Night Paintball - What every player should know

originally published in the December 2005 issue of Paintball Sports Magazine

Night paintball has been around for over a decade, but only within the past year or two has the popularity of the sport experienced such dramatic change. Scenario paintballers are swarming to evening games like second graders charging the playground at recess. Big events such as Oklahoma D-Day and Nightmare City dedicate at least one evening for night paintball, and woodsball™ fields are increasingly giving players an opportunity to showcase their nocturnal combat abilities.

For example, if a martial arts pro were to duke it out against Richard Simmons under the lights in the fight ring, the outcome is a foregone conclusion. But switch off the lights and suddenly the curly-haired diet boy's odds have increased - not by much, but they've increased nonetheless.

If you're looking to play some evening scenario games, follow these tips and techniques for effective night play - offered by some of the top players in the sport:

1. Listen. Sound is more important than sight during evening games, so learn to rely on your ears. Occasionally stop your movements and then pause your breathing to listen intently to your surroundings.
2. If you have a difficult time distinguishing movement or a suspected target, don't look directly at the object. Look off to the side a few feet and allow your peripheral vision to fill in the picture.
3. If you are with a fellow player and you think you see something, don't ask your teammate to confirm what you think you see. Ask, "What do you see?" instead of, "Do you see two guys standing by that tree?"
4. Maintain a defensive posture and stay low when you move - just as you would in a day game. (Always minimize your target area.)
5. Use the natural cover offered on the field. Don't get lazy and take the "easy road".
6. Never assume you can't be seen. (Just because you can't see anything doesn't mean that others can't see you.) Snipers who await targets are finely tuned in to their surroundings, and their eyes have adjusted, which will help them pick up the slightest movement or change. Keep this in mind as you move through the woods.
7. Remember: night vision is not exclusive to the "good guys".
8. Avoid talking unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must communicate verbally, then whisper.
9. Walk quietly. Land your steps with the heel, then the outside of your foot and roll onto the flat of your foot. That way if you step on a twig you will feel it start to give before you put all your weight on it so you can back off.
10. Use the moon or other natural lighting to your advantage. Look behind you now and then to see how the lighting affects the playing field and how it can help or hinder your advance. (Avoid walking along hill ridges that expose your silhouette.)
11. Watch the sky. Be aware of cloud cover and anticipate your moves accordingly so you are not surprised and caught in a vulnerable position when the moon suddenly shines brightly through a small break in the clouds.
12. When you can't clearly see where you are aiming, run your finger down the hand guard of your marker towards the muzzle and point at your target; then, hope for the best.
13. an normal to avoid getting lost or losing sight of each other. You can still keep in communication with your team without having to walk side by side.
14. Always be mindful of your surroundings. If you need to turn around and make a run for it, don't forget about the tree 3-feet behind you.
15. Establish a "challenge and reply" among your team members (or squad) so you can confirm "friendlies" and "unfriendlies" in the dark. Assign a code word and the appropriate response. For example, one player calls "apple" and the teammate must respond with "orange". For added security, consider changing your challenge and reply once or twice during the night.