Playing at the highest level

book collector

book collector

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
After many years of watching I have always wondered, what process happens to each player once they become the best player in the world.
I don't think age is much of a factor , it seems like all the greatest players went past everyone in a blaze and were almost unbeatable a year or two and then they started playing like they were human again.
I wonder if once they get to the peak and there is still no real huge reward that they just lose interest ?
Maybe it is just too difficult to stay that focused and hungry longer.
 
Regardless of how good you are, there's always a chance that someone's going to rise up to challenge your skill. Personally, I couldn't really imagine being the greatest player in the world, because I don't think the game would be a much fun.

But really, I don't know, maybe it still would be. I mean, I can play Mario over and over again and almost never get bored, but beating CoD can only keep me entertained for so long heh.

I'd had to imagine such a thing as Winning the game of Pool.
 
I ahve always wondered how it is that folks can maintain interest in pool for decades and more. I have about 3-5yr sttention span.

I certainly do not approach the matter from the 'highest level', so I guess if I was making 100k/ yr, I'd think it different, but IMO, it takes a special breed to stay on top of the hill.
 
Perhaps a good analogy would be to take a look at Tiger Woods. It's not just about skill and mechanics. Excelling at any sport requires total concentration and the exclusion of distractions. You might retain the skill you acquired, but can you remain totally concentrated. Outside influences in life, health, and even the ego involved in reaching the pinnacle of your sport, all play a role.
 
The question may be: "What do I do now?"
If I were to ask myself that question the answer would be simple. I'd sell my cue and case, get on my motorcycle and ride off into the sunset looking for something else to occupy my time. For the Professional pool player however, the question and the answer might, and probably would, be entirely different. It is because the Professional pool player is somewhat unique in that he, or she, has little to fall back on during hard times, or if the edge is lost, as you say, compared to others.
Unlike baseball players, football players, basketball players, golfers, etc., Pro pool players rarely have college degrees with which to enhance their resume's.
They may teach the games of pool, but without proper certification they may only be able to count on engaging the occasional private lesson.
A Pro might manage a pool hall, but I believe that in the economic climate room owners currently find themselves, a manager may need to know far more about cost/profit ratios than running a weeky nine-ball tournament.
It is because of these, and other reasons as well, why in my opinion the very best players must maintain the winning edge. They need to stay focused and hungry, as you say. For me as an amatuer it's swim. For them it could be sink. :)
 
I think the best players of the world might lose their 'edge' because of lack of a challenge. Maybe they think they master the game and have nothing else to learn. That I think is the worst thing that could happen.

If someone thinks that after a victory thinks that they played perfect, then everything is bound to failure. there is always something to work on and improve. Even for pros. That's why many low amateurs (I mean the old guy/woman who has been playing for 20 years and is still a C and thinks he's awesome) won't ever go up because they know their game isn't as good as the pros but aren't willing to take 5 minutes and wonder 'Ok I'm this good...what do Ì need to do to be THAT good?'. To keep the edge, one has to be willing to accept that there are still flaws in their game. Heck, Shane was considered one of the best players on the planet. He has hands down the best 10-ball break in the world but he still goes out and practice it like 3 hours or so a day. You can't be like '' Ok, people have told me that I'm the best so I don't need to practice anymore''


I like this subject and am very curious how this thread is gonna develop.

Keep this alive ladies and gentlemen.
 
I believe once you reached a certain level of play, you'll start learning how to approach the game to make runout easier. Most of us, if not all, can dedicate time to learn how to pocket balls and position CB for preparation on the next shots, and sometimes multiple next shots. The pattern how you attack those balls that makes your life easier then becomes a tremendously important skill to have, and many of us simply struggle in that department. There are many billiard games you cannot simply shoot your way out of it.

I remember an interview with Efren. He said when he first started playing in America, he beat everybody because there were many shots he played (invented) were not known to the American players. Now, many world-class pros actually learned and picked up those moves, and Efren said it's very difficult to beat them these days as many of them have acquired those skills which were once only exclusive to him.
 
donuteric said:
I believe once you reached a certain level of play, you'll start learning how to approach the game to make runout easier. Most of us, if not all, can dedicate time to learn how to pocket balls and position CB for preparation on the next shots, and sometimes multiple next shots. The pattern how you attack those balls that makes your life easier then becomes a tremendously important skill to have, and many of us simply struggle in that department. There are many billiard games you cannot simply shoot your way out of it.

I remember an interview with Efren. He said when he first started playing in America, he beat everybody because there were many shots he played (invented) were not known to the American players. Now, many world-class pros actually learned and picked up those moves, and Efren said it's very difficult to beat them these days as many of them have acquired those skills which were once only exclusive to him.
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Can anyone think of any examples? That's terribly interesting..
 
There are several players who stay at the top for a long time. Currently Archer, Strickland, Reyes, Bustamante, and several others. In years gone buy guys like Mosconi and Irving Crane had long careers.

A lot of the guys who are flash in the pans have other issues away from the pool table which ruin their game and their lives. A few may lose their hunger for the game.
 
mincho said:
Can anyone think of any examples? That's terribly interesting..
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if it is true since I'm relatively new to the game. One of the commentators mentioned Efren invented to pocket the 1 ball to the side on the break. He certainly put a lot of emphasizes on how important it is to kick and play safeties in rotation games.

I believe a lot of of defensive moves in one pocket were probably invented by Efren (those defensive shots using the points), and Ronnie Allen.

I couldn't find the interview on youtube. I will post the link when I find it.
 
I don't think it's true. Efren gambled really well and played many games giving him a very big edge over most opponents. He would still rob a lot of players today just cause he is that good. He was already world class 3 cushion by the time he came here.
 
fabfastfredyy said:
I don't think it's true. Efren gambled really well and played many games giving him a very big edge over most opponents. He would still rob a lot of players today just cause he is that good. He was already world class 3 cushion by the time he came here.
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With all due respect to Efren, he was never near world class level at 3C or any billiards game. It's well known in the billiards community that he was/is a 1.0 - 1.1 avg. Top players are in the 1.8 - 2.1 range. It would take even someone with Reyes' talent a decade or so of practice just to approach world class speed.
 
Mr441 said:
With all due respect to Efren, he was never near world class level at 3C or any billiards game. It's well known in the billiards community that he was/is a 1.0 - 1.1 avg. Top players are in the 1.8 - 2.1 range. It would take even someone with Reyes' talent a decade or so of practice just to approach world class speed.
Click to expand...

I'll take your word for it.
 
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