Reviewing the Field

Fields:
The important parts of a good woods/scenario field is are primarily 3 things; the size of the field, the construction of the field, and the layout/maintenance of the field.

Fields need to be the correct size for the game that is being played. A good woodsball field needs to be long enough so the teams can’t see each other at the start of the game, and wide enough that the flankers on one sideline can shoot those on the other. Also, the field needs the be big enough for the number of players that use the field. If there isn’t enough room for the players to maneuver, then the game stalemates into a game where both teams form a line and shoot at the other team, eventually thinning their numbers until movement is once again possible. These games are quite boring, and expensive as players are shooting at the worst possible angle, at close to max range. Fields will sell a lot of paint though, and that is why these smaller fields can be found quite regularly. Paintball is first and foremost a game of movement, and fields need to be built with this in mind.

When you construct a woodsball field, for me, the most important thing to start with is some woods. I am a little fed up that in the state of Washington, where trees are quite plentiful, people are choosing clear cut land to place a field on. Granted, there are ways to make a recreation field like a town or theme field where there isn’t much in the way of vegetation, and it’s okay to have one of these fields as it is a good change of pace. But lets be honest, paintball is made to be played where there are trees and shrubs. Shrubs are important, they obscure vision, can be shot through and can also provide cover. Also, use the terrain of the field to your advantage. I hate fields that are built on the edge of a cliff or around some impassible wetland. Lastly, are the bunkers made out of things that are safe? Rusty old cars may not be the might be fun, but can also require a tetanus shot.

The maintenance of the field is important to keep the fields playable. Are the boundaries well marked? Are blackberry bushes kept back to a manageable level? Have bee hives and wasps nests been disposed of or at the least marked off? Are safety hazards taken care of? Such as rusty metal on bunkers, towers about to collapse, holes or roots in major pathways.