I play the Derby each year. Just the 9-ball, but I have started playing one-pocket, and hope to compete in both disciplines next year if work allows me the time off. I wanted to give the perspective of someone who plays pretty well, but wants to learn, as well as socialize, while in Louisville. I don't really know how to analyze my speed except to say that I made it 4 rounds in the Derby 9-ball. One round out of the money. Evaluating my draw, I played 3 players who were not from the US, and 1 guy from the midwest who played close to my speed. I won 2 matches and lost 2. I could have won my 3rd match, but I also could have lost all 4. Coming from overseas and Canada, I like to think that these players were formidable opponents for most, and I did see where 1 opponent finished 2nd last week in a large regional event. Both matches that I lost were 7-5 scores, so I feel that I held my own in all the matches.
I have a friend named Stevie Moore that many of you know. He played about my speed around 15 years ago, when he went to live with Earl Strickland for 6 months. When he returned, he played at least the 6-ball better than when he left. In only 6 months. And he was an accomplished player before that. I always wondered how a person's game got to a professional level. Being at the Derby for those 5 days answered that question. Watching the top level of players allowed me to see some of the things that the pros do consistently that are missing from non-pro level players' games. Being in that environment for that short period of time allowed me to see the things that I would never see any other time, even at regional events. Of course, just being around that type of competition allows a player to osmose the things that are necessary to make it to a top level, but it is wishful thinking for most to think that they can be around the greatest players in the world all the time.
Here are my observations from the Derby:
First (a little off topic and I know many of you will disagree): Efren is the best. He didn't win the 9-ball or the banks, but his game is superior to even the greatest players in the world. His shotmaking, cue ball control, and imagination are unparalelled. I used to think that there were those who played as well, but all doubt was removed last week.
Second: The top pros break the balls 10x better that the next level of even pro players. This is not an understatement. Top pros break the balls at a hard speed and the cue ball never touches a rail the entire match unless it gets kicked there. Watching Ralf Souquet in the finals of the 9-ball (and the entire tournament) was like a breaking clinic. All of the top players never touched the rail with the cue ball on the break. Try to break the balls 7 times in just 1 match with a good speed and never touch a rail. See how difficult it is. Imagine being able to break like that every single time.
And last (for now, because this is getting long): The top pros have no fear. I've always heard that speed kills speed. What I mean is that even though a player can run out and run over everyone that plays under them, if you match a person up with someone who plays their speed or better, they will tighten up and not play as well as usual. They will miss balls or position plays that they would never miss against lesser players. The top players play the same against all opponents. To most this seems insignificant, but it is crucial to making improvement in your game at any level. And reading a psychology book is not the answer. Being around, and being able to see, players who do this is the quickest way to learn.
I would like to add that socially I had a great time as well. I saw many old friends that I see only in Louisville. I didn't spend much time in the AZ room, but did meet Hal, and watched a few lessons that Jerry B gave. I am already looking forward to next year.
Mike
I have a friend named Stevie Moore that many of you know. He played about my speed around 15 years ago, when he went to live with Earl Strickland for 6 months. When he returned, he played at least the 6-ball better than when he left. In only 6 months. And he was an accomplished player before that. I always wondered how a person's game got to a professional level. Being at the Derby for those 5 days answered that question. Watching the top level of players allowed me to see some of the things that the pros do consistently that are missing from non-pro level players' games. Being in that environment for that short period of time allowed me to see the things that I would never see any other time, even at regional events. Of course, just being around that type of competition allows a player to osmose the things that are necessary to make it to a top level, but it is wishful thinking for most to think that they can be around the greatest players in the world all the time.
Here are my observations from the Derby:
First (a little off topic and I know many of you will disagree): Efren is the best. He didn't win the 9-ball or the banks, but his game is superior to even the greatest players in the world. His shotmaking, cue ball control, and imagination are unparalelled. I used to think that there were those who played as well, but all doubt was removed last week.
Second: The top pros break the balls 10x better that the next level of even pro players. This is not an understatement. Top pros break the balls at a hard speed and the cue ball never touches a rail the entire match unless it gets kicked there. Watching Ralf Souquet in the finals of the 9-ball (and the entire tournament) was like a breaking clinic. All of the top players never touched the rail with the cue ball on the break. Try to break the balls 7 times in just 1 match with a good speed and never touch a rail. See how difficult it is. Imagine being able to break like that every single time.
And last (for now, because this is getting long): The top pros have no fear. I've always heard that speed kills speed. What I mean is that even though a player can run out and run over everyone that plays under them, if you match a person up with someone who plays their speed or better, they will tighten up and not play as well as usual. They will miss balls or position plays that they would never miss against lesser players. The top players play the same against all opponents. To most this seems insignificant, but it is crucial to making improvement in your game at any level. And reading a psychology book is not the answer. Being around, and being able to see, players who do this is the quickest way to learn.
I would like to add that socially I had a great time as well. I saw many old friends that I see only in Louisville. I didn't spend much time in the AZ room, but did meet Hal, and watched a few lessons that Jerry B gave. I am already looking forward to next year.
Mike