Pool sucks, because of you A-holes!!
- Thread starter Shooter08
- Start date
Not every APA division can support a masters league, or even have 9-foot tables anywhere, not even one.
Most APA players can't compete in a masters league, and there aren't any in Denver.
What I saw in the weekly "double trouble" which represents most of the APA, was a
lot of fear of moving up, and team captains that don't want their players to play better
My first night in a big in-house APA league, I told a women I know on another team to stay down.
Her team captain threw a fit telling me not to coach his players, and she wasn't even
playing at the time.
She was my team captain's best friend so I knew her, we weren't talking to him, so it got ugly.
You wouldn't believe the fear of moving up that most of these people had.
If one girl moves up to a 4 and the captain moves up to a 7, the team is done, and
some guys are scared to death that they won't land on another team.
This particular league has been together for 20-years, and has moved 3-times.
There are no openings for new teams, and nobody gets better...period.
I told my girlfriend that if she moves up to a 3, we are over.
Nothing personal, but you aren't helping, but you can.
Nice post, you have a voice, say something worth while.
Nice post, you have a voice, say something worth while.
I've felt this way a million times, but really you can't single handedly change the pool hall culture. All you can change is your own attitude. Be the guy in your pool hall that help the new guys. Play a game with them, even if they insist on playing bar rules. When you kick their ass at their own game they will be curious what you know that they don't.
and they will probably want you to show them stuff, at least the smart ones will. Maybe if you take a break from the game your pals from the pool hall will call you and ask how you are, because they miss you being around. Even the staff will be happy when you come back, because you always make the vibe positive and you never abuse equipment and because you are a nice guy.Or it is possible to chose the other route: Be a complete and utter asshole to everyone. Don't teach anyone anything and if new people come in to the poolhall try to scam them for every cent they've got. If they ask for a game be as rude and condescending as possible and make cruel remarks about their game while they can hear you. When you've alienated every friend and family member as well, you'll end up alone, with only some scotch for company and a few stories about your former glory. When you eventually croak you will be found 6 months later.
"Remember so and so",
"Yeah, good player, real asshole though".
"I hear he died."
"Who cares?"
And that will be the end of your story (based on a true story).
That was quite a post. Ive had a few bad people experiences lately myself. Keep you chin up and just for you since you seem to care if you are interested I will give you the best deal I can on my new book that might help you be better. Cover my costs plus shipping and I will send it because Pool is absolutely awesome and there are some great people in it. Now have a great day!
This has nothing to do with teaching kids, but, this isn't your thread. It's a thread that you started, but you don't own it and its ensuing directions.
The APA should be discussed in this thread if it has something to do with:
Assholes
Teaching kids the rules
Disposable income
Selling pool equipment
Advancing the game
Bar cues
Being negative
And assholes
Freddie <~~~ taking a fence
The APA does nothing to promote the advancement of players. The may try to promote the game, because that is in their best financial interests.
If the advancement of the player was the priority, they would have League Operators doing clinics once or twice a month for a couple hours. Now that's an idea that would keep interest in billiards for the novice and intermediate players.
In fact, the APA has fostered an environment that has led to sandbagging. I do not know the answer by any means, but if anyone in the APA thinks that sandbagging is not a top priority of each team, then they are crazy. In my in house APA league, we have six teams, 4 of which go to the playoffs. So 3 of these teams lay off the first 12 weeks of the session, then play how they need to just to be in the top four to make it to the playoffs. I'm sure my League is not the only one like that happens like this. Rather than having the only the first place team advance to the playoffs/championship, the APA wants more, because that's all the more matches, thus all the more money. It really is that simple.
The APA is a business. They are there to make money. That's their top priority, but like most pool players, it's all about the instant result, rather than the long term, such as developing future talent.
As far as being competitive.... I am a six; at times, should be a 7. I can honestly say, that while I am not the best player in my league, the only time I feel any pressure is from strong 5s. I get more enjoyment from playing a 4 or 5 and letting them run all their balls out then dogging their out ball, and leaving me a runout. Even better, after I break, I lock them up in a great safety. It's like stealing really. it's not competitive whatsoever for the beginning players.
I have been playing way too long to not know what really goes on for those teams that go Vegas, and if you don't think sandbagging and dumping are the top priority to keep their handicaps down, then you are delusional .
If the advancement of the player was the priority, they would have League Operators doing clinics once or twice a month for a couple hours. Now that's an idea that would keep interest in billiards for the novice and intermediate players.
In fact, the APA has fostered an environment that has led to sandbagging. I do not know the answer by any means, but if anyone in the APA thinks that sandbagging is not a top priority of each team, then they are crazy. In my in house APA league, we have six teams, 4 of which go to the playoffs. So 3 of these teams lay off the first 12 weeks of the session, then play how they need to just to be in the top four to make it to the playoffs. I'm sure my League is not the only one like that happens like this. Rather than having the only the first place team advance to the playoffs/championship, the APA wants more, because that's all the more matches, thus all the more money. It really is that simple.
The APA is a business. They are there to make money. That's their top priority, but like most pool players, it's all about the instant result, rather than the long term, such as developing future talent.
As far as being competitive.... I am a six; at times, should be a 7. I can honestly say, that while I am not the best player in my league, the only time I feel any pressure is from strong 5s. I get more enjoyment from playing a 4 or 5 and letting them run all their balls out then dogging their out ball, and leaving me a runout. Even better, after I break, I lock them up in a great safety. It's like stealing really. it's not competitive whatsoever for the beginning players.
I have been playing way too long to not know what really goes on for those teams that go Vegas, and if you don't think sandbagging and dumping are the top priority to keep their handicaps down, then you are delusional .
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Suggestion for you Tom. Myself and others have had different ideas to help pool and share the ideas on the WPPS Facebook page.
Go on there with your idea. Very few trolls on there (since everyone has a name to them). Create it in a passionate state like Wisconsin and let it grow from there.
There are many great players in Wisconsin that share in the same passion to help others and grow the sport. You know who they are.
Not too many chances to change the game when threads get derailed so quickly around here.
Go on there with your idea. Very few trolls on there (since everyone has a name to them). Create it in a passionate state like Wisconsin and let it grow from there.
There are many great players in Wisconsin that share in the same passion to help others and grow the sport. You know who they are.
Not too many chances to change the game when threads get derailed so quickly around here.
Ever consider you may be completely wrong? Pool may be more of an adult game and usually taken up by young adults as they have more money to play. Plus pool is usually played in a more adult atmosphere bars, rooms with beverage licenses, private clubs, union halls and so on.
I am not sure children playing pool is what it takes to sustain the industry. You have to see honestly and realistically where to really put your efforts. I don't know two many parents if any who would incourage their young children to play pool and that includes those who play themselves.
Yes, Massa.
Please don't beat this ol' slave. I's do good from now on.
Jeff Livingston
me ? your post is the 1st one in this thread mentioning apa. i was just helping derail this thread which is the norm on here lately:wink:
"And that children was how a random post by a random guy saved pool. Minutes after that post on a niche online pool forum people took up the game by the millions, thousands of pool rooms and training academies opened, and a new pro tour of 40 events with multi million dollar purses with big corporate sponsors and network tv coverage thrived."-someone in the future probably
looollllolollollllll.....
You guys are ALL ASsholes....
Now why don't YOuuu giveee me a bunnnchh of monneyyy, Sooo I caann TeAchhh the kkids...alThouGh I kindA suckk and ShoUldn;t be taChing anytiHng to anyone..,.Ph diD I accidNtally say Ta Ching' oops, I meant Give mE moeny please...
Jaden
You guys are ALL ASsholes....
Now why don't YOuuu giveee me a bunnnchh of monneyyy, Sooo I caann TeAchhh the kkids...alThouGh I kindA suckk and ShoUldn;t be taChing anytiHng to anyone..,.Ph diD I accidNtally say Ta Ching' oops, I meant Give mE moeny please...
Jaden
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Its a shame that the Recreation Centers of the Past have disappeared. In the 70s they were everywhere and kids played the game at all time highs. After which the Color of Money came out and boosted pool again.
If rents were low enough or a business model sustainable this could happen again. Is it likely..dont know.
I did it and I'm sorry, but for the sake of full disclosure I no longer play APA, I
couldn't take it any more>>:sorry:
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I feel your pain/disgust and I lived many years in the Walworth/Genoa city area and visit most every summer/family/cousins. Pool is what it is, but it's seemingly a sport that must be created from the top down, why? Ya need a carrot it seems in our game to get anywhere. Yeah all successfully sports begin in youth, but our game many be thee.... one an only that shouldn't evolve this way. I've not thought about that being what we need to become a success, but I think I'm wrong....and the Badger rant does strike a cord from this keyboard. Many of us have ranted/percolated our emotions to the surface and gotten no-where....but we all came from the, sperm of the moment so ta speak. Where we go is up to us, and what drives us is KEY. This emotional tiller will steer you if you keep at it, and will Test You, and from that will tell You if you really care. If not, at least you got it off your chest. I've supported 3 tours, and been in the BCA office for a couple years....they are all nearly identical animals/mindsets....what's in it for me????
And you wonder
Thanks for all your input on how not to grow the game. On e again the AZ band wack proves that the majority thinks they are better than the rest. I'll go back to my corner now and let consumers seem me out, I won't lost anymore because it is useless. THx for your time ruining the game for the average person, maybe you are more worthy.
Thanks for all your input on how not to grow the game. On e again the AZ band wack proves that the majority thinks they are better than the rest. I'll go back to my corner now and let consumers seem me out, I won't lost anymore because it is useless. THx for your time ruining the game for the average person, maybe you are more worthy.