The thing is though, the science guys, try to match the equations and theories to what the pros do. The pros, I doubt have learned a single shot from the science guys. This is a recurring theme. Some of the science guys and/or instructors advocate doing the complete opposite of what the pros do.
I don't think that's correct. The science guys are figuring out the science. Some pros have figured some things out naturally, but many more are steered by the science.
Pool is now dominated by Europe and Asia, and it's routine for middle and upper level players to have coaches. And those coaches are teaching them the science, and using science to improve their game.
I heard on an interview that Johann Chua, Albin Oushan, and other younger pros in Asia and Europe, use more center-ball than older-style players, and they have a more disciplined approach, based on the science.
On another interview, there was a discussion on how modern players would stack up against the older historic pros. I think it was NIck Varner who said modern players are better - besides having better equipment, they know more about the game. Another commentator said he thought some of the top-tier old-style players were probably as good as modern players, but there are a lot more good players today than there was in the heyday of US pool.
They attributed the strength of modern players to the science, and the knowledge that's been built-up by pool-playing engineers and scientists.
And now with the internet and modern instruction, anyone who devotes himself can be a strong player in a lot less time than it used to take. The old days of fumbling your way through figuring out CIT or SIT or deflection, has been replaced with better data and professional instruction.. A couple of hours with a modern instructor will teach you more about throw than years of fumbling and bumbling, and knocking balls around.
At the last US Open, by the time the 256 entrants were winnowed down to the last 16, two of those last 16 were still in high school.
I think the science has changed the game in profound ways. There are still maybe some really gifted players that pick it up naturally, but the scientific knowledge has added to the level of play.
A little while ago i heard a semi-pro extolling the virtues of his carbon fiber cue. "Zero deflection, no compensation needed" he said. A kid barely out of high school said "I don't think that's true. All cues have deflection according to Dr. Dave". I roared with laughter!!
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