can u realy compete at 50

I have always wanted to tape myself playing so that I could make improvements. So at age 60, I just bought a Sony camcorder for $1100+ and taped myself in HD for about 1/2 hour.

This camera is awesome. Shoots in low light conditions. Wide angle lens with a 10X optical zoom. Can tape for 13.7 hours and the battery lasts forever. It has a 'golf swing' setting that can break a swing into multiple frames.

Already I noticed some things about my stroke that I did not like and am raring to go again. I should not have waited so long!!!!
 
Of course you can compete at 50. I will be 52 shortly, hadn't picked up a cue in 20 years and never played pool up until Feb 2010. I played snooker when I lived in the UK, but my Stepson started playing at MBC (Johnny Archers place) and wanted us to go play too so we did. I played for a few weeks and yes you guessed it I was hooked! Walked in one Thursday night and been in a team ever since and am now a 6 H'Cap Tap so moving along steadily. Just got a table at home and am now playing some pretty good Billiards both 8 and 9 Ball. My eyesights not what it was (obviously) but I certainly make up for that with my safety play.

You are only as old as the woman you feel :wink:
 
Yes you can compete near the top after 50 if you are in good heath, good shape, have the desire, and put in many hours of practice. Will you win a World Championship? NOPE. I know, I know all about Efren being over 55, but he's far, far from normal. Johnnyt
 
Depends on what your goal is. Do you want to run 100 balls or do you want a top10 in a Major? Do you want to rob all the locals or do you want to reach the top APA ranking?

If the first or the last, prob.
The second, effectively never.
The third, hell yeah!
 
pooltchr said:
For some reason, your post brought to mind some memories of T F Whittington. I do miss that guy!

Steve
Click to expand...

I remember seeing TF Whittington at the US Open.....The old saying is "you're only as old as you feel - age is just a number".

James
 
one stroke said:
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...

Frankly, I think having that home table will make a huge jump in your skill.
For me, playing time on a good 9' table means a 70 miles round trip, so I don't play nearly as often as I'd like to...
 
John Hacsi takes down Predator 9-ball Tour Stop #10

Folks:

You should read about John Hacsi's win in the ABCD class of Stop #10 of the Predator 9-ball tour:

http://predator9balltour.com/

(Read the center-page story, just underneath the two pictures of the winners holding the sponsors banner cloth.)

John Hacsi is either in his late 60s or early 70s, but it proves age almost has no bounds in this great sport of ours.

-Sean
 
I have a friend who is 58

who plays in tournaments 2 or 3 times a week in the Tampa Bay area and regularly wins, sometimes going on streaks where he wins almost everything he plays in. None of the tournaments he plays are cake and a few of them are downright tough.



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...
 
Black-Balled said:
Depends on what your goal is. Do you want to run 100 balls or do you want a top10 in a Major? Do you want to rob all the locals or do you want to reach the top APA ranking?

If the first or the last, prob.
The second, effectively never.
The third, hell yeah!
Click to expand...

100 balls is now my new goal be trying about 2weeks at that 49 45 and 39 are my high runs so far , top ten major I dont know if thats achievable every one has a cap limit otherwise we would all be champion players,

I can give a pro level player a run every now and then , I once had Mike Davis down 6-2 and hid before he made a kick combination bank shot and got back to the head of the table and that was all she wrote,I lost 7-6 he says to me after " I cant remember the last time someone beat me 5 games in a row,
I played Shaun wilki twice lost 7-5 and Matt Clatterbuck 9-5 to name a few
I am not on their level but I can be competitive sometimes

I know I am getting a little better now I shot most of my life on a bar box and never played inside English, started playing 9ft turney pool and inside English is a must know, I dogged a ball on my Irish bud Ryan McCreesh and he asked why I did not shoot inside English on the ball I said I dont play it much i miss a lot of shots, he showed me a couple and said inside is a must skill, so I have been working on that about 6 months now and it has helped me

I would like to be a solid 17-25 type player in tours like viking , tiger, or similar tours, with a chance to crack the top ten , I have hit the money rounds a few times

I am trying to map out a plan that gives me the best practice to help get there if its achievable talent wise, like I said to Kieth McCreedy after he thumped me one time and said well I play alot I looked at him and said ya but you have always had alot of natural talent, he look at me and said well ya there is that too:D

(God I wish that guy would start playing again, u hear me jam:))



onestroke
 
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Falcon Eddie said:
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.
Click to expand...

That was terrific!!!
If i was in there i'd want a 'CORONER' man.:eek:
And as a pool player,you should do allright in 'ring' games.:wink:

I guess it's time to mention two players who won majors after 50.
Buddy Hall - US Open 9-ball
Nick Varner - World 9-ball
..the boy scouts who were helping them to cross the street were
delighted
 
Them's all players, for sure.

Damn awesome line from Keith, though I would expect no less!

one stroke said:
100 balls is now my new goal be trying about 2weeks at that 49 45 and 39 are my high runs so far , top ten major I dont know if thats achievable every one has a cap limit otherwise we would all be champion players,

I can give a pro level player a run every now and then , I once had Mike Davis down 6-2 and hid before he made a kick combination bank shot and got back to the head of the table and that was all she wrote,I lost 7-6 he says to me after " I cant remember the last time someone beat me 5 games in a row,
I played Shaun wilki twice lost 7-5 and Matt Clatterbuck 9-5 to name a few
I am not on their level but I can be competitive sometimes

I know I am getting a little better now I shot most of my life on a bar box and never played inside English, started playing 9ft turney pool and inside English is a must know, I dogged a ball on my Irish bud Ryan McCreesh and he asked why I did not shoot inside English on the ball I said I dont play it much i miss a lot of shots, he showed me a couple and said inside is a must skill, so I have been working on that about 6 months now and it has helped me

I would like to be a solid 17-25 type player in tours like viking , tiger, or similar tours, with a chance to crack the top ten , I have hit the money rounds a few times

I am trying to map out a plan that gives me the best practice to help get there if its achievable talent wise, like I said to Kieth McCreedy after he thumped me one time and said well I play alot I looked at him and said ya but you have always had alot of natural talent, he look at me and said well ya there is that too:D

(God I wish that guy would start playing again, u hear me jam:))



onestroke
Click to expand...
 
I started playing again at 56 & I got back to 80% pretty quick. I won a State Doubles at 58. I am limited in my best play, because of my eyesight. Physical condition plays a huge part in your consistent playability & there are lots of places to assist you in getting into shape.

Discipline in your diet, good rest & preparation for the long contest will see you through the next 10 years.

I would suggest that you learn the cue ball track from the first, second & third rails on. I would suggest you learn the cue ball's track after impact with an object ball. The Pro One books by Bob Henning will help you in that arena. I would study bank shots too. I would suggest the L Drill, the Circle Drill & the long string Drill.

Get your body & mind sound. Gather a good deal of knowledge & Practice. Preparation can't harm you. Your ability to apply the knowledge you possess, will be your biggest opponent.

Good Luck,,,
 
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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...

can it be done? yes! can you do it? no.

sorry bro you're over the hill. time to sell your case and take up fishing
 
Mr441 said:
...Walter Lindrum was still the best english billiards player in the world well into his 60's....
Click to expand...

I was working on another pool-related project and came across this tombstone of Walter Lindrum on Google. It's pretty unusual but definitely showcases his love of pool! :)
 

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