How late of an age can you start pool and ascend to short-stop or pro level?

Neil said:
All things being equal, I don't think it matters how late you start. Problem is, things just aren't equal. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome is the mental side of pool. The young ones are full of pipe dreams about how great they are going to be, and just don't have any real idea of just what is involved in it. So, they are free to attain what level they are capable of.

The older guys, while even having the talent to become very good, have the opposite mental attitude. Once they have reached 30-40 years old, they have a pretty good idea of what it takes to make it in this world, and just what they are willing to sacrifice to attain their goals. I think that one would have to have an inordinate amount of natural talent and lack of brains to decide at that age to take up pool for a living. And, to really be competitive today, with so many shortstops out there, you better be a higher level shortstop minimum to make it.

To attain that level, you really have to have the dedication. To have that dedication, you have to have a goal. And, at that age, I just don't know just what goal could inspire one to do what it takes. Fame? Not really there. Money? Not really there either. So, the biggest drawback is incentive. Age - wise, one could do it. Mental wise, I doubt it, but possible with the rare exception.
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Wise words (as usual). But regarding the motivation, the aspect that you have not mentioned and one that does not necessarily fall off with age, is the love for the game. And the pleasure that you can keep getting out of it, even later in life. Surely that alone can keep you at the table - maybe keep you getting better?

NewStroke said:
I don't think age is a factor. In the last 2 years, I have learned more than I have in 20 years. I think at some point something "clicks" and things start working out.
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I agree. I have learned - and improved - a huge amount in the past few years, since I got back into the game. Also the pace of learning is greater than it ever has been, including in my my teens. And above all, I am enjoying myself more than ever.:D
 
The Classic Example

has to be Steve Mizerak, took up Pool in his 20's, 27 or 28, I believe, didn't turn Pro until he was 38 or 39, and was a Junior High teacher at the time.
 
No one has yet mentioned Ray Martin, who, I believe, got a rather late start and became a World Straight Pool champion.
 
Snapshot9 said:
has to be Steve Mizerak, took up Pool in his 20's, 27 or 28, I believe, didn't turn Pro until he was 38 or 39, and was a Junior High teacher at the time.
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Sorry but you got the wrong info here. Steve's dad (Steve Sr.) owned a poolroom in Metuchen, NJ. Steve started out there at a very early age (before age ten). By the time he was a teenager he was running 100's. He was winning titles by age 19 (New Jersey State Champ) and was a U.S. Open champion several times before age 30. You do have the schoolteacher part right. :thumbup:
 
hmmm

I just can't seem to get any better. I am still rated a "B" player by the Wisconsin BCA. I play regularly but I do not simply spend hours on drills or practicing one shot. I do have dedication but I get bored easily. I would rather compete. I will practice different games for hours on end however by myself. For instance, I will practice 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool, 10-ball, banks and other games that I simply make up. I will toss out all 15 balls and make every shot by either using a carom or a combination. Another game I play is to toss out all 15 balls and practice hooking myself and then trying to kick or jump out of the hook.

I feel that my mental game has allowed my game to improve quite a bit and perhaps that is why I am competitive at all... I still have yet to win any tournaments or be the best in my league standings. I have been playing fairly competitively with some intensity now for about 10yrs.

Again...stuck as a "B" player at the ripe old age of 36.
 
Josh Palmer said:
John started playing around age 17 and took it more serious a little later. I started when I was 20, and farted around for a long time. I think the main factor here, is if you are a good learner. The advantage kids have over adults at learning anything, is learning how to win. With that, I think it takes 10 years to peak in sports, jobs, etc,.
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Ha! The advantage youth has is a lack of obligation past self!
 
jay helfert said:
Sorry but you got the wrong info here. Steve's dad (Steve Sr.) owned a poolroom in Metuchen, NJ. Steve started out there at a very early age (before age ten). By the time he was a teenager he was running 100's. He was winning titles by age 19 (New Jersey State Champ) and was a U.S. Open champion several times before age 30. You do have the schoolteacher part right. :thumbup:
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Thanks Jay for setting me straight. Funny, the things you hear around a Poolroom over the years. On the school teacher part, I thought it was 8th grade English, but was afraid to say for sure.
 
I'm glad you asked this question, because I've had the answer in my head for years waiting for this moment...if you start playing pool after the age of 21, you will NEVER ascend to pro-level playing ability. Thank you come again.
 
driz86 said:
I'm glad you asked this question, because I've had the answer in my head for years waiting for this moment...if you start playing pool after the age of 21, you will NEVER ascend to pro-level playing ability. Thank you come again.
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so i started playing pool 2 months now and will only take me 6 of solid practice to turn pro, and im nearly 35 so how can that be true
 
driz86...That is a bunch of baloney. There are people out there who have started playing after age 40, and become 'pro-level' in only a few years. With the right training, coaching, competition, there is no age barrier to becoming a great player.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

driz86 said:
I'm glad you asked this question, because I've had the answer in my head for years waiting for this moment...if you start playing pool after the age of 21, you will NEVER ascend to pro-level playing ability. Thank you come again.
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Scott Lee said:
driz86...That is a bunch of baloney. There are people out there who have started playing after age 40, and become 'pro-level' in only a few years. With the right training, coaching, competition, there is no age barrier to becoming a great player.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
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fitting response, coming from an instructor. Because in all honesty, where would you get most of your business if it weren't for older guys with jobs?
 
lee brett said:
so i started playing pool 2 months now and will only take me 6 of solid practice to turn pro, and im nearly 35 so how can that be true
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wait, you've been playing pool for 2 months AND all of the sudden you're turning pro? whats going on here?? oooh, you've been playing snooker for most of your adult life. thank god
 
Billy Palmer has played alot of years, but has improved ALOT. Roger Griffiths wasnt young when he started and played pretty sporty. Its in the genitics not the calander.

you have it or you dont, most fall in somewhere inbetween
 
Most of the greats began playing as little kids, and grew up in their family's pool hall. Most were playing world class pool before 16. You could take the game up later in age, but your career would be cut way back. If you turn pro at 20, you have a winning span till 35 or 40 for many. Or until your eyes begin to dim. It's been proven possible to go from a beginner to a world champion, with extensive coaching and practice of 8 hours a day, in 5 or 6 years, but it takes most a decade or more to get to the top. :o
 
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