In pursuit of knowledge regarding livelihood.

Wow guys, Im really impressed with the community here, and the interactions and suggestions, just amazing, the support.

Ive got a few older books like Byrnes' new standard of Pool and Billiards, Morins' Pool techniques and tricks, and "Minnesota Fats" on pool. Apart from those books Ive got an active sub to both Joe Tuckers' profesional pocket billiards, He has amazing videos for racks and breaking (the most important shot of the game IMHO) and Max Eberles' Pro Pool Academy. I also had a chance to look at VEPS from Dr. Dave from a friend in San Marcos, most of the basic and a good portion of the advanced shots I already comprehended, but that doesn't mean theres not plenty of room for improvement however

I started at 18 with great instruction from my father who tells me that he could at one point name the players in a state that could beat him. I feel like im off to a good start with the information at my disposal, and watching the top professionals play for hours on hours on Youtube really helps me see and gauge how much more practice I need, and it seems obtainable.

Now I cant break and run rack after rack yet, but I do get those games in where it seems like I'm playing above my level, my opponent never leaves his chair, and my break is working fantastic, it just comes down to the level of consistency at which I'm able to play. Having started playing 9 ball first my focus was on position play, but then when I bought a BCA rule book and found One Pocket and 14.1, I realized I should focus on the other aspects of the game just as vigorously, like safeties, shot selection, the mental game, etc.

I haven't had any one on one instruction except from my dad, but with my gopro I hope to analyze my stroke, shot selection and other fundamentals to ensure I am setting up a great foundation for later game play, I have several other tools I use, like laminated table diagrams and a dry erase marker so I can record shots I miss in a game, and can later go back to practice those particular shots. Thankfully the pool room/bar (I don't drink while playing) I go to have good diamond bar boxes and one 9ft Brunswick? and the pool is typically free so Im able to come and go as I please.

As far as dedication to the game, I've seen that it does take remarkable consistency to play at those top levels, which is why I don't settle for the beat up balls they give you at the pool room, I bring my own set and a magic rack, the balls I polish every week or so, but I'm ensuring not only BCA equip. standards but also an even higher level of consistency on my break, equal weight distribution, ball rolls, skid, etc. My playing cue has been a Joss209 with a original Z shaft for 3 years now, and I foolishly sold my McDermott Stinger jump/break for a sneaky pete cue I use to break with right now, I used to be against gloves, right up until I started playing with mine, now I try not to play without it.

Also back to the example of SVB, which would be a best case scenario, hes made well over a million playing pool and has made well over 100k per year in the last 8 years with the exception of 2010 ($93,391), and I do remember a comment in a match where the commentator explained that Shane approached said commentator about what he should do with his winnings in his savings ( some 250k If i remember correctly), Shane opened up a apartment complex I think, in
Sioux Falls, so I would count him among the few sportsmen across any sport that has wisely invested his money, in comparison to million dollar contracted professional basketball players broke soon after retiring from the league.