What is Woodsball?

What is Woodsball?

Woodsball is a popular sport and a variation of the broad category sport of paintball.  Woodsball is played in the natural setting of a forest.  Like scenario paintball, this sport is often played according to a setting or predetermined story.  Unlike many other forms of paintball, however, woodsball is a game that has very large—or unlimited—boundaries.  Obviously, this flexible woodsball is a game popular game among the rural population because of the suitable land area that is not available to most urban dwellers.  In fact, city dwellers usually prefer the game of speedball instead, as this game is a smaller version of paintball, one that can be confined to an indoor arena.

There are two primary levels of play in woodsball: basic play (or recball) as well as advanced play.  The basic level of play is for new players or for players looking for a more casual event.  In this style of gaming, disorganized fun ensues and player positions are usually not used.  However, in advanced play then teams will be operating according to woodsball strategy.  Teams will be organized and coordination will be a key factor in winning and losing.  Woodball mimics the fundamentals of war in this case; there are rapid maneuvers, team movement and cooperation, high-tech equipment and even extensive training.

Advanced level players go all out for their games.  They bring along army boots, full ghillie suits and other camouflage outfits.  Camouflage is particularly effective, especially in games that last several hours.  Concealing your appearance may be paramount to the team’s victory.  Some players have used a variety of ghillie suits, including suits resembling mossy oak, realtree or even desert colored plain. 

There are many strategies to winning at Woodsball.  Some popular attack plans include the Blitzkrieg, base defense, ambushes, charging, flanking maneuvers and cover fire.  This explains why the sniper, and his/her ghillie suit, is one of the most important factors in the game.