A level player in the mind... C level in the execution... what to do?

B

Built_to_Last

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hey Group,

Between tracking the unknown monsters all over the country... I've been inspired and have started picking my cue back up and have been hitting some.

But I'm getting really frustrated. My mind is still in tune. I haven't lost that yet. I know what I need to do, and how to do it, at least A level in that regard. But my execution is around C-level.

In nine ball I will run a perfect 4 or 5 balls, great shape, always leaving an angle to leave an angle but I will rattle or jaw the 4th or 5th ball.

But what is really frustrating is I won't get out of line or be out of line I will simply jaw or rattle a ball.

And I still get my proper shape on the next ball.

I know it's a game of fractions of a millimeter but I have really been pulling my hair out.

Does anyone have any ideas on ways to get that execution level back up?

I really don't want to take up one pocket, where close enough is usually good enough.

I have an A player mind, in a C players body it seems.

Is this the best I can expect being close to 80 years old?

Frustrated.

And kinda depressed.

Built
 
I don't have the answer to your question but kudos to you for being 80 years old and still being passionate about improving your pool game.
 
Answer to all of your problems: Practice as many hours a day as you can until your stroke is straight and consistent. Took me over three years (I'm 66) to achieve a good stroke and now other shots are just falling into place. You can do it. Keep practicing until your stroke is under full control.

Note: I don't have anywhere near the control I did when I was in my teens, but it's close. Keep practicing and good luck.

Shoot safe,

John
 
There is only one way to get it back. You know what it is you need to do.
But above all else, enjoy it!
 
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Built_to_Last said:
... Is this the best I can expect being close to 80 years old? ...
Click to expand...
Not necessarily. George Rood ran a 126 at straight pool when he was 88 and I think Bob Byrne ran his age at 77.

Maybe there is some mechanical problem that has crept into your game. Maybe your eyesight has changed. No one here can figure that out on-line. For the former, try to find an instructor who does video analysis of stroke mechanics. You might try posting a video -- just be sure to get good views from front, sides and rear.
 
Thanks for all the responses.

Bob, I do wear glasses but corrected I am 20/20 in both eyes.

I fear that you might be right. I could have a flaw in my stroke I'm simply not catching. I'm simply terrified it might simply be my age and that I shouldn't expect to be able to perform as well as my mind intends me to.

Thanks guys for the talk about more hours at the table. I think I might do the Lowry 3000 ball stroke drill and not play at all until I groove my stroke.

But I don't want to be seen as the idiot old man in the corner firing balls into the pockets by themselves with no cue ball in sight.

My vanity won't swallow that pill very well.

Does anybody know of any drills that will allow me to still pocket object balls but still accomplish what the Tor Lowry single ball 3000 shot drill might?

Built
 
Hows the murder trial going for Texas, or was it NY. Or did the blonde end up being the guilty party?
 
Built_to_Last said:
Thanks for all the responses.

Bob, I do wear glasses but corrected I am 20/20 in both eyes.

I fear that you might be right. I could have a flaw in my stroke I'm simply not catching. I'm simply terrified it might simply be my age and that I shouldn't expect to be able to perform as well as my mind intends me to.

Thanks guys for the talk about more hours at the table. I think I might do the Lowry 3000 ball stroke drill and not play at all until I groove my stroke.

But I don't want to be seen as the idiot old man in the corner firing balls into the pockets by themselves with no cue ball in sight.

My vanity won't swallow that pill very well.

Does anybody know of any drills that will allow me to still pocket object balls but still accomplish what the Tor Lowry single ball 3000 shot drill might?

Built
Click to expand...

Object ball 2 feet away from pocket. Cue ball 4 feet from object ball. Shoot straight ins until you are sick of them. Works for me.
 
Built_to_Last said:
Hey Group,

Between tracking the unknown monsters all over the country... I've been inspired and have started picking my cue back up and have been hitting some.

But I'm getting really frustrated. My mind is still in tune. I haven't lost that yet. I know what I need to do, and how to do it, at least A level in that regard. But my execution is around C-level.

In nine ball I will run a perfect 4 or 5 balls, great shape, always leaving an angle to leave an angle but I will rattle or jaw the 4th or 5th ball.

But what is really frustrating is I won't get out of line or be out of line I will simply jaw or rattle a ball.

And I still get my proper shape on the next ball.

I know it's a game of fractions of a millimeter but I have really been pulling my hair out.

Does anyone have any ideas on ways to get that execution level back up?

I really don't want to take up one pocket, where close enough is usually good enough.

I have an A player mind, in a C players body it seems.

Is this the best I can expect being close to 80 years old?

Frustrated.

And kinda depressed.

Built
Click to expand...


Info deleted



Good luck.
 
Last edited:
Built_to_Last said:
Hey Group,

Between tracking the unknown monsters all over the country... I've been inspired and have started picking my cue back up and have been hitting some.

But I'm getting really frustrated. My mind is still in tune. I haven't lost that yet. I know what I need to do, and how to do it, at least A level in that regard. But my execution is around C-level.

In nine ball I will run a perfect 4 or 5 balls, great shape, always leaving an angle to leave an angle but I will rattle or jaw the 4th or 5th ball.

But what is really frustrating is I won't get out of line or be out of line I will simply jaw or rattle a ball.

And I still get my proper shape on the next ball.

I know it's a game of fractions of a millimeter but I have really been pulling my hair out.

Does anyone have any ideas on ways to get that execution level back up?

I really don't want to take up one pocket, where close enough is usually good enough.

I have an A player mind, in a C players body it seems.

Is this the best I can expect being close to 80 years old?

Frustrated.

And kinda depressed.

Built
Click to expand...

i havent read the answers but my 2 suggestions are
play on tables with bigger pockets.......:D
practice more
i hope im running balls as well as you if i make it to 80......:smile:
 
the chicken said:
Answer to all of your problems: Practice as many hours a day as you can until your stroke is straight and consistent. Took me over three years (I'm 66) to achieve a good stroke and now other shots are just falling into place. You can do it. Keep practicing until your stroke is under full control.

Note: I don't have anywhere near the control I did when I was in my teens, but it's close. Keep practicing and good luck.

Shoot safe,

John
Click to expand...

IMHO it is this one by far ......I am 70 and started back about 7 years ago....after lessons etc I found that this was the one thing that really makes a difference for me. you will know when you make a good stroke, it "feels" right and the ball goes in the pocket. and one more thing.......it is all about the rhythm! :thumbup:
 
Built_to_Last said:
Hey Group,

Between tracking the unknown monsters all over the country... I've been inspired and have started picking my cue back up and have been hitting some.

But I'm getting really frustrated. My mind is still in tune. I haven't lost that yet. I know what I need to do, and how to do it, at least A level in that regard. But my execution is around C-level.

In nine ball I will run a perfect 4 or 5 balls, great shape, always leaving an angle to leave an angle but I will rattle or jaw the 4th or 5th ball.

But what is really frustrating is I won't get out of line or be out of line I will simply jaw or rattle a ball.

And I still get my proper shape on the next ball.

I know it's a game of fractions of a millimeter but I have really been pulling my hair out.

Does anyone have any ideas on ways to get that execution level back up?

I really don't want to take up one pocket, where close enough is usually good enough.

I have an A player mind, in a C players body it seems.

Is this the best I can expect being close to 80 years old?

Frustrated.

And kinda depressed.

Built
Click to expand...

In addition to practice, you would be wise to get a coach to look at what you're doing. If your eyes are still good, your hand is steady and your body is supported, believe me there's no reason why you can't play "A" level again. There are several players at Hardtimes in LA who are 80 or near it, and they can give anybody a game.
 
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Built_to_Last said:
My vanity won't swallow that pill very well.
Click to expand...

After your embarrassing trolling attempt for the Hard Times 10 ball in July, you seem to have changed your motive for trolling. I don't know why other people are attempting to help you when you joined this site and started trolling right away. You got mental problems bud.
 
Age & pool

Regardless of the actual age of the poster there have been some very good advice given in response. One thing that is given over and over that I feel should have a disclaimer added and that is "practice, practice, practice". No one can practice endlessly, IMO, and still maintain quality benefit. After 20-30 min it become monotnous and boring and what you end up doing is practicing bad habits. Especiallly as we age. Fundamentals is what breaks down ie, dropping the elbow, not lining up correctly and the number culprit is not staying down on the shot. Get an instructor, not to teach you how to play pool, but to observe and insure your fundamentals are solid.
 
Built_to_Last said:
Thanks for all the responses.

Bob, I do wear glasses but corrected I am 20/20 in both eyes.

I fear that you might be right. I could have a flaw in my stroke I'm simply not catching. I'm simply terrified it might simply be my age and that I shouldn't expect to be able to perform as well as my mind intends me to.

Thanks guys for the talk about more hours at the table. I think I might do the Lowry 3000 ball stroke drill and not play at all until I groove my stroke.

But I don't want to be seen as the idiot old man in the corner firing balls into the pockets by themselves with no cue ball in sight.

My vanity won't swallow that pill very well.

Does anybody know of any drills that will allow me to still pocket object balls but still accomplish what the Tor Lowry single ball 3000 shot drill might?

Built
Click to expand...

Hi there "Built to Last", way to go & keep trying. Making myself a pair of POOL GLASSES that I could see with & see properly, made a WORLD of Difference. (see attachment).

Maybe, just maybe, some anxiety creeps in as you approach the completion of the run-out. I'm sure we all feel a little of that. I find that some extra focus is required as run goes on. I also like to get in that mental zone that is similar to some kind of trance. There was a mental application that many a golfer used, called Psycho-Cybernetics, where you pictured in your mind accomplishing a physical task. That book was written in the 1960s.

Good Luck...
 

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