can u realy compete at 50

O

one stroke

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
To give u a little back round I have played pool on and off since I was a kid but because of other sports then wife and kids I never felt I have reached full potential ,

I have been a solid apa and tap 7 won a few mvp's and have won a few local tournaments , I finished 33-64 in the valley open and finished 13-16 in the md state nine ball , and just thought I would throw in I won 22 straight games on a 10 dollar table at valley forge ; obviously no hard hitters there but still a minor feat the last few in the last few years, I am wondering do I really have a chance to compete with the younger crowd, and if so what would be the best things to do do practice or lessons since I never have had one

I have noticed a lot of the tourney are won by younger players, is it sharp eyes nerves of steel or better physical condition, or just a combination or all the above,

I just got my first table at home so i am looking for a practice schedule that might improve my play - I started playing 14-1 and my high run is 49 with about 2 weeks of this ,what is the best practice at home

looking for suggestions that might improve my play
 
There's plenty of great poolplayers over the age of 50. The old adage of "you're only as old as you feel" definetly holds true. Do you still feel like you got it? If yes, then you do. Just that simple. That's awesome that you have your own table now. I would suggest 14.1 or 9 ball ghost. Maybe some rotation? Of course a few drills never hurt. Best of luck
 
One stroke,

I finished in the top eight at the SBE at 59 years old a few years ago. At 64 had a 17 - 32 in the Open and 5 - 8 in the Seniors. Had to choose one event do to scheduling. Age is not a barrier unless you make it one. Take a look at Dave Daya's performances. Lots of life left for us seniors!

Lyn
 
Eyesight, endurance, and physical shape comes into play, but I have always been of the belief that if you want something bad enough, you can get there. You just need a strong drive, will power, and ambition. ;)

Efren Reyes and Jose Parica are both in their fifties and still compete. In fact, I think Parica may be pushing 60 right about now.

Mike Sigel is back in the limelight in recent times, and he's in his fifties. Of course, Allen Hopkins still loves to play in tournaments. He came in second place to Ginky at the Ocean State Championship not so long ago. I watched the finals, and it was one of the best finals I'd ever seen. Neither of them missed.

And then there's Spanish Mike Lebron who won the 1988 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship at the age of 54, defeating Nick Varner in the finals.

Here's a cute shot of Spanish Mike taken at the U.S. Open a few years ago. He actually smiled when I took this picture, rewarding me with a great photo. Usually Spanish Mike has a serious look on his face, but I think he likes me! :p
 

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I think that while it may be true that younger players have an edge in their physicality, eyesight, stamina on the table, etc., we older players have more experience to draw upon.

The physical gap between old and young pool players is not as big a deal as it would be in other sports, like let's say, tennis.

If you can still see pretty well and don't suffer much in the way of other physical limitations, then I think you can compete with good success.

I'm 53 and must admit that I sure enjoy it when I dominate a match against someone 20 or 30 years my junior. :grin-square:

Look at Efren & Earl. They're still chugging along pretty good, right? :thumbup:

Best,
Brian kc
 
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Jam;

I was typing while you were posting. Funny, the similarities in our respective responses. :thumbup:

Best,
Brian kc
 
Kickin' Chicken said:
Jam;

I was typing while you were posting. Funny, the similarities in our respective responses. :thumbup:

Best,
Brian kc
Click to expand...

Of course there will be similarities when you are the same person:p:D. The board is definitely a richer place when folks like you and JAM contribute your knowledge, memories and humor.
As for being able to compete at a high level as you get older.... I been in a slump all summer and I just hit the half century mark. I have been playing 14:1 for about a month and the game is making me feel like I have never hit a ball before:(. I know it will be good for me eventually but right now it if very frustrating. Playing on my Diamond with tight pockets is also making long runs impossible. As for the OP'S question the right angle drill will teach you more then any other IMHO.
 
Absolutely, one stroke. Take my Mom here, please! (Ha, ha, only kidding). She just recently entered and won this year's senior division beauty contest, at the Greater Ozarks Beer, Billiards, and Liquor Extravaganza, or Gobble, as we like to call it.
She beat Mary Lou Bishop in an arm-wrestling tie-breaker to get the title. My Mom is tougher than jailhouse meat, I'll tell you.
Anyway, don't give up. If Mom can do it, so can you.
By-the-way, are you by any chance single? Mom's widdowed and I thought maybe...
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As you get older it is harder to find the time to practice like you used to. Barriers include physical problems like sore backs etc. Concentration fades also but experience may make up for that somewhat.

If you can keep that stroke straight then you will succeed.

Bottom line is that you can still compete but it is more difficult.
 
whitewolf said:
As you get older it is harder to find the time to practice like you used to. Barriers include physical problems like sore backs etc. Concentration fades also but experience may make up for that somewhat.

If you can keep that stroke straight then you will succeed.

Bottom line is that you can still compete but it is more difficult.
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I don't know as it is more difficult so much as the challenges we face are different. As someone already suggested, our eyes may not be as sharp as they once were, our hands perhaps not quite as steady, but the knowledge and experience that comes from playing for 30 or 40 years (48 years in my case :eek: ) opens up a lot of options that some of the younger players may not have access to.

Maybe I can't out-shoot some of these young guns, but I might be able to out-play them.

Steve
 
You asked can you really compete ? There are people who play and there are those who compete. Though they both want to win. The one who is in competition has a drive and passion. We love the battle. Winning is just a result of the battle. That is why boxers have a hard time retiring. In our sport reflexes are irrelevant.
Being older being prepared for competition is key. Eating right and proper rest. If you are exercising even better.
In my video link I was 42 when I challenged a guy half my age. Before you master anything you must first master yourself.
 
JE54 said:
Hey cuebuddy, what's the right angle drill ?
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You must start near the foot rail and go up the line, I usually play the rock off the bottom rail and back up to position. When I do this drill I use all 15 balls and at one time had a average of 8.4. I try this 10 times and then average the score it is a good drill to measure your progress or lack there of:o.
 

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Man at 50 some people are just starting to peak in pool. There have been many champs play well into their 60's, and even some that have won in their 70's.

Irving Crane is the best example still winning at the table late into his life. If I'm not mistaken Mr. Crane won a World Championship title in his 70's.

I watched Fats run a five pack and he had to be in his 80's.
 
one stroke said:
To give u a little back round I have played pool on and off since I was a kid but because of other sports then wife and kids I never felt I have reached full potential ,

I have been a solid apa and tap 7 won a few mvp's and have won a few local tournaments , I finished 33-64 in the valley open and finished 13-16 in the md state nine ball , and just thought I would throw in I won 22 straight games on a 10 dollar table at valley forge ; obviously no hard hitters there but still a minor feat the last few in the last few years, I am wondering do I really have a chance to compete with the younger crowd, and if so what would be the best things to do do practice or lessons since I never have had one

I have noticed a lot of the tourney are won by younger players, is it sharp eyes nerves of steel or better physical condition, or just a combination or all the above,

I just got my first table at home so i am looking for a practice schedule that might improve my play - I started playing 14-1 and my high run is 49 with about 2 weeks of this ,what is the best practice at home

looking for suggestions that might improve my play
Click to expand...

I was 71 last week. I play two or three times a week and in two or three local tournaments a month in Sacramento. My main game is one pocket but I also play 9 ball.

The desire has to be there and the older you get the more balls you have to hit to stay consistent and keep your confidence up. My biggest problem is concentration over several hours in a tournament or gambling session and ball speed to play position. As you get older your body is different from day to day and some days it's there and some it's gone. Stretching and yoga have helped me.

On a good day I might play good enough to beat very good players. On a bad day I just pay off (I still gamble) and hope it all comes back the next time.

If you want it bad enough you will put the effort in and get there. Good luck.
 
Efren Reyes won the DCC All-Around this year, and he is just a few years from being 60

I hope I will be able to compete and play pool at John's level when I reach 71.
 
At this sport I don't see age as a challenge at all, provided you have your physical health and most do at 50 that's not old :) The reason you see a lot of players decline as they get older is they spend less time practicing and keeping sharp and maybe they lose the desire. If as stated in an earlier post you have the drive and will you can do it buddy!

I am 51 and just got back into reviving my game and I am actually playing better now than I have ever done, through shear determination and Practice.
 
one stroke said:
To give u a little back round I have played pool on and off since I was a kid but because of other sports then wife and kids I never felt I have reached full potential ,

I have been a solid apa and tap 7 won a few mvp's and have won a few local tournaments , I finished 33-64 in the valley open and finished 13-16 in the md state nine ball , and just thought I would throw in I won 22 straight games on a 10 dollar table at valley forge ; obviously no hard hitters there but still a minor feat the last few in the last few years, I am wondering do I really have a chance to compete with the younger crowd, and if so what would be the best things to do do practice or lessons since I never have had one

I have noticed a lot of the tourney are won by younger players, is it sharp eyes nerves of steel or better physical condition, or just a combination or all the above,

I just got my first table at home so i am looking for a practice schedule that might improve my play - I started playing 14-1 and my high run is 49 with about 2 weeks of this ,what is the best practice at home

looking for suggestions that might improve my play
Click to expand...

At 52, I placed 2nd in Valley Forge this year out of 178 women half my age....got my butt kicked by a 16 year old in the finals, but that's besides the point, I was very pleased with my finish....especially since I was working a booth and running a raffle as well as participating in the tournament...Good luck and keep stroking!
 
One of my good friends that I play with regularly is "79" years old and his break is a good bit stronger than mine. He started playing when he was very young and he's played his whole life. The man can really play, but he admits he's lost a step or two mainly in the stamina department. If you want to play him a race to 11 in 9 ball prepare yourself for a tough match. He's a great guy that hates to lose and his game keeps a smile on his face since he doesn't lose too often. To answer your question I think you can compete at "50", but the younger players have an advantage in strength and stamina. If you want it bad enough you can find a way.......

James
 
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