Paintball which originated back in 1976, has had a steady increase in popularity. The primary strategy behind paintball is to shoot your opponent with a ball of paint that is traveling at excessively high speeds, hence “killing” him and bringing your team one step closer to another victory.

The rate of acceleration that a person’s paintball travels is a very critical factor for this type of sport, as the slower moving paintballs can be dodged more easily by your opponents. There are basically two types of propellant tanks that are used; High Pressure Air / Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen.

Type 1 – Carbon Dioxide Paintball Tanks

These type of tanks utilize what is known as a liquid CO2 which then expands itself into a gas which then takes the paintball and propels it out the barrel. One of the side effects of using a carbon dioxide tank for extended periods of time is that crystals of ice can form on the tank itself. The primary cause of this is because the liquid CO2 expansion turning from a liquid to a gas requires heat energy, eventually this can result in the counter effect of the propellant tank becoming very cold. Combine this with long periods of use and you get the creation of ice.

When these carbon dioxide paintball tanks are used in a rapid fashion they can become unreliable for both distance and accuracy. This is mainly because the carbon dioxide requires time to expand out to a form that is gaseous and when your trigger pulls are too rapid the inner pressure might not form fully.

Tanks such as these can also have the tendency to leak because of erosion of the seals and o-rings, yet with some maintenance and care this typically can be prevented. Carbon dioxide paintball tanks should not be directly left in the rays of the sun for too long as there is some risk of the internal gas expanding to a level that would be unsafe.

Type 2 – High Pressure Air and Nitrogen Paintball Tanks

Nitrogen tanks and high pressure air function in a different manner compared to carbon dioxide tanks since they don’t have to expand a liquid into a gas to result in the propellant effect; this is because the material is already formed in a gaseous state. Because of this process it augments both of the distance and accuracy over carbon dioxide paintball tank. These type of tanks will have a tendency to grow colder when used, nevertheless the overall effect is much less compared to CO2 tanks.

Even though they are generally preferred over carbon dioxide paintball tanks, the nitrogen and high pressure types of air tanks do have some disadvantages. The weight of nitrogen and high pressure tanks are higher and they are also larger compared to CO2 tanks, since the propellant is already in a form that is gaseous. There are smaller tanks that are produced but will typically not have enough gas to last out a long game. Nitrogen and high pressure paintball tank also are more expensive to buy, yet refilling them is much less costly then having to refill tanks.

By: Korbin Newlyn

About the Author:
Listen to Korbin Newlyn as he shares his insights as an expert author and an avid writer in the field of recreation sports. If you would like to learn more go to Paintball advice and at Indoor Paintball tips.

Although most players would rather go in and shoot for the kill, defense is equally as essential to any game. A player must have defensive skills to survive. Of course some defensive strategies may see like second nature to you, but you must still remember the keys when you are getting shot at on the field.

Instead of taking a long glance around the field to spot an opponent or search for a flag, take very quick peeks. Taking more than one is an option. But, remember not to peek from the same exact spot twice. If your opponent spotted you during your first peek, you can bet that they will be ready for you the next time. Also, when you are peeking it is always safer to peek around something rather than over. You can duck back quicker and you are not so much of an easy target to spot.

Always keep your profile as small as possible. Keep your elbows and legs tucked close. The larger your profile, the easier target you are to hit. Stay low to the ground because it will be harder to see you.

Now this may seem like a no-brainer, but if you are being shot at and cannot get a good shot, drop back. Once you have dropped back a bit, you may be able to get a better angle on your opponent. Do not be afraid to move. Movement gives you different, possibly better angles. Playing as a squad will benefit your team. If you hear one of your teammates being surrounded by fire, move and give them cover.

Finding cover is a critical defensive strategy. Whether it is cover for you or cover for your team member, it is always important. If you or your team member needs to move, cover for each other. And, if you are being peppered with enemy fire, your fellow team member may be able to take out the shooter, maybe even more than one.

The most important defense tactic is concealment. Why? Concealment gives you the opportunity to surprise your opponent. Nothing in this game is better than having the element of surprise on your side. Be hidden well and be patient. If you are hidden near your flag, you will be in the perfect position to defend your flag. Just sit and wait for the perfect opportunity to strike and defend your flag.

Finally, a critical key in defense is to spread out your team. Don’t huddle up in the same area. Spread out in several directions. But, keep at least one of your team members in your sights. You might one another for cover.

If you want to get more victories, defense is a critical element to surviving and winning a few more games, and therefore helping your team achieve more wins. Study the strategies above and you’ll see results.

By: Tyler Powers

About the Author:
Tyler Powers writes reviews of paintball guns, gear, and shows you the basics of paintball at Paintball Tips And Tricks.