by Alan Galatian

Created on: July 03, 2009   Last Updated: August 21, 2009

How to Build Your Own Paintball Field

Running your own paintball field can be a very satisfying experience. It's a great way to get friends together on the weekends and can be done with very little money. You can choose to build a field indoors or outdoors, but for most of us an outdoor field will be more feasible. The sky is the limit in the creation of a good paintball field and the primary ingredients needed are a good imagination and some common sense.

Before you start construction, you'll need to assess the area where you will be playing. You can use a large backyard, the empty lot next door, a wooded field, or even a large warehouse.

Once you've chosen your playing field, map it out. Make a rough sketch of the field and any existing features that can be used during a game. Imagine your game in progress. Two opposing teams should equally have sufficient coverage to hold defensive positions. They will also need enough room to move around.

If the current layout of the field gives one team a large advantage over the other, then more features will need to be added to compensate. Trenches and foxholes can be dug into the field and the extra dirt can be piled up to act as a shield. Old shipping pallets, 55 gallon drums, empty cable spools, old broken appliances, and even old junk cars can be brought in to create unique bunkers and shields.

Sparse open areas can also be turned into great paintball fields in much the same way. If you do not have access to the materials mentioned, you can buy inflatable bunkers and shields. Camping tents have even been modified and used to create bunkers. These options work well if you cannot leave materials on the property and need more portable options.

When you examine your playing area, be sure to note if you're near any public areas with passing vehicles and pedestrians. The last thing you want to do is cause property damage or injury to a passerby. If you will be playing in populated areas, you can help protect outsiders by putting up paintball netting. Netting is offered in sizes ranging from 12-feet to 20-feet high and can be used to enclose an entire field or can be used to fill gaps.

Don't forget have waivers available for players to sign. Anyone injured on your property may have a right to sue, and the legal consequences from any damage or injuries would quickly spoil your fun.

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