You may hate the APA but.....

DonsSmidget

DonsSmidget

Guppy
Silver Member
Let me share my story. I am an SL2. The ONLY reason I started playing pool was as follows. I always went to see my then fiancee, my now hubby before work at his pool matches. ( I work third shift) One night I overslept, and texted him, saying I am running late, don't worry will be there soon. I received a reply that said, hurry up I wrote you in the team we are in a jam. Started playing thinking I'll stink up the joint they wont want me back next session....... all good. Funny thing....... I fell in love.

I have been playing one year. (actually, one year yesterday) I went back and forth my first three 9 ball sessions between a 1 and a 2 because instead of banging balls around I was actually attempting shots and leaves....... my consistancy was lacking. Well ok it still is.... but is getting better as well as leaves and safeties on purpose. I continually practice and strive to get better..... well this session in both 8 and 9 ball something has happened that has never happened before. We are going into week four in both.... I am 2 and o in 8ball (which I struggle with BIG TIME but getting there) and 4 and 0 in 9 ball. All those struggles, all those practice sessions have finally started paying off.... and the best part? The 7 and the 6 on my team spend alot of time with me before and after I play, helping me with shots and teaching me english and safeties. My captain, well, my hubby.... ok he's both....... tells me all the time.... don't worry if your skill level goes up... its my job to worry about the numbers. So after this long ramble, my point is, thanks to the APA for giving me a chance to fall in love with this game, and for surrounding me with people willing to help me improve
 
Always glad to hear of another story like this. The pool world needs more people with your enthusiasm. Dont worry just keep on practicing and in time you will see improvements. One of the great things about pool is that you can see actual, measureable improvement if you devote the energy and time.
 
DonsSmidget said:
Let me share my story. I am an SL2. The ONLY reason I started playing pool was as follows. I always went to see my then fiancee, my now hubby before work at his pool matches. ( I work third shift) One night I overslept, and texted him, saying I am running late, don't worry will be there soon. I received a reply that said, hurry up I wrote you in the team we are in a jam. Started playing thinking I'll stink up the joint they wont want me back next session....... all good. Funny thing....... I fell in love.

I have been playing one year. (actually, one year yesterday) I went back and forth my first three 9 ball sessions between a 1 and a 2 because instead of banging balls around I was actually attempting shots and leaves....... my consistancy was lacking. Well ok it still is.... but is getting better as well as leaves and safeties on purpose. I continually practice and strive to get better..... well this session in both 8 and 9 ball something has happened that has never happened before. We are going into week four in both.... I am 2 and o in 8ball (which I struggle with BIG TIME but getting there) and 4 and 0 in 9 ball. All those struggles, all those practice sessions have finally started paying off.... and the best part? The 7 and the 6 on my team spend alot of time with me before and after I play, helping me with shots and teaching me english and safeties. My captain, well, my hubby.... ok he's both....... tells me all the time.... don't worry if your skill level goes up... its my job to worry about the numbers. So after this long ramble, my point is, thanks to the APA for giving me a chance to fall in love with this game, and for surrounding me with people willing to help me improve
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I have said this a thousand times over. The APA has done more to bring non-players into the game than all other leagues COMBINED.

Love or hate the APA's system, it brings new people into the game and gives them a chance to be competitive at any skill level.

I LOVE APA Players. Where else does an SL2 walk up to my booth and purchase a $500 leather case for her $25 cue just because the color matches? Really happened!!
 
I actually ended up with a nice cue for my skill level because my aunt used to play and passed down her cue and case to me.... love em both AND double bonus..... they were both free and both my favorite color LOL!
 
Stories like this are why I love leagues. Tell those better players on your team to help you with your stroke. You will see your improvement go from a crawl to a sprint.
 
I understand completely. I'm a SL5 and have not played APA for a few sessions because I had gotten tired of it. My girlfriend joined this session at my constant begging. After two weeks she absolutely loves it. It is her favorite night of the week now. She is an SL1 in 9 and a SL2 in 8 but she is getting better by the week and I love teaching her the game. And it gives her a chance to appreciate my hobby.

Sent from my BlackBerry 9650 using Tapatalk
 
DonsSmidget said:
Let me share my story. Started playing....... all good. Funny thing....... I fell in love.
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Guppy (or whatever your real name is :embarrassed2:), I hope you don't mind the liberties I took in snipping the heck out of your post. The parts I referenced says it ALL. You have fallen in love with the game. For those of us fortunate enough to understand, that is all we need to know. The rest is self explanatory. Pool is an easy game to love. I wish you and your "hubby" many, many years of continued enjoyment. Keep learning, keep loving, and most of all, keep having fun!!!

Maniac
 
Maniac..... I don't mind the liberties at all with my post........ you got it right!! And FWIW My real name is Lynn.

Thanks all for you comments and advice, they are all very much appreciated
 
Fantastic !

The 2's & 3's in an APA team don't know just how important they are ! (believe me, the 6-9's do). One half of my current team is below S/L 3. At first I wasn't going to play,.... but then I seen it as a challenge. (I just wasn't sure how the other mid-high level players were going to be). My match play has been taking a bit of a beating in helping them , but I don't care as when they get better it will only be easier for myself as well. It is indeed a team effort, and no 1 or 2 high S/L players can consistently carry the team.

BEST TO YOU & YOUR TEAM, and don't stop practicing,... you only get better by learning and practice. :smile:
 
Welcome to the world of league pool Lynn! I look forward to my league nights every week.

Have fun!
 
Smidget,

And I use the name with all due respect as my best friends daughter had that as her nickname. Small Midget was her name and then shortened.

Really glad to hear of your excitement entering the game of pool. We have an SL 2 on our team. She played last night. Lost to an SL 5 but had a great time. She smiled and laughed the entire match. Her opponent went out of his way to help her with rules questions so we would not have to call a time out. You will have bad nights as well as good ones. Keep the smile on your face and enjoy the game as much as possible. My ex never once in twenty five years ever saw me play a game of pool. Your husband is a lucky man!

Lyn
 
JB Cases said:
I LOVE APA Players. Where else does an SL2 walk up to my booth and purchase a $500 leather case for her $25 cue just because the color matches? Really happened!!
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Lol I absolutely believe this...similar to my fiance picking sports teams in March Madness for basketball due to what their mascot is.
 
APA is great for getting new players started. Also for a social night out for those that are just looking for a fun night.

Once you start going up in skill level, as was my case, the problems begin. You have to worry about the rule of 23. You find that due to your higher level you don't play as much unless your team is stacked with 2's. So the trade of is with higher level players you have to field a team that is not as competitive. As long as you have good level 4's and 5's you have a chance at fielding a good team. I know there are those that won't agree with this, but that was the way I saw it.

The reason I stopped playing APA was mainly due to the 23 rule and having to sit through a match between to 2's that lasted over 2 hours and went 54 innings. I went to an independent league that is highly competitive and your chances of increasing your skill is a lot greater due to the skilled players you compete against.

I'm not knocking the APA but if it wasn't for that 23 rule I might still be playing because I did enjoy my time spent there to a point.
 
dougster26 said:
(SNIP)

The reason I stopped playing APA was mainly due to the 23 rule and having to sit through a match between to 2's that lasted over 2 hours and went 54 innings. I went to an independent league that is highly competitive and your chances of increasing your skill is a lot greater due to the skilled players you compete against.

I'm not knocking the APA but if it wasn't for that 23 rule I might still be playing because I did enjoy my time spent there to a point.
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Two valid points, but:

1. It's important for coaches/captains to not let their 2s take too long. A lot of 2s will want to stare at the table for a minute every shot because they don't know what is best. I always emphasize that they should trust their judgment and shoot the first shot that comes to mind. Yes, they'll makes some mistakes, but it keeps the match moving.

This is actually one big advantage of TAP: you can briefly coach 2s every shot. I.e., You can't go up to the table every time, but you can say "shoot the 7!" Big timesaver.

2. The 23 rule might have knocked you out of APA, but it probably also helped bring in Lynn.

Cory
 
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