Weekly Newbie Polo?

There were quite a few newbies tonight, and people who have played a few times but aren't quite at the level of the "pros", and quite of few of those I spoke to, including Jack, Ralph, and various others whose names I've forgotten, had the same idea.

While we are only going to get better by playing with the more experienced players, it would be nice to have an evening once a week where we have newbie games, or games with only one pro on each side. Generally these games wouldn't be so competitive, it would be more about improving everyone's skills rather than going all out for the win.

Now to do this we could of course just go to a court on a day when the pros aren't using it, but I think this would only end up segregating everyone into two groups, which isn't the intention here at all . Also it would be good to have pros around, so that we can have a couple of them play with us at a time, and we can enter the normal throw-ins rather than just playing newbie games all night. Also, while we don't want to encourage it, it's always good to know that if someone does come without a bike or a mallet there is at least a possiblity that someone might be able to borrow one (I'm certainly going to bring all my three mallets with me, once I've built the other two).

Because of this I think it's best that it happens on the same evening and location as the normal polo sessions, at a location with two courts (which as far as I know means Wednesdays at Newington). Obviously if we turn up with 6 newbies, and there are 20 other polo players we can hardly expect use of one of the courts all night, but we will have to see how it works out, maybe we could play every other game on one of the courts.

So if you are a newbie and would be up for it, reply so that we can see if there would be enough for regular games.

If you like the idea, or don't like the idea, or have a better idea for a day,location,court etc, or just think everyone should be plunging into the deep end like everyone else had to then I'd love to here your views. Let me know what you think.

the best thing to do, is just play with everyone, you'll learn more than if you play with people who are all starting out at the same time.

the best thing to do, is just play with everyone, you'll learn more than if you play with people who are all starting out at the same time.

Absolutely and when I come down at weekends or other days that's exactly what I will do, the last thing I would want is some sort of newbie ghetto where we never get any better.

If you have one I can smuggle you mallets. I know people.

Basically you want to play with other people at the same skill level and you want to play more.

I think the trouble is integrating it with regular polo days as the "pros" want to play polo not show polo. I think rolling down to Newington where people aren't playing so regularly is a sensible idea.

And im sure once we get a few numbers together from the initial beginner sessions this will be easy to get a session (evening slot) going.

If you asked any of the so-called pros what improved their game the most, I am sure they would tell you it was playing in the league. Form a team, and get into the league. For sure, you will get a tonking in the first few games, but if you stick at it, you will improve heaps.

Up the league!

Basically you want to play with other people at the same skill level and you want to play more.

Yes but not exclusively otherwise I/we will never get better, just sometimes.

I think the trouble is integrating it with regular polo days as the "pros" want to play polo not show polo.

Sure, and I don't expect that of anyone, but as we get better, and play the rest of the week with you guys, we should be able to cover most of that.

I think rolling down to Newington where people aren't playing so regularly is a sensible idea.

And im sure once we get a few numbers together from the initial beginner sessions this will be easy to get a session (evening slot) going.

Great, well we will see if there are enough who are interested in it.

Form a team, and get into the league

Yeah, Personally I probably couldn't commit to a league until after Christmas, until then my time is quite unpredictable, but that's not the point here, I hope others do.

Come to Wests, we're all shit.

No pros at West's Prav.

No pros.

Come to Wests, we're all shit.

True.

I think it's a good idea, it is not about segregating anyone but is about getting better and be more confident to star playing with the "pros"
It is an old idea really, half of the "pros" wanted to do the same last year, because playing with the "old pros" was not easy.
At then end of the day, it just show who has really interest in get better and who is in polo to stay when the hard winter night star to came, and in a few weeks that people will join the "pros" in normal throw-ins as Gabes as say.
Also, i dont know what is the vote in the limit of the teams in the league, but what Bill says is also true, get a team together and play the league
Do it.

Yeah, more teams in the league please :)

Trial by fire (playing with "pros") is the best way to get good. On the other hand, there are far too many people at games these days to get much serious polo in. For this reason I think it is a very good idea for noobs to start their own sessions if they want.

Noobs should feel free to play at any game, but they should be encouraged to have their own nights if they want.

a huh, hu hu huh, he said "games"

Individually, they are games. But if you play three of them as part of a match, they are chukkers.

o'rly? in what sport?

I would be willing to coach some sessions, if you are serious about this, and wanted a 'pro' around.

Some of us are going to start playing in north London on Tuesday nights, the standard will be low as we're all beginners. Everyone will be welcome - watch this space for more details (need to scout locations in the camden /kentish town /chalk farm area).

Bill, if you wanted to come and give some pointers that would be pretty cool.

More than happy to. Can't make next Tues, but PM or call 07896 421556 and let me know.

Thanks, will drop you a PM when we're up and running. Will probably be a few weeks time.

Sooner the better!

I work in Camden and would play regularly if this happens. I am not a pro.

Well, I guess there is no real reason why we couldn't start next Tues if peoeple are up for it. I will be scouting for locations this Saturday afternoon - if anyone wants to join me, drop me a PM.