A Paintball Sniper is just one of the different specialties that can be chosen and developed in the sport. Particularly in woodsball and scenarioball, specialist roles such as that of the paintball sniper are often critcal to the success of a team's strategy.

A Paintball Sniper is generally the most prevalent of these specialities and while still controversial are considered by many to exist separately outside the other combined specialist umbrella.

Generally experienced and skilled in the sport, paintball snipers are known to be dedicated to mastering stealth, accuracy and patience. This attention to detail is often reflected in their choice of paintball sniper marker, with price tags of up to $2000 not being uncommon for higher end markers and paintball sniper packages.

A common misconception is that paintball snipers reside in the rear of the field and target enemy positions from well behind their own lines. This couldn't be further from the truth! The regulation of paintball velocity means that the actual firing range of a paintball sniper gun is generally similar to a regular rifle so snipers have to use their stealth and camoflage skills to work in flank positions and behind enemy lines to attack.

There is still significant controversy among the paintball community regarding the role of the sniper and indeed the term itself. The terms 'paintball marksman' and 'designated marksmen' are emerging as popular alternatives to 'paintball sniper' as the sport continues to attempt to discard its militaristic connotations and gain recognition as the exciting, family-friendly sport that it really is!