This info can be distributed, emailed, faxed and printed by anyone,
anywhere. It will be posted occasionally in alt.sport.foosball. I do not
use a spell-checker, and frequently do not make sense. These are my
theories on the art of foosball. I have no scientific studies or data to
back up these ideas but I think you'll find them logical and useful.

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.

WRAP IT UP

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.

The Fanatic