Teams vs Singles

[Dockter]

So I just started shooting more singles tournaments this year and I've found that I struggle a lot more in teams than I do in singles.

I shot 4 singles tournaments this year. 2 of them were in a field of 80+. 1 was around 160. I finished 25-32 out of 160 and 9-12 out of 90. 1 smaller one I went 0-2 and the 4th I was in the last money spot but can't remember the place.

Then I get to team and shoot terrible. I mean it's night and day. When I'm shooting in practice or against someone or at a tournament I can probably run a table out of every 5-8 tables at least. This year in league I only had 3 eros for teams. I've had more eros in the singles tournaments than I have all year in league and I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. Anyone else have this problem??

 

[ronscuba]

I also play better in singles.

The pressure is different. If you play poorly in singles, you only let yourself down.

Team is also more crowded, noisier and overall has more visible and audible distractions.

 

[Lynch]

I second what the other poster said about the pressure being different. Also, for some it's harder to get in a rhythm playing teams than singles. Playing on a team sometimes you play a game and then sit for 10-20 minutes before you play another....This can be troublesome especially if you miss an easy ball and then have to sit. When you play singles and miss, typically you get back to the table a lot sooner. Also, playing a race in singles many times you will play more total games. Some people are slow starters too and will loosen up, the further along they get in the race....Obviously, it's tougher for nearly everyone to stay in a rhythm when playing teams, but I think it affects some more than others. Hope that helps.

 

[Donny Lutz]

singles vs. team play

I also play better in singles.

The pressure is different. If you play poorly in singles, you only let yourself down.

Team is also more crowded, noisier and overall has more visible and audible distractions.

I agree that the pressure is different.

But I generally played better in team competition than in singles play. Because, while it hurts more to lose as a teammate, when you win you get to celebrate and share the joy of success with others.

In a properly designed pool room, and a well-run league, crowding and distractions are less of a problem.

 

[KRJ]

I agree that the pressure is different.

But I generally played better in team competition than in singles play. Because, while it hurts more to lose as a teammate, when you win you get to celebrate and share the joy of success with others.

In a properly designed pool room, and a well-run league, crowding and distractions are less of a problem.

I agree Donny. Playing team makes me focus more, and slow down and take the right shot, because all eyes are upon you, and you want to be able to help the team !

 

[Dockter]

I never even thought about the sitting and waiting around thing but I do that in tournaments too and do fine but that does make sense.

I think my own problem is in my head. I'm the best player on my team ( not because I'm good, because I like to bring new people in and I'm sure they will end up passing me ) and I feel it's my job to win every round if I have the chance. I wish I could visualize the team even as just shooting singles and it's me vs the other guy/gal but for some reason I just can't and I'm constantly watching how many points I need rather than just winning the game outright.

 

[KRJ]

I never even thought about the sitting and waiting around thing but I do that in tournaments too and do fine but that does make sense.

I think my own problem is in my head. I'm the best player on my team ( not because I'm good, because I like to bring new people in and I'm sure they will end up passing me ) and I feel it's my job to win every round if I have the chance. I wish I could visualize the team even as just shooting singles and it's me vs the other guy/gal but for some reason I just can't and I'm constantly watching how many points I need rather than just winning the game outright.

I'd say it's the captain thing more than the format. I never shoot as good when I'm the captain of a league team. Too much going on. Joe Bob calles 2 hours before league, he can't make it. Find a sub, only to say he will be late. Then keeping the score, knowing the rules, collecting the money, and anything else... nice just show up, shoot and go home

 

[Banks]

I'd say it's the captain thing more than the format. I never shoot as good when I'm the captain of a league team. Too much going on. Joe Bob calles 2 hours before league, he can't make it. Find a sub, only to say he will be late. Then keeping the score, knowing the rules, collecting the money, and anything else... nice just show up, shoot and go home

That's what I've been enjoying about my apa situation. I just show up, play, pay and go home when it's over(nearly always stay to coach). Started a 4-team bca division last season and wow what an effort that was. Now expanded it to another location, so it's become a close travel division with 8 teams. In the official summer season, will add my apa captain's bar and four more teams. Hoping to get someone to take it over for me once it's running smoothly, so i can get back to paying and playing.

 

[Str8PoolPlayer]

I feel your pain. As a Team Member, I (subconsciously) have the pressure
of being expected to play well, which is a reasonable expectation. A Team
is just that, a Team. Everyone should perform to the best of their ability.

When I play "mano a' mano", I seem to be more comfortable and able to
focus on the game at hand. It has to be purely a mental issue, not mehanical.

 

[Pidge]

I've only played team events a handful of times. They're awful. The events I played in you couldn't talk once your team mate had commenced playing. This leads to some awful decisions in my experience and always being left with the shitty aftermath of their decisions. I prefer playing solo. My decisions, my problems. Its also a lot more aggressive in single events compared to double or team events. Day goes quicker and you only have yourself to thank or blame.

 

[Dockter]

I've only played team events a handful of times. They're awful. The events I played in you couldn't talk once your team mate had commenced playing. This leads to some awful decisions in my experience and always being left with the shitty aftermath of their decisions. I prefer playing solo. My decisions, my problems. Its also a lot more aggressive in single events compared to double or team events. Day goes quicker and you only have yourself to thank or blame.

I really get this since my start in pool was a double league with my grandpa. I would say one strong part of my game is my banking. He loves his cuts and even if they are impossible he will try them rather than bank therefore when we shot the doubles league he was always leaving me with some pretty tough cuts. It did get me better at cutting but at the same time he would tell me how I shouldn't have banked it even if I made it because he wouldn't have. Love the man to death and probably would have never got into pool if it wasn't for him but there was more than one night of pure frustration thanks to him.

You got that right RJ. I would love to just show up and shoot. Not have to worry about people complaining about where I put them in the lineup, people telling me they have to leave early so put them first, people that are going to be late, making sure both teams pay, getting btched at because we unfortunately picked the wrong bar to play out of on one of our nights and the tables are pure sht after they moved them around. The last part I kind of understand but I've called the vender, I've complained to the bar ( that doesn't even have a brush for the tables anymore ) and there isn't much left I can do besides be done with that place after this year.

I think it boils down to I'm pretty hard on myself when it comes to team format. If I lose in singles it's on me and I'm the one done. If I lose a match and it cost us and I could have moved us on I not only let me down but the rest of my team. Hopefully some day I'll out grow letting the pressure get to me.

 

[philly]

I never played team events and don't think I ever will after hearing about the disagreements, arguing over stupid stuff, and answering to captains. I think I'll keep it mano y mano and be answerable to myself. I just can't see whee the enjoyment is in team activity. After reading some of the posts in this forum about team play I can't believe players continue to play team. It just doesn't seem worth the aggravation.:shrug:

 

[Dockter]

I never played team events and don't think I ever will after hearing about the disagreements, arguing over stupid stuff, and answering to captains. I think I'll keep it mano y mano and be answerable to myself. I just can't see whee the enjoyment is in team activity. After reading some of the posts in this forum about team play I can't believe players continue to play team. It just doesn't seem worth the aggravation.:shrug:

Actually for the most part it's a really good time. A night out to hang out with friends and compete. Not to mention the guys I brought in likely would have never started playing pool if I wouldn't have got them in and they love the game now. Plus the closest thing to a singles league around here is APA.

 

[ronscuba]

Although I play better in singles than team, I still play in a team league for the social aspect.

Plus I am lucky to be on a team with a high level player that can offer tips, coaching and share his knowledge. In my experience, once you get past beginner level, players are not as willing to help you for free. Especially if you are playing in the same league for a different team.

 

[Dockter]

Although I play better in singles than team, I still play in a team league for the social aspect.

In my experience, once you get past beginner level, players are not as willing to help you for free. Especially if you are playing in the same league for a different team.

In my area it seems like it's based off how old the players are. We have some older guys that will offer great advice and if you are receptive they will point out some of the things you can work on. Then you get to the 30-late forty group that won't say a word. Of course it's not straight across the board like that, it just seems like some of the older guys are more willing to help.

 

[GoldCrown]

I never played team events and don't think I ever will after hearing about the disagreements, arguing over stupid stuff, and answering to captains. I think I'll keep it mano y mano and be answerable to myself. I just can't see whee the enjoyment is in team activity. After reading some of the posts in this forum about team play I can't believe players continue to play team. It just doesn't seem worth the aggravation.:shrug:

My community plays other communities 9ball....doubles senior league. I served as captain/administrator for the past 3 years. I'm finished. Had enough.

Doubles....Played my worst pool against teams that should have been a turkey shoot. Could not relax.

Lost respect(and friendships) for some team mates.....seems like there's a baby inside some of them wanting to get out. They act like sheep in need of being herded. This guy does not want to play with that guy.... Two of the better shooters quit because of my pairing decisions. They also had some prime words for me.
Different levels....Does not mix. Some are hard working competitors....the others just a night out. Half the team looked to better themselves....the others could not follow simply instructions...such as.... Do not slam hangers...play position when playing the 9 ball....learn how and when to play safe. And most importantly...evaluate and learn from mistakes.

It's a lot of work & aggravation but I loved every minute of it. The only thing I asked of my team mates was to make a commitment and show up each match. I rolled with the punches...took responsibility for loss or my piss poor performances that might have changed the nights ending. I praised my guys for our wins regardless if they won 1 or 12 matches. I played in the league since 2008. We finished first, last and middle throughout the years. At this point I had enough of doubles and being the organizer. I'm devoting my play time to learning 1 Pocket and informal 9ball here and there.

Anyway...have fun whatever you are playing. If you are not enjoying it do something else. And please be cool with your captain. It's a thankless job. Instead of bashing him/her...ask what you can do to help them and the team out.