Think you’re good enough to be a professional?
After 5 years of playing in amateur tournaments, you’re ready to make the big step. You want to become a pro. The fame, the glory, and the girls it all awaits you in the world of professional paintball. But don’t forget the blood, sweat, and tears along the way.
Being a professional is more than just entering in professional tournaments. It’s a way of life. It’s something that most people never see, until they want to make that big step. If you want to become a true professional, you better have a large bank account to back you up, a sugar daddy, a trust fund, or some EXCELLENT time management skills. At this point in time, you also should have a sponsor. If you are unfortunate enough to have to work also, you’re going to be shocked when you realize how little free time you have. Have a significant other? Hope she’s prepared too. Why am I painting such a gloomy picture? Because YOU need to understand the task you are about to undertake.
More than anything else, the difference between a professional and an amateur is dedication. You may think that playing paintball 2-3 times a week is enough. If you’re a professional, you’re not playing paintball, you’re bleeding paintball. You center your life around it in the practices, the training, the diet, EVERYTHING. Most people can’t cut it.
First and foremost, being a professional goes way beyond playing paintball. You need to TRAIN. Well, you don’t have to, but unless you want to win, you should. Get that exercise regime down, along with that diet regime. You need to be fit to play at this level. You need the endurance and strength to blow by these amateurs. This is the key part which most amateurs and even a few ‘professionals’ miss. Without a training program, you will never be the player that you could be.
Practice at least 3 times a week, if not 5. This doesn’t mean just playing games and scrimmages. This means running DRILLS. Yes, drills are boring, but drills hone your skills. On top of drills, you need to work on your team dynamic. This means that you will need a tactician or team captain to take the lead. Top teams don’t just go out on the field and destroy everybody else. They plan these things out, they make plays, make strategies, and execute.
Lastly, a professional has perseverance. You can’t just one day wake up and be a professional. It takes time, and patience. You might suffer a few losses, a few setbacks, whatever it may be. A real professional shrugs it off, learns from his mistakes, and moves on. Hate to go to clichés, but what doesn’t kill you WILL make you stronger. Most professionals play for 5-10 years before being publicly recognized. Don’t give up if your team is losing, find out why. If you have to, move to another team. Just don’t give up if you have the heart and motivation, you will succeed.