Starting from Scratch

I am trying to get back into the hobby after a long time away. I am thinking about trying to pull together a team to use in tournaments and a National league. I am currently overwhelmed with the options that are out on the market. I could use some advise about what figures by position would be good to buy and also what bases. I understand from my past that your team is only as good as your bases. I am also interested in getting a custom board that I can use in league play. Thanks for your feedback.

Good luck. Welcome back. Search the threads here. Tons of these questions are asked and answered every day.

[WEIRDWOLF]

Welcome to the Coaches Association forum! I don't have enough time to answer your questions today but I guarantee you will start to get a number of answers from the members.

Sounds like we are in about the same boat...although I don't think I will ever compete in a league...my base tweaking is disgraceful...to say the least!

I was away since I was in my early teens (sure wish I still had my 620 board and all those teams I bought way back then)...

I have learned a lot from the guys on this board...if you want to talk about something specific (maybe one topic at a time?), send me a PM or email...I'll be happy to help as much as I can...

[Anthony D Burgess]

Originally Posted by Viking10

I am trying to get back into the hobby after a long time away. I am thinking about trying to pull together a team to use in tournaments and a National league. I am currently overwhelmed with the options that are out on the market. I could use some advise about what figures by position would be good to buy and also what bases. I understand from my past that your team is only as good as your bases. I am also interested in getting a custom board that I can use in league play. Thanks for your feedback.

First off let me welcome you to this forum.

And to answer you're question,....

This hobby has changed, with advancements in figures, bases, boards, passing, and playing styles.

No need to be overwhelmed, just first look within you're self as to what you want to get out of this hobby. Then look into all of you're options and learn about how each culture works.

Avoid pressure from guys who might want you to play there way, it is wise to find the facts on you're own. Avoid justifying any thing, but use the facts, ask questions, and learn all you can .

[FrustratedFinFan]

You are quite right about bases though....those are the key to fielding a competitive team. Certain figure poses are very useful as well. Practice tweaking on your own using the guides you can find here on the site and at various links, such as this one:

http://hefl.homestead.com/tweaking.html

Buy some tweaked bases (Norbert Revels sells his excellent tweaked bases through this forum and is reasonably priced and gives a fast turnaround...and does EXCELLENT work) and try to match them.....when you can, then you won't need to order more bases....you will have graduated! That said, sometimes you still buy bases, 'cause time is at a premium in our modern era.

When picking figures...you need to think of function....and where you plan on playing. Weight limits and other league rules often keep out some of the big customs, like Reggie Rutledge's outstanding figures (but Rick Garrison can make some with a lighter resin that make weight...and I think Reggie gave his blessing on Rick's customs). You need to know what the parameters are for your league(s) before choosing figures. It is no lie that weight matters....as does center of gravity on the figure....and whether it has arms out or in....all this matters. For instance, you probably want your O-line to be maximum weight on very strong TTC bases. You might want those nice Buzzball linemen with arms forward to push your opponents....but your bases have to be tweaked accordingly, since those figures have their center of gravity towards the front and you don't want your bases jacked up so much in the back that they tip.....and mind you, many folks that tweak strength bases jack them up in the back.....So, this is all an art form and has a steep learning curve. Just keep plugging away.....trial and error.....till you get the right combination of bases and figures. It is a fun journey and very rewarding when you get it right.

While you are working on your team, practice passing with your TTQB and get a good kicker....that was what I did last.....and it really frustrated the bejeezus out of me when my well-tweaked team was losing 'cause the human factor (me) couldn't pass his way out of a paper bag. I fixed the problem now....but it was a drag at first. Also, remember, your best laid plans will only last as long as it takes for the first snap.....because your opponent will also have been working.....so be ready to adapt quickly and make personnel changes and shifts.....!

Robert