Two leagues…. Like baseball, it must be like the American league and the National league, right? Not exactly, but let me explain. Most veteran paintball players know of at least one of the two, even if they’ve never played in a tournament. The two major leagues represent two very different styles of the game. The description, listed below, will help give you a general idea of how it’s broke down:

NPPL - Speedball

This is the most recognized style of paintball, which is broadcast on sports networks such as ESPN. Speedball, sometimes referred to as Hyperball, is a variant of paintball in which players wear brightly colored team uniforms, and which the field is a manicured obstacle coarse. Both sides of the field are mirror images of each other. Often air bunkers air used, but the obstacles are also created out of pipes, tires, fencing or other items.

Speedball tends to use more paint in close-quarter combat games, as the players are typically more confined. The goals are usually to capture the flag and take it to the opponents starting point, or to eliminate all opposing players.

Because of the condition and size of the field, rounds tend to be very short, and referees are often able to make a clear call due to good visibility of most or all players on the field. Players are governed by standard rules, and equipment, though variable in quality, must be similar. All paintball markers are semi-automatic only in almost all cases. Speed of the marker is increased by the use of the double-trigger (two finger), which the player will usually use the index and middle finger to fire rapidly. Any form of automatic-fire is generally prohibited.

SPPL - Scenario Paintball

This is the oldest form of paintball, and is likely the most common. Scenario and woodsball are very similar, and players frequently substitute one for another.

While still carrying the expense of speedball, woodsball and scenario tends be a more likely choice for beginners, since all they need to do is find a rural friend, relative or neighbor with a place that is (hopefully) safe and out of the way, and has objects to hide behind - not that obstacles are a requirement. Since this is where many start learning to play, many of these players continue to favor woodsball or scenario paintball.

This variety of play tends to be far more militant, as the players dress in camouflage and gear looks stunningly like that which is used on the field of battle. Quite often there may be vehicles involved - rescue vehicles, mock-up tanks, etc.. The scenarios may include capture-the-flag, recovery (of and object or person), elimination (several varieties, including Sniper Hunt), special ops and more. SpecialOps Paintball has been organizing this type of play the strongest, as of late, as well as helping teams to develop new strategies and ideas.

Scenario / Woodsball is the least covered varieties of the sport, although it is just as popular. The tournaments are generally on sprawling wooded fields - some with vehicles, others with structures. This, by its own right, may be what makes coverage of this version of paintball so difficult. Well - that, and maybe the smoke grenades! Because of the low visibility less paint tends to be propelled down field.

Paintball grenades are also not uncommon to try to eliminate a squadron. Other equipment may include pistols, automatic weapons, mines, pump-action markers and rocket launchers. There are other devices as well.

Hopefully this explains the differences between the two tournament styles. In each style the field rules will apply, and one may find the lines blurred between speedball and woodsball. Though there are other variants, such as Outlaw, this is designed to give an idea of what may be found on professional fields, and in the independent tournaments.