The Basics by Ivan

BEFORE YOU GET ON THE FIELD

1. Check you goggles and make sure the strap is secure on the frames and check to ensure the lenses are properly in place. Make sure they're clean.
2. Make sure you have your squeegee
3. Check to see if your tubes or buld loaders are topped up.

AFTER YOU GET TO THE FLAG STATION / STARTING POINT 

1. Remember to remove your barrel sock.
2. Make sure your marker is loaded, the air source is on and its cocked and ready to fire.
3. Turn your marker on / safety off when game starts.

COVER AND CONCEALMENT, THE SAME THINGS?

No, they are not the same thing. Think of it this way.

Cover:   It will stop a paintball, but will not hide you. A pane of lexan (goggle lense material), for instance.

Concealment:  It will allow you to hide, but may not stop a paintball. A wall of paper is a good example.

Most times, you'll get both. Don't rely on it, one hundred percent of the time. Just remember, the bush may hide you, but it might not stop a paintball. Also with cover, when you are using vertical cover, like a tree trunk, you should stand at least an arms length away. This way the tree will cover you better from your opponent's point of view, and it does not obscure your vision as much.

MOVEMENT

THE BEST WAY TO MOVE (When you are not being shot at)

Unless the other team knows where you are (indicated by the fact that they're shooting at you) take your time. The faster you move, the more noise you're going to make. If you have the time, take it. You can have speed, or silence, but not both. You'll know when to use one or the other.
If you are moving on someone try to keep obstacles between your eyes and his, even a slender tree may hide you from their vision.

Also, while you are moving, you should keep your marker "at the ready" position.
When in a game, but not in the action, you should have your marker ready at all times, but still carry it in a comfortable position.

THE BEST WAY TO MOVE (When you are being shot at)

The idea is to move as fast as possible, in short bursts, to prevent your opponent from drawing a bead on you. As a rule of thumb, it takes about three seconds for a person to recognize, acquire, sight in and shoot at a target that pops up unexpectantly. You don't want to give them three seconds. You also don't want to "telegraph" your movement. When you're ready to go, then GO! Don't try a "head fake", or any fancy stuff like that. You're robbing yourself of your three second advantage.

BASIC OFFENSIVE TACTICS

1. First, you should designate a small group of players to act as a flanking party. These players will automatically break off and flank the opposition when you encounter them. If you designate specific players to do this before the game, you don't have worry about confusion on who is going to go during the game. I remember being up front and saying "A couple of you flank around." When I turned around, they were ALL gone flanking! The Flanking Party should stay to the back, so they don't get hit during initial contact.
2. It's also wise to stay in one group. If you break up into smaller groups, the opposition will eliminate them quickly, if they were smart enough to stay in a group.
3. The best way to win is to avoid the opposition altogether. It's fun to shoot your friends, but if you want to win, you'll want as many people as you can get into the flag station.
4. When you get to the flag station, send your flanking party around to the other side to divert attention. Once the defenders start moving and advancing on the flankers, you rush in and shoot a few in the back. This only works if the defenders don't see the main body.

BASIC DEFENSIVE TACTICS

Defenders are only there to slow down the opposition. By definition, they are DEFENDING, not stopping. The longer you can slow down the opposition, the better it will be for your attackers.
You should only have a few defenders, and those who will not break and run at the first sign of trouble. Incidentally, some of the most tenacious defenders we've seen have been women. I don't know why, but they seem more determined than their male team mates. (That doesn't mean you should leave the ladies on defence all day, guys.)  Patience pays when defending.  If you can let a number of opponents into your field of fire before opening up on them you will increase your chances of hitting them.  Wait until they are well within your range before popping out behind cover and firing on them.  As the try to break for cover they will bumb into each other and slow there retreat alowing you to clean them up.

WHAT TO DO WHEN TOU HAVE THE FLAG

Everyone makes the same mistake. You grab the flag and you take off, leaving the opponent's flag station empty. What happens if they have YOUR flag and they're halfway back. They're going to hang the flag while you're still huffin' and puffin' down the trail. Leave a few players back to give the opposition a little surprise, and give you a little more time to get to your flag station.
When you get to your flag station, make sure it's clear; the bad guys may have read this too.
Don't let the guy who grabs the flag run off half-cocked. Make sure there are a few players in front of him and a few players behind. Most times the opposition doesn't realize you have their flag until you pass them. Now they're behind you, which is why you have a few players taking up the rear.

WHAT TO DO IF THEY HAVE YOUR FLAG

Where are they going to go with your flag? That's right, THEIR flag station. Don't try to second guess which route they're going to take back. Beat feet to their flag station and wait for them there. They usually come running in, thinking (and acting) like they already won. Then, you let them have it!