Speedball is a variation of capture the flag. It is also known as center flag. To play speedball paintball games, there is only one flag needed unlike other games that may have two or more flags. A minimum of two teams is needed to play speedball.

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 ten. It’s a fast game, like the name implies. The game will usually last about 15 minutes. Some games may be as short as 10 minutes or as long as 20 minutes. Variations depend on:

• Type of field
• Team sizes
• Player skills

The game can be played on any paintballing field. The field is usually about 150 feet x 300 feet. 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 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, which ever 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.