Train Hard Paintball: Practicing Paintball Techniques around the House!

Today’s blog topic will offer great insight into practicing simple and effective techniques for any paintball player around their house. As we all know paintball practice can be very time consuming and costly to play multiple times a week. Fortunately, there are several methods one can practice during the week and without the need for air, paint, or even a field to stay on top of their game. The first example includes always carrying your marker around the house! I’m sure my parents can vouch for this one as I would always carry any new gun I got around the house and practice shooting imaginary targets! I did this for several reasons including practicing switching hands while keeping the gun barrel level, holding the marker with my non-dominant hand, loading while shooting, and tightly adhering to different shapes throughout my house. I have always been a firm believer in feeling comfortable with your particular marker and making it an extension of yourself. To this day I still set my marker up with my tank, loader, and barrel and practice these techniques while keeping note of my gun position and playing tight around corners and “bunkers”.

I have always been very fond of playing the snake and the challenges that this system of bunkers bring to the game. The snake can be a very difficult spot to play because of its shape and bunkers that dictate your low body position to the opponent. Adequate snake players must feel comfortable in being able to move quickly in low positions and snap shoot effectively out of awkward positions. For this exercise I would find a low object in the house, such as my bed and constantly adjust myself to come up quickly and imagine shooting a target. Focusing on body position, leg position, and popping up with every part of my body at the same time. Eventually one will be able to smoothly transition into playing the snake and feeling comfortable in hectic situations to eliminate your opponent.

In addition to pretending to shoot imaginary targets, one can also practice snap shooting at a mirror. Without an actual game-type situation, a mirror can be a great tool to distinguish if your form is correct. I would practice lining myself up away from a mirror with flat edges in an open space as if I was preparing to snap shoot at the mirror itself! I would then practice holding my gun and imagining taking a couple snap shots at the mirror while noting the position of my loader, elbows and head in the process. I would practice this exercise left and right handed and perfect it by what appeared in the mirror first. This is a great exercise for any individual who has trouble with their elbow leading their snap shot.

As you can imagine there are numerous techniques that one can practice in the comfort of their own home and at no expense. For me paintball was life and doing anything I could to make myself a better player was all I focused on! I guarantee you there is not one other pro player who has not played paintball “Around the House,” so please don’t feel uncomfortable doing this with your friends, but respect your parents belongings. I hope this will give some of you a little insight and motivation to continue perfecting your game and your technique!

Sincerely,

Gant MacLellan

Professional Player

http://www.trainhardpaintball.com/