No one ever talks about this...

[Ninjeff]

You know, there are alot of posts about the equipment side of paintball, but almost none of the FORM of paintball.

As equipment goes, im not much of a "tinker-er". Never have been. Ive always just liked to set it, and forget it.

One thing i am CONSTANTLY obsessed with is FORM. The skill set needed to play well. I always try to obsess over video of me playing, or pictures, and find out how i can improve my form.

for example:http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h28/Ninjeff/100_3100-1.jpg

That picture bugs me, as i can tell my right foot is outside of the bunker, as is my right knee. And im shooting towards my right, so there is no need for me to be outside of the bunker like that.
Stuff like, proper snap shooting techniques, sliding, moving, aiming, and others are things im always looking to improve.

So, hopefully this prompts a discussion on such things. Im interested to hear what tips you guys have.

[etjoyride]

All i know is that my "coach"/boss is going to have lots of things to say about my teams form after this weekend and i'll be glad to hear it. I know i've gotten somewhat sloppy over the past year and really need to clean it up.

[punkncat]

I really miss those old hyperball fields....

Lol, we used to drill on nothing but form. Watching hoppers, hands, elbows, legs, head, everything.
When I get back I am probably going to coach for a season before (or if) I can come back. There is nothing that will lose you a game quicker than being unaware of where your body is.

[etjoyride]

OPh and you may want to tilt your hopper towards your bunker. it makes it a harder angle and gets it back behind the bunker much faster nearly eliminating the chance of getting hit on it.

[punkncat]

OPh and you may want to tilt your hopper towards your bunker. it makes it a harder angle and gets it back behind the bunker much faster nearly eliminating the chance of getting hit on it.

Angling hopper in brings your hand and wrist out. Its actually better to angle the rear of your gun in when being shot at and actually just slightly tilting your head. Never even let off the trigger. Its very slight, almost an effect of lifting your opposite foot. You will still be in ramp and can get back on them quick. It also has a good way of helping keep people from pulling a run by on you as you go in.

[Ninjeff]

You know, i tried the whole "tilting hopper behind bunker" thing, and found, especially, with the egg, it really does a number on my accuracy. Especially ball to ball accuracy as the weight is then pulling my gun down and to the left (in the picture) making my barrel go up and to the right.
Not to mention im kinda "old school" and go so used to shooting with a powerfeed that im just not used to it.

Plus my old couch always drilled about "KEEP YOUR DAMN ELBOWS IN!". LOL.

Good tip though...keep em coming.

[etjoyride]

I'll remember that punkncat

Ninjeff, i guess because i've been told that since is started palying speedball so my accuracy has worked around it, i'll def. try tipping the rear of my setup in some though.

[Mechanic79]

teeter-totter

COMFORT =============== FORM

So on the comfort side of the scale I have obvious comfort, easiest shooting, more accurate.

So on the FORM side of the scale, I have less comfort, harder shooting, less accurate.

For me it seems the more comfortable I am, the looser I play. I'm easier to hit across the field. But I also see more people and have an easier time shooting.

Then when I play tighter, paying attention to form, I miss when people move, I'm harder to hit across field, but easier to get bunkered.

I think its a trade off that changes as fast as any particular game itself. I've been learning/thinking how to compensate ON DEMAND as I deem necessary.

[Anjin3515]

its interesting...but no one teaches you form in paintball.
Think about most sports....there is always a coach out there teaching the basics when you start....but because paintball is a sport AND a recreation...not many people are ever taught proper playing....its more of a learn as you go. Since there are few leagues geared at new players, they are never taught the basics....and where do you go to learn them? It winds up trial and error.

It be nice to see fields offer classes on how to play.

[spwz99]

my biggest problem is staying on my feet. since im so tall (6'5") i tend to play any bunker that isnt a can from my knees rather than a squat, which really kills my snapshooting and my ability to move.

[warbeak2099]

Interestingly among all the incredibly subjective equipment reviews and overviews of scenarios, I read a great article about form in APG recently. It was an interesting read and a big reminder of good ways to stay tight and use different bunkers to their maximum potential. Thinking about that stuff is very important and you're right, I don't think enough people focus on it.

Reminds me of the at least 5 kids sitting in the staging area on every open night at my local field. They've got every upgrade imaginable on their Dynasty Shockers and PL Egos, but I've never seen them play. It's always me and some guy with a Phantom destroying people.