Dropping league for a season?
- Thread starter Cdryden
- Start date
I'm feeling the same way. I've played in the same league for 9 seasons in a row. It is fun to hang out with my friends (my teammates are also friends of mine outside of pool). However, it is a real grind. I often don't get to sleep until 1-2 am (the matches don't finish until around 11 to midnight, but I can't relax enough to fall asleep immediately when I get home) and I have to wake up at 6 am. Makes for a very weary Wednesday. I'm a decent player in the league- win between 50-60% of my matches depending on the season.
I'm thinking of playing in tournaments- especially the ones at Hard Times on Sundays (about 30 minutes away). Only problem is that it is very big jump from bar table league play to playing the Sunday Hard Times tourneys. I'm leaning toward playing anyway and just taking my lumps- up for something new and would probably improve my play anyway.
I'm thinking of playing in tournaments- especially the ones at Hard Times on Sundays (about 30 minutes away). Only problem is that it is very big jump from bar table league play to playing the Sunday Hard Times tourneys. I'm leaning toward playing anyway and just taking my lumps- up for something new and would probably improve my play anyway.
In our area, we have one of the oldest leagues in VNEA history for Minnesota and a lot of teams. If a person sat out a year, they will not get their spot back. We have fun, great people, great knowledge within the league as far as playing. Yes, there are weaker teams, but, they want to learn and are not afraid of asking and getting good answers from long timers. I have been very fortunate to have played on a couple of teams with 10 + year runs with some great results. But, more important, nice to get compliments from other players as being good guys and people flat out telling you that your known as a master player that people can talk to. Lol, not high on the master level anymore, but, still get in the mix of things. But, when it comes to league, we have great fun with all involved in the match with both teams, but, when you walk to table, it's all above effort. Win or lose, my team approaches the table with maximum effort, don't get cheated, know what's going on in the score, play the best shot the table gives you. This approach in league play is a teaching method for opponents (which they honestly appreciate), but, also sets the mind tone for the tournaments. I practice at home for all the right reasons, but, you need other players ( good and bad ) for the mental part of the game. My opinion only as there is a very few people who can walk into a tournament without hitting a ball and perform at top level. I know a couple and I am not one of them.
Hit the leagues, they need good players to make it all work.
Hit the leagues, they need good players to make it all work.
Ditto, brother. I'm doing the same.
Last Monday night, our team lost in a playoff round for our league championships. After the match, I drove over to our home bar and had a talk with bar owner who is also our team captain.
I told him how much I appreciated what he and his wife had done for me and our team over the last couple of years. Then, I told him to stick a fork in me cuz I was done with league play.
He said he understood and had noticed for the last half of the season, I played like my heart wasn't in it. He told me to take a vacation and recharge my batteries. He hoped he would see me next season or next year as there will always be a spot for me whenever I come back.
Nice people and good friends.
Now, for the next couple of weeks, I going to practice daily for the BCAPL nationals in Vegas as I will be playing in the Men's Seniors and with my team for the last time in the Open teams.
After that, I think I might try my hand at some of the local tourneys and the regional tours around Texas.
Good luck in whatever you decide.
Stones