Todd Martinez Pro SchoolBy: IQ
Photography: Michael Neveux
Monday August 18, 2008
1. At this point it’s pretty easy to say that Dynasty is hands down the most successful paintball team in the history of the sport. With this fame also comes the problem that every team in the world is constantly trying to knock you guys off the podium on a game by game basis. Does this create too much pressure on you and your mates or do you use it as a source of motivation?
Playing as long as we all have and winning as much as we all have, there is always new motivation once goals are achieved. The motivation to get to the top is different from that of staying at the top, as well as that of staying at the top consistently for a long time. When it comes to this third stage it becomes less about needing someone or something to pump you up to go out and win. I see it more as having a complete understanding of the concept of winning, and maintaining the focus and execution it takes to do so on a personal and team level. A big reason why Dynasty has had so much success is the pressure the players put on themselves at all three stages of competition, and very importantly as a team. We all came up together. We all won together. For the most part, we all endured together.
2. It literally came down to the final game of the 2007 Commanders Cup to cement you guys as the NPPL season champions. What was the team mood and mindset heading into San Diego that event?
Win the event. Lay it all out and whatever happens with the series, happens. All we can do is win games. It was a similar situation for us to win the championship in 06 and we went in with similar focus. Play smart, play hard, have faith and have fun. It is always important just to be competitive and have a good attitude.
3. Dynasty also stands alone as a team who’s roster is made up of 100% all-star players, guys who if moved to any other squad would be considered their #1 player. Your core roster has also stayed together the longest. How instrumental has that been to Dynasty’s overall success, and is there a “farm team” contingency plan to keep the Dynasty pro-squad alive in case a handful of you retire together or are bought away to other teams?
This answer is similar to the first answer. The reason for success is the level of understanding for the game, for competition, and for each other. I have played on other pro teams such as Avalanche, Strange, and Aftershock, won titles and events with all of them, and watched all of them dissipate without the bond of comraderie. In a world ruled by money where people are scared and have to eat, things happen when there is only so much food on the table. Nobody can predict when someone might come by with a nicer table, but until then I'll sit with my family and feast. We have a farm team, but they have a lot to prove and a lot to earn. They also still owe me a Hummer 2 from Spyder Cup.
4. On-field, your personal playing style comes across as one totally focused on aggression, relying on “make it up as we go along” split second decisions, when in reality your one of the most methodical pro players in the game today. How did you first start to adapt this playing style and make it work for you, and who were some of your early paintball instructors growing up that put you on this path?
You have to be a fan of paintball. So many kids nowadays think the paintball scene is a reality show. They are in it for the glamour and glitz. Tournament paintball is not as big money as other extreme sports and one's love for the game can be his or her limitations. I wanted to be the best therefore I studied the best. Having played professionally for so long, I have seen so many pros in so many different formats and situations. Paintball is a game of intelligent decision making, experience, and athleticism. To learn from others' mistakes as well as your own and applying this knowledge on the field is what makes a great player. You want to be steps ahead of your opponent before you even step on the field, know that you have trained yourself for all situations, and have confidence in yourself and your abilities. I learned this early from guys like John Marques, Chris Lasoya, Ritchie Maliszewski, and was fine tuned through the help of Davey Williamson, Matt Marshall, and a million games played in twelve years.
5. Do you find that you vary your playing style between 7-man and Xball play?
The only way to play is smart. Each format requires different preparation but you always want to approach any paintball game with focus and aggression. Paintball is a game. At some point, going and playing really took on the name "practice" when having fun playing paintball for guys who enjoy it is what it is. As long as you play with a competitive spirit and a desire to learn, you will get better and enjoy the preparation required to go into an event.
6. Naturally a large portion of your game strategy and game-planning comes into play during field-walking. For years your game plans were developed by former Dynasty player and now famed “Coach to the Stars” battlemaster Glenn Forster. What were the secrets that Glenn bestowed to you during those days on a strategy level, and has your pre-game planning changed now that you primarily make the plans yourself?
I never played for Glenn on Dynasty but I did on Avalanche. The thing about him is that he is a calculated risk taker. He likes aggressive game planning but the team's success depends on the confidence they have in him, his strategy, and their ability to execute. Your team must have weapons. Glenn is good at using his weapons to their fullest potential. I can't believe I said anything nice about Glenn. He owes me a Hummer 2 too. I guess Glenn is Glenn because he is a crafty, sneaky, and dirty.
7. Take us through your own “first impression” of a new field you’re going to have to play on. What are the first things you look for on how to exploit a field’s weakness, and explain your whole process of field walking from “break out” to “closing.”
Game plans are developed based on understanding of field layouts and probabilities. In older days field walking at an event was crucial to a teams performance because you only got a few chances to see if the game plan you chose would work against the opponent you faced on a certain field. Practicing different teams with different styles of play and higher skill levels will give you the best information about your teams' strengths and weaknesses. It is then your job to apply this knowledge when you get to and event and need to make adjustments after you can play and watch games.
8. Dave Youngblood (Former Ironmen, owner of DYE) once said that most games are won in the first thirty seconds. Do you believe in that philosophy? How important is the break-out and opening moves in a Dynasty game-plan and what are the adjustments you use when a break-out goes badly?
Absolutely. The breakout is your first big opportunity to take an advantage on your opposition. To go up on bodies on the break and take control of key spots is what the game is all about, right? Dynasty has had a lot of success because of the experience we have to create these situations for ourselves on the breakout, as well as the ability to work together and make decisions in disadvantageous scenarios.
9. When it comes to game-plans and basic field strategy, what are the common mistakes that you see most lower level (and even higher level) teams run into, and how can they get around these roadblocks?
The main problems are fear of taking risks, the inability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes, and the inability to create opportunities on an individual and team basis in late game situations. This is solved by playing, playing, playing, and playing tired.
10. Physically, you’ve always put a focus on staying fit and trim during the competition season. Take us through your typical Todd Martinez workout, including any specific cardio/training you do for paintball related muscles/reaction honing.
I just stay active everyday. I swim in hot tubs. I rollerblade. I am on a synchonized underwater basket weaving team. I try to do pilates and yoga at least eight days a week. I watch sports on TV. I run a paintball field and do man work.
11. Mentally, do you have any drills or techniques you like to use or adapt in order to get you into a playing mindset? Any pre-game rituals?
I really just try to take in where I am at and what I am doing and be thankful that I am blessed to be in this position. I say a prayer before every game that everyone (both sides) play to the best of their ability and that nobody gets hurt.
12. What are some of the best individual training tips/drills you would recommend for your typical tournament player?
Fundamentals: Snap shooting, sweet spotting, shooting on the move. Build your endurance and quickness and play as many games as you possibly can.
13. How about some great team drills, any Dynasty secrets you can share?
Play together as much as possible. Talk through your positives and negatives and understand that communication on and off the field is the most important factor to a teams's success.
14. What do you believe lies in the future of Dynasty?
All I know is that things will work out for the best for everyone. If they don't, then that is why we have each other to lean on and lend a helping hand.
15. Anyone you would like to thank?
I would like to thank God for all the blessings in my life...my parents are all any son could ever ask for, my friends have all been there for me, and my girl who really makes me smile. And of course all my team sponsors and personal sponsors including Modefy'd, Contract Killer, Raza Design, Raza Park, Pevs Paintball, Golden State Paintball, MPUSA and of course After Paintball. Also thanks to SPLAT for this opportunity.
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