This topic just brought back memories of in the beginning.
Must have been the early 80s when I got my introduction to 9 ball with the Big Guns at the White Spot in Fife, WA. I was green and totally intimidated by the top players of the North Wet. I recall thinking, "I will be fine as soon as my hands stop shaking. " Then the epiphany, "I better learn to shot with my hands shaking, as they ain't going to stop until I Make A Ball!"