For a number of weeks the NRW league took a break. Now daily routine pulls the world's strongest Buschball league back into its grip. The clubs have started to prepare for the new season to make it at least as successful as the previous year.

The addition of a fifth club does not make it easier to achieve a good performance. The 1. BC Frechen is new to the league. Their players were able to prove their quality in last year's tournaments and the club managed to prise the experienced Olaf and Sven from 1. BC Cologne. The only question is how the new-formed squad is able to perform as a team.

With regard to the battle for the title the other clubs have adjusted their personnel, too. Some players have for the time being ended their carreer while others face their debut or will wear a new shirt this year.

The quest for a new look

This leads to another matter of the preparations. The kit obviously is an important part of the team's masterplan. The clubs yet have different approaches. While both Rheinhausen and Solingen are most likely to keep the well-known uniforms, Niederrhein and Frechen are still looking for a new kit.

When finally all problems are solved the really important things will hopefully regain centre stage. By March at the latest the games are supposed to start. For the time being, the matches are not scheduled yet. However, the first kick means business: for the first time ever a team has to defend the title. In 2012 this task rests on Cologne - while the other clubs probably already have put them in the crosshairs.