How to Play and Win Speedball Paintball Games

To learn more about speedball paintball, you have to go approximately 60 years back in time. During the 1960s, Charles Nelson invented a unique tool that would mark trees or livestock with colored paint. While the game of paintball took off almost immediately, it wasn't until 1981 that the first game took place. 

Woodsball and scenario paintball were two common types that speedball derived from during the end of the 20th century. Woodsball provides natural bunkers like trees and bushes, while speedball is typically played on artificial turf with inflatable bunkers. 

And this is just the beginning! If you are interested in learning more about how you can take your paintball skills to the next level, keep reading our complete guide and learn more!

What Is Speedball Paintball? 

Speedball uses no natural cover and is often played on smaller fields than other types of paintball games. Bunkers should be set up equally on each side, with a small bunker placed in the middle of the field. Typically, large bunkers are placed towards the center and smaller ones on the side. 

The most common type of speedball played is capture the flag. The ultimate goal is retrieving your opponent's flag without being tagged out (marked by a paintball). Once you have been hit and marked with a paintball, you must exit the field. 

If you aren't sure whether you've been hit or not, you can call out for a paint check.

Rules To Play Speedball 

All players are required to wear safety goggles designed for paintball. You also cannot physically contact any opposing team member while on the field. 

Other than capture the flag, different game variations include a points system. Referees give points for certain 'checkpoints' that players hit. The team with the most at the end of the game wins.

The National Professional Paintball League (NPPL) uses opposing flag formats where the ultimate goal is stealing the other team's flag. During professional matches, the game lasts 16 minutes. There are also two types of penalties: major and minor. 

A major penalty entails wiping a hit off, playing with a major hit, or firing your gun too fast. Minor penalties are getting a shot on your pod and continuing play.  

Speedball Positions and Tactics To Win 

Ultimately, speed and agility come into play the most with speedball paintball. Typically, five players are on each team, broken up into frontman, mid players, and back players. Front players use the least amount of paint and eliminate the most players. 

This position requires your most agile and quick player. In most cases, you won't use more than two players at the front, and while they have advantageous positions, mid and back players play a critical role in your team's success. 

As players become eliminated, the mid-players act to fill in roles. A mid-player is highly versatile and can jump between positions while firing mid-run. The back player acts as coverage for their team, taking out opponents and firing more paint than the rest of the team. 

These positions are strategically placed near the starting point and have up to two players. Lastly, floaters and inserts cover different areas and fill in when players go down.

Speedball requires careful planning and execution since you are playing on a smaller field with fewer players. Make sure everyone is on the same page before you start, and begin eliminating your opponents as soon as possible. 

Additionally, cover your lead players who try riskier moves and positioning strategies. With only five players, every move counts. Typically, the team that wins has the most efficient offense and develops effective contingency plans if one player goes down. 

Necessary Speedball Paintball Gear

Speedball paintball guns are designed a bit differently than standard ones. Because of its fast-paced nature, you need a paintball gun with higher technology. Look for speedball markers that have higher firing rates and electronic boards. 

The clothing you wear will also make a difference, so check out paintball clothes, pants, and headwear for better on-the-field performance. 

HK Army SABR Beginner Package 

The HK Army SABR is a great beginner package for getting your feet wet with paintball equipment. Included in the package is:

• HK Army SABR
• Thermal goggle
• Air tank
• 200 Round Loader

The SABR is made of high-end aluminum, making it durable and easy to maintain. Other features include:

• Quick-release bolt
• Semi-automatic firing
• CO2 or compressed air compatibility
• Double finger trigger
• And more!

At just under $220, this is one of the cheapest, high-quality beginner packages you will find on the market. 

Empire Mini GS Beginner Speedball Package

 

Another popular entry-level speedball package is the Empire Mini GS. In this package, you will receive:

• Empire Mini GS with 2-piece barrel
• Air tank
• Empire Halo Too
• Thermal goggle

You get some of the best-in-class specs for speedball gear, such as pressure controlled poppet engine and multiple firing modes. It also incorporates drop-in Redline OLED boards without having to switch foregrip. The hose-less model and Clamping Feedneck are just two of many more features that Mini GS offers. 

Shocker AMP

 

Shocker AMP paintball markers are widely known as refined, high-class options for any skill level. These slim designs are highly efficient and lightweight. You can spend more time working on your game and less time worrying about the accuracy and efficiency of your paintball marker with the Shocker AMP.

Lone Wolf Paintball offers exclusive colors that are only available only, so for your unique paintball marker, check out our wide Shocker AMP supply. 

Dye Rize CZR Speedball Package

 

Do you want high-end features without paying the high-end cost? Dye Rize CZR comes as a package or sold by itself and boasts plenty of top features that make it a great choice for any skill level. Other top-end features include:

• Anti-chop eyes
• Low profile balance
• Dual-density sticky grips
• Precision barrel
• Blade Ultralite Aluminum trigger

The Dye Rize CZR could go on and on with the technology, upgrades, and design. Priced at just under $530, it is another excellent option for beginner to intermediate players. 

Find Speedball Paintball Near You

Speedball paintball is a great sport that requires athleticism, precision, and teamwork. It is a sport that almost anyone can pick up and improve. 

Whether you need to reserve a field or purchase a new paintball gun, we have you covered at Lone Wolf Paintball. For top-end gear suitable for all skill levels, check out our website and find speedball paintball equipment for you!