Take a Drink for the Team to Stop Dehydration

When I'm out playing paintball, my first concern is rarely for my personal health. In fact, almost every time I play paintball I come home and one trip to the bathroom confirms the same diagnosis - dehydration. Dark yellow urine is probably not indicative of imminent death, but it is proof of my complete failure to drink as much as I should. Since paintball is typically played outdoors and always requires strenuous activity, it would seem obvious that players need to drink a lot. Maybe it's the lack of drinking fountains at many fields or maybe it's simply because you aren't thinking about drinking water after taking a shot to the goggles, but many players, myself included, simply get caught up in the moment and don't drink as much as they should.

When you're well hydrated you not only physically perform better, but you mentally are able to compete at a higher level. It's a very simple thing to do to improve you're game, so make sure you drink as much as you're body needs. While trying to correct my self-inflicted problems I always make sure to put a small water or Gatorade bottle in my bag as well as a much larger jug in my car - I don't always use them, but at least they're available.

Remember that alcohol promotes dehydration and should never be consumed if you are participating in paintball.