Could you be a pro player?

[JB Cases]

Wake up John it's afternoon over there and I haven't received my told ya so =P LOL

No no, I get where you are coming from. It's all good, trust me no matter what I believe it's always going to be an open question until someone actually really tries it. There are so many variables in play that it's hard to say what would really happen.

I just have more faith in human ability to adapt and overcome when they really want something.

Then again - why do we still have places on earth where the people aren't free? You would have to assume that those people want real freedom more than any of us want to be pro players.

 

[Masayoshi]

I think you would have to be a great player to know what it takes become one. It takes more than dedication and drive, I can tell you that much. I know its only human nature for people to think they can do anything as well as anyone else, but that's a fairy tale, based on equality, which is a myth and really impossible.

Maybe in some endeavors, it is impossible for some to reach the top. I am only 5'9" so my chances of becoming a star NBA center are virtually zero. Pool on the other hand only requires focus, good health, and decent vision. There is no practical shot a pro can make that a very strong amateur can't. The pro may be more consistent at making it and may know better when to use it and when not to use it, but that all comes through seasoning and practice which is acquired through drive and dedication, not through some innate magical ability that pros have and we do not.

Of course there will always be those people that practice for thousands of hours with no real improvement. I would surmise to say that those people have not learned how to improve their games properly. If they had more drive, they would teach themselves to improve or seek more effective methods of improvement rather than practicing as much as possible and hoping to show improvement.

 

[His Boy Elroy]

Talent, intellect, hand-eye coordination. In that order.

While I believe the pro's all have good hand-eye coordination, I don't believe they are all exceptional in that regard. They have exceptional conscious or sub-conscious knowledge and and a touch that goes with it which enables them to both order their twin nemesis's, squirt and swerve to sit on the sidelines for a while or invite them both back to the table as friendly collaborators.

 

[naji]

While I believe the pro's all have good hand-eye coordination, I don't believe they are all exceptional in that regard. They have exceptional conscious or sub-conscious knowledge and and a touch that goes with it which enables them to both order their twin nemesis's, squirt and swerve to sit on the sidelines for a while or invite them both back to the table as friendly collaborators.

If they use sub-conscious they will never miss a ball or position, They are humans like you and me, the only difference is they dedicate there life for pool, and work it as their regular job, some wants the money more than others. Every shot in pool is completely different than the other, and it takes conscious effort to ensure pocketing and position. So pros might have same ability as pocketing balls as many of us, but have exceptional ability for position play which where practice and lots of matches gives you, as well as knowing kicks, and most of all they know how to not underestimate their opponents what so ever which is gained from loosing a lot not winning.

 

[CJ Wiley]

The drive to master something to the point of actually being "one with it"

Interesting thread.

I know I absolutely couldn't hit pro speed in 2 years, no matter the amount of practice time and coaching available. Of course I'm old now.

There was a time I thought this was possible for me becasue I had some talent for the game and was dedicated to becoming a much better player. An opportunity came up as I was between jobs and I had plenty of time and money on my hands to give it a go. I played everyday, at least 4 hours a day, for 10 months. I was surrounded by really good to world-class players. I had plenty of venues at my disposal throughout California and Nevada. At the end of it I was a long ways off from pro level. I could see another year or two wasn't going to make a difference. I'll have to admit, desire started to wane because this hobby I liked so much soon became a job. There were times I looked at going out to play pool as a chore! I'd be at home dreading the idea of going out to find another game. To keep my sanity, I had to give up the idea of being a full-time player - from the get-go I figured it was going to be temporary anyway. All was not lost. It wasn't a total grind. There was plenty of excitement, along with some really good memories. Many lessons were learned about pool, the top players and about myself.

So, do the pros have something special that the rest of don't? I say they do.

I remember I had a similar question brought up by a good regional player over 30 years ago - Are top level pool players born or developed? He believed they were developed. I understand Willie Mosconi thought they were born. Thirty years later and against my own earlier thinking, I'm starting to side with Willie.

Yes, as far as being a "champion" is concerned it's probably something a person's born with, however, from my experience it's a mixture of factors. Becoming "pro speed" is something else entirely and many players could reach that level if they are willing to "empty their cup". They must be willing to replace "old information" for new concepts or they will probably hit a "wall" in their development.

Many times the perception of the game makes the biggest difference, and this is evident when talking to the champion players compared to the "top short stops". The top short stops will see "balls, contact points and angles" where the champion sees potential creativity in all the edges and tangent lines.

The drive to master something to the point of actually being "one with it" is very unusual from what I've witnessed. Some of us have it for sports, and games, some for business, some for spirituality, and others for intellect. We all have a "gift" that we can nurture and expand if we choose, or we can just talk about "what could have been".

Whatever path we choose maintaining a degree of balance is necessary to be content. The balance of one's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self is much more advantageous than becoming a "champion" at any one discipline. imho

 

[Spimp13]

The top short stops will see "balls, contact points and angles" where the champion sees potential creativity in all the edges and tangent lines.

I see tons of creativity when I shoot on angles/shot ideas including the tangent lines...that damn following through with what you see is what gets me whether it is speed or something else. Must be because I am short and can barely see over the table (5'6.5")

 

[SMG]

Yes!

10char

 

[8ballEinstein]

Yes, as far as being a "champion" is concerned it's probably something a person's born with, however, from my experience it's a mixture of factors. Becoming "pro speed" is something else entirely and many players could reach that level if they are willing to "empty their cup". They must be willing to replace "old information" for new concepts or they will probably hit a "wall" in their development.

Many times the perception of the game makes the biggest difference, and this is evident when talking to the champion players compared to the "top short stops". The top short stops will see "balls, contact points and angles" where the champion sees potential creativity in all the edges and tangent lines.

The drive to master something to the point of actually being "one with it" is very unusual from what I've witnessed. Some of us have it for sports, and games, some for business, some for spirituality, and others for intellect. We all have a "gift" that we can nurture and expand if we choose, or we can just talk about "what could have been".

Whatever path we choose maintaining a degree of balance is necessary to be content. The balance of one's physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self is much more advantageous than becoming a "champion" at any one discipline. imho

Well put, CJ. I enjoy reading your posts here. Thanks for contributing.

 

[victorl]

Good post, CJ. I agree that there is a world of difference between someone who plays "pro speed" and a true "champion" player.

 

[CJ Wiley]

the champion players will usually only see two

I see tons of creativity when I shoot on angles/shot ideas including the tangent lines...that damn following through with what you see is what gets me whether it is speed or something else. Must be because I am short and can barely see over the table (5'6.5")

I started playing when I was 7 years old in a small town in northern Missouri (Green City). We had to stand on Pepsi crates to see over the table, so "where there's a will, there's a way". :wink:

Sometimes players see TOO many options, the champion players will usually only see two at the most, usually determining the "right shot" by the one that fits their preference of speed, and spin.