What does it take to become a Champion?

[greyghost]

talent is good for making someone lazy and thats about it...just a made up term

A talent and a lot of hard work.

talent is a myth, talent will make you one of the best around your hole in the wall or a descent short stop....but patience, pratice, and dedication are what makes a champion. Talent might get you the the starting line, but it sure isn't going to get you to the finish.

Grey Ghost

 

[pooltchr]

Credit Blackjack for this one:

• Champions love to learn and enjoy participating in the learning process.
• Champions have an insatiable desire to learn and build upon what is learned.
• Champions understand that learning is an ongoing process.
• Champions are motivated by their disappointments to work harder towards their goals.
• Champions have a systematic game plan for dealing with setbacks and disappointments.
• Champions know that past failures are the bricks they need to build future success.
• Champions know that unexpected obstacles will lead them towards well expected improvement.
• Champions remain in the solution, not the problem.
• Champions remain positive throughout the process of growing.
• Champions understand that winning is merely a byproduct of hard work and determination.


Steve

 

[john schmidt]

hi

the top players become great very fast and almost easy.
tiger at 13 great,ricky fowler golfer 16 great,johnny archer pool 18 great.
it takes whatever it is that makes you great quick.
some people call it natural ability but whatever it is some people have it and some dont. no matter how much they practice.
i could show you examples of people in every sport that have played almost everyday their whole lives and are average at best.pool players included.
then i can show you the people who take up the game and in a year or two are damn near pro. then those special people go practice alot and become world class,.

 

[randyg]

John, who is that beautiful woman in your Avatar????randyg

 

[Gatz]

the top players become great very fast and almost easy.
tiger at 13 great,ricky fowler golfer 16 great,johnny archer pool 18 great.
it takes whatever it is that makes you great quick.
some people call it natural ability but whatever it is some people have it and some dont. no matter how much they practice.
i could show you examples of people in every sport that have played almost everyday their whole lives and are average at best.pool players included.
then i can show you the people who take up the game and in a year or two are damn near pro. then those special people go practice alot and become world class,.

I don't totally agree with this. I think anybody can become a world class pool player (champion) with enough practice, dedication and desire to the game.

The people you said you could show us that practice daily everyday of their lifes are missing something. Maybe they don't have enough of a desire to become world class player or don't want to be a world champion. Just because they practice or play everyday doesn't mean their goal is to become a world champion. Maybe they gave up early or thought they couldn't do it, that right there will destroy someones desire and motivation to improve and to become a better player.

Ralf Souquet is a perfect example of this. He used to be a really good draw in tournaments and he wasn't very good. If everyone had his mindset or motivation in the pool world you would see a shitload of world champions.

 

[ShootingArts]

many paths to being a champion

There are many paths to being a champion.

The three biggest requirements are heart, persistence, and being dumb or silly enough to not accept just how great the odds are against you succeeding.

Then there are things to speed up the process or there are slower routes. One of the keys is indeed to swim where the big fish are. There is an old saying that you never get better than good enough to beat your competition; I'll add "at best" to that. This is a true statement for over 95% of competitors. There are a few who push themselves further but very few. If you want to be a big dog you have to run with the big dogs and try with all of your heart to beat them every time you meet.

Two other things are pure hours of effort and a proper focus. A gifted person that puts in many hours of effort beats the gifted person that just skates along in the long run. However, there can be a lot of wasted hours spent chasing things that aren't important. Focus on the things needed to win. The break and cue ball control. The lag and making balls drop in the pockets are secondary to these things. When you gain pinpoint cue ball control you will also have pinpoint object ball control but you will have far more than that.

I regret to say it but much of the time spent on AZB is wasted for someone who dreams of being a champion. Most of the time spent watching instructional DVD's and reading books is also wasted. Come here to seek specific information and get a few good books and video's. Watch actual play for entertainment and education. Most information rapidly becomes redundant and there is little gain in buying dozens of books and DVD's.

Speaking of the last, Seybert's just sent me an e-mail, the entire 5 DVD set from the 14.1 World Championship for $10.00. I had to double check, they are selling the entire set for ten dollars total! That is a lot of time watching great players for a few bucks.

One final thing: Champions make their own path and find what works for them. You learn from the champions of the past and present but you can't just copy anyone. A copy almost never equals the original.

Hu

 

[john schmidt]

hi

I don't totally agree with this. I think anybody can become a world class pool player (champion) with enough practice, dedication and desire to the game.

The people you said you could show us that practice daily everyday of their lifes are missing something. Maybe they don't have enough of a desire to become world class player or don't want to be a world champion. Just because they practice or play everyday doesn't mean their goal is to become a world champion. Maybe they gave up early or thought they couldn't do it, that right there will destroy someones desire and motivation to improve and to become a better player.

Ralf Souquet is a perfect example of this. He used to be a really good draw in tournaments and he wasn't very good. If everyone had his mindset or motivation in the pool world you would see a shitload of world champions.

i dont quite agree with what your saying ,sorry.actually if anybody can be a champion then quit pool take up golf and that person would be on pga tour and a rich person.
honestly it cracks me up how many people tell me what it takes to be a top player when they are not ones themselves.
just something to think about.no hard feelings i hope just being honest.

 

[Gatz]

Ok John....technically your not a world champion yourself (oh oh, i think i struck someones nerv), so I wouldn't be talking. Also not everyone is in it to make money, not everyone likes golf, not everyone can just pick up a sport and just devote all their time to the sport, because of other personal issues like kids, money, time, wife/husband etc...

But I still think anybody can be a champion at any sport or game if they devote themselfs to it enough. Of course everyone has their different opinions.

 

[lee brett]

The 5 D's

I gave these to John Morra to remember and carry with him.

Drive
Determination
Discipline
Desire
Dedication.

oh and 1 many thing call talent

 

[lee brett]

the top players become great very fast and almost easy.
tiger at 13 great,ricky fowler golfer 16 great,johnny archer pool 18 great.
it takes whatever it is that makes you great quick.
some people call it natural ability but whatever it is some people have it and some dont. no matter how much they practice.
i could show you examples of people in every sport that have played almost everyday their whole lives and are average at best.pool players included.
then i can show you the people who take up the game and in a year or two are damn near pro. then those special people go practice alot and become world class,.

Very true john, if you have it you have it, people with natural talent excel within 1 to 2 years and then with the dedication become world champions.

John 1 word of advice when you was up and coming you put how many hours in?

go back to doing that and you will get in the mosconi cup team and win more major titles, make it your goal for next year, just play 8 hours a day and see by next december your in the team.

good luck, nice meeting you at the us open

 

[john schmidt]

hi

Ok John....technically your not a world champion yourself (oh oh, i think i struck someones nerv), so I wouldn't be talking. Also not everyone is in it to make money, not everyone likes golf, not everyone can just pick up a sport and just devote all their time to the sport, because of other personal issues like kids, money, time, wife/husband etc...

But I still think anybody can be a champion at any sport or game if they devote themselfs to it enough. Of course everyone has their different opinions.

thats my point the top players didnt have to devote all their time.
for myself i got good so fast that i surpassed the people around me quickly.
its the same with all the other greats in other sports.
for the record not anybody can become champion in anything and i think you know that.
also your right im not a world champion but i did stay at a holiday in express last night.does that qualify me to speak on what it takes.lol

 

[Gatz]

thats my point the top players didnt have to devote all their time.
for myself i got good so fast that i surpassed the people around me quickly.
its the same with all the other greats in other sports.
for the record not anybody can become champion in anything and i think you know that.
also your right im not a world champion but i did stay at a holiday in express last night.does that qualify me to speak on what it takes.lol

lol, yeah I guess that qualify's you.

 

[tom351]

I don't totally agree with this. I think anybody can become a world class pool player (champion) with enough practice, dedication and desire to the game.

then why dont they become professional golfers and get paid?

 

[Gatz]

then why dont they become professional golfers and get paid?

lol because not everyone enjoys or likes golf, maybe thats why? I also love how everyone puts money into it. I'm sorry but if you want to be a world champion at something you have to atleast enjoy playing the game LOL. Just common sense.

Also someone that is a world champion or champion at something wants to win the title more than the money.

 

[tom351]

i dont quite agree with what your saying ,sorry.actually if anybody can be a champion then quit pool take up golf and that person would be on pga tour and a rich person.

i posted before i read this reply....

you know what i think....:grin:

 

[Russ Chewning]

i dont quite agree with what your saying ,sorry.actually if anybody can be a champion then quit pool take up golf and that person would be on pga tour and a rich person.
honestly it cracks me up how many people tell me what it takes to be a top player when they are not ones themselves.
just something to think about.no hard feelings i hope just being honest.

John,

Then please explain why it took many years for Ralf to make the jump to the champion level.

It's well documented that he was less than a stellar player when he first came to America. I'd be interested in your opinion on that.

Also, the three main reasons you are a champion, John, above all other things, is that at some point in your life, you had at least a year's (and probably two) worth of practice of between 8-14 hours a day, you were smart enough to learn what you were doing right..and what you were doing wrong, and you had at least one champion that took you under their wing and showed you a lot of concepts you would not have otherwise gleaned.

Those two things are HUGE. So, I think what Gatz meant was that almost anybody that has at least a certain level of hand-eye coordination, if they are put in the proper learning environment, can become a champion pool player.

We aren't talking "Tiger Woods" here... Tiger eats champions for lunch. Same as Efren. Guys like them and Michael Jordan are the ones who have something special.

I don't consider myself to have any special talent. But I have an insane hatred of losing, which, in my youth fueled 14 hour practice days easily.

As it was, because of life in the Army, I was only able to practice 8-14 hours a day ONCE for any period of time, and that was ONE month, back in 1998. And that one month caused such a large jump in my game, that I went from losing to everyone, to beating 80% of the players in the area.

I still say... Give all the players out there 18 consecutive months where they can practice full time..A few champions that regularly play in the same area... And you have many more players that play "at a champion level".

I like you John, and I give you full credit for your achievements, but it would be nice if you'd recognize that you were the recipient of some very favorable circumstances, as far as becoming a champion. You then took that chance and put in a sh*tload of practice and competition against great players, and that carried you the rest of the way.

Not everyone had the opportunity (or willingness) to "put life on hold" for two years at a very young age. Most of us are forced by life to work 8 hours a day. :-D

Russ

 

[tom351]

Very true john, if you have it you have it, people with natural talent excel within 1 to 2 years and then with the dedication become world champions.

same as a great running back can see the lanes and the other get dropped for a 2 yard loss....

same as a pro golfer, who on their worst day, will still beat 99.9999 percent of the planet...

if pool isnt relatively "easy" after 1 year, the road is going to be rocky and filled with inner demons....

 

[Russ Chewning]

thats my point the top players didnt have to devote all their time.
for myself i got good so fast that i surpassed the people around me quickly.
its the same with all the other greats in other sports.

Alright John. I'm calling shenanigans here. Are you honestly going to tell me you never had a period of a year or more where you practiced 8 hours a day?

Most players (even serious ones) never had anywhere CLOSE to a year's uninterrupted practice time, and I still submit that much concentrated practice time is critical for a champion. It's not the only factor, but it's the prime factor. Without it, there can be no success.

Seriously?

I may be wrong, but I'm gonna go ahead and say you did have that practice period.

Russ

 

[Russ Chewning]

same as a great running back can see the lanes and the other get dropped for a 2 yard loss....

No, it's not.. A great RB's eyes and brain work together probably 20% faster than mere mortals. These skills do not apply to pool and golf, where you can take as much time as you want (within limits) to take your shot. And where you can practice a specific shot type until your eyes bleed, if you wish.

same as a pro golfer, who on their worst day, will still beat 99.9999 percent of the planet...

Alright now..99.9999 percent of the planet? Wow. If I were in prison pitching cards in a hat for 2 years solid, I would be able to pitch cards in a hat better than 99.9999 percent of the planet.

So? What did that prove? That I was fortunate enough (lol..in prison) to have the "opportunity" to pitch cards for two years solid.

There is a relatively small amount of people on the planet who are ever afforded the opportunity to BOTH get good instruction, AND have two solid years to work on their game with no job, no family, and no concerns. And those, my friends, are the champions.

if pool isnt relatively "easy" after 1 year, the road is going to be rocky and filled with inner demons....

I actually agree! To a point. I have seen players struggle (for lack of practice time) for 2-3 years, and then heaven itself puts them in a situation where they can practice for a year with no money concerns, and they have access to champions, and lo and behold, they are beating everyone within a year.

That being said.. You have to have this practice period when you are young, when you eyes and health are still good enough to take advantage.

Russ

 

[john schmidt]

hi

John,

Then please explain why it took many years for Ralf to make the jump to the champion level.

It's well documented that he was less than a stellar player when he first came to America. I'd be interested in your opinion on that.

Also, the three main reasons you are a champion, John, above all other things, is that at some point in your life, you had at least a year's (and probably two) worth of practice of between 8-14 hours a day, you were smart enough to learn what you were doing right..and what you were doing wrong, and you had at least one champion that took you under their wing and showed you a lot of concepts you would not have otherwise gleaned.

Those two things are HUGE. So, I think what Gatz meant was that almost anybody that has at least a certain level of hand-eye coordination, if they are put in the proper learning environment, can become a champion pool player.

We aren't talking "Tiger Woods" here... Tiger eats champions for lunch. Same as Efren. Guys like them and Michael Jordan are the ones who have something special.

I don't consider myself to have any special talent. But I have an insane hatred of losing, which, in my youth fueled 14 hour practice days easily.

As it was, because of life in the Army, I was only able to practice 8-14 hours a day ONCE for any period of time, and that was ONE month, back in 1998. And that one month caused such a large jump in my game, that I went from losing to everyone, to beating 80% of the players in the area.

I still say... Give all the players out there 18 consecutive months where they can practice full time..A few champions that regularly play in the same area... And you have many more players that play "at a champion level".

I like you John, and I give you full credit for your achievements, but it would be nice if you'd recognize that you were the recipient of some very favorable circumstances, as far as becoming a champion. You then took that chance and put in a sh*tload of practice and competition against great players, and that carried you the rest of the way.

Not everyone had the opportunity (or willingness) to "put life on hold" for two years at a very young age. Most of us are forced by life to work 8 hours a day. :-D

Russ

well actually russ ralf was a great player the first time in usa.hed already won many tourneys.
as far as my favorable circumstances heres the deal.
i played high school and college golf and worked 40 hours a week until i was 23.
i saw my first poolball at 18.all the while working full time and playing golf i took up pool. by the time i was 23 i ran 240 practicing when i wasnt working or playing golf.
bobby hunter told me in 30 years of playing pool he had never seen someone get so good so fast.by the way at that point in my poolife bob did not befriend me yet or try to show me anything.he was actually trying to beat me out of money at that time.
another thing i never practiced because it cost 4-7 dollars an hour.i played for money or i didnt play.
i played baseball six years and made all star every year.played competitive golf won many tourneys with around 100 rounds in the 60s in my life.
i think you know already what ive done in pool part time that is when im not golfing,fishing,motorcycling,working on house,with racheal,etc etc.
so in short some people have whatever the hell it is that gets them very good very quick and some dont.
im one of the ones who do and i dont know how else to sugurcoat it to make the ones who dont feel better.it is what it is.
ive had full time jobs just like everybody else ,relationships and all the other stuff and i made it.
so instead of talking about how easy it is to play like the pros just come do it .then your opinion would have more weight.
later.
p.s. at this point in your life youve played more pool than i had by the time i was only 22 and hadnt played 30 percent of what someone your age has most likely played.at 22 you would not have been able to play me without weight.by the way i used a house cue at that time in my life as i had a fulltime job and pool was just a sidehobby even though i could run over 100 with a housecue.