Playing paintball in the woods is called "woodsball" and paintball players have been playing this war like game in the woods since its earliest days. Woodsball is paintball in its purest form.

The woods seclude the field, which is in the center of the wooded area, and allow the players places to advance in a much more sneaky manner than an open field might offer. Stealthy players enjoy playing in wooded areas as surprising and overtaking their opponents is made possible naturally.

Concept Fields

With many objects set up to allow players to remain hidden from their opponents a concept field is a perfect manmade creation for paintball games. A concept field is usually outdoors and almost always has a theme. Urban concept fields are often seen filled with cars, buildings, and other elements that are found in the city.

Some concept fiend creators go all out and put together themes that may seem a bit over the top to people who aren't familiar with the sport. Medieval themes with castles, towers, wagons and even cutouts of people scattered throughout the field pulls the player into the game.

The theme can add to the game and can be varied to the skill levels of the players. These fields can have obstacles either added or removed to enhance the paintball experience.

Speedball Fields

Paintball fanatics agree that the most exciting as well as challenging of fields are speedball fields. Made of equally spaced and sized barriers these fields are for those who want to push their team and themselves to do their best and play hard.

Players can not see past barriers and other players can be just around the corner. Large and small barriers are scattered throughout concealing other players quite well.

Indoor Fields

Offering a much different approach from the outdoor fiends the indoor fields are loud. In fact, the noise level can be a huge obstacle to overcome for some players. Many players choose to use ear plugs to protect themselves from the noise of the paintball guns but most just accept it as part of the game.

The indoor field is usually used in cases where an outdoor field isn't available, often in the city. Different themes and setups are available in the indoor fields just like they are in the outdoor fields.

Team effort is the most important aspect of the game indoors and out. The idea behind paintball remains the same on any field. Different fields offer some choices to the players as well as a bit of variation in play. Each field offers differing challenges. One thing about paintball that doesn't change: the place you choose to play is only limited by your imagination.

People of all ages are certainly getting the bug to get out on the field and indulge in some paintball combat. It is normal that there is an age restriction of a minimum of 12 years in order to play paintball.

However different locations and paintball organizers can hold different age restrictions, so it is always best to enquire to avoid disappointment.

There are many different ways in which paintball games can be played. The different games range from easy to more difficult and from only a few team members to up to one hundred.

Recreational or Capture the Flag

'Capture the flag' is a game that is played by two teams, whereby each team has a flag. The objective of the game is to capture or seize the opponent's flag and deliver it to your team's starting point. By achieving this, your team wins the game. A different way of winning the game is to eliminate the opposing team entirely.

It is necessary for each team to defend their base whilst simultaneously dispatching team players to eliminate the opponents and capture their flag.

Playing these games in a forest is very popular whereby bunkers and structures can be erected throughout the area.

Scenario Paintball

'Scenario paintball' is a game with a theme that is set up behind it. There are an endless number of themes that can be created making the game feel and look very realistic. There are a number of players; in many cases as many as a hundred can be involved in each team.

Each team receives the theme of the game one day before the game begins. It is usual that two teams participate, with the "general" as a team leader.

Each player is given a role and the team should work together in order to carry out and win the mission assigned.

Distributed throughout the field are props which are in accordance with the theme. Questions are also asked in connection with the theme thereby points are awarded if the answers to those questions are correct.

The points are then totaled at the end of the game and the team that has the most number of points wins.

Backyard

'Backyard paintball' is exactly that, it can be played right in your own backyard or a friend's empty property. It can be played at any property, but it is vitally important that permission is received primarily. You gather your friends to form a group and then conceptualize your own game which is typically "capture the flag".

Speedball

'Speedball', also known as "Center Flag", is designed with many large bunkers, usually "inflatables" which are filled with air that are shaped similar to big snakes, soda cans, water tanks etc.

This is where a team can be formed with between three to ten players in a game. There is only one flag involved and it is located at the center of a field.

The two teams begin at each end of the field and attempt to gain possession of the flag at the center and carry it to their bunker. The team that does this successfully wins the game.

Western Paintball

This is whereby the game is played on a western set with a saloon, chuck wagon, gallows etc.

The aim of this game is to rescue a damsel in distress or a fair maiden, which is of course actually a dummy, from the hangman's noose for example, whilst taking out your opponents.

The first team to deliver the dummy to their finishing point wins the game.

Paintball is certainly a game that can challenge the "soldier" in you. The only way that you can experience the thrill and adrenaline rush of this game is to get in the field and give it a shot!