Developing the New Generation of Pocket Billiard Players - What Can We Do?

[CJ Wiley]

We will be doing some things together in the near future, when she's available

This is great, CJ... You ought to get in touch with Jeanette Lee as she also has a heart for mentoring juniors. Maybe the both of you can start some sort of summer camp for aspiring junior pool players. Also BEF is another potential partner if you have a passion to help junior pool.

Jeanette and I have been friends for many years, I remember when she first started playing professionally.

We will be doing some things together in the near future, when she's available. Her schedule with the APA is pretty hectic I would imagine.

 

[yankee817299]

My pool ventures started at the local YMCA. I don't think that this organization is as prominent as it use to be, but in some areas may offer a good place to get started. I'm sure that they would welcome some volunteer work with the kids also.

 

[9andout]

Hey the 11 month old and his Pop coming over for some football today.
Time for another "lesson"
Hope he doesn't pick up any of my brother's bad habits! Like....losing

 

[CJ Wiley]

Pool is a better TV game than poker

I can only go by what i see. In Tulsa there are 2 places that have big tables. One used to be nice but is now on it's last legs. The other has world-class equipment but it sells liquor so no kids. Most of the younger crowd around here are all playing poker. They start online playing for free and transition to tournament play and gambling. The time it takes to become a decent to fairly good poker player is way less than pool. Have you looked at what poker pays? Middle of the road tournaments pay $100,00 to win. The $ rewards offered by pool are a JOKE compared to cards. For kids, pool is a tough sell.

The "inside information" is that pool will be catching up with Poker within the next 3 years.

Pool is a better TV game than poker, we just have to create our "magic bullet". Poker's magic bullet came when they started to show the hole cards. The one we'll use in Pool is different, yet just as effective.

 

[Johnnyt]

New generation players need new type tables. The table must have pockets that light and flash when a ball is made in them. Loud explosions and smoke must be part of the pocketed ball. Johnnyt

 

[CJ Wiley]

Pool a chance to "spread it's wings," and fly back into the competitive spotli

New generation players need new type tables. The table must have pockets that light and flash when a ball is made in them. Loud explosions and smoke must be part of the pocketed ball. Johnnyt

That won't be necessary, the kids simply need to be introduced to the original game, like we were. I can't watch pool as it's played these days, and can relate to why no one else does either.

Pocket Billiards is "the master game," however, it must be given a fair chance to "spread it's wings," and fly back into the competitive spotlight. The only way to do this is to introduce a format that brings out all the strengths and eliminates the entertainment weaknesses. imho

 

[Medalist]

New generation players need new type tables. The table must have pockets that light and flash when a ball is made in them. Loud explosions and smoke must be part of the pocketed ball. Johnnyt

Finally a difinitive solution.

 

[CJ Wiley]

I've often used pool to build a bridge to other types of learning.

My pool ventures started at the local YMCA. I don't think that this organization is as prominent as it use to be, but in some areas may offer a good place to get started. I'm sure that they would welcome some volunteer work with the kids also.

Back in the 90s a TV producer in Dallas wanted me to develop a game on the pool table that taught geometry, math, physics, and even spelling (using letters on the balls). I still think this could be a good idea, kids learn quickly in a fun, yet challenging environment.

I've often used pool to build a bridge to other types of learning. Hopefully, at some point, we can take that idea down off the shelf, it still has merit.

 

[jburkm002]

Pro pool on TV is never going to be popular. Not that anyone should give up. Bottom line is pool may not be entertaining for everyone to watch. Can't change that with any format. It's about the players. You either need need to promote players by state or country. Another shot would be to take SVB around the world challenging everyone. Look over 2014 results in every tournament and ask why would anyone want to watch the finals of a tournament on tv. Why did you watch? Why didn't you watch? Did anyone around you take interest in watching and why? Some stream have commentators. Do they invite players to come on and promote their sponsors? I know it's a what's in it for me world but I would think players would love a free plug. Unless there is a conflict of interest with whoever is streaming and their sponsors.

 

[CJ Wiley]

like any new technology it could only happen by thinking completely "outside the box"

Pro pool on TV is never going to be popular. Not that anyone should give up. Bottom line is pool may not be entertaining for everyone to watch. Can't change that with any format. It's about the players. You either need need to promote players by state or country. Another shot would be to take SVB around the world challenging everyone. Look over 2014 results in every tournament and ask why would anyone want to watch the finals of a tournament on tv. Why did you watch? Why didn't you watch? Did anyone around you take interest in watching and why? Some stream have commentators. Do they invite players to come on and promote their sponsors? I know it's a what's in it for me world but I would think players would love a free plug. Unless there is a conflict of interest with whoever is streaming and their sponsors.

You're right, pool as it's known today doesn't have a chance to be a great, TV Game.

The good news is there's a solution, and it's being developed specifically to solve all the problems you outlined in your post.

It took 23 years to reach this point, and, like any new technology it could only happen by thinking completely "outside the box"......or pool table in this particular example.

 

[jburkm002]

What are you trying to get on TV? The semi finals, finals or race to the finals. I personally don't mind live streams that I can watch on tv, phone or laptop. Convenient in some way with today's technology. One thing that I personally don't like is table assignments. Seems table assignments are done using a program, Just not a fan of two powerhouses that almost everyone would love watching but not being streamed. Your stuck watching a match you really have no interest in. Just don't think that's good for the viewers or pool. Need flexibility in table assignments for the benefit of growing pool, which in the end benefits players.

 

[CJ Wiley]

We are changing things significantly, and taking a new, fresh approach

What are you trying to get on TV? The semi finals, finals or race to the finals. I personally don't mind live streams that I can watch on tv, phone or laptop. Convenient in some way with today's technology. One thing that I personally don't like is table assignments. Seems table assignments are done using a program, Just not a fan of two powerhouses that almost everyone would love watching but not being streamed. Your stuck watching a match you really have no interest in. Just don't think that's good for the viewers or pool. Need flexibility in table assignments for the benefit of growing pool, which in the end benefits players.

I've been involved in numerous TV broadcast with ESPN, however, I would not dream of taking them the format used today.

We are changing things significantly, and taking a new, fresh approach to the Game.

'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[DAVE_M]

So much contradiction going on in this thread.

First you say we should introduce newcomers to the game we were introduced to, the original game.
So you teach them the original game to compete in today's format.
Then you say that pool will not succeed in the current format.

I think what you're trying to say is, "Buy my TOI DVD."

Here's my opinion on "developing the new generation of pocket billiard players:"
1) Bring them to a proper modern pool hall.
- Lacy's Cue in Chalmette, LA is a great example: No smoke, comfortable temperatures, food, and quality equipment.
2) Show them it's not difficult to learn the game, by teaching them the basics.
- Hit the ball in the hole.
- You don't introduce a player by teaching them your TOI bologna.
3) Stop trying to make a pro in a day.
- Introducing players to league's will allow the players to grow at their own pace.

I started playing when I found out my University had a pool hall with 8' Brunswick's: No smoke, light atmosphere, and a great way to relax from my studies.

Bringing someone into a smoke filled bar, with your typical trash, isn't the way to do things.

 

[macguy]

That won't be necessary, the kids simply need to be introduced to the original game, like we were. I can't watch pool as it's played these days, and can relate to why no one else does either.

Pocket Billiards is "the master game," however, it must be given a fair chance to "spread it's wings," and fly back into the competitive spotlight. The only way to do this is to introduce a format that brings out all the strengths and eliminates the entertainment weaknesses. imho

I am trying to understand where you are coming from. Are you always just referring to pro pool? Why would anyone watch a game they can't go out and play themselves?

I know I sound like a broken record but without pool rooms and places to play the game, why should anyone care about watching it? Until pool rooms begin to open again across the country again the game will remain a thing of the past. That is just a fact.

People would play and take an interest but they need somewhere to play. This may never happen of course without new investors who want to be in the pool room business.

In the past you had Brunswick bowling alleys with 20 and 30 table pool rooms. At night they would be filled with players. This was not isolated it was all over the country. I bet the first time you played it was in a place like that.

I don't see anything like this happening again without a major player like Brunswick was. We can talk around in circles but I am right. I live in a town with 170,000 population. I just looked it up. We don't have one pool room, not one.

I can drive to another town and find some dumps to play but that is about it. Not any place someone would take a family or introduce the game to their kids.

I was just jogging my memory and when I was a teenager this same town had 4 Bowling alleys with a total of 110 tables. The town also had three stand alone family pool rooms with about another 50 tables as well as a few less savory places and of course bars many of which were very nice.

Doing some additional math using 1960's population my town had one public table for every 320 people in the town, men women and children. Today they have none. Wow that is amazing, how do you reverse something like that.

This was over 50 years ago, I could get on my bike and go play pool anytime I wanted. Over time this just all went away and for the life of me I can not see how it can ever come back.

Pool will always be around in one form or another, but mostly in the bars on small tables. There is a saying "Nothing is forever" and this may be the case for big table pool, at least in this country.

It had a good run but pools best days may be long behind it. Positive thinking and prayer will not help. Only dollars invested in places to play and I don't see that happening.

There is no Brunswick type around to carry the ball anymore. 8 ball on the bar table
"IS" pool now and about all most payers know or identify with. Have a few beers play a few games, thats it.

 

[CJ Wiley]

Everything throughout history has seemed impossible, until it's actually done

I am trying to understand where you are coming from. Are you always just referring to pro pool? Why would anyone watch a game they can't go out and play themselves?

I know I sound like a broken record but without pool rooms and places to play the game, why should anyone care about watching it? Until pool rooms begin to open again across the country again the game will remain a thing of the past. That is just a fact.

I appreciate your input, and if I were you, I'd probably be skeptical as well.

This game will be played by everyone, it has a fantastic format where you and I could play evenly and you would enjoy it more than trying to keep up at 8 or 9 Ball. There are several specific reasons that I'll go over at a later date, this isn't the time or place.

I'm well aware of the pool room situation, it has been my main profession. My last place, Carson's Palace was #1 in the state of Texas for two years (according to TABC public reports), and CJ's Billiard Palace was arguably the most popular room in America. Pool room owners get stuck too, especially with all the negativity associated with the discussion of pool and it's players.....this isn't usual, it's simply human nature.

Technological advancements throughout history have seemed impossible, until it's actually done, the situation with Pro pool is no different.

 

[Chrippa]

Back in the 90s a TV producer in Dallas wanted me to develop a game on the pool table that taught geometry, math, physics, and even spelling (using letters on the balls). I still think this could be a good idea, kids learn quickly in a fun, yet challenging environment.

I've often used pool to build a bridge to other types of learning. Hopefully, at some point, we can take that idea down off the shelf, it still has merit.

Great idea, some of the things I connect to the game also. If you want to build a plattform that is solid you start from the ground up. In other words - the kids, beginning etc.

To get kids to play pool you need to show the parents what they can learn and grow from in a positive way. Give most kids a ball to play with and they have fun, when we have fun we are open and learn the most and in a fast pace.

Goes for adults also, just keep the mindset of younger years when all was possible and you had courage to take a step forward, you will fall learning new things - just nature, get up, wipe the tears and you will soon be running:smile:.

Take care CJ, you are doing some great work navigating on the "table".

Chrippa

 

[macguy]

Great idea, some of the things I connect to the game also. If you want to build a plattform that is solid you start from the ground up. In other words - the kids, beginning etc.

To get kids to play pool you need to show the parents what they can learn and grow from in a positive way. Give most kids a ball to play with and they have fun, when we have fun we are open and learn the most and in a fast pace.

Goes for adults also, just keep the mindset of younger years when all was possible and you had courage to take a step forward, you will fall learning new things - just nature, get up, wipe the tears and you will soon be running:smile:.

Take care CJ, you are doing some great work navigating on the "table".

Chrippa

I never saw pool as something for learning. Like most when I started playing it was just something to do, a time waster like a lot of things. I think it may also be too slow for modern young minds. Spending hours playing a pointless game.

That is why so many of us that really like to play can't understand why others don't feel like we do. I think we are the exceptions and in a very very small minority.

Being objective though, I have owned several pool rooms and have watched tens of thousands of hours of play by average players. I can tell you, most if no all could just as well been throwing horse shoes or any other meaningless activity it was so unimportant to them.

Thats not going to change. All we have is a game played by a small subculture that we belong to. Given the chance others will play but don't expect them to take it seriously.

And don't for a minute think they want their children to be playing pool seriously. It is extremely time consuming and if you don't have a home table can be very expensive. They may view it as just another bad thing their kids don't need to be doing.

I am not trying to be negative but you have to be realistic. You don't want to have pie in the sky ideas that will never work.

If you go in a dollar store you will find a book section. Lots of books on all kinds of subjects with jacket prices of $25.00 and $30.00. As interested as the author may have been in the subject and maybe spent years of work on the book, it is sitting in a dollar store with no takers.

Others don't always see things or care about things like we do. It is an important thing to know so you can know where to focus your efforts and have realistic goals.

 

[CJ Wiley]

Pay Attention as much as we can afford - it pays off many times over

I never saw pool as something for learning. Like most when I started playing it was just something to do, a time waster like a lot of things. I think it may also be too slow for modern young minds. Spending hours playing a pointless game.

.

We all have a right to our opinions, however, it's still good to have an open mind for new ways of learning, developing and growing.

 

[macguy]

We all have a right to our opinions, however, it's still good to have an open mind for new ways of learning, developing and growing.

I do have an open mind, I also live in the real world. What I said is true. To accomplish one's goals you have to work in a framework of reality and be realistic.

There is a saying about 90% of all new small businesses go out of business in the first three years. If this is even true, 90% of that 90% is due to unrealistic business plans, not that the business was a bad idea. It may very well have been a good idea done badly. I am a great believer in reality even if it is not what one may want to hear.

 

[Paul Schofield]

The most significant action any one person can take to attract young people to our great game is to open a brand new billiard room....and not just any kind of room. It must be a room that is ultra-public and a businees that a community can be comfortable with and be proud of. Nothing creates players like a good new room. The business of attracting new players to our game and keeping them involved is a LOCAL endeavor.