over and over again.

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 1

Staying in one place for too long. This allows the opposition to easily flank you.

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 2

Losing your temper when you get eliminated. It clouds your judgement. Instead, the time should be filled with trying to figure out what you did wrong and how not to do it again.

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 3

Taking things for granted. Just because you THINK no one could be behind a particular tree doesn't mean there isn't. NEVER assume ANYTHING!

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 4

Turning your back on the opposition. If you have to move away, move backwards, if you can, or try to keep something between you and your adversary, to keep from getting shot in the back.

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 5

Target fixation. This is when you are only aware of the player you are shooting at. I find this is usually when players are eliminated.

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 6

Forgetting to look over your shoulder. Opponents have been known to come in from behind. I have been guilty of this in the past.

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 7

Shooting at another player when a teammate has it well in hand. Unless you're specifically needed to do so, don't waste paint on a player your teammate is shooting at. Concentrate on covering your team mate, just in case he is making Common Mistake Number 6.

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 8

Getting cocky. There is ALWAYS someone faster, stronger and better than you. You just haven't met him (or her) yet.

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 9

Dismissing luck. Most things in paintball are dependent on luck. The feeding of the paintball, the flight of the paintball, the functioning of the paintmarker is all based on luck. Sure, someone will tell you otherwise, but how many times have you seen things NOT work out, for no known reason?

COMMON MISTAKE NUMBER 10

Not being a good winner or loser. There is nothing that says "childish" more than pouting when you lose or rubbing people's noses in it when you win.

Believe it or not, there are players who have been playing this game for years who still make these mistakes. So don't feel too bad if you don't do well on your first time out.