Topic: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard (Read 19281 times)

19reading87 · « **on:** November 12, 2012, 10:21:48 AM »

Please explain your reason for voting the way you did

Byo · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:28:56 AM »

Its a tricky one, but my answer would be to play the highest level you can on a Saturday, and then (if time/wife/kids etc allow) play the more sociable friendly stuff on a Sunday. I moved clubs about 7 years ago and jumped about 4 leagues - dont regret doing it and enjoy playing the higher level more than I did at the lower level. Wish I had done it sooner as I am getting too old now!!!!

Johnny · « **Reply #2 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:30:20 AM »

I have voted for the second option, based on what I am currently doing.

However, I'm 30 and have a young family, which has influenced my thinking on this over the years.

I previously spent 8 years at an ECB Premier League club, where I had a very good 2nd XI record, and a modest 1st XI record - I worked very hard at my game and definitely pushed to be the best player I could be and aspired to play at the highest level I could (though admittedly, having fought my way into the 1st XI on merit, I was never really quite good enough at that level)

I have different priorities in life now though - more responsibilities (and stress) at home and at work mean cricket is more of an escape for me now - I don't have the time that I used to to work on my game, plus to an extent I've been there and done it, playing at the highest level feasibly possible for someone of my ability.

So these days I play for my nearest club, in a smaller, more local league and at a lower standard, and the emphasis is very much on enjoyment.

Red Ink Cricket · « **Reply #3 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:32:32 AM »

this is a difficult one for me and its something im considering at the moment. I started with my club when i was 6 playing in the juniors. ive only ever known playing for them. I keep wicket, Bat at 3 and generally enjoy my cricket with my mates. ive got a mate at another club who wants me to go play for them this year. hes been chasing me for a couple of years and ive always said no. i must admit the draw of playing at a higher level and improving my game is tempting but playing cricket with mates is always a plus point. Im undecided to vote but will be keeping an eye on the results!

its also tempting as at 27 life moves on, i could find i have a kid on the way or a change of job which restricts my cricket. may just toss a coin lol

uknsaunders · « **Reply #4 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:33:19 AM »

don't think it' that simple. Like a lot of things in life, there comes a tipping point where the drive to succeed comes secondary to enjoying yourself. Having kids changes your outlook on life, for example. In cricketing terms it's normally when people realise they won't get any better and there is more to playing than being under constant pressure to perform or pushing yourself to the nth degree. Essentially the fun has gone out of the game. For me that came in the late 20s/early 30s. The benefit to pushing yourself when you are younger is it makes your cricket in the later years so much more enjoyable if you can still perform.

ammo · « **Reply #5 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:34:20 AM »

Highest level, the only thing i enjoy putting effort into

ajmw89 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:42:52 AM »

I realised a while ago that I'm not that good, so I just play for enjoyment now. Coincidentally, when I don't care about how well I perform, I perform better!

mad_abt_cricket · « **Reply #7 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:45:21 AM »

Playing for the Romanian national team, gives me immense satisfaction and pleasure. This year we participated in 8 nations Euro cup and reached the finals. Though age is not on my side (34), I consider myself lucky to play competitive cricket and looking forward to further more years/

tim2000s · « **Reply #8 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:45:28 AM »

This raises an interesting philosophical point. When you realise that you can never be the best, do you strive to be the best you can, out do you do something you enjoy and strive to be the best at something else? Where do you focus your energy?

roco · « **Reply #9 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:46:17 AM »

Put enjoy myself as that's what doing now as I've played the higher levels and pushed myself but injury forced me out of that as can no longer bowl in 80's but still playing decent enough level

Manormanic · « **Reply #10 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:46:42 AM »

This is a tough one, and I can give three or four answers from different stages of my life. When I was young I desperately wanted to play the highest level possible, and ended up getting to borderline first XI standard in one of the top Lancashire Leagues. Then I blew out my ACL and PCL and spent nearly two years on the bench....

...came back and wanted to play at a good standard still. Realised after three years that I enjoyed it more playing with my mates and at a slightly lower level.

...then last year, after a couple of bad years personally, I went on a major fitness drive and started playing quite high level CS cricket as well as league stuff which oddly became my equivalent of Sunday cricket...

In each instance I think the answer is do what feels best to you at the time...

trypewriter · « **Reply #11 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:47:11 AM »

Ultimately, both are about enjoyment. But I suppose it's better to have a game at any level than no game at all.

Manormanic · « **Reply #12 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:48:10 AM »

its also important to appreciate that it is supposed to be fun at whatever level.

Leddster138 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:49:58 AM »

This is such a good question.

After playing county youth and prem for a few years, I decided to go back to the club it all started at and try and help them get up the leagues.

I think it comes down to what you get out of playing cricket. If it's the "battle" then playing the highest standard you can is a no brainer. However, if you get enjoyment through improving others (coaches, captains, fathers?) then I think you can get a real sense of enjoyment in the �taking part�, knowing you are part of something bigger.

I still get frustrated when people don't back up properly or drop easy catches but I'm close to the group I play with and have more fun off the field then 8 years playing a good standard.

I think the important thing is if you do go down a few levels then try to keep your standards. Try and represent the league if you can and encourage your team to enter a few club competitions. It should keep you honest. It won�t be the same but it beats 9am meets on a Saturday morning!

uknsaunders · « **Reply #14 on:** November 12, 2012, 10:56:24 AM »

Quote from: tim2000s on November 12, 2012, 10:45:28 AM

This raises an interesting philosophical point. When you realise that you can never be the best, do you strive to be the best you can, out do you do something you enjoy and strive to be the best at something else? Where do you focus your energy?

I think it's when you realise you can't get any better and maintaining that level becomes a chore. I had a few injuries/expanding girth/club changes that radically altered my perception of what I wanted to do. Up until that point I was a borderline TVL Div 1-3s cricketer on my day, but I wasn't enjoying it.

Poll

What level of cricket do you believe you should play? The highest level possible for your standard or enjoying yourself??

Author Topic: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard (Read 19281 times)

19reading87

Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

Byo

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

Johnny

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

Red Ink Cricket

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

uknsaunders

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

ammo

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

ajmw89

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

mad_abt_cricket

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

tim2000s

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

roco

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

Manormanic

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

trypewriter

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

Manormanic

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

Leddster138

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard

uknsaunders

Re: Playing at the highest level possible or enjoying yourself at a lower standard