Is it never too late to become a great player?

justinb386 said:
Yeah, you are right, I never played at an A level (unless you count an A level offensive game playing rotation pool). The A players that I knew back then played all aspects of the game at an A level, and that is why I could never beat them. They would lock me up behind a ball, and I could not kick my way out of it. So, no, I was never really an A player in my opinion (feel silly now for saying that I was). I did put a 6 pack on an 8 foot Valley once playing 9 ball, and back in those days, I could get out from anywhere (if I had a shot on the object ball, and I was a very consistent rotation player). Just never did any drills, and I think that is why I never got any better.
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Sounds like you shot pretty strong, just start shooting a lot and remember the most important fundamental, have fun!
 
Of course it's never too late. Just don't expect results too soon. I mean every single one of the top players have put their time and effort being a top player. There are no shortcuts meaning that "talent" does not play such a big role in this game. So called talent might make the path faster to walk through, but it won't make it shorter. I knew a few top pingpong players who switched to pool and they adapt the concept of spin really quick and they understand the hand and arm mechanics pretty well. Does this make them top players in no time? No, but the knowledge and "talent" help them through the first steps.
 
The older you get, the harder it is develop gross motor skills. However I have no idea how that affects your overall potential as there isn't much research that I've seen that study's an adult's ability to develop skills to a professional or near professional standard. Most of it is focused on children's development and talent identification with children and early teens.
 
justinb386 said:
I am now 35 years old, and really have not played that much pool within the last 10 years.

I think that is mainly because I have never lived in an area that I felt had a very strong pool scene (other then mostly the boring apa pool scene, which I never cared for).

I love the game so much though, and if I lived in an area that had a very lively pool scene, then I am sure that I would be out shooting every day.

Anyway, back to the question on the title of my thread .

Is it never too late to become a great player?

I played at a pretty strong A level speed when I was in my late teens (other then having kind of a weak defensive game, and a very weak bank game, so mostly just a very strong offensive rotation game).

I just wonder if it is too late for me now (and I am just too old) to ever become really great.

I would be happy just just be able to become a very solid all around A speed player, and would just like to know what kind of dedication I would need in order to get to that level possibly (if I have the skill within me).

How many hours a day and how many days a week would I need to practice, and could you guys recommend a great book or DVD video on drills that some of the elite pro level players did to get to their level?

I know that I will never get better by just shooting around.

I am sure that I need to practice by doing drills, but I just do not know what the best drills are out there to do, and any type of routine to do.

I do not have money for lessons, so I think maybe a good DVD video would be best for me.

Any recommendations?

Thanks a lot for any thoughts, or advice on a really good DVD (books are okay too, but I am kind of lazy about reading to be honest, and I think a video would help me the best).

Thanks again.
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Not in my opinion. But I am in the minority on this. I certain everyone can get better.
 
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