If you're new to playing paintball but you don't want to look like a newbie to this fun sport, here are some tips to look like you've been playing paintball for years.

First of all, never take off your mask. An experienced paintball player knows to never let their guard down even for a second when you are on or around a paintball field. The average paintball travels at a regular speed of 280-feet per second and even faster when fired from some gun models. Never remove your headgear and eye protection when you are in or nearby a designated playing area.

Know your gun. Paintball guns are not complex instruments and are very easy to learn the mechanics of. Whether you are renting a gun at the playing area or you have a gun of your own, make sure you know and understand the internal workings of your gun to avoid injury to yourself and others.

When paintball was played with industrial paint markers, a hit could really sting, if you wear proper paintball attire when you play (another way to not look like someone who is new to the sport), you won't feel a thing the next day as opposed to years ago when paintball first started and the paintballs were heavier and hit a lot harder than the paintballs of today. Get the best helmet you can afford and good eye protection. Also, invest in proper paintball attire. There are great looking jerseys and pants made specifically for paintball and you'll look great. Darker colors are best as light colors and especially anything white will get you sighted quickly when you're doing your best to blend in with the surroundings and get your opponent, if you're wearing light colors, chances are your opponent will see you first. Paintball attire is made so it is easy to camouflage yourself, especially if you're playing woodsball.

Wear a good pair of boots, athletic shoes or even cleats. Cleats and athletic shoes are great for running nearly silently and give excellent ground traction. Boots are great if you're playing woodsball in taller brush and they protect your shins and ankles from paintball hits.

If someone has a gun or other technology that interests you, ask about it. Learn all you can about the equipment other people are using and you will pick up valuable tips about different types of equipment and the ways to best use it.

When you're actively playing a game of paintball, look all around the area surrounding yourself and stay on guard. Another tip is to never stay in one place for too long, your opponent will definitely have their sites on you if you stay in one place and you'll easily be hit and out of the game.

Use these tips to look like you've been playing paintball for years at your next game, even if it is your first one!