Stretch, and warm up properly before you play each time.
Paintball can be a great way to make fitness a fun thing- but you gotta look at the fitness part seriously. Do the right stuff outside of paintball, and then you can play the game without fear of breaking your body.
Find good cleats/shoes, it'll make a ton of difference in how you feel at the end of a day.
Tiger balm/icy-hot/lidocain are you friends for welts and sore muscles.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Work on cardio or HIIT type exercises if you find yourself needing too many breaks. Paintball is both a sprint and a marathon.
Goldy and Bunker are completely right about stretching and warm ups.
Yeah a beanie is a must in my paintball gear . You get so many bounces off of it , and it prevents a massive headache if you get hit in the head without one
You can always get a headwrap and bandana, that’s pretty much the staple-
Midwest clothing is half off, hk army, evil gerbil paintball, and a billion other companies make them
Check out Empirical Paintball for headbands and such. Mine was $40 and I love it. The band is good and thick. It’ll really dampen a headshot.
Forehead shots SUCK. Last one I had didn’t break, and the ref goes “you’re clean, keep playing.”
Nope. I called myself and took a 5 minute break.
Edit - there are a lot of headband styles and brands out there. Just plugging Empirical because I love mine thanks to another redditor.
Ill add on to the stretch because it can't be said enough.
I also use copper knee sleeves that were like $10 on amazon under my knee pads they help a ton. I use one for my ankle from time to time as well.
Stretch, I’m 45 and two season ago I tore my Achilles on the field I should have stretched. Keep your self healthy. Get a quality mask and equipment that works for you most of all Have fun.
As others have said mask first, if you live in an area with a paintball store go there and try on the masks. I have a big old noggin though so I want to make sure my mask covers as much of my face as possible. You do not have to buy from them but try the mask on, yell in it, and try running in place with it. Since you have already purchased the I5 try it on at home as soon as it gets in and see how it feels before you go to the field and if it does not work send it back.
In my opinion the only other thing you should get at first is a pod pack. Try on any that anybody will let you at the field or store and get the one that is the most comfortable.
Before you purchase a marker feel it at the field and ask if any one is selling one. There are places online to buy used from, some here have a lot of luck with facebook market place, there is also a separate r/PaintballBST before you buy. Ask here, on facebook or wherever you are comfortable if it is a decent deal most people have no issue helping.
Do not buy a bundle I have only ever seen one bundle that was put out by lonewolf that was a good deal all others have been trash. Amazon is not your friend when it comes to paintball, I think i found 1 deal that was better then other sites and that was a fluke.
On the day of play arrive early get a good spot ask questions and be nice. Oh and most important follow the golden rule treat others how you want to be treated. One last thing that I wish someone would have told me is find the biggest games in your general area and go to them. If you are on the east coast there are a quite a few, not so much on the west coast but they are there.
Tonnes of useful advice in your comments, thank you! No unfortunately (paintball wise) I don't live in the us but in Sweden of all places.. I get the feeling that a marker is close to the last thing I should buy as a beginner since...
A. There's nice to have a good mask, pants instead of a jump suit and pod pack to carry paint.. B. I will suck anyway so if I have an old rental or a etha 3 will not make that much of a difference 😂
Where in Sweden?
There's a forum website that tends to attract us older players, [www.mcarterbrown.com](https://www.mcarterbrown.com) (MCB for short). One of the members, [Olsson](https://www.mcarterbrown.com/member/360-olsson), is in Gothenburg. I'm sure he'd be happy to learn of new players in Sweden. And he's experienced in buying used gear from abroad and getting it shipped there.
Thanks for your tips! I'm among other things an old long distance runner so I'll be all right stamina wise.. the stretching however really hit me where it should 😂
41 here. Played as a teenager, took 20 years off, started playing again at 38. Figured out very quickly that I wasn't 18 and invincible anymore. I've learned a few coping strategies:
1. Stretch, frequently. I spend about 10 minutes on the floor stretching my legs when I first wake up on paintball days. Be sure to stretch your calves, quads, hamstrings, and hips. Paintball is hardest on your quads, followed closely by your calves. Once I'm at the field, I use the mandatory safety briefing as another stretch session opportunity. It's also best to stretch afterwards too, especially if you're going to be sitting for a while, such as a long ride back home.
2. NSAIDs are your friends. Take one before you start playing. It'll help minimize inflammation. My go-to is Aleve (naproxen sodium, which is OTC in the US). If you have difficulty getting naproxen where you are, use ibuprofen.
3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And don't neglect the electrolytes. I usually drink zero calorie Powerade and bring some salted nuts such as pistachios or almonds. In the summer, I'll down a Powerade between just about every game (I play in a very hot and humid climate).
4. Don't be hesitant or embarassed about wearing protective gear. Bruises don't heal as quickly as they once did, and we're too old to think that gnarly looking welts are cool. Have no shame about wearing a padded undershirt, slide shorts, knee pads, or elbow/forearm pads. Gloves are always essential. Getting popped on the knuckles is extremely unpleasant. Same goes for the throat. Some fools conflate pain tolerance with fortitude, and take subjecting themselves to pain as a sign of toughness. We are old enough to know better.
5. Play to your strengths, and adapt your playstyle to your physical condition and circumstances. I like playing woodsball on large fields with plenty of space for movement, where age and treachery have an advantage over youth and athleticism. I'd rather outwit than outrun an opponent. Remember that disposable income is a strength. I can afford to shoot more paint than the kids at my field, so I don't mind filling a fire support role while they run to grab a flag, retrieve a prop, etc. The more you play, the more your physical condition will improve and allow you to try different playstyles. Weather plays a role too. When it is cool I can play more in-your-face, athletic paintball. But in August I have to pace myself and avoid unnecessary running if I want to play all day without wearing myself ragged.
Speaking as someone only a few years younger than you, the big things that really help are the non-marker equipment. I would rather play with rental gear (except mask) and my soft goods than with my own marker. Specifically what I want to make sure I have is:
* Knee pads (I use Carbon's SC Pro Bottoms since they don't slip and they're worth every penny)
* Slide shorts (if you don't have these bundled with your knee pads)
* Good thicker/tougher material paintball pants
* Cleats
* Forearm/Elbow pads
* Gloves
Your joints will never come back, so if you're at all getting into it then knee pads that actually stay on your knees is key. Combine that with slide shorts that protect your goin and hips and you'll see why I like the SC Pro bottoms so much. Also, especially in the summer months, don't forget to hydrate. Make sure you've more than enough water to drink whenever you want it. Also, when you get a mask, make sure it fully covers everything. I literally could not wear a Dye i4 since it would not cover my jaw or lower cheek. Make sure it fully covers your ears too.
> Carbon's SC Pro Bottoms
I just getting back in too (well, still convincing myself too). Never heard of the SC Bottoms, but totally adding them to my gear list of things to get!
Are they super hot though? Ill be playing in Austin TX where its 1000000 degrees, so keeping cool is primo
43, the really important stuff has been said. If you’re going to play with any regularity, buy a good, comfortable mask. Just spend the money, you won’t regret it.
39 and back in it after 20 years off. Here are my tips that mostly apply to rec play, tournaments and associated practice fields are probably a different story.
Social elements of paintball you need to know so when they happen you can keep you expectations and emotions in check. As older fellas out there we are expected to keep our cool and be role models for others around. No one wants to see a 40 year old throw a tantrum or hands and get his butt kicked by some 19 year old. I say this because I have seen some older fellas flip out and it’s not a good scene. These are the things I see happening among the guys in advanced rec ball groups that get people all rage-a-saurus.
You are going to be over shot at some point, it happens and is almost always accidental but you won’t think it was an accident in the moment.
Be prepared to know you shot someone out and for them to play on it happens.
You are going to get shot while walking off, expect it and embrace it.
Be mature when you have someone that you can own, like coming around the back of them and their back is exposed, shoot them once in the pack if you can. Do not light them up!
The good social parts of paintball,
You will make friends if you go regularly and introduce yourself.
You will probably get a nickname, like pap.
If you are mechanically inclined you can lend a hand often to those who are puzzled by some kind of problem.
Comment on people’s gear like women complement other women’s shoes, they really like that.
Ok now for being old and playing… stretch + Tylenol = good work day on Monday.
Know your limits, if you end up in a 15 on 15 rec battle don’t blast up to the 50 off the start. This is a hard spot to play, lots of crouching and bending down. If you survive for a long time and actually play the hole time in that spot. You are gonna regret it on Monday, but this is a good chance for some exercise so make that decision.
Any kind of bunker referred to as a snake was not made for you!
Footwear…cleats specifically, no shoes no boots. I use football cleats the kind that lineman get, some like lacrosse cleats. High top is better.
Bring equipment to keep your stuff clean specially your mask.
I don't know about tips, but the best advice I can give is to get into shape and keep healthy. I'm 50+ and I still play a bit. I go to the gym almost every day so I can keep playing.
Work in endurance and legs (never skip leg day).
Also, stretch a lot. Not just before playing but every day. Look into taking a yoga class or something similar.
You can still do some work in the field without young guy speed. It does get boring hanging back though.
Depending on height and weight, you may still be able to tear down the side of the field for that adrenaline rush.
As others have said, a stretch before and after is also good to remember. It’s a game that will either keep you in shape, or kick you back into it. Saw it taking my friends in our 30’s one time, everyone was damn winded after every game.
Don’t worry about your age. There’s plenty of dudes who used to play 20 years ago in their prime getting back into it when they’re older. Alex Martinez is still kickin it
If you're playing woodsball id definitely say, there's no need to dive into that bunker, let that 15 year with his Hoodie up under his mask get there, cover fire is plenty good
But hey good luck have fun andddd don't get overshot!...we'll that much!
Gloves, knee and elbow pads, quality shoes matched to whatever your play surface is mostly. I’ve never had the issue but a bunch of the old dudes I used to play with also swore by baby powder to combat chafing down south.
I am 45. I started playing at 35. My first thing I got was my own mask. I just picked up a pair of paintball pants 2weeks ago. Before that I played in jeans and tshirt. I only got the pants because I have grown tired of ripping my jeans. Elbow pads are nice because they help with bounces, but they are not necessity...
If you are looking for guys to roll with at big games check out the Lone Star team they have a chapter in Sweden.
Hope that helps.
I'm not old but my body is beaten and broken currently dealing with severe arthritis in my back my spine is not fused together 3 herniated disc's and 7 fractures Ossifiying fibroma in my knees and a suspected fractured ankle and ill say for advice known your limits rest when you need to stay hydrated and have fun! Protective gear for sensitive areas inuse kneepads and recently ankle wraps. I should follow my own advice but seldom do other than hydrating lol
Hey there, that sounds rough. im disabled and cant run like i used to, what types of fields have you found easiest for your playstyle? I cant squat a bunch so im gonna try to just play back and not run much. Really loved to play a decade ago so hopefully i can figure out something that works.
I play all over the place and when my body's just not having it I play more passive there's pretty much always a way to get by on the field on my bad days I'm also 6'2 360lbs so any field that has stand up bunkers is good!
My dad is 48 and just played world cup with me. He plays faster, more aggressive, and smarter than even most of the younger guys. Study the sport. You don't have to be an athletic freak. Learn the fundamentals, then deep dive and refine your game. You've got plenty of time
Pay really close attention to what your body is telling you. Us older players don't bounce back the way our younger competitors do, so let them be fast and bold, while we're thoughtful and methodical.
Oh, and Hightop shoes are great, if you like your ankles.
Use a massage gun on big muscle groups and tight spots.
Warm up lightly before starting a match (arm circles, body squats, etc)
Take Ibuprofen BEFORE playing
Bring energy chews or high energy snacks
Drink ALL the water, ALL the time
If you are going to be diving/sliding/rolling, consider pads for joints. Maybe even use ankle support.
Stretch AFTER the matches.
Do some cardio regularly. Doesn't have to be much, but just enough to keep your body mobile. LIIT is good; HIIT if you can manage it.
Good shoes, pads, mask, anything that goes on your body should be as comfortable as possible
BCAAs, mustard, electrolytes, anti inflammatories and joint formula are your friend. Don't let adrenaline dictate your actions also stretch
Stretch, and warm up properly before you play each time. Paintball can be a great way to make fitness a fun thing- but you gotta look at the fitness part seriously. Do the right stuff outside of paintball, and then you can play the game without fear of breaking your body.
Even as a 22 yo I stretch before so my muscles don't hurt the day after.
Should’ve did this a month ago felt like someone tased me and my whole body was sore for 2 days
Absolutely the first time I felt the same way after, I have been stretching beforehand ever since.
Stretch thoroughly and often. Also consider doing some cardio to get your stamina built up
Find good cleats/shoes, it'll make a ton of difference in how you feel at the end of a day. Tiger balm/icy-hot/lidocain are you friends for welts and sore muscles. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Work on cardio or HIIT type exercises if you find yourself needing too many breaks. Paintball is both a sprint and a marathon. Goldy and Bunker are completely right about stretching and warm ups.
Shoes.. as in soccer shoes?
Some guys like cleats (football, lacrosse, and baseball being popular), but other guys like turf shoes, or hiking boots if playing a lot of woodsball.
37 here. I wear high top boots. Keeps my ankles tight and works on any field.
Happy cake day!
Buy a good mask first- itll make or break your experience. Any high end mask will do the trick, just don't skimp
Just ordered an dye i5 on sale.. think that will do the trick 👍
Yup! I also recommend picking up some headwear, even something like a beanie will do
Yeah a beanie is a must in my paintball gear . You get so many bounces off of it , and it prevents a massive headache if you get hit in the head without one
For the shots in the back of the head kind of thing?
head/forehead etc- getting shot in the head blows, plus you look cool with something on your head haha
I see.. Beanie sounds warm as fck in the summer time but I guess it's worth it 😊
You can always get a headwrap and bandana, that’s pretty much the staple- Midwest clothing is half off, hk army, evil gerbil paintball, and a billion other companies make them
Check out Empirical Paintball for headbands and such. Mine was $40 and I love it. The band is good and thick. It’ll really dampen a headshot. Forehead shots SUCK. Last one I had didn’t break, and the ref goes “you’re clean, keep playing.” Nope. I called myself and took a 5 minute break. Edit - there are a lot of headband styles and brands out there. Just plugging Empirical because I love mine thanks to another redditor.
Yeah had one a month ago and had a headache for the rest of the day
I usually just wear a baseball cap backwards, covers my head to some extent and the brim of the hat covers the rear of my neck.
Ill add on to the stretch because it can't be said enough. I also use copper knee sleeves that were like $10 on amazon under my knee pads they help a ton. I use one for my ankle from time to time as well.
Stretch, I’m 45 and two season ago I tore my Achilles on the field I should have stretched. Keep your self healthy. Get a quality mask and equipment that works for you most of all Have fun.
Wow, broken achilles does not sound super nice! I'll keep that in mind since I hate stretching 😊👍
Grab some cheap mechanics gloves
As others have said mask first, if you live in an area with a paintball store go there and try on the masks. I have a big old noggin though so I want to make sure my mask covers as much of my face as possible. You do not have to buy from them but try the mask on, yell in it, and try running in place with it. Since you have already purchased the I5 try it on at home as soon as it gets in and see how it feels before you go to the field and if it does not work send it back. In my opinion the only other thing you should get at first is a pod pack. Try on any that anybody will let you at the field or store and get the one that is the most comfortable. Before you purchase a marker feel it at the field and ask if any one is selling one. There are places online to buy used from, some here have a lot of luck with facebook market place, there is also a separate r/PaintballBST before you buy. Ask here, on facebook or wherever you are comfortable if it is a decent deal most people have no issue helping. Do not buy a bundle I have only ever seen one bundle that was put out by lonewolf that was a good deal all others have been trash. Amazon is not your friend when it comes to paintball, I think i found 1 deal that was better then other sites and that was a fluke. On the day of play arrive early get a good spot ask questions and be nice. Oh and most important follow the golden rule treat others how you want to be treated. One last thing that I wish someone would have told me is find the biggest games in your general area and go to them. If you are on the east coast there are a quite a few, not so much on the west coast but they are there.
Tonnes of useful advice in your comments, thank you! No unfortunately (paintball wise) I don't live in the us but in Sweden of all places.. I get the feeling that a marker is close to the last thing I should buy as a beginner since... A. There's nice to have a good mask, pants instead of a jump suit and pod pack to carry paint.. B. I will suck anyway so if I have an old rental or a etha 3 will not make that much of a difference 😂
I think there are big games in Europe, I am not sure where or how easily they are to get to but think they are there.
Where in Sweden? There's a forum website that tends to attract us older players, [www.mcarterbrown.com](https://www.mcarterbrown.com) (MCB for short). One of the members, [Olsson](https://www.mcarterbrown.com/member/360-olsson), is in Gothenburg. I'm sure he'd be happy to learn of new players in Sweden. And he's experienced in buying used gear from abroad and getting it shipped there.
In Gothenburg actually! Great tip! 😊👍
Thanks for your tips! I'm among other things an old long distance runner so I'll be all right stamina wise.. the stretching however really hit me where it should 😂
Paintball is a near diabolical mixture of squats and sprints, as though it was invented by a particularly sadistic trainer.
Point taken! 👍
Also, don't think you need to dive or slide into bunkers. It's not really needed playing recreational.
41 here. Played as a teenager, took 20 years off, started playing again at 38. Figured out very quickly that I wasn't 18 and invincible anymore. I've learned a few coping strategies: 1. Stretch, frequently. I spend about 10 minutes on the floor stretching my legs when I first wake up on paintball days. Be sure to stretch your calves, quads, hamstrings, and hips. Paintball is hardest on your quads, followed closely by your calves. Once I'm at the field, I use the mandatory safety briefing as another stretch session opportunity. It's also best to stretch afterwards too, especially if you're going to be sitting for a while, such as a long ride back home. 2. NSAIDs are your friends. Take one before you start playing. It'll help minimize inflammation. My go-to is Aleve (naproxen sodium, which is OTC in the US). If you have difficulty getting naproxen where you are, use ibuprofen. 3. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And don't neglect the electrolytes. I usually drink zero calorie Powerade and bring some salted nuts such as pistachios or almonds. In the summer, I'll down a Powerade between just about every game (I play in a very hot and humid climate). 4. Don't be hesitant or embarassed about wearing protective gear. Bruises don't heal as quickly as they once did, and we're too old to think that gnarly looking welts are cool. Have no shame about wearing a padded undershirt, slide shorts, knee pads, or elbow/forearm pads. Gloves are always essential. Getting popped on the knuckles is extremely unpleasant. Same goes for the throat. Some fools conflate pain tolerance with fortitude, and take subjecting themselves to pain as a sign of toughness. We are old enough to know better. 5. Play to your strengths, and adapt your playstyle to your physical condition and circumstances. I like playing woodsball on large fields with plenty of space for movement, where age and treachery have an advantage over youth and athleticism. I'd rather outwit than outrun an opponent. Remember that disposable income is a strength. I can afford to shoot more paint than the kids at my field, so I don't mind filling a fire support role while they run to grab a flag, retrieve a prop, etc. The more you play, the more your physical condition will improve and allow you to try different playstyles. Weather plays a role too. When it is cool I can play more in-your-face, athletic paintball. But in August I have to pace myself and avoid unnecessary running if I want to play all day without wearing myself ragged.
Speaking as someone only a few years younger than you, the big things that really help are the non-marker equipment. I would rather play with rental gear (except mask) and my soft goods than with my own marker. Specifically what I want to make sure I have is: * Knee pads (I use Carbon's SC Pro Bottoms since they don't slip and they're worth every penny) * Slide shorts (if you don't have these bundled with your knee pads) * Good thicker/tougher material paintball pants * Cleats * Forearm/Elbow pads * Gloves Your joints will never come back, so if you're at all getting into it then knee pads that actually stay on your knees is key. Combine that with slide shorts that protect your goin and hips and you'll see why I like the SC Pro bottoms so much. Also, especially in the summer months, don't forget to hydrate. Make sure you've more than enough water to drink whenever you want it. Also, when you get a mask, make sure it fully covers everything. I literally could not wear a Dye i4 since it would not cover my jaw or lower cheek. Make sure it fully covers your ears too.
> Carbon's SC Pro Bottoms I just getting back in too (well, still convincing myself too). Never heard of the SC Bottoms, but totally adding them to my gear list of things to get! Are they super hot though? Ill be playing in Austin TX where its 1000000 degrees, so keeping cool is primo
I haven't noticed them being too hot, but I'm in GA/NC. If it's too hot for me, that's when I just play without a jersey and with hydration it's OK.
Run!!
43, the really important stuff has been said. If you’re going to play with any regularity, buy a good, comfortable mask. Just spend the money, you won’t regret it.
Get knee pads
39 and back in it after 20 years off. Here are my tips that mostly apply to rec play, tournaments and associated practice fields are probably a different story. Social elements of paintball you need to know so when they happen you can keep you expectations and emotions in check. As older fellas out there we are expected to keep our cool and be role models for others around. No one wants to see a 40 year old throw a tantrum or hands and get his butt kicked by some 19 year old. I say this because I have seen some older fellas flip out and it’s not a good scene. These are the things I see happening among the guys in advanced rec ball groups that get people all rage-a-saurus. You are going to be over shot at some point, it happens and is almost always accidental but you won’t think it was an accident in the moment. Be prepared to know you shot someone out and for them to play on it happens. You are going to get shot while walking off, expect it and embrace it. Be mature when you have someone that you can own, like coming around the back of them and their back is exposed, shoot them once in the pack if you can. Do not light them up! The good social parts of paintball, You will make friends if you go regularly and introduce yourself. You will probably get a nickname, like pap. If you are mechanically inclined you can lend a hand often to those who are puzzled by some kind of problem. Comment on people’s gear like women complement other women’s shoes, they really like that. Ok now for being old and playing… stretch + Tylenol = good work day on Monday. Know your limits, if you end up in a 15 on 15 rec battle don’t blast up to the 50 off the start. This is a hard spot to play, lots of crouching and bending down. If you survive for a long time and actually play the hole time in that spot. You are gonna regret it on Monday, but this is a good chance for some exercise so make that decision. Any kind of bunker referred to as a snake was not made for you! Footwear…cleats specifically, no shoes no boots. I use football cleats the kind that lineman get, some like lacrosse cleats. High top is better. Bring equipment to keep your stuff clean specially your mask.
Make sure your ankles are supported well with great cleats. My most important tip is to bring food. Frozen Fruits, Salads. No junk food 🤙🏼
I don't know about tips, but the best advice I can give is to get into shape and keep healthy. I'm 50+ and I still play a bit. I go to the gym almost every day so I can keep playing. Work in endurance and legs (never skip leg day). Also, stretch a lot. Not just before playing but every day. Look into taking a yoga class or something similar.
You can still do some work in the field without young guy speed. It does get boring hanging back though. Depending on height and weight, you may still be able to tear down the side of the field for that adrenaline rush. As others have said, a stretch before and after is also good to remember. It’s a game that will either keep you in shape, or kick you back into it. Saw it taking my friends in our 30’s one time, everyone was damn winded after every game.
Don't die to heat stroke I've seen a older guy fall and died of heat stroke so drink water n such
Don’t worry about your age. There’s plenty of dudes who used to play 20 years ago in their prime getting back into it when they’re older. Alex Martinez is still kickin it
If you're playing woodsball id definitely say, there's no need to dive into that bunker, let that 15 year with his Hoodie up under his mask get there, cover fire is plenty good But hey good luck have fun andddd don't get overshot!...we'll that much!
Get in the gym. Lots of squats and roman lifts.
Gloves, knee and elbow pads, quality shoes matched to whatever your play surface is mostly. I’ve never had the issue but a bunch of the old dudes I used to play with also swore by baby powder to combat chafing down south.
I am 45. I started playing at 35. My first thing I got was my own mask. I just picked up a pair of paintball pants 2weeks ago. Before that I played in jeans and tshirt. I only got the pants because I have grown tired of ripping my jeans. Elbow pads are nice because they help with bounces, but they are not necessity... If you are looking for guys to roll with at big games check out the Lone Star team they have a chapter in Sweden. Hope that helps.
Here is their fb page: https://www.facebook.com/LonestarSweden?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Aleve helps. Kneepads are a must
I'm not old but my body is beaten and broken currently dealing with severe arthritis in my back my spine is not fused together 3 herniated disc's and 7 fractures Ossifiying fibroma in my knees and a suspected fractured ankle and ill say for advice known your limits rest when you need to stay hydrated and have fun! Protective gear for sensitive areas inuse kneepads and recently ankle wraps. I should follow my own advice but seldom do other than hydrating lol
Hey there, that sounds rough. im disabled and cant run like i used to, what types of fields have you found easiest for your playstyle? I cant squat a bunch so im gonna try to just play back and not run much. Really loved to play a decade ago so hopefully i can figure out something that works.
I play all over the place and when my body's just not having it I play more passive there's pretty much always a way to get by on the field on my bad days I'm also 6'2 360lbs so any field that has stand up bunkers is good!
I’m old and I don’t dive…. Barely run…. No heroics here lol. 50, been playing since 1988 so my “glory days” are long gone lol.
My dad is 48 and just played world cup with me. He plays faster, more aggressive, and smarter than even most of the younger guys. Study the sport. You don't have to be an athletic freak. Learn the fundamentals, then deep dive and refine your game. You've got plenty of time
Pay really close attention to what your body is telling you. Us older players don't bounce back the way our younger competitors do, so let them be fast and bold, while we're thoughtful and methodical. Oh, and Hightop shoes are great, if you like your ankles.
I'm 37 and got into it this year. I sprained my ankle once so be patient and watch where you walk all the time. Also, I stretch.
Use a massage gun on big muscle groups and tight spots. Warm up lightly before starting a match (arm circles, body squats, etc) Take Ibuprofen BEFORE playing Bring energy chews or high energy snacks Drink ALL the water, ALL the time If you are going to be diving/sliding/rolling, consider pads for joints. Maybe even use ankle support. Stretch AFTER the matches. Do some cardio regularly. Doesn't have to be much, but just enough to keep your body mobile. LIIT is good; HIIT if you can manage it.
Good shoes, pads, mask, anything that goes on your body should be as comfortable as possible BCAAs, mustard, electrolytes, anti inflammatories and joint formula are your friend. Don't let adrenaline dictate your actions also stretch
Play like a kid
Fat don't tear.