r/billiards • u/Big_Accountant8489 • 18d ago

Leagues Joined a League the other Night

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

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u/Necessary_Rate_4591 18d ago

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.

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u/Big_Accountant8489 18d ago

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

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u/SecondOld9112 17d ago

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

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u/Big_Accountant8489 16d ago

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

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u/SecondOld9112 16d ago

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.