It takes a lot of guts and character to be
a leader in any sport. Even in paintball, where there is minimal
physical contact and it can be played by everybody from all walks of
life, there are certain qualities needed to be a leader of a
paintball team.
First, he has to achieve that certain level of respect; the kind
where other paintball players, some of them close friends, are
willing to follow his orders. This is a feat to achieve since not
everyone can bear to take orders from
just anyone. He should be
a master strategist. In this case, flexibility is a must since he
must make the initial battle plan suitable for any kind of
battlefield. He must also be courageous, the type of player that
will never hesitate to go into the frontline, even if he is
protected by his men. He must be a well-liked character, someone who
has the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all
types of people.
What are the attributes
that a paintball commander should have?
1.
Experience and quick-wit:
Experience is one
thing that is not gained easily: it takes a lot of time and patience
to achieve the kind of experience suitable for a leader.
2. Physical fitness:
He must be able to get into the thick of things, and to be able to
get into any areas that his men can go. Mobility is a necessity for
a paintball commander
3. Respected aura
Respect is needed to convince all of the
members of a team to follow whatever orders that are needed,
dispensed, and carried out. No team player will follow someone he
does not like and/or respect.
4. Ability
and willingness to communicate
A commander
talks with authority and conviction - he can make people listen and
take action.
A paintball commander must be
able to put aside his personal performance for a while to analyze
the performance of his team. He should survive almost every battle.
He should be able to dissect and identify the flaws of his team and
the battle plan whenever things go wrong and have the “smarts” to
come up with a better plan the next time around.
Like all
other participation sports, a paintball leader must be able to
inspire other people to perform the best they can. Once this is
done, the whole team, not only the paintball commander, will achieve
victory.