Playing "UP" and being the worst in the leauge..

[twolinepass 0]

I played roller hockey for almost 10 years now but never took it seriously played here and there never did anything to improve until after I moved back home from college at the start of the year while my friends played travel and got real good. I currently play D5(D4 is the highest) for roller and when I first started playing in the league I looked like a fish out of water but after a few seasons I have noticed myself getting better and I feel like I can "hang" in the league now. My friends and I have wanted to start a team for sometime but the problem is that they are really good(play AIHL, NARCH gold, etc..) and obviously not my level and our rink wont allow them to all be on one team in D5. Now they want me to play D4 with them and the league is full of similar talent levels. They all understand that the league is above my skill level but are cool as long as I give it my all and learn. My question is will I learn and get better or will I be constantly over matched?

Cliff notes version:

My friends want to start a team in a league that is was above my skill level

They are ok with me playing "up" and learning and trying to get better.

Will I actually learn and get better or will it be too fast?

[starsfan71 9]

I got called up to Varsity my sophomore year and I really wasn't ready for it but we were short benched. I developed leaps and bounds before the end of the season just competing with guys above my skill level. At first it will be a little bit frustrating but you just gotta pick things up from teammates and players from the opposing team.

[bostonjuniorblackhawks 1]

I'd do it unless it's a really big difference in skill levels.

[txhockey 0]

Definitely do it. These guys know your skill level, and they know if you will be ok on the team or not. I played up a level one season, and really developed my skills a lot, and when I dropped back down to my usual level, I had a lot more confidence. Sure I didn't play GREAT when I went up a level, but I was able to contribute, and had a decent season. I also found that when I played back down a level, I was not just another guy on the team, but now could "lead a shift" if that makes any sense. Will you be nervous/mess up/feel like the game is moving 1000mph/have a hell of a lot of fun in the process....yes.

[gerbe3:16 19]

I'm in the same situation on ice right now.

Me and one other guy are totally worse than anyone else on my team but we stay on the team and keep replacing players with ringers and they keep moving us up as we dominate the competition. Now I have an ex-NCAA D1 player on my team (ridiculous, I know). I'm playing like C1 right now and really should be at like C4, maybe C3. I'll tell you right now you're going to get better. You simply raise your game subconsciously when you're playing with better talent. You'll get used to a higher speed of play.

Early on keep it simple. Work with your teammates on where you need to be and where you want them to be in case you need to make a quick dish, something I've found to be very effective at a higher level of play, they'll cover you and open up seems for the better players if you can get the puck to them. You'll have to hustle. Talk about what happened after the game with teammates to get their thoughts on how you can improve. Don't panic, and try to slow the game down. When you have the puck you can do that even though you don't think you can. You can always curl off and open up room and get yourself time and that does a world of wonders if you want to slow things down.

[sickwilly 37]

I think it depends on your expectations and outlook. If your main goal is improving your game, definitely do it. It sounds like it would be the right kind of situation, since the other guys are cool with it.

I wouldn't recommend it in all situations. It could really suck for people who get frustrated by not being among the better players. I'd also avoid "playing up" with a bunch of guys who might not be supportive of the idea. Either of thoise scenarios could kill the fun pretty quickly. That being said, it sounds like you're in a good situation. Go for it... it sounds like a great chance for you to learn a lot and step up your game. I like the suggestion that another member ggave about asking guys for input/feedback. You're likely to get some good tips from players of that caliber.

[JBarrera 0]

You seem to have friends who are willing to be patient with your development. I'd say do it. You're skill level should rise as long as you work hard and learn from the mistakes you might make.

[mhkehoe 1]

I've played in a league where I was one of the less talent players in the league. It was still just as fun, as there was none of the pressure to be the go to guy, and everyone was twice as happy for you when you scored. I should mention that I played up to play with a friend, and because we had pretty good chemistry from growing up playing together, I was still able to get him the puck at times even though the speed was a bit beyond me.

[Aussie Joe 0]

Do you guys train on/off the rink? As this can be the difference in learning quick and taking awhile. Eitherway, I agree with the previous replies, go for it! I have stepped up a div this year. My skating, shots and hits are on par with the league but my hockey sense and play within our team system is lacking due to no experience at this level. I know it will come and I'm lucky that my captain helps out on the bench and coach has patience as well.

Fortune favours the bold!

[twolinepass 0]

I think it depends on your expectations and outlook. If your main goal is improving your game, definitely do it. It sounds like it would be the right kind of situation, since the other guys are cool with it.

I wouldn't recommend it in all situations. It could really suck for people who get frustrated by not being among the better players. I'd also avoid "playing up" with a bunch of guys who might not be supportive of the idea. Either of thoise scenarios could kill the fun pretty quickly. That being said, it sounds like you're in a good situation. Go for it... it sounds like a great chance for you to learn a lot and step up your game. I like the suggestion that another member ggave about asking guys for input/feedback. You're likely to get some good tips from players of that caliber.

You seem to have friends who are willing to be patient with your development. I'd say do it. You're skill level should rise as long as you work hard and learn from the mistakes you might make.

Thanks guys! I'm playing up to get better and the team understands that are willing to work with me so I think I'm going to give it a try.

[chippa13 1844]

Try it for a season. You may be surprised at how well you do once you're really challenged again. If you don't feel like you've made up any ground then you can always find a team at the level you used to play at for the next season.

[fatwabbit 93]

THe thing about playing with guys that are more skilled, is that you tend to pick up a lot faster and get better quicker.

Maybe get your buddies to play with you a few more times out of the normal league games... scrimmage, dropins etc. At least you start to gel a little better...

[start_today 770]

Go for it! It's not like you're forcing your way onto the team, or misrepresenting yourself to get on the team. They're your friends and know what you can and can't do. That fact that a group of guys who are so good want you on their team means that you're probably a little better than you think, or at least show promise.

Having been in this situation when I subbed up for a friends team, I'd really recommend that you not be afraid to hold onto the puck. Particularly because roller is so open, it's easy to get nervous and try to feed everyone else as quickly as possible, so you don't get caught in a tough situation. I think this leads to turnovers, because you're more worried about getting rid of the puck, than making the correct play.

Besides, it's way more fun to be the worst guy on the team/league and have to skate your ass off every shift than to be the best guy and just hang out and be bored because no one can play with you.

[walrus7 0]

I say go up, young man. You will get better and after you get used to the faster game, you probably wont go back, unless you want a more laid back game. Playing a faster pace is kind of addicting, and you will either like it, or you wont be comfortable with it, and you can drop down again. But you will improve, thats for sure.