During my first weekend of my ladies league playoffs back in Oct, we had to wait a for a match to play before we knew who our next opponents were.
So, my teammates and I were watching the match.
One of the players, who I had never seen before, was playing JAM up! She was kicking long rail AND making contact with her ball, and she was staying down well, too. I was impressed.
As she walked by, I told her, "Wow, you played that great. Nice long-rail kick to hit your ball!" It was SURROUNDED by her opponents balls and yet she somehow hit it.
I watched another game of hers and again I was impressed with her shot making and kick skills. I said to her again as she walked by, "Nice game again."
She looked at me funny. I suppose it was weird some stranger was complimenting her.
She played her final game and again she played great. She didn't get out and lost but still play smart making great shots.
This time I didn't say anything to her. I figured I should keep my mouth shut lol.
She goes to her team and then she comes up to me, "Did you see that? OMG I missed shape on that last ball or else I would have been out. You didn't see it, did you?"
"Actually I did see it - it was a tough shot and tough to get shape on it. You still played good," I comforted her.
She's about to walk back to her team and then turns back to me and asks, "Do you play?"
At this point, what do I say?
I'm sitting next to a friend and she starts to shake her head.
I say politely to the player, "Yes, I play on this league actually."
And she replies, "oh cool!" as she trots away back to her team.
And my friend is busting out of her chair.
"DOES SHE PLAY?! OMG DO YOU PLAY? " Now looking at me.
"What?" I ask my friend.
"DO YOU PLAY? Tell her! Tell her you are a state champ and national champ and the top player on the league - tell her! She has no idea who you are!" my friend insists.
"No, no, I don't care. I just hope she really did hear my words and takes them to heart because she really does play well."
"Oh, Melinda....." my friend says as she turns her head away from me frustrated and in disbelief.
Showing posts with label Women's League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Women's League. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Friday, October 16, 2015
How to Get Rid of Embarassment Feelings
During the Best of the Rest playoffs for my women's league, in the middle of the second day, during a tough, close match, I noticed one of my teammates walked briskly outside after she lost her match.
Being the person that I am, I went outside to talk to her and see how she was doing.
She sat on this cement ledge and was pretty much in tears.
I asked her what was going on and she wasn't sure. She had just lost another match of the day, though, and was trying to figure out why. She played timid today and didn't play like her normal self, but she couldn't figure out why.
And she was so upset at herself for losing because we were in a tough, close match now. I tried to explain to her that it is a TEAM event and that I personally had just lost a match, too, and so we had both contributed to the lopsided score.
She was in tears, "but I play better. And now we are losing...." her voice trailed off and she had to look away from me. She was sad, upset, and ashamed. I felt so badly for her to be in such turmoil.
I told her we haven't lost yet!
She was then trying to figure out, while talking out loud with ideas, what the hell was going on with her. Why was she missing so much. Why was she not playing like usual. After brainstorming together, she finally realized that she was embarrassed. That something had happened earlier in the day and now she was not confident (like she normally is) and she was missing and worried what others were thinking or judging her.
I IMMEDIATELY shared with her what Phil Capelle shared with me when I went through this for a several brutal, tough months many years ago.
I told her the only way to get through this was to keep her mind busy. You do that by thinking ONLY about your fundamentals, only about the balls on the table, only about what your options are on the table, only about staying down, and the execution of your stroke. I explained that concentrating on those "items" keeps your mind preoccupied and wont give it enough space/time in your brain to feel embarrassed because it will be busy.
I know - embarrassment is a very negative feeling that can almost paralyze you. IT SUCKS. lol.
She let the words sink in and then we had to go back inside to play. Her and I were both up. We both had to win our matches. It was GO time.
I looked over at her table and I saw her playing with more confidence and making more balls! She wasn't timid anymore, she was in control and confident. And she played GREAT - like she had the whole year. After she won, she looked over at me and she was smiling SO big, and then she blew me a kiss with extreme happiness! I don't think I've ever seen her smile with that much passion and happiness before! She was ECSTATIC.
I won my game too and since that was the hill-hill game (that she handed to me to win because she won), we were still on the winner's side of the playoffs!.
I joked with her later that I helped her from jumping off the cliff to her demise (since she was sitting on that cement ledge that was 2 whole feet off the ground, lol). She hugged me tightly and whispered. "thank you so much."
Hope this helps others someday, too! Enjoy!
Here is another tip about reversing those feelings into positiveness (click here from a past blog entry).
Being the person that I am, I went outside to talk to her and see how she was doing.
She sat on this cement ledge and was pretty much in tears.
I asked her what was going on and she wasn't sure. She had just lost another match of the day, though, and was trying to figure out why. She played timid today and didn't play like her normal self, but she couldn't figure out why.
And she was so upset at herself for losing because we were in a tough, close match now. I tried to explain to her that it is a TEAM event and that I personally had just lost a match, too, and so we had both contributed to the lopsided score.
She was in tears, "but I play better. And now we are losing...." her voice trailed off and she had to look away from me. She was sad, upset, and ashamed. I felt so badly for her to be in such turmoil.
I told her we haven't lost yet!
She was then trying to figure out, while talking out loud with ideas, what the hell was going on with her. Why was she missing so much. Why was she not playing like usual. After brainstorming together, she finally realized that she was embarrassed. That something had happened earlier in the day and now she was not confident (like she normally is) and she was missing and worried what others were thinking or judging her.
I IMMEDIATELY shared with her what Phil Capelle shared with me when I went through this for a several brutal, tough months many years ago.
I told her the only way to get through this was to keep her mind busy. You do that by thinking ONLY about your fundamentals, only about the balls on the table, only about what your options are on the table, only about staying down, and the execution of your stroke. I explained that concentrating on those "items" keeps your mind preoccupied and wont give it enough space/time in your brain to feel embarrassed because it will be busy.
I know - embarrassment is a very negative feeling that can almost paralyze you. IT SUCKS. lol.
She let the words sink in and then we had to go back inside to play. Her and I were both up. We both had to win our matches. It was GO time.
I looked over at her table and I saw her playing with more confidence and making more balls! She wasn't timid anymore, she was in control and confident. And she played GREAT - like she had the whole year. After she won, she looked over at me and she was smiling SO big, and then she blew me a kiss with extreme happiness! I don't think I've ever seen her smile with that much passion and happiness before! She was ECSTATIC.
I won my game too and since that was the hill-hill game (that she handed to me to win because she won), we were still on the winner's side of the playoffs!.
I joked with her later that I helped her from jumping off the cliff to her demise (since she was sitting on that cement ledge that was 2 whole feet off the ground, lol). She hugged me tightly and whispered. "thank you so much."
Hope this helps others someday, too! Enjoy!
Here is another tip about reversing those feelings into positiveness (click here from a past blog entry).
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Believe - Temporary Tattoo
I wrote about this ladies team before, how they meet up to practice together, have their own facebook group page where they can share ideas and inspiration, and they pump each other up more than any other team I've ever seen.
I wrote how their shirts aren't just a design, but have a motto and encouraging words on them, too (click here).
So I should not have been surprised when one of the teammates on the final day of the Best of the Best playoffs shared with me this:
They all wrote the word "believe" on their bridge pinkies to show they have heart and to believe in themselves.
They were down 6-1 the previous weekend and came back to win. They wanted to remember that faith and desire and how they never gave up, how the BELIEVED.
I LOVED this.
I wrote how their shirts aren't just a design, but have a motto and encouraging words on them, too (click here).
So I should not have been surprised when one of the teammates on the final day of the Best of the Best playoffs shared with me this:
They all wrote the word "believe" on their bridge pinkies to show they have heart and to believe in themselves.
They were down 6-1 the previous weekend and came back to win. They wanted to remember that faith and desire and how they never gave up, how the BELIEVED.
I LOVED this.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
GREAT Reminder (photo)
Saw this on a door of a pool room, as you walked out!
One of my league mates said, "That should be a on the door at home as a good reminder before I leave the house, too." LOL
One of my league mates said, "That should be a on the door at home as a good reminder before I leave the house, too." LOL
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Hill--Hill Win (diagrams)
Found myself on the hill-hill game for the second time in two weekends for my ladies league.
This particular match was more crucial as it was to see who would move to the finals or not.
Here is what happened in diagrams, I was strips. Click any photo to enlarge.
I was really trying a two-way shot - leave the cueball nestled up against her 2 ball in case I missed (it wasn't one of my favorite bank shots that I felt comfy with). I did not accomplish that, so I got lucky I made the 8-ball for my team hill-hill.
We then found ourselves in the finals! We lost that match because we were all so tired, but super proud we placed second again! Second year in a row!
This particular match was more crucial as it was to see who would move to the finals or not.
Here is what happened in diagrams, I was strips. Click any photo to enlarge.
I played safe and she did the correct thing and made my 9ball.
I then had ball-in-hand and I tried to break out the 2/8, but failed to spread them apart like I wanted to do even with ball-in-hand on the 15 ball.
I then decided to use the 12 ball to get shape for a short rail bank on the 8 ball.
I failed to get that shape and then had no choice but to bank the 8 in the cross corner. I made it!
I was really trying a two-way shot - leave the cueball nestled up against her 2 ball in case I missed (it wasn't one of my favorite bank shots that I felt comfy with). I did not accomplish that, so I got lucky I made the 8-ball for my team hill-hill.
We then found ourselves in the finals! We lost that match because we were all so tired, but super proud we placed second again! Second year in a row!
Monday, October 5, 2015
Scared of Me?
During my ladies league playoffs last weekend, the toughest player told me she was scared of me. That's pretty funny because I used to be scared to play her!
She is a good friend of mine now, but I was always intimated by her. Well, everyone is intimidated by her, lol. She plays jam up and has the attitude to back it.
She's a beast on the table. And off the table if you don't know her, she's intimidating as well. Once you get to know her and become a close friend, she is one of those friends-for-life type of people who would drop everything to help you out. And she genuinely cares for her friends - no fasleness going on at all.
So, to hear she was scared to play me, was her way of complimenting me, after she beat me Sunday. She said, "And I ain't scared of nobody!" lol
She's sweet :)
She is a good friend of mine now, but I was always intimated by her. Well, everyone is intimidated by her, lol. She plays jam up and has the attitude to back it.
She's a beast on the table. And off the table if you don't know her, she's intimidating as well. Once you get to know her and become a close friend, she is one of those friends-for-life type of people who would drop everything to help you out. And she genuinely cares for her friends - no fasleness going on at all.
So, to hear she was scared to play me, was her way of complimenting me, after she beat me Sunday. She said, "And I ain't scared of nobody!" lol
She's sweet :)
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Giving Advice After You Lose
On one of my last nights of my women's league season (the same night I played a biker dude, lol),I was in a tight little safety match with my opponent.
This was the table when she got ball in hand: (click photo to enlarge)
She studies the table a little bit and I presume she's going to play safe.
Instead, she makes the 3 ball, then gets good on the 5, calls SAFE, and then makes the 5 ball.
I then safety her to death because her last two balls are all tied up in mine. It was pretty easy to play safe and get ball in hand and move my balls around until everything was open for me. However, I missed a shot because it barely went by one of her balls and she had two easy stop shots before the 8ball to win and beat me.
She was SO excited!
She was jumping around and all happy! (as the top player in the league, I get that a lot when someone beats me, lol.) I'm trying to be as nice as I can be and I shake her hand and smile and try to slip away with my tail between my legs.
Before I could walk away she grabs my hand to keep me near her, and she starts to share with me what she did and why she did it and then asked me if I would have done anything differently.
I hesitated at first as I was still trying to deal with my loss, lol, but she was real eager to learn, so I shared, "well, I guess would have done one thing differently."
"Oh?"
I shared with her that it's important when you play safe to always improve your situation. Don't just "play safe."
I explained further:
I would not have made the 3 ball and then the 5 ball, but instead, I would have used the ball-in-hand to move the 5 ball down the table toward all the stripes. I would have rolled it in front of the side pocket, for example, so it can be used as a break out shot later. The 5 ball is not being helpful way up table, so let's move it to make it helpful down the road.
At that point, it doesn't even matter where the cueball is left because the stripes can't be run out anyway by me because everything is so clustered. So, the most important thing is to move the lonely solid to where it can be used as a break out ball down the road.
You'll see me punt balls a lot - I'm simply moving them to a better position if I don't have any break out balls.
Try it. You'll like it.
This was the table when she got ball in hand: (click photo to enlarge)
She studies the table a little bit and I presume she's going to play safe.
Instead, she makes the 3 ball, then gets good on the 5, calls SAFE, and then makes the 5 ball.
I then safety her to death because her last two balls are all tied up in mine. It was pretty easy to play safe and get ball in hand and move my balls around until everything was open for me. However, I missed a shot because it barely went by one of her balls and she had two easy stop shots before the 8ball to win and beat me.
She was SO excited!
She was jumping around and all happy! (as the top player in the league, I get that a lot when someone beats me, lol.) I'm trying to be as nice as I can be and I shake her hand and smile and try to slip away with my tail between my legs.
Before I could walk away she grabs my hand to keep me near her, and she starts to share with me what she did and why she did it and then asked me if I would have done anything differently.
I hesitated at first as I was still trying to deal with my loss, lol, but she was real eager to learn, so I shared, "well, I guess would have done one thing differently."
"Oh?"
I shared with her that it's important when you play safe to always improve your situation. Don't just "play safe."
I explained further:
I would not have made the 3 ball and then the 5 ball, but instead, I would have used the ball-in-hand to move the 5 ball down the table toward all the stripes. I would have rolled it in front of the side pocket, for example, so it can be used as a break out shot later. The 5 ball is not being helpful way up table, so let's move it to make it helpful down the road.
At that point, it doesn't even matter where the cueball is left because the stripes can't be run out anyway by me because everything is so clustered. So, the most important thing is to move the lonely solid to where it can be used as a break out ball down the road.
You'll see me punt balls a lot - I'm simply moving them to a better position if I don't have any break out balls.
Try it. You'll like it.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Character
I was really taken aback over the weekend. Someone touched me very deeply.
As I'm sitting with a teammate as we watch our other two teammates on the tables, playing in our playoffs, she says to me, "I really wish you weren't leaving the team."
I looked at her kinda sad and confused and then she added very quickly, "not because you play well, either. Because I enjoy being around you and like you."
I told her that meant a lot.
About 30 minutes later, it REALLY sunk in what she said. Like, the words she said earlier didn't hit my heart right away, or it didn't make sense or something. Soon, it FILLED my heart.
I saw her at the bar and went up to her, "It REALLY meant a lot what you said earlier." as I started to tear up with emotions.
She said, "now, none of that! But it's true - I like getting to know you. Your game is just a bonus. I'm going to miss YOU, and being around you."
I hugged her tight and then had to step away as the tears were welling up in my eyes. I cant even begin to express how much that meant to me. I'm having such a difficult time right now with drama in the pool room and dealing with negative situations, that it was refreshing to hear such positive words about little 'ole me.
I've always strived to be a good person and kind-hearted. Sure, it's cool to be considered a top pool player, but being thought of more as a decent person and friend that people want to be around, means a trillion times more to me than being a real good player.
As I'm sitting with a teammate as we watch our other two teammates on the tables, playing in our playoffs, she says to me, "I really wish you weren't leaving the team."
I looked at her kinda sad and confused and then she added very quickly, "not because you play well, either. Because I enjoy being around you and like you."
I told her that meant a lot.
About 30 minutes later, it REALLY sunk in what she said. Like, the words she said earlier didn't hit my heart right away, or it didn't make sense or something. Soon, it FILLED my heart.
I saw her at the bar and went up to her, "It REALLY meant a lot what you said earlier." as I started to tear up with emotions.
She said, "now, none of that! But it's true - I like getting to know you. Your game is just a bonus. I'm going to miss YOU, and being around you."
I hugged her tight and then had to step away as the tears were welling up in my eyes. I cant even begin to express how much that meant to me. I'm having such a difficult time right now with drama in the pool room and dealing with negative situations, that it was refreshing to hear such positive words about little 'ole me.
I've always strived to be a good person and kind-hearted. Sure, it's cool to be considered a top pool player, but being thought of more as a decent person and friend that people want to be around, means a trillion times more to me than being a real good player.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Top Shooter?
The last two years I was second in the rankings at the end of the season in my women's league.
Two years, SECOND. I was very stoked and happy!
This year, wait for it, wait for it. Yep: FIRST!
I have to admit I tried and tried and tried so hard to do well all season. I was neck and neck with another player who had a FANTASTIC SEASON and I am SO proud of her (Shaunte).
Every week I'd check the stats.
Either I said "whew" or "dammit" lol.
Her and I kept getting closer and closer, and switching places from first to second, the last few months, too.
I played 90 games, won 70 and only lost 20. :) That gave me a 77.78%! And, I am the top shooter! She had 77.12% - see how VERY close??! WOW.
So, while I'm VERY proud of myself and I really tried to get first this year (even though I admit I'd be happy with second place again because that IS tough to do that too imo), I have to confess something....
While I have the highest % in the entire league, in order to earn the "official" Top Shooter award/plaque you had to have played at least 109 games. So, I'm very honored I have the stats of the top shooter still, but I am even more happier for my friend Shaunte who will get the award money and plaque as she had quite an impressive year! (she played 118 games)
[And btw, yes, 109 games is over 21.8 weeks.... and the league only has 28 weeks.]
Still, happy for her, happy for me!
Her game has seriously improved and I am extremely proud of her! It's been an honor to see her game mature (I know I don't like to compete against her, lol).
Here all my final stats for this season on the ladies league:
2015 Season, 90 games, 77.78%, first place:
Wins: 70, Losses: 20
Break and Runs: 1
Rack and Runs: 5
Five and 0s: 5
Here was my last two years:
In 2014 Season, 96 games, 77.08%, second place:
Wins: 74, Losses: 22
Break and Runs: 1
Rack and Runs: 7
Five and 0s: 5
In 2013 Season, I played 85 games, 75.3%, second place:
Wins: 64, Losses: 21
Break and Runs: 4
Rack and Runs: 4
Five and 0s: 5
Two years, SECOND. I was very stoked and happy!
This year, wait for it, wait for it. Yep: FIRST!
I have to admit I tried and tried and tried so hard to do well all season. I was neck and neck with another player who had a FANTASTIC SEASON and I am SO proud of her (Shaunte).
Every week I'd check the stats.
Either I said "whew" or "dammit" lol.
Her and I kept getting closer and closer, and switching places from first to second, the last few months, too.
I played 90 games, won 70 and only lost 20. :) That gave me a 77.78%! And, I am the top shooter! She had 77.12% - see how VERY close??! WOW.
So, while I'm VERY proud of myself and I really tried to get first this year (even though I admit I'd be happy with second place again because that IS tough to do that too imo), I have to confess something....
While I have the highest % in the entire league, in order to earn the "official" Top Shooter award/plaque you had to have played at least 109 games. So, I'm very honored I have the stats of the top shooter still, but I am even more happier for my friend Shaunte who will get the award money and plaque as she had quite an impressive year! (she played 118 games)
[And btw, yes, 109 games is over 21.8 weeks.... and the league only has 28 weeks.]
Still, happy for her, happy for me!
Her game has seriously improved and I am extremely proud of her! It's been an honor to see her game mature (I know I don't like to compete against her, lol).
Here all my final stats for this season on the ladies league:
2015 Season, 90 games, 77.78%, first place:
Wins: 70, Losses: 20
Break and Runs: 1
Rack and Runs: 5
Five and 0s: 5
Here was my last two years:
In 2014 Season, 96 games, 77.08%, second place:
Wins: 74, Losses: 22
Break and Runs: 1
Rack and Runs: 7
Five and 0s: 5
In 2013 Season, I played 85 games, 75.3%, second place:
Wins: 64, Losses: 21
Break and Runs: 4
Rack and Runs: 4
Five and 0s: 5
Monday, June 29, 2015
More Desire For Change
While I won all five of my matches last Tuesday AND last Thursday, I did not fair so well last night.
(editors note: I wrote this blog entry last Friday)
I put pressure on myself, which didn't help.
I was sneaking up literally decimal points away from the top shooter in the league with my 5-0 last week, so each game this week was crucial, and yet I only won 2 games. :(
I was in a pool room I hadn't been in in MONTHS - maybe over 8 months actually. They had a tourney and so I saw people I hadn't seen in a long time. While I gave hugs and said my hello's as time went on in the night, I realized so passionately that I did NOT want to be there anymore. I don't want to hang out there, I don't want to spend my time there, I don't want to waste my time there.
Then I ran into people I didn't want to see, that affected my pool game. I realize *I* let them bother me, but I am just at this point in my life that I just don't want to be around certain pool players. And when this girl wouldn't move out of my way for me to shoot, or when she came over to read our score sheet - she shouldn't have even been around us. We weren't even playing against her - she just came to visit certain people (I guess).
I am pretending so hard to want to be at league, but it's not working. And, I think that's unfair to my teammates. They aren't getting my full potential, and I'm also very quiet and well.... melancholy-acting. Who wants to be around that??
I was upset after the league last night because I'm tired of coming home late, tired of smelling like smoke, tired of drama, tired of not being happy after I leave league, etc. I lost sleep because I know I need to do something about this unhappiness.
I have a lot of things I'm trying to work on and playing in this league is not top priority for me. I feel bad about it because I feel like I'm letting my team down, but I'm just not happy going to this league. And life is too short to do things you don't really want to do, right?
One of the guys there asked where I had been, and I said I was slowing down playing. His reply was, "Yes I understand, I was in a rut too."
I countered with, "No, I'm playing really good, I just really don't want to play that much anymore." I wrote about this before back in April.
He then went on to say he had been playing in all these weekly tourneys at local bars and placing well lately. All I could think of is that is NOT what I want to do anymore with my evenings.
I guess it didn't help that I had looked at the ACS Texas State rules and decided I really didn't want to play in singles this year. So, why go down just for teams? (I haven't just played in teams in a state tourney in over 15 years). Therefore, I don't need 6 weeks on this league any more, and even mentioned to my captain last night I may not go to ACS State. I just can't see myself spending all that money on a hotel with no reward. Thinking of my finances for once.
Maybe part of my angst is that I want to try and get out of debt, travel more for outdoor things, be more healthy, work on my soul (not my pool game). I also think that because I'm not drinking, pool isn't that social for me anymore. And, it's not fun for me.
Sure, I know lot's of people that don't drink and love league and love to play pool, so I don't think that's the main catalyst of me wanting to step away from pool.
I honestly think the main reason is (1) there are now unpleasant people in my pool circle and I just simply don't want to be around them, and (2) I just want to do other things with my life now that I have been lucky enough to have been successful the last few years in the pool arena.
Even when I won all five games last Thursday, I still couldn't wait to get out of there and get home and rest up for work.
I've said before - if I hadn't of been so successful the last few years, I'd prolly still want to play. But I really do NOT want to be in bars playing pool into my 50s. MAYBE every once in a while, but not every week for the next five or even ten years.
Last night was tough on my heart. Being around people that annoyed me, not winning all my matches, wanting desperately to leave and go home, not smiling or having fun, only wishing I could quit. And, I'm afraid that is where I am heading with this league.
(editors note: I wrote this blog entry last Friday)
I put pressure on myself, which didn't help.
I was sneaking up literally decimal points away from the top shooter in the league with my 5-0 last week, so each game this week was crucial, and yet I only won 2 games. :(
I was in a pool room I hadn't been in in MONTHS - maybe over 8 months actually. They had a tourney and so I saw people I hadn't seen in a long time. While I gave hugs and said my hello's as time went on in the night, I realized so passionately that I did NOT want to be there anymore. I don't want to hang out there, I don't want to spend my time there, I don't want to waste my time there.
Then I ran into people I didn't want to see, that affected my pool game. I realize *I* let them bother me, but I am just at this point in my life that I just don't want to be around certain pool players. And when this girl wouldn't move out of my way for me to shoot, or when she came over to read our score sheet - she shouldn't have even been around us. We weren't even playing against her - she just came to visit certain people (I guess).
I am pretending so hard to want to be at league, but it's not working. And, I think that's unfair to my teammates. They aren't getting my full potential, and I'm also very quiet and well.... melancholy-acting. Who wants to be around that??
I was upset after the league last night because I'm tired of coming home late, tired of smelling like smoke, tired of drama, tired of not being happy after I leave league, etc. I lost sleep because I know I need to do something about this unhappiness.
I have a lot of things I'm trying to work on and playing in this league is not top priority for me. I feel bad about it because I feel like I'm letting my team down, but I'm just not happy going to this league. And life is too short to do things you don't really want to do, right?
One of the guys there asked where I had been, and I said I was slowing down playing. His reply was, "Yes I understand, I was in a rut too."
I countered with, "No, I'm playing really good, I just really don't want to play that much anymore." I wrote about this before back in April.
He then went on to say he had been playing in all these weekly tourneys at local bars and placing well lately. All I could think of is that is NOT what I want to do anymore with my evenings.
I guess it didn't help that I had looked at the ACS Texas State rules and decided I really didn't want to play in singles this year. So, why go down just for teams? (I haven't just played in teams in a state tourney in over 15 years). Therefore, I don't need 6 weeks on this league any more, and even mentioned to my captain last night I may not go to ACS State. I just can't see myself spending all that money on a hotel with no reward. Thinking of my finances for once.
Maybe part of my angst is that I want to try and get out of debt, travel more for outdoor things, be more healthy, work on my soul (not my pool game). I also think that because I'm not drinking, pool isn't that social for me anymore. And, it's not fun for me.
Sure, I know lot's of people that don't drink and love league and love to play pool, so I don't think that's the main catalyst of me wanting to step away from pool.
I honestly think the main reason is (1) there are now unpleasant people in my pool circle and I just simply don't want to be around them, and (2) I just want to do other things with my life now that I have been lucky enough to have been successful the last few years in the pool arena.
Even when I won all five games last Thursday, I still couldn't wait to get out of there and get home and rest up for work.
I've said before - if I hadn't of been so successful the last few years, I'd prolly still want to play. But I really do NOT want to be in bars playing pool into my 50s. MAYBE every once in a while, but not every week for the next five or even ten years.
Last night was tough on my heart. Being around people that annoyed me, not winning all my matches, wanting desperately to leave and go home, not smiling or having fun, only wishing I could quit. And, I'm afraid that is where I am heading with this league.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Be Aware of the Drunks
I was playing league last night in my ladies league.
Before we started, one of our opponents, and a friend of mine, was playing a guy who had been hovering around.
I did not know if she knew this guy or not. Let me just begin right now calling him "the Drunk".
He played against her and it seemed like he was flirting with her. Which is fine - flirt all you want, dude. But you'll need to get off the table soon so we can start our match.
Sure enough, I have to play my friend first, who was just playing the Drunk.
We play on the same table that they had been hitting balls on, and sure enough, there he was: lurking, watching, drunk.
After she racked the balls, she had to walk by him because he was using the wall to lean on, and he says, "just don't leave her a shot and you'll do fine."
I am sitting there like, "Really?"
But, I knew he was drunk.
She broke and we went back and forth a little bit because of a lot of clusters.
Every time she got to the table he would lean toward her and say, "just don't leave her a shot."
I normally would get upset at "coaching." But let's look at a few things:
Towards the end of the game, he tells her again, "just don't leave her a shot." And she finally turns to him and says smartly, "You aren't suppose to talk to us during our matches during league!"
He stood there holding the wall up, and didn't say anything again. But he was too drunk to even realize he should have just moved out of the area. Eventually he left, after that match, but it's amazing how he was kinda distracting for both of us. But, since we were both aware he was simply drunk, we didn't really let it get to us and tried to play pool with that surrounding. I've bee around much worse drunks trying to play, so it wasn't too bad. Just weird.
Before we started, one of our opponents, and a friend of mine, was playing a guy who had been hovering around.
I did not know if she knew this guy or not. Let me just begin right now calling him "the Drunk".
He played against her and it seemed like he was flirting with her. Which is fine - flirt all you want, dude. But you'll need to get off the table soon so we can start our match.
Sure enough, I have to play my friend first, who was just playing the Drunk.
We play on the same table that they had been hitting balls on, and sure enough, there he was: lurking, watching, drunk.
After she racked the balls, she had to walk by him because he was using the wall to lean on, and he says, "just don't leave her a shot and you'll do fine."
I am sitting there like, "Really?"
But, I knew he was drunk.
She broke and we went back and forth a little bit because of a lot of clusters.
Every time she got to the table he would lean toward her and say, "just don't leave her a shot."
I normally would get upset at "coaching." But let's look at a few things:
- He was drunk
- He repeated the same "advice" and didn't really talk about particular shots
- He was drunk
- He wasn't a friend of hers
- He wasn't doing it deliberately, he just wasn't aware he shouldn't have been
Towards the end of the game, he tells her again, "just don't leave her a shot." And she finally turns to him and says smartly, "You aren't suppose to talk to us during our matches during league!"
He stood there holding the wall up, and didn't say anything again. But he was too drunk to even realize he should have just moved out of the area. Eventually he left, after that match, but it's amazing how he was kinda distracting for both of us. But, since we were both aware he was simply drunk, we didn't really let it get to us and tried to play pool with that surrounding. I've bee around much worse drunks trying to play, so it wasn't too bad. Just weird.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Team Leadership
One of the local ladies team that plays in our women's league is more than "just a team."
Sure, most teams might have little rituals before they start a match or they might have-five or something. But most women's teams I have been on, that's the MOST they do.
I actually REALLY like how this one certain team does things, and their leadership should be shared and captured for others to emulate.
First off, they have a closed group on Facebook that they can post for each other before league nights or tournaments. They provide quotes, give pep talks, positive encouragement, etc on this page that is ONLY for their team.
Second, they also have a quote on their shirt, which I LOVE! I absolutely love this idea:
It says, "Individual commitment to a group effort."
Most projects or teams in businesses have a mission or vision or leadership quote they stand by, and it's so impressive to me that a team would do this - and it is so smart!
Here is their shirt:
Thirdly, they get together and practice! Yes, they hit balls together and improve their games. They don't just do it individually, they meet up and play together and learn from each other. I can only imagine that also brings the whole team together.
I can see how their team dynamic is great and they also have a lot of fun and enjoy the game, all the while they are competing at their best - as a team - because of all these leadership building blocks they have implemented.
Pretty impressive!
Sure, most teams might have little rituals before they start a match or they might have-five or something. But most women's teams I have been on, that's the MOST they do.
I actually REALLY like how this one certain team does things, and their leadership should be shared and captured for others to emulate.
First off, they have a closed group on Facebook that they can post for each other before league nights or tournaments. They provide quotes, give pep talks, positive encouragement, etc on this page that is ONLY for their team.
Second, they also have a quote on their shirt, which I LOVE! I absolutely love this idea:
It says, "Individual commitment to a group effort."
Most projects or teams in businesses have a mission or vision or leadership quote they stand by, and it's so impressive to me that a team would do this - and it is so smart!
Here is their shirt:
Thirdly, they get together and practice! Yes, they hit balls together and improve their games. They don't just do it individually, they meet up and play together and learn from each other. I can only imagine that also brings the whole team together.
I can see how their team dynamic is great and they also have a lot of fun and enjoy the game, all the while they are competing at their best - as a team - because of all these leadership building blocks they have implemented.
Pretty impressive!
Monday, April 6, 2015
Mutual Admiration
I had league last Thursday with my ladies team.
As I said goodbye for the night, one of my teammates hugged me tighter than normal.
She finally released the hug, but held my hands and shared, "You know, next week we will be at BCA Texas State. And that is exactly one year from the first time I saw you play pool."
I felt a little nervous, where was she going with this?
She exclaimed, "I have goosebumps!" Then shared, "I was so in awe of how well you played and am honored we are friends and teammates now."
"Oh stop it," I said.
"No, listen, I mean it," as she held my hands tighter and looked me right in the eye. "I love watching you play and I get so excited every Thursday night because I know I'll get to watch "Melinda play pool."" She looked down at her arm, "I have goosebumps again!"
I got embarrassed, but also flattered a little, but still tried to leave.
She pulled me in for another hug and said, "I can't wait to play with you at State next week."
I remember her watching me play last year in the finals of scotch doubles at BCAPL Texas State, because they introduced me to her b/c we were about to be new teammates. Although my partner and I won the entire event, I also remember missing an 8ball and another ball, so even though she talks about the match like she witnessed greatness, I saw it as, "wish you could have seen me play better," lol.
But it goes to show how impactful we can be sometimes to people. And how we are being watched a lot of times. I like to always be a representative of the sport and act like I'm okay, even if I'm steaming inside. I have been complimented when I shake hands with a smile after I lose. Well, it's who I am today. And when I show negative emotions, I get upset with myself for showing that side (even if it's human to do so sometimes).
I drove home that night feeling really good. A compliment goes a long way. I had told her she had been playing really, really well, but she kept diverting my words from her to me. Felt weird, but as I look back, I really do appreciate it. And I really do admire how much she loves the game and has improved!
As I said goodbye for the night, one of my teammates hugged me tighter than normal.
She finally released the hug, but held my hands and shared, "You know, next week we will be at BCA Texas State. And that is exactly one year from the first time I saw you play pool."
I felt a little nervous, where was she going with this?
She exclaimed, "I have goosebumps!" Then shared, "I was so in awe of how well you played and am honored we are friends and teammates now."
"Oh stop it," I said.
"No, listen, I mean it," as she held my hands tighter and looked me right in the eye. "I love watching you play and I get so excited every Thursday night because I know I'll get to watch "Melinda play pool."" She looked down at her arm, "I have goosebumps again!"
I got embarrassed, but also flattered a little, but still tried to leave.
She pulled me in for another hug and said, "I can't wait to play with you at State next week."
I remember her watching me play last year in the finals of scotch doubles at BCAPL Texas State, because they introduced me to her b/c we were about to be new teammates. Although my partner and I won the entire event, I also remember missing an 8ball and another ball, so even though she talks about the match like she witnessed greatness, I saw it as, "wish you could have seen me play better," lol.
But it goes to show how impactful we can be sometimes to people. And how we are being watched a lot of times. I like to always be a representative of the sport and act like I'm okay, even if I'm steaming inside. I have been complimented when I shake hands with a smile after I lose. Well, it's who I am today. And when I show negative emotions, I get upset with myself for showing that side (even if it's human to do so sometimes).
I drove home that night feeling really good. A compliment goes a long way. I had told her she had been playing really, really well, but she kept diverting my words from her to me. Felt weird, but as I look back, I really do appreciate it. And I really do admire how much she loves the game and has improved!
Monday, March 30, 2015
Assigned Seating
I noticed my team was sitting in different place than I'm used to at this particular bar we play out of sometimes on Thursdays for my ladies league.
Then I noticed this sign, for the "visiting" team:
I heard that the "home" team also has signs on their tables.
I could see why later in night - karaoke patrons started to wander in and invaded the seating area. Yep, even with the signs, lol.
Then I noticed this sign, for the "visiting" team:
I heard that the "home" team also has signs on their tables.
I could see why later in night - karaoke patrons started to wander in and invaded the seating area. Yep, even with the signs, lol.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Why You So Mad?
Well, the bad play continued for me on Tuesday.
I had a few nice runs, but then would miss a tough shot here and there. I only won two matches out of five that league night.
I have been pretty bummed about it.
And then I had league on Thursday against a really tough team. Two of the girls are in the top rankings and the team plays good.
Losing FOUR matches last week moved me down in the rankings in my ladies league so tonight was critical to me.
I actually hit a rack of balls before we started. I told my team, "you know something is wrong with me if I'm hitting balls."
I was trying to figure out if something was wrong with my fundamentals or what.
I won the first game by playing some smart moves. I missed a key ball, but then came with it in the end. It boosted my confidence to kick a ball in and then come with a nice shot to make the 8ball. I needed that for sure.
In the next match, I played good safes again. I tried not to go for too many risky shots and instead play super TIGHT with more safes.
It worked!
I won that match, too.
Next game I again played safe a lot. After my first "mean" safe, my opponent asks me, "why you so mad?"
LMAO! That was hysterical!
She had seen me safety her teammate the previous match and here I was doing it some more to her lol.
I replied, "I have been playing bad. Gotta do something."
After I won that game, as I'm high-fiving my teammates, I say, "uh, I might be back."
I win the next game, this time running out well after some safes. Again I tell my teammates after while I'm high-fiving, "Uh, oh, I really think I am back."
Even though I lost my last match, it was a really long safety battle and it felt great to play smart and good.
Maybe I'm back? Not sure - but playing tighter REALLY helped my scores!
I had a few nice runs, but then would miss a tough shot here and there. I only won two matches out of five that league night.
I have been pretty bummed about it.
And then I had league on Thursday against a really tough team. Two of the girls are in the top rankings and the team plays good.
Losing FOUR matches last week moved me down in the rankings in my ladies league so tonight was critical to me.
I actually hit a rack of balls before we started. I told my team, "you know something is wrong with me if I'm hitting balls."
I was trying to figure out if something was wrong with my fundamentals or what.
I won the first game by playing some smart moves. I missed a key ball, but then came with it in the end. It boosted my confidence to kick a ball in and then come with a nice shot to make the 8ball. I needed that for sure.
In the next match, I played good safes again. I tried not to go for too many risky shots and instead play super TIGHT with more safes.
It worked!
I won that match, too.
Next game I again played safe a lot. After my first "mean" safe, my opponent asks me, "why you so mad?"
LMAO! That was hysterical!
She had seen me safety her teammate the previous match and here I was doing it some more to her lol.
I replied, "I have been playing bad. Gotta do something."
After I won that game, as I'm high-fiving my teammates, I say, "uh, I might be back."
I win the next game, this time running out well after some safes. Again I tell my teammates after while I'm high-fiving, "Uh, oh, I really think I am back."
Even though I lost my last match, it was a really long safety battle and it felt great to play smart and good.
Maybe I'm back? Not sure - but playing tighter REALLY helped my scores!
Friday, March 13, 2015
Play That Funky Music
I was at league last night and we are a traveling league. I had not been to this bar before.
I thought it was much smaller - it looked tiny on the outside, but it's fairly large.
What I noticed right away was the music was SUPER loud!
When I tried to talk to my teammates, we had to lean toward each other to hear what we were saying. It wasn't disturbing my play, but it did interfere with me trying to catch up with my friends.
A lot of patrons in the establishment were playing hip hop-type music. So, I knew almost every song and therefore it didn't really bother me how loud the music was.
But one of my teammates didn't really like it, so she would grab her phone while she sat in her chair to pay for a song from an app on her phone. Then that song she picked would be played on the jukebox. And she would pay EXTRA to have it "play next."
So, she interfered with the jams by playing country music, lol.
I don't like country anymore, and evidently neither did the patrons because as soon as a country song came on, they would head to the jukebox to put in money to pay for hip hop songs. All the time not realizing one of my teammates was kinda "controlling" what would play next from her chair.
lol.
I thought it was much smaller - it looked tiny on the outside, but it's fairly large.
What I noticed right away was the music was SUPER loud!
When I tried to talk to my teammates, we had to lean toward each other to hear what we were saying. It wasn't disturbing my play, but it did interfere with me trying to catch up with my friends.
A lot of patrons in the establishment were playing hip hop-type music. So, I knew almost every song and therefore it didn't really bother me how loud the music was.
But one of my teammates didn't really like it, so she would grab her phone while she sat in her chair to pay for a song from an app on her phone. Then that song she picked would be played on the jukebox. And she would pay EXTRA to have it "play next."
So, she interfered with the jams by playing country music, lol.
I don't like country anymore, and evidently neither did the patrons because as soon as a country song came on, they would head to the jukebox to put in money to pay for hip hop songs. All the time not realizing one of my teammates was kinda "controlling" what would play next from her chair.
lol.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Dilemmas in Pool
Last season on my Ladies Thursday League, there was a mix up with the dates. While the secretary tried to avoid ALL tournaments that could affect the players, one of the OB Cues Ladies stops had to CHANGE their date!
Let me see if I can explain this well, lol.
The Best of the Rest tournament end of season ladies Thursday league tournament was the last weekend of October. This was also the same weekend as the Jamaica Joe's tourney for the OB Cues Ladies Tour (b/c they had to change their date).
The Best of the Best end of season ladies league tourney was the first weekend of November. If my team got in the top FOUR (4) of the league in the rankings, then we would automatically play in that tournament, and not have to play in the Best of the Rest.
So, a few months before the rankings would be finalized, we all played our little hearts out. Why? Because one team member is a aboard member of the OB Cues Ladies Tour and would have to go to that tournament at the end of October. I *wanted* to go, but wasn't sure what I would do if we didn't get in the top 4. Not go to the OB Stop in Oklahoma City and play in our league end of season tourney to play with my team? Or play at the OB Cues Ladies Tour stop?
Either way, we could *potentially* lose two players for the Best of the Rest tourney if we didn't get in the top 4.
So, the last few months were stressful. Each week we wondered where we stood. How did we do compared to all the other teams?
Two teams were guaranteed to be ranked 1 and 2. The 3rd and 4th spots were actually a pretty big fight and close call by FOUR teams! Omgosh, so much stress!
Would we get in the top 4 or would we have to play in the Best of the Rest tourney without our top two players? (If I decided not to play).
I recall last year that a player posted on FB what she should do about this very situation - but her conflicting tourney was an apa regional event that could possibly send her to Vegas. At the time I still thought she should have played with her team (which is what she eventually did even though I think she bailed on them during the event or something?).
I thought - wow, what a tough dilemma!
And then I find myself in it.
Although I LOVE playing at Jamaica Joe's b/c they have diamond bar tables and it's only about 3 1/2 hours away, I already knew in my heart I would play with the team. But I never told them that! lol.
We were in 5th place I think for many weeks and then we all of a sudden with only 2 weeks left got in the top 4! And then we made the cut by like only a few points! So, Monica and I were able to play at Jamaica Joe's and THEN play with the team in the Best of the Best the following weekend! (where we took second, baby!).
Tough choices when it comes to league, whew!
We want to be a team member at all times. But sometimes choices and decisions are tough. Luckily this worked out for everyone!
And next time I would pick playing with my team again!
Let me see if I can explain this well, lol.
The Best of the Rest tournament end of season ladies Thursday league tournament was the last weekend of October. This was also the same weekend as the Jamaica Joe's tourney for the OB Cues Ladies Tour (b/c they had to change their date).
The Best of the Best end of season ladies league tourney was the first weekend of November. If my team got in the top FOUR (4) of the league in the rankings, then we would automatically play in that tournament, and not have to play in the Best of the Rest.
So, a few months before the rankings would be finalized, we all played our little hearts out. Why? Because one team member is a aboard member of the OB Cues Ladies Tour and would have to go to that tournament at the end of October. I *wanted* to go, but wasn't sure what I would do if we didn't get in the top 4. Not go to the OB Stop in Oklahoma City and play in our league end of season tourney to play with my team? Or play at the OB Cues Ladies Tour stop?
Either way, we could *potentially* lose two players for the Best of the Rest tourney if we didn't get in the top 4.
So, the last few months were stressful. Each week we wondered where we stood. How did we do compared to all the other teams?
Two teams were guaranteed to be ranked 1 and 2. The 3rd and 4th spots were actually a pretty big fight and close call by FOUR teams! Omgosh, so much stress!
Would we get in the top 4 or would we have to play in the Best of the Rest tourney without our top two players? (If I decided not to play).
I recall last year that a player posted on FB what she should do about this very situation - but her conflicting tourney was an apa regional event that could possibly send her to Vegas. At the time I still thought she should have played with her team (which is what she eventually did even though I think she bailed on them during the event or something?).
I thought - wow, what a tough dilemma!
And then I find myself in it.
Although I LOVE playing at Jamaica Joe's b/c they have diamond bar tables and it's only about 3 1/2 hours away, I already knew in my heart I would play with the team. But I never told them that! lol.
We were in 5th place I think for many weeks and then we all of a sudden with only 2 weeks left got in the top 4! And then we made the cut by like only a few points! So, Monica and I were able to play at Jamaica Joe's and THEN play with the team in the Best of the Best the following weekend! (where we took second, baby!).
Tough choices when it comes to league, whew!
We want to be a team member at all times. But sometimes choices and decisions are tough. Luckily this worked out for everyone!
And next time I would pick playing with my team again!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Complimenting Opponents
During our women's league team playoffs, you'll have to picture that most of the women on the league all like each other and are good friends. Like 95% of us are all friends!
So, it makes it difficult sometimes to play against each other.
I have learned, like my friend Lisa Marr says, "friends away from the table" because otherwise I use to have too soft of a heart when I played pool and that gets in the way of a killer instinct to want to win.
Anyway, so during our women's league team playoffs we are playing against some friends from an opposing team and one of the players is really struggling. Turns out she was coming down with the flu, but she didn't know it at the time.
She's on her second match and struggling and she says out loud, "man, I can't make a ball today."
Well, one of my teammates immediately tells her something like, "You'll be fine, dont' think that way."
And I just REACTED.
I felt so bad I did this, but I said right away to my teammate out loud kinda snappy, "Don't tell her that! She's our opponent. Don't pump her up."
I realize they are friends and she was just helping her "as" a friend, but against each others teams we aren't suppose to be friends.
I know it was very natural for her to want to offer her support and kind words because she was struggling, but that was not the time nor place for it.
But... *I* could have handled that better and whispered in my teammates ear, instead of saying it out loud, kinda getting on to her. I think our friend (yes, she was my friend, also) might have heard me say that, which is rude when you are trying to play.
I realize my teammate prolly took my words as advice eventually, but it prolly came across as getting on to her right then, not helping. :(
So, it makes it difficult sometimes to play against each other.
I have learned, like my friend Lisa Marr says, "friends away from the table" because otherwise I use to have too soft of a heart when I played pool and that gets in the way of a killer instinct to want to win.
Anyway, so during our women's league team playoffs we are playing against some friends from an opposing team and one of the players is really struggling. Turns out she was coming down with the flu, but she didn't know it at the time.
She's on her second match and struggling and she says out loud, "man, I can't make a ball today."
Well, one of my teammates immediately tells her something like, "You'll be fine, dont' think that way."
And I just REACTED.
I felt so bad I did this, but I said right away to my teammate out loud kinda snappy, "Don't tell her that! She's our opponent. Don't pump her up."
I realize they are friends and she was just helping her "as" a friend, but against each others teams we aren't suppose to be friends.
I know it was very natural for her to want to offer her support and kind words because she was struggling, but that was not the time nor place for it.
But... *I* could have handled that better and whispered in my teammates ear, instead of saying it out loud, kinda getting on to her. I think our friend (yes, she was my friend, also) might have heard me say that, which is rude when you are trying to play.
I realize my teammate prolly took my words as advice eventually, but it prolly came across as getting on to her right then, not helping. :(
Monday, November 10, 2014
Am I Helping?
I wrote before that I joined a new team on my ladies league b/c they asked me to join b/c they wanted pointers and to improve their games.
At my league playoffs (where we placed SECOND!), one of my ex teammates who I hadn't seen in many, many months came up to me and we gave each other a great big hug! I have really missed her.
We chatted just a little bit and before we each had to play in our matches, but she asked me, "Why did you join that team?"
I replied, "Because they wanted me to help them with their game."
"Well, are you?"
But then she was whisked away for a team meeting.
Hmm... good question.
WAS I helping my teammates?
"I have no idea!" I thought to myself.
I mean, I have shown them shots after league, but only a handful of times. And they have asked me, "how would you have shot that?" kinda questions after they played, but was I really helping them?
The next day, while we are still in the playoffs, my teammate walks by our table after a great out! And she says to the captain, "I knew I could make that ball because I have seen Melinda make it before."
My ears perk up. Omg really?
Then after a few more games, my captain tells me, "Laurie is really focused on you when you play."
"She is?" I ask.
"Yea, she said she loves to watch you play because you play so calm and have such a cool demeanor about you. And, she sees you stay down well and take your time."
I was thinking, "wow, really?"
Then another teammate jumps in on the convo - "Yes, we love to watch you play - we learn so much from your choices and how you handle yourself during the matches. Plus, you come with some really awesome shots sometimes!"
So, I guess I got my answer. I really HAVE helped my teammates!
:)
And not by just showing them a few shots after their matches, but by them watching me play my matches.
How freaking cool!
At my league playoffs (where we placed SECOND!), one of my ex teammates who I hadn't seen in many, many months came up to me and we gave each other a great big hug! I have really missed her.
We chatted just a little bit and before we each had to play in our matches, but she asked me, "Why did you join that team?"
I replied, "Because they wanted me to help them with their game."
"Well, are you?"
But then she was whisked away for a team meeting.
Hmm... good question.
WAS I helping my teammates?
"I have no idea!" I thought to myself.
I mean, I have shown them shots after league, but only a handful of times. And they have asked me, "how would you have shot that?" kinda questions after they played, but was I really helping them?
The next day, while we are still in the playoffs, my teammate walks by our table after a great out! And she says to the captain, "I knew I could make that ball because I have seen Melinda make it before."
My ears perk up. Omg really?
Then after a few more games, my captain tells me, "Laurie is really focused on you when you play."
"She is?" I ask.
"Yea, she said she loves to watch you play because you play so calm and have such a cool demeanor about you. And, she sees you stay down well and take your time."
I was thinking, "wow, really?"
Then another teammate jumps in on the convo - "Yes, we love to watch you play - we learn so much from your choices and how you handle yourself during the matches. Plus, you come with some really awesome shots sometimes!"
So, I guess I got my answer. I really HAVE helped my teammates!
:)
And not by just showing them a few shots after their matches, but by them watching me play my matches.
How freaking cool!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
The Clutch
I wrote before how being in the clutch position comes with it some pretty tough responsibilities.
Being the hill-hill person means you either win it for the team, or lose it for the team.
Can you handle both?
Winning hill-hill is easy. Or is it?
Sure, AFTER you win it's fun and hugs and high fives and smiles.
During the match, your heart is beating, you feel the pressure, you know it ALL lies in your hands.
And what about if you lose? Can you handle that horrible situation?
I was the hill-hill person for our team this past weekend in the finals, it went hill-hill. I felt very comfortable in that position. I have been here for the last 3-4 years for my women's teams events, so I'm used to it.
And, as I have stated before, *I* would rather be the person who dogs it for the team than anyone else on the team!
PLEASE let me be that person!
Why?
Because I can handle losses now.
I really can.
Would I be upset?
Sure; of course.
I have a couple of hill-hills I didn't win. And each time I knew I gave it my best (even tho I felt bad, but I also knew it wasn't the end of the world.
Last weekend, I had to play safe and instead of the soft safe I envisioned, I did not hit the ball and rail. That gave my opponent ball-in-hand and she ran out the 3 balls to win for her team in the finales of this hill-hill game.
My team was still SO very happy we were even in the finals. SO very happy we even got hill-hill!
While I felt deflated, I knew I would be alright. And sure enough, my captain came up to me and said, "I'm so glad that was you. Any other teammate would be crying their eyes out right now."
And she is right. All these years of experience - I WOULD rather be the player that lets us down. I can handle it. In my 20s to mid 30s - I KNOW I couldn't have. I sat at home weeping over missed shots for days back then.
Not anymore.
I think the coolest part (besides my teammates fighting to the end and getting second in our women's league playoffs) was that my captain recognized how important it was that I was handling the loss well for the team. And that I was the right person for that position.
Being the hill-hill person means you either win it for the team, or lose it for the team.
Can you handle both?
Winning hill-hill is easy. Or is it?
Sure, AFTER you win it's fun and hugs and high fives and smiles.
During the match, your heart is beating, you feel the pressure, you know it ALL lies in your hands.
And what about if you lose? Can you handle that horrible situation?
I was the hill-hill person for our team this past weekend in the finals, it went hill-hill. I felt very comfortable in that position. I have been here for the last 3-4 years for my women's teams events, so I'm used to it.
And, as I have stated before, *I* would rather be the person who dogs it for the team than anyone else on the team!
PLEASE let me be that person!
Why?
Because I can handle losses now.
I really can.
Would I be upset?
Sure; of course.
I have a couple of hill-hills I didn't win. And each time I knew I gave it my best (even tho I felt bad, but I also knew it wasn't the end of the world.
Last weekend, I had to play safe and instead of the soft safe I envisioned, I did not hit the ball and rail. That gave my opponent ball-in-hand and she ran out the 3 balls to win for her team in the finales of this hill-hill game.
My team was still SO very happy we were even in the finals. SO very happy we even got hill-hill!
While I felt deflated, I knew I would be alright. And sure enough, my captain came up to me and said, "I'm so glad that was you. Any other teammate would be crying their eyes out right now."
And she is right. All these years of experience - I WOULD rather be the player that lets us down. I can handle it. In my 20s to mid 30s - I KNOW I couldn't have. I sat at home weeping over missed shots for days back then.
Not anymore.
I think the coolest part (besides my teammates fighting to the end and getting second in our women's league playoffs) was that my captain recognized how important it was that I was handling the loss well for the team. And that I was the right person for that position.
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