In 15 short years, the sport of paintball has become recognized as one of the world's most exciting outdoor participation sports. Paintball is played in over 40 countries by millions of men and women of all ages and lifestyles. Whether homemakers or high-school students, professionals or retirees, all paintball players share in common a love for adventure and a strong competitive spirit. The number of players on each team can vary from one or two, five or seven or ten, to over 1,000 on a side, limited only by the size of the playing field. A paintball is a round, thin-skinned gelatin capsule with colored liquid inside it.
Paintballs are similar to large round vitamin capsules or bath oil beads.
It rinses out of clothing and off skin with mild soap and water. Some use small 12 gram CO2 powerlets as their power source, each powerlet being good for 15 to 30 shots. For safety, paintball players always must wear goggles specifically designed for paintball to protect their eyes. Goggles must be worn during a game and at all times when a person is in an area where shooting is permitted, such as the target range or chronograph area. A protective facemask is mandatory nearly everywhere, and should be worn regardless.