5: Don’t Bonus Ball
Just like some in the police who should never
be allowed to own a gun, it also applies to
some paintball players. If you overshoot
others because you don’t know how to get
off the trigger and one ball, then you don’t
belong in the game. It’s players such as these
who make the news and make the rest of us
paintball players look bad. It makes the sport
of paintball look uncultured and lowbrow. This
is a game of tempered aggression. There are
times to lean on the trigger. Throwing a rope
ahead of a player is a great example, but if
you are coming up on someone unaware
and you throw more than three you are
doing it all wrong. Aim low when you can. Be
courteous, because it will come back to you.
Showing other players you don’t need to
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destroy them earns respect. You’ll also gain
self respect. Everyone wins when we all treat
others as we wish to be treated. Besides, we
all know the street justice of paintball. You
bonus ball me, I’ll bonus ball you. Not good.
6: Don’t Play Afraid
This is part of the game that you must
conquer or you’ll never play well. Paintball
is a thinking man’s game. But you must think
and act quick. The best bunkers are the ones
ahead of you. At some point you are going to
need to man-up and jet to that bunker. If you
have teammates nearby, ask them for cover
fire. Then be fearless! Don’t play foolish, but
don’t play afraid.