ProPaintball.com Interview with Patrick Slattery

An exciting interview with XSV’s Patrick Slattery. Justin talks to Patrick about the move back to XSV after his year with EXPLICIT. Slattery is a well known figure on the circuit- his name is like lightning. Patrick has played the core positions of wins and is back on XSV. We catch up with Patrick…

Justin-How long have you been playing Pro?

Pat-Going into I think my 5th year. 3 with XSV, and last season with Explicit.

Speaking of which, why the move to Explicit in 2011?



I was unsure about my schedule for work and school last season, and
XSV needed people who were available and able to commit to the team.
Luckily, I was able to move things around and have the time to play,
and I was able to land a spot on Explicit. I was happy for the chance
to play with different players, and styles, to get more of a feel of
my own skill level. It was a fun season, and I wish those guys all the
best for the 2012 season. They are looking strong with their new
pick-ups, so it should be a good year.

Why did you want to return to XSV in 2012?

Man, where to start? The core group of guys on the team (XSV) are
great. Its like a family here, and it was an easy transition to come
back, almost like coming home. I have learned so much from the team
over the past few years, and to be able to play again with Rich
(Telford) Thomas (Taylor) Junior (Brown) Riley (Sullivan) Aaron
(Tholey)and Jerry (D’Amato) has me really excited for the upcoming
season.



What are you looking forward to most going into 2012?

There is so much…. First would be that I am really excited to be
playing with the new kids that XSV is bringing up. Being able to help
them learn, as well as learn some new tricks from them, will help keep
me on my game. Second, I’m really excited to be a part of the
Flagship JT team. JT has always had awesome gear, and I cant wait for
the new stuff they have been working on. Cant let out any secrets, but
its going to be an awesome year for both JT, and XSV!! And third, I am
happy to be back sponsored by Understood! John, and his Brother Jason
are great guys, and always take care of the players on their teams.
They always have kick ass clothes and headbands, and I’m happy to be
rocking it again in 2012 …..(hint hint!!!)

You seem to have the crazy beard going on, care to explain?



That’s just my mountain man style! I was sporting the beard before no
shave November…. I’m ahead of the trends!! It might seem different in
some places, but I live in Berkley, CA, I am far from the strangest
looking person sticking out there!!!

If you could give some advice to kids out there, wanting to move up in
this sport, what would you tell them?

Its not about having the most expensive gun, or having all your gear
match, or playing a few games, then going home. Its about wanting it
bad enough to work for it!! You need to work just as hard for
something as you want it. If you don’t work hard, you must have not
wanted it that bad to begin with. Paintball is not about practicing
right before an event. Its about working hard all year. Working out,
doing drills, finding ways to work on small things that need
improvement. I hear players with excuses all the time about not having
money for paint, or not enough teammates at practice. These are the
players who need help the most in the fundamentals. You can always
practice breakouts, or getting to the snake, or movement and
communication drills with little or no paint. And I bet you use more
paint in one game, then you would use for a few hours of 1 vs. 1
drills, and snap shooting drills. Work on these things, and you will
improve and move up.