Paintball Shooting Positions
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Target practicing with a rifle is nothing like shooting in paintball.  In paintball you must be able to shoot accurately while running, standing, crouching, kneeling, laying down and even sitting.  Each position requires somewhat of a different technique.  Practicing your shooting from each position can assist you in becoming proficient from any spot on the field.  Here are some tips for each position…

The Sitting Position
The sitting position is mainly used behind bunkers.  Keep your legs straight forward or slightly bent to the side and position yourself several feet behind the bunker.  Keep your paintball gun at eye level so you can shoot just over the top or out the side of the bunker.  The sitting position utilizes the natural ability to arch your back and neck to shrink down and then to straighten back out.  When you straighten up, you should be able to just look over the top of the bunker, shoot and then quickly shrink back into safety.  Additionally, in the sitting position it is easier to lean from side to side to shoot around the bunker.

The Kneeling Position
The kneeling position is similar to the sitting position, however used when you can't see over the bunker or barrier while seated.  Some bunkers are too tall to see over/around when seated.  Place yourself on one knee, with your other leg ready to help you move.  Always keep your paintball marker at eye level pulled tight against your shoulder.  Raise and lower yourself primarily with your waist and back; position yourself high enough to peek over the bunker only, but not any higher to become a target!  The kneeling position is also a great intermediate position when you are preparing to relocate to another position.

The Kneeling Position
The kneeling position is similar to the sitting position, however used when you can't see over the bunker or barrier while seated.  Some bunkers are too tall to see over/around when seated.  Place yourself on one knee, with your other leg ready to help you move.  Always keep your paintball marker at eye level pulled tight against your shoulder.  Raise and lower yourself primarily with your waist and back; position yourself high enough to peek over the bunker only, but not any higher to become a target!  The kneeling position is also a great intermediate position when you are preparing to relocate to another position.

The Prone Position
Laying on your stomach is not a good position to be in while playing paintball.  Unlike shooting a rifle, using a front rest will not greatly increase your accuracy.  When playing paintball, the only time you should drop to your stomach is when you are under attack or trying to stay hidden.  Sometimes the prone position comes in handy for an army crawl to sneak or cover ground under heavy fire.  While in the prone position, or laying on your stomach, raise your upper body slightly and rest on your elbows.  Hold your gun up to eye level. If you need to get lower, move your elbows farther forward or out to the sides which will lower your body and your gun at the same time.  When you need to move, use your elbows and legs and crawl like a lizard.

The Crouching Position
Being in the crouching position is not very comfortable to be in and can cause your legs to cramp after a short time if you’re not conditioned to it.  The best case scenario is to use the crouching position only as an intermediate step between kneeling and standing.  However sometimes it’s necessary to run with your head down in a crouching position.  When shooting from a crouch, always keep your gun tight against your shoulder and arch your back to keep your profile low.  Try to maintain your weight centered over the balls of your feet.  When you’re ready to run to a new location and you are in the crouching position, lean forward until you nearly fall and then spring into a full run rather than springing up and then running as this will cause you to be seen/targeted more easily.  

The Standing Position
The standing position is the best for shots from a distance and while hiding behind tall bunkers.  It is the most comfortable position to stay in for long periods and it is easy to switch to a different position from standing if necessary.  When firing your paintball marker from the standing position, try to keep your legs slightly bent and keep them spread about 1-2 feet apart.  If you need to lower yourself, try to spread your legs a little more or bend your knees rather than crouching, as crouching quickly becomes uncomfortable.  Position your gun in whichever spot is most comfortable and will give you the most accurate aim.  Keep in mind, standing will cause you to be the most vulnerable, so be sure to keep your body as concealed as possible behind your bunker. 

The best way to get good at shooting from different positions is to practice… all of the them!  Designate specific times during your play to practicing drills that will improve your shooting accuracy from each position.  Also practice transitioning from one position to another and then shooting.  For example, go from shooting while kneeling to shooting while crouching and running to the next bunker. 

Keep in mind what other positions you can get to if you come under fire. If you need to move or if you can't get the shot you need, whatever position helps is the one you should get in.  Find what positions you prefer and practice them.  Also practice the positions you don't like as much, to help improve your overall game.

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