What makes a Pro a Pro?

[acropilot19]

...hopin to start a Good discussion here, so...

I was at my local PB store today and on the tube they were playin a DvD of a recent Las Vegas PB Tourny- not sure which one. It was the "Bob Long Ironmen" vs some other team.

Some things I noticed...
-Pro Gear: Typical Top of the Line Stuff- Timmies & the like...
-Pro Technique: Didnt see much of anything that impressed me(more on this inamoment)...
-Pro (athletic)Ability: Again, Nothing special...
-Pro Attitude: My momma woulda Slapped me Silly if I acted like that when I was a kid.

Now I read all the PB articles online & in print about technique & strategy & usually pick up some really good advice. I play mostly rec ball but have been thinkin of lookin into tournies just for fun.

Heres tha Dilema...

Behind those Maxed out Raceguns I saw a bunch of dudes with barely average athletic ability sportin some sorry attitudes using Little or NONE of the technique I frequently read about. They mostly stood in one spot, poked their boomstick outa one side of their bunker & hosed paint. The $2000 Raceguns were doin ALL the Work! The Knuckleheads behind em were just basically twitchin their digits!
Whats tha Deal?!?
Lookin forward to some interesting banter

[Brophog]

Its in the subtleties of the game.

There won't be athletic ability shown, because we've made the sport one of lockdown and control so people cannot move. If you cannot move, you don't show much athleticism.

Watch closer on how they tuck, how they communicate, how they snapshoot. At first glance it may look like your average rec baller, but in reality, the pros have the details down much better than your average player.

They have honed their specific skills to that specific style of play.

[speedyejl]

[Chojin Man]

I think that good teamwork is another thing that makes a Pro a Pro. Covering eachother, communication, etc.

[USAF-Flyboy with a Mag]

I think what makes a pro player a pro player is the fact that they play on a regular basis. By that I mean...at least once a week...more then likey several times a week. In doing so you build up your confidence...you begin to learn things...strategies etc. I know that since I've gone from playing monthly, to nearly playing weekly that my game has improved exponentially...and is still improving

[Skoad]

knowing when to move is a great advantage. I've never played in a tournament, but just playing i've noticed this.

[68magOwner]

i recently played against some division 2 X-ballers at my local field. they may seem like the average baller, but theres lil things they do that make them really tough to play against. players in vid's may not seem so great, because pro ball is so much more like a chess game than your standard rec ball game. theres so much paint flying and every move could be crutial. everything is much more calculated than your usual though process of "well, i think i can make it there" its a whole different world

[Deep Sixx]

What makes a "Pro" paintball player? Playing in the pro division. You wanna be a pro? Come up with the cash and register your team. There, you're a pro.

sixx

[speedyejl]

Originally posted by Deep Sixx
What makes a "Pro" paintball player? Playing in the pro division. You wanna be a pro? Come up with the cash and register your team. There, you're a pro.

sixx

Not so anymore in US leagues, sorry

[WenULiVeUdiE]

If you watch videos of novice or am teams and tyen watch pro games you will see a big difference. Everyone is communicating more, not thinking, just doing, coordinated moves, etc. Just liek in many ohter psotrts, they make it look easy. But over the years they have developed an extreme level of skill and work. They know when and how to mave and what not. It may seem simple, but it's not.

[bunkermaster10]

Go to a nice field and you'll see who is "good" fast. By the way they run,slid,shoot,tuck,scream (comm.), when to make a move, or when to just stay and lay paint.

[*captain_cox*37]

Originally posted by bunkermaster10
Go to a nice field and you'll see who is "good" fast. By the way they run,slid,shoot,tuck,scream (comm.), when to make a move, or when to just stay and lay paint.

Dumbest thing ever posted. Ever. What makes a pro is the amount of money he spent on his paintball equipment...

[rikkter]

Originally posted by *captain_cox*37


Dumbest thing ever posted. Ever. What makes a pro is the amount of money he spent on his paintball equipment...

thats why most pros have huge sponsors, and get their gear for free, right?

USAF-i play every weekend, both Sat and Sunday, and you're right, but i wouldn't think that would make you a pro, it depends on who you play WITH.

not 'one' person is a pro, its the group of people. you suck if you're alone

[cphilip]

Well technically anyone that is paid to do it is a Professional. No matter if he plays or acts like one. Professional is not a verb!

[Rocky Knuth]

Mostly experience. You can call yourself a "pro" but that really doesnt mean your a pro.

The NXL is a pro league and so is the NPPL. For 2005 season your team has to qualify for the PRO ranks (NPPL).

If you actually play agaist a season pro you will understand the difference.

Being athletic is a definantly plus, but also having the experience in a "situtation" is very important.
You can train to make a player a better shooter, laner ect.... BUT you cant train for experience.

Notice how many times I said experience .

Rocky