Well, after sitting in the Pool Pics by Hoppe room talking to Earl for a half-hour... he gave me the "Rosetta Stone" of some of his non-traditional methods.
Of course, I asked about the rifle glasses, the tape, the gloves, the strap-on weights... etc. He said as he's getting older, he's noticed biological changes in his game caused by aging. Unlike "some other aging pros," he's determined to beat the aging process and prevent the reduction of "execution" by using some of his gear.
Here are a few explanations:
Rifle glasses
He doesn't like green felt as the contrast between the green and the balls is tougher on his eyes. If the felt is green, he may use blue or yellow rifle glasses to increase the contrast of the edge of the ball. There is also a slight prescription that increases the size of the balls slightly.
Taping each fingertip on his right hand
He thinks this cradles the cue much better and increases the feel, and reduces slight movements in his shooting hand. He even has a special way of taping his fingers, from the joint to the tip-- and then molding the tape in a way that better cradles the cue. This reduces slight movement in the extremities, found w/ aging.
Wrist / hand weight
He uses a 4lb. strap-on weight on his left wrist that keeps his bridge locked down, and prevents slight movement.
Of all the gear, he attributes this wrist weight as being the secret to playing at a high level to an older age.
Interesting, I thought. He says he's not losing his game w/out a fight - and is fighting aging until he can't win anymore.
Of course, I asked about the rifle glasses, the tape, the gloves, the strap-on weights... etc. He said as he's getting older, he's noticed biological changes in his game caused by aging. Unlike "some other aging pros," he's determined to beat the aging process and prevent the reduction of "execution" by using some of his gear.
Here are a few explanations:
Rifle glasses
He doesn't like green felt as the contrast between the green and the balls is tougher on his eyes. If the felt is green, he may use blue or yellow rifle glasses to increase the contrast of the edge of the ball. There is also a slight prescription that increases the size of the balls slightly.
Taping each fingertip on his right hand
He thinks this cradles the cue much better and increases the feel, and reduces slight movements in his shooting hand. He even has a special way of taping his fingers, from the joint to the tip-- and then molding the tape in a way that better cradles the cue. This reduces slight movement in the extremities, found w/ aging.
Wrist / hand weight
He uses a 4lb. strap-on weight on his left wrist that keeps his bridge locked down, and prevents slight movement.
Of all the gear, he attributes this wrist weight as being the secret to playing at a high level to an older age.
Interesting, I thought. He says he's not losing his game w/out a fight - and is fighting aging until he can't win anymore.