Arcing Shot

An arcing shot occurs because paintballs are light, round, and travel at relatively low speeds. Unlike projectiles designed for flat trajectories, paintballs lose velocity quickly and are strongly affected by gravity and air resistance. This makes their natural flight path curved rather than straight.

Players can use this curve to their advantage. By tilting the marker slightly upward, the paintball reaches a higher point in its arc before dropping down behind an opponent’s bunker. This allows players to eliminate opponents who believe they are fully protected by low cover or who stay tucked behind obstacles.

Arcing shots are particularly effective at long distances where direct shots cannot reach due to the height of bunkers or terrain. In wooded and scenario environments, players use arcing shots to target opponents behind logs, mounds, and natural barriers. On speedball fields, arcing shots are occasionally used to pressure back players or force opponents to stay tight inside small bunkers.

Accuracy with arcing shots requires practice. Wind, ball quality, humidity, and shooting distance all affect how much elevation is needed. Because paintballs slow down quickly, the shooter must anticipate drop and lead moving targets more than with direct lines.

Mastering arcing shots gives players more options during stalemates and helps open up angles that are otherwise inaccessible with straight-line shooting.