Speedball is a fast-paced, action-packed version of paintball typically played by more advanced players. Most of the time, speedball players are using their own equipment, which almost always includes a .68 caliber marker.

Most tournament players and teams play speedball when competing for cash prizes, medals, trophies, etc. Typically, speedball is played by two 5-man teams that face off for a flag in the middle of the field. Teams make their way to their opponents’ side of the field with the flag, touch their “start gate” and score a “point”. The team with the most points at the end of the timed game wins the match. Here, in Houston, there are several leagues that offer 2v2 (that is 2 players vs 2 players), 3v3, and 7v7 formats.

People of all ages, genders, shapes, and sizes play paintball, both recreationally and professionally. As with most other sports, athletes play different “positions” based on their strengths and weaknesses. But paintball does differ from other sports in a few big ways…
1. Paintball is one of the few sports where physical fitness is not the most important trait for a player to possess. The most important skills are communication, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and hand-eye coordination.
2. Men and women both play, with some teams and leagues even being women-only. Everyone is held to the same standards, regardless of gender.
3. No physical contact is allowed. Tackling, tagging, or any other type of touching is simply not part of the game.

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