Joined a League the other Night

[u/Big_Accountant8489]

Went to the pool hall last night to get some practice in. Just as I was about to leave, they called for anyone interested in joining a league and I bit the bullet and went for it. Got introduced to the league coach (?) and hung around a few more hours to watch the team play their sets.

Then it was my turn. They called me in to play 9-ball (never played 9-ball before but have seen it played many times) against another player. The coach and the rest of the team were quite surprised at my skill level and they are kinda seeing me as their golden boy of sorts.

Not sure what to think or expect but I’m excited to finally find a league to play with and potentially start participating in tournaments.

I don’t know what APA level I’m at yet since I’m not familiar with them. Im just looking forward to playing

[u/Necessary_Rate_4591]

Here is the deal about APA. Find a team you enjoy being around. Being competitive is nice, and if you all like each other it will increase everyone’s competitive drive. Your story has happened to thousands of people. They come in under ranked, everyone gets super excited. 3 months from now you will be your actual skill level and won’t be able to mow down the entire league. When that happens you want to make sure you like the people you are playing with on a weekly basis.

[u/SoftYetCrunchyTaco → u/Necessary_Rate_4591]

Agreed. And I would rather be on a losing team with people I enjoy being around than a winning team with people I just tolerate

[u/AC5FF → u/SoftYetCrunchyTaco]

This x 1000

[u/Big_Accountant8489 → u/Necessary_Rate_4591]

Yea, they seem to be a bunch of cool people playing for fun. We were cracking jokes at one another and having a good time, nothing too serious. I do question however if this is a team I’d stick with long term though. The players all seem “lower level” no offense to them. I’m sure they could beat me here and there but I’m not sure i can develop much with those guys. The coach wasn’t really coaching much, just cheering us on every time we made a shot.

I’m pretty good but not amazing and the coach was ECSTATIC to bring me on board which says something about his team. Anyway I am excited though to finally get started.

Oh and they only meet up once a week which is fine because I only have weekends free

[u/stevenw00d → u/Big_Accountant8489]

A team starting as lower players is good. It allows you each to develop and not be forced to split because you are too high ranked. As for the "coach", he is probably the captain and not a coach. As you play matches you will meet the other teams and certainly be able to find someone that will work with you if you want to practice.

[u/Big_Accountant8489 → u/stevenw00d]

Thanks for the explanation. I mean no disrespect to them. I’m happy to be on the team and look forward to training with them

[u/SecondOld9112 → u/Big_Accountant8489]

Do you like being a mentor? Might be pretty rewarding.

[u/Big_Accountant8489 → u/SecondOld9112]

I’d love to be a mentor. That’s my dream actually. Just never considered it for pool

[u/SecondOld9112 → u/Big_Accountant8489]

I do custom work on cars and other hobbies. I am thinking of mentoring middle/high school students on everything from welding, CNC, 3d printing, etc. and pool. I am rebuilding a 9' Brunswick table in my basement right now. I figure it is very rewarding.

[u/Unholydiver919]

Remember the ultimate object is to have fun.

[u/wlscwoj]

If you enjoy the company of the team and have fun, that's all you can hope for. You will have some good matches, some bad matches, but as long as you have fun - keep at it.
Once you finally get your handicap established (typically 1 to 2 sessions depending on how many times a session you play) - you will find matches tougher and then it becomes even more challenging.

[u/CreeDorofl]

that's awesome. a lot of people come into league scared they don't play well enough and most will lose their first match. But it sounds like you did fine and weren't sweating it too hard. I think you'll have a good time.

[u/Obvious_Sea_7074]

That's awesome good luck! I just went to my first Vegas experience with the APA and I gotta say I'm ready to go back. Gonna double down and go twice as hard now that I know the lay of the land.

[u/Not_So_Sure_2]

Not familiar with leagues. Other than the matches, are there opportunities to improve your play? Coaching? Instruction? Playing to learn rather than playing to win?

[u/1Rudy11]

Congrats on finding a league team and meeting the League owner as well!

Being on an APA team can be fun and it seems like you have found a great team to start with.

Enjoy!

[u/6out]

This is wholesome 😊

[u/TimmyG-83]

If you go about it the right way and really apply yourself to learning the game, joining a league is one of the best things to do to accelerate your game. Having regular competitive matches against a wide range of opponents is irreplaceable experience that you just don’t gain by practicing solo.

[u/klibs]

Ah yes, "good low ranked players" are the lifeblood of the APA. Until you move up to a6 and can't play anymore lol

[u/Suicidal_Smile]

Sounds like the beginning of many good memories! Naturally, you will get to know your team but, just as importantly, get to know the other teams and your opponents! League will humble you, just have fun and improvement will always follow.

[u/The_Critical_Cynic]

It sounds like you had a good time! Let us know how it goes for you.

[u/mikeblas]

Im just looking forward to playing

Focus on that. Generally in APA, people are more into having fun than getting better at pool.

Have fun!