Speedball Paintball Games

Speedball has many variations (Airball, Xball, and Hyperball), each game has different rules and bunkers on the field; however, all of them are considered speedball because they are played on small fields at a fast ‘speed’. Airball and Xball are the most common types of games played when referring to speedball. Airball uses inflatable bunkers, Xball also uses inflatable bunks but characterized by a giant X in the center of the field, Hyperball uses ridged black tube bunkers, which are more challenging to rearrange. In this article we will be focusing on Airball and Xball.

When playing locally for fun, the teams can be any size that the paintball players decide on. For tournaments, the NPPL (National Professional Paintball League) allows only teams of three, five, or seven. It’s a fast game, like the name implies. The game time length varies from league to league and country to country but usually between 2 minutes and as long as 10 minutes. Variations depend on:

  • Team Size
  • Tournament Ranking

The game of speedball can be played on any paintball field; however, the official NPPL field is 100ft x 180ft border to border and 120ft x 200ft net to net with the surface being NPPL ActionTurf, grass, or dirt. The field can vary in size and surface based on your local paintball field. Ideally, the field will be set up with each side having the same amount of bunkers. Each side of the field should have almost a mirror image of the other team’s side. This eliminates either team having any field advantage due to the side of the field that they start on. This will make the game more fun for everyone and each team will need to rely on their team/player skills.

  • How the game is played
    each team starts at designated starting places on their side of the field. There is one flag in the middle. The game starts with the blowing of a whistle, horn, or cap gun. The game will end when the time limit is up or when a team wins, whichever comes first. The strategy of the paintball game, speedball, is to avoid being shot (eliminated from play), eliminate as many of the opposing team members as possible (eliminate opposing team players), and to protect the flag until it is able to be captured and in the possession of the team.
  • To win the game
    Total elimination of the opposing team’s players, have possession of the flag, or the most points at the end of the allotted time for the game.

Speedball is a good game to play when you are running out of time on the field because it is fast and will make the most of the remaining time on the field. It is also a good game to play when the players prefer a fast-paced game. All players get the most field time with this game because even if eliminated, there will be a new game started every 20 minutes or less. This game can cause fatigue and exhaustion sooner. Follow health precautions to be able to keep up with the pace of the game safely.

Techniques Used In Speedball

Paintball Tournaments

Learn about Paintball Tournaments.