Do you know a bunch of good players that used to have great skills, but gave up the game? Even top pros or pro masters hit the wall sometimes. The Fanatic has days that he never wants to see another orange ball. Don't dispair, read on and maybe you won't burn out. The ideas below won't help your game, but they will help you from giving up the game.
HOW DO PLAYERS BURN OUT
Players give up the game for lots of different reasons...but some major categories emerge.
Over Expectations....The Fanatic sees tons of Rookies that have been playing 1-2 years, and they get mad when they draw Terry Moore and he won't let they play up. The Fanatic made that part about Terry up, but you get my drift...I'd say 75% of young players over-rate themselves and they always think they should be doing better then they are. They might only win 1 tournament their first year, and of course they want to give up. But in actual fact...they are progressing at the normal rate of a beginner. Life Changes....A new job, a loss of a job, marriage, kids....all these things divert the focus of a player away from the game. Some players can balance the changes, others give up the game. Fun Factor...if your not having fun, you aren't going to play for long. The Fanatic knows too many players that didn't have fun and didn't last long.
HOW TO PREVENT BURN OUT
Don't play too much Players tend to get sick of the game when they play 3-4 dyp's a week and practice all the other nights. Try altering your schedule by playing 1 less draw, or practicing one less time. Don't play too little If you play less than 2 times a month, then you may be getting so far removed from the game that you quit playing all together. You have to play often enough that your skills don't deteriorate. The Fanatic believes you have to play at least 26+ dyp's a year and 2 majors or your skills will continually decline. Relax and enjoy Your with friends, your are playing a game you love, and the waitresses wear those tight little black shorts where their butt-cheeks hang out....this is living! Enjoy it. Only play at tournaments where you like the folks If you hate the creep at a certain bar or DYP, don't go there. It is much more fun to play with people you like. Try some smaller weaker dyp's...you may be playing with lower ranked players, but you can coach some rookies and play with less pressure, and just have a fun time. Have a beer Are you an uptight, grouchy kinda player? Suck back a brew and let your hair down a little, you'll have more fun and enjoy the company. Don't have a beer If you drink 5 plus beers a tournament, you might be suprised to find out that this is negatively impacting your Coordination. Why not try 1-3 beers, you'll spend less money and you'll see one ball instead of 3.
The key to not burning out is to examine yourself. What is making you dislike the game? Attempt to remove or limit these factors. The above tips will help keep you playing the game and will minimize your chances of BURN-OUT.
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