Build a champion in a month or 2. Is this possible?

The way I saw it they play pretty even with both of them shooting straight. Sounds like egos are involved now.

Personally I would have kept Zach off the streams and not allowed the internet railbirds to see his game at all.

As for the idea that Geno is micromanaging that is true to a degree. This appears to be a public experiment on what happens if an older experienced player travels with a younger inexperienced one. Part of building a champion is to put him into increasingly tougher games to learn how to fade the pressure and how to observe and learn from better players.

When you get to championship level you have to have learned how to bring your A game even when there is nothing left in the tank. If gambling you have to either manage the matches so that you agree to play only x-hours a day or play a certain number of sets and stick to it otherwise you run the very real risk of playing so much that you have no energy left at all. But pool players are notorious for matching up with no set times and just playing until someone quits.

I myself have had many sessions which lasted 12 hours or more. In fact a while back I had $500 a rack action playing one pocket, a truly sweet game for me, and I ruined it by playing way past my bedtime. Had I managed the sessions better then I am positive that I would have won much more than I did with a lot less pressure. So part of being a champion, which I am not, is in my opinion having the resolve and discipline to control the environment as much as they possibly can.

The question is whether Zach is actually learning any lessons or is just a road trip for him where he will still act like most young hotshots running around and gambling more for ego rather than for the goal of becoming a truly top player.

I took a 15 year old Jimmy Wells on his first road trip and I can tell you he played for nothing but his ego. Had nothing to do with money for him and it was a nightmare and I had to turn him loose.
 
I took a 15 year old Jimmy Wells on his first road trip and I can tell you he played for nothing but his ego. Had nothing to do with money for him and it was a nightmare and I had to turn him loose.

I've turned more than a few loose myself. Sometimes it seems like they are trying to go broke.
 
The way I saw it they play pretty even with both of them shooting straight. Sounds like egos are involved now.

Personally I would have kept Zach off the streams and not allowed the internet railbirds to see his game at all.

As for the idea that Geno is micromanaging that is true to a degree. This appears to be a public experiment on what happens if an older experienced player travels with a younger inexperienced one. Part of building a champion is to put him into increasingly tougher games to learn how to fade the pressure and how to observe and learn from better players.

When you get to championship level you have to have learned how to bring your A game even when there is nothing left in the tank. If gambling you have to either manage the matches so that you agree to play only x-hours a day or play a certain number of sets and stick to it otherwise you run the very real risk of playing so much that you have no energy left at all. But pool players are notorious for matching up with no set times and just playing until someone quits.

I myself have had many sessions which lasted 12 hours or more. In fact a while back I had $500 a rack action playing one pocket, a truly sweet game for me, and I ruined it by playing way past my bedtime. Had I managed the sessions better then I am positive that I would have won much more than I did with a lot less pressure. So part of being a champion, which I am not, is in my opinion having the resolve and discipline to control the environment as much as they possibly can.

The question is whether Zach is actually learning any lessons or is just a road trip for him where he will still act like most young hotshots running around and gambling more for ego rather than for the goal of becoming a truly top player.
Good comments here. While it remains to be seen if Zach will eventually learn the lessons that he is being taught, one must also consider whether the person giving the lessons has sufficiently learned from his experiences.

Geno, for example, is attempting to teach Zach the importance of getting enough sleep but doesn't even follow his own advice. Among other considerations, Geno's lifestyle choices are also part of the "lessons" that Zach is absorbing.
 
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Controlled bravado is the key.Finding and recognizing boundaries,push the envelope,wash and repeat.
 
Experience is the teacher.......

Good comments here. While it remains to be seen if Zach will eventually learn the lessons that he is being taught, one must also consider whether the person giving the lessons has sufficiently learned from his experiences.

Geno, for example, is attempting to teach Zach the importance of getting enough sleep but doesn't even follow his own advice. Among other considerations, Geno's lifestyle choices are also part of the "lessons" that Zach is absorbing.

I have made mistakes myself in the past. I have learned from them.

One mistake that many players make is that they know they havn't had enough sleep and they still play. These players are just waiting to lose.

I have a twist to this. I am diabetic. I start out with the tank only half full.
Sometimes if the blood sugar is too high or 2 low I don't think as good as normal. This is a normal problem for all diabetics.

There are so many players out there that are not diabetic like Zach that just sabatage their ability to play by not taking care of their own physical needs like proper diet and sleep. So simple to follow certain guidelines but it takes allot of discipline.

I'm a competitor and I still make mistakes when I match up. I havn't figured out how to manage diabetes so my mind or body stays in top form to play. I might go in the tank at any time for no reason because of my illness.

Sometimes it's hard to pull up when you should because your judgement is a little impaired along with just being competitive.

If I play for $500 or $1000 I will guarantee that I have done everything possible to be ready or it will not happen. And many times on the road I can't be ready because of my health and my teaching schedule.

That's why I myself usually don't play too many big money sets.

$100, $200 or $300. are usually my limits.

I assure you I know what to do and how to take care of myselfto get ready to play minus the diabetes.

I'm teaching this to Zach. He did it my way and was playing pretty good.

Then he did it's Zachs way and not so good for a week now.

Now we're going to try it Genes way again.

Already Zach knows he didn't like the way he felt or played for the last week.

We have 2 days here in Sioux Falls, SD until we go back for christmas.

Then it's back on the road and the road school will continue.

2 men a van and the road........
 
Had some fun last night.......

I put Zack to bed at 9:00PM. he was beat.

Went down to the poolhall and there was SVB. Shane came over and said hi and we started talking pool.

He asked me if i knew Tippy from Minnesota and told me tippy was from Sioux City.

We hung out for awhile and then Shane and Tippy went to another bar over by my motel room so I went too.

I gave a lesson to Cecil the Diesel tonight. He took Shane, Bob and myself to a great restuarant and turned me on the their great walleye. What A treat. We all sat around and talked for about an hour or so.

Got 2 lessons set up for tomorrow. Leaving Sat at noon. Can still get one in sat afternoon.

give me a call. 715-563-8712 Thanks everyone .........
 
Geno, can you get Zachary some table time with SVB? Whether it be for fun or modest stakes.....if they can match up fairly, Zach could learn a lot or get a huge boost of confidence.
 
I have made mistakes myself in the past. I have learned from them.

One mistake that many players make is that they know they havn't had enough sleep and they still play. These players are just waiting to lose.

I have a twist to this. I am diabetic. I start out with the tank only half full.
Sometimes if the blood sugar is too high or 2 low I don't think as good as normal. This is a normal problem for all diabetics.

There are so many players out there that are not diabetic like Zach that just sabatage their ability to play by not taking care of their own physical needs like proper diet and sleep. So simple to follow certain guidelines but it takes allot of discipline.

I'm a competitor and I still make mistakes when I match up. I havn't figured out how to manage diabetes so my mind or body stays in top form to play. I might go in the tank at any time for no reason because of my illness.

Sometimes it's hard to pull up when you should because your judgement is a little impaired along with just being competitive.

If I play for $500 or $1000 I will guarantee that I have done everything possible to be ready or it will not happen. And many times on the road I can't be ready because of my health and my teaching schedule.

That's why I myself usually don't play too many big money sets.

$100, $200 or $300. are usually my limits.

I assure you I know what to do and how to take care of myselfto get ready to play minus the diabetes.

I'm teaching this to Zach. He did it my way and was playing pretty good.

Then he did it's Zachs way and not so good for a week now.

Now we're going to try it Genes way again.

Already Zach knows he didn't like the way he felt or played for the last week.

We have 2 days here in Sioux Falls, SD until we go back for christmas.

Then it's back on the road and the road school will continue.

2 men a van and the road........

Gene PLEASE look into Juicing. From all that I have read juicing properly cures diabetes. I have known a few diabetics and some with severe issues regulating sugar and insulin that resulted in life threatening situations.

You don't have to try to continue to manage something that you can actually cure.
 
Please PM me

Gene PLEASE look into Juicing. From all that I have read juicing properly cures diabetes. I have known a few diabetics and some with severe issues regulating sugar and insulin that resulted in life threatening situations.

You don't have to try to continue to manage something that you can actually cure.

I too am diabetic, pills and 60 units of insulin a day. Please forward me what I need to do, IE juicing to get off the diabetic pills and insulin.

Thanks

Geno, congrats on beating the storm.
 
Gene PLEASE look into Juicing. From all that I have read juicing properly cures diabetes. I have known a few diabetics and some with severe issues regulating sugar and insulin that resulted in life threatening situations.

You don't have to try to continue to manage something that you can actually cure.

I too am diabetic, pills and 60 units of insulin a day. Please forward me what I need to do, IE juicing to get off the diabetic pills and insulin.

Thanks

Geno, congrats on beating the storm.

Here are some websites that might help you with this topic:

http://www.healthy-vegetable-gardening.com/juicingdiabetes.html
http://reversetype2diabetes.blog.com/juicing/
http://juicingtherainbow.com/category/disease/diabetes/
 
Thanks guys, I'm going to try it..........


This is one thing I havn't tried. If anything it will help me lose weight.

Now i need to find a small juicer that I can keep on the road. I have one in Eau Claire that I used about 5 years ago. I juiced but I did too much fruit.

Thanks again geno........
 
Nice little town Sioux Falls, SD.....

The day started out with 2 lessons. One to Cecil the Diesel and one to the bartender.

Each poolhall that I go to I give the owner a free lesson. They can either take it themselves or give it to one of their favorite people.

Bigs Sports Bar and Billiards is a pretty nice place and they're making it better all the time. Allot of remodeling going on. I got there after some major changes were made.

The tables play great and as usual i can see the owner is well liked by all the players.

Later on in the night we went down to JJ's Billiards. Gave a couple of mini lessons and watched Tippy play a guy some speed pool for 20 a game. It was like stealing because Tippy plays that speed pool pretty sporty.

Then the guy Tippy was playing said something about throwing quarters at the spot on the table for $10 a throw. Zach was in. he likes doing all that off the wall stuff for money and he's pretty coordinated. Zack wins $200 before the guy quit.

Then they all went to eat and I went to the fitness center. They all wanted me to come with but I got to take care of business with the old body. Eating was just the opposite of what i had to do.

Got a lesson today at 6:30 with Justin Hansen. I get really excited before I give a lesson because i know how important this is if a player wants to get better at all. Justin is pretty pumped too. I talked to him last night.

All in all this is fun to be in Sioux Falls. A slower pace than Des Moines but that fast pace can really get you wore out. Kind of like being in Vegas for 3 weeks. Most people have had enough after 3 days.

Going down to see what the night will bring. One lesson for sure and then whatever else happens. Another adventure like everyday on the road.

You never know what will happen.

2 men a van and the road...........
 
Another great day in Sioux Falls, SD.

We're finally getting rested up and Zach is starting to feel human agian.

We got a great motel here. The Comfort Inn. They have a nice whirlpool and super breakfast in the morning. I'm never up for that but zack is.

I hate to leave here bacause we just got here but we have about a 10 hour trip back to Wisconsin.

Zach played 3 sets tonight for $100. 2 with Sam, race to 11 9 ball and one with The Hammer , race to 7 8 ball.

I won the handicap 9 ball tournament so I had a little fun also.

Overall we made a total of about $380.

Covers expenses so that's great.

Got one lesson tomorrow before we head back to Wisconsin.

Is it ever cold here. I know it will be even colder in Wi.

We should be there for about 1 week. I know I have a bucket full of lessons to do there.

2 men a van and the road......Merry Christmas.....
 
Heading back to Wisconsin right now........

We're on our way.

The good news is all you guys in Wisconsin that have been waiting for me to get back can do the Perfect Aim lesson.

I will be In Eau Claire until Jan 2nd.

give me a call 715-563-8712.

If there is anyone on our way back from Sioux City to Madison Wi i will stop and work with you.

2 men a van and the road.......
 
This is one thing I havn't tried. If anything it will help me lose weight.

Now i need to find a small juicer that I can keep on the road. I have one in Eau Claire that I used about 5 years ago. I juiced but I did too much fruit.

Thanks again geno........

I use the Ninja, that my son bought as a present. It's not really a juicer as much as it is an unbelievable blender. I use mostly fruit but throw some veggies in and add either juice or ice cubes to thin the concoction. I had a juicer but it separated the pulp and the juice and I personally like the pulp and think it's good for you. :grin-square: I got rid of the juicer and find the Ninja good for making what I call SMOOTHIES. Too thick? Just add water or juice.

The motor is strong and the blades are sharp and durable. They can make ice cubes into a snowball in seconds. http://www.ninjakitchen.com/productListing.shtml
 
Merry Christmas to you and Zack! Thanks for the updates on your trials, tribulations and successes.

Reading your ongoing saga makes my day.
 
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