| PCRI Tech Tips
from Oh Pawlak
Tech Tips from Oh Pawlak is a monthly column that deals with the every day
equipment dilemmas that Paintball players face. The opinions expressed within
this article are not necessarily the opinions of PCRI. Have any questions
for Oh? Call 916-482-GAME.
What to look for when picking up a new
player
Every team captain faces the monumental challenge of deciding the fate of
every prospective new player. Should he/she or shouldn't he/she pick up the
new player? There is no sure fire way of knowing whether or not the potential
gain is worth the risk. Moreover, there is very little assurance of success
with every new player. What should a captain do? Here are a few tips to guide
each and everyone of you who must face this question.
Do(s)
1. First, make sure the player in question fits some team need. It may be
a field positional need (a la the All Americans when they pick up players
like LD and Chris Wright). Maybe the team needs a financially stable player
to help balance the team budget (this is not as glamorous as choosing players
for their talent, but it is as important to a large portion of teams on the
tournament circuit).
2. Make sure the new player doesn't clash with the current members to the
extent of creating a cancerous affect which will eat at the heart of the
team. Players with all the talent in the world are not worth the risk if
they can destroy the cohesion of the team. Where are the great teams like
Tour De Force (I know this first hand) and California Black Diamonds today?
3. Without hesitation, determine if you as the captain are able to
work in harmony with this new player. Does he/she listen to your instructions
on and off the field? Does he/she possess a certain level of maturity that
can co-exist with your decision process.
Don't(s)
1. Stay away from the hype of news clippings and rumors. Determine the worth
of the player before you based on what he/she demonstrates on and off the
field. Some of the best players in the world never get their photo taken
while some of the most overrated players in the world are on every magazine
cover.
2. Don't pick up players with a track record of destroying teams or jumping
from team to team. He/she will most likely leave you in a heart beat when
the opportunity arises.
3. Don't pick up Robo (Pete Robinson). He simply doesn't have the game necessary
to compete at this level (ha ha...this is for last year's PGI article, see
ya in Atlanta).
Hard work and perseverance will always prevail in the long run over lazy
talent!!!
P.S. a special thanks to Lisa, Phillyis and Pat and the rest of our supporters
in Chicago for helping us to a 2nd place finish when nobody gave us a chance.
Oh Pawlak
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