Do I have a good chance to go pro?

[jjinfla]

Well....I'm 17 now...have been playing pool for about almost 2 years....and....maybe i'm between a C and B player...
I can do run out about 3 times when playing pool for 2 hour....
Do I have a good chance to go pro in about 3 years looking at my current condition??

Have you finished High School? What kind of student were you? How were your grades? What field of work would you like to enter? Is College/University something that would interest you? Are you capable of even completing University?

Absolutely finish High School first before you do anything. Then you can take two years off to work on becoming a pro.

Contact an instructor and have him evaluate your skills. He would be the one who could tell you if, with a lot of hard work, you can attain pro level. Then you can work with him for that goal. But of course that takes money. Which means that you will have to find a job first.

And then you still have to ask yourself what reward you get for becoming a pro. As the man above states, everyone will hope you fail everytime you compete. Right now only the top receive good money.

Jake

 

[ericksakti]

thx for all the reply

okay I really appreciate all the reply that you have given me....but what I can see from all the previous post is that almost all of you was thinking that I'm going to quit my school....hell no I won't do that....actually...I have the best mark in my class...and not to be proud of it...but I got it WITHOUT studying at home.....so I still have a lot of spare time to play pool...and to support my statement...I have a pool table in my house....so that mean I can play anytime I want...and I still join the tournament when I have time too....what I'm going to say is I'm going to enjoy playing pool while still going to school and play pool when I have time....well...If I failed as a pool player...then I will be a business man...lol....well...actually my real dream is to become a business man and a pro pool player at the same time...anybody know any pro pool player that do business at the same time?

 

[Billy_Bob]

I live in a small town and the players here are not so great. Well I "went on the road" so to speak and began playing better players in nearby large cities.

Now it is nothing for me to beat all the players in the local bar. Actually I need to let them win so they will continue to play me. And this is because of things I have learned from playing the better players elsewhere. And these things I have learned are not known about locally here.

So I guess what I am saying is if you want to go pro, start by playing the pros right *now*, today. Find the best players you can and play them as often as you can. Enter pro tournaments, enter local tournaments, find out where the best players play in your area and play them as much as possible.

You might lose, lose, lose for awhile, but if you are like me, your skills will improve to match those who you are frequently playing. I get tired and disgusted with losing and set my mind to beating "that guy" just once, then I do it! Then I do it again some time later. Then before you know it, "that guy" I once looked up to as being impossible to beat is no longer so hard to beat. It's amazing!

 

[chefjeff]

(snip)...If I failed as a pool player...then I will be a business man...lol....well...actually my real dream is to become a business man and a pro pool player at the same time...anybody know any pro pool player that do business at the same time?

If you integrate business with pool playing, you'll be waaaay ahead of 99% of your competition.

If you can learn enough in school to have a foundation for learning business, then that is good. Beware, though, that some schools actually teach you to ignore/hate/dis/punish/forego/dismiss/denegrate/harm/kill/intiate violence against/thwart/stop/terminate the business mindset. Beware!

May I ask a question?...What is it about being a "pro pool player" that attracts your interest?

Jeff Livingston

 

[seiyaryu55]

I might change the not studying part and start studying. Why? Because i had that same mentality when i was in jr high going onto high school. I never studied and eventually mmy grades dropped pathetically low. Now i realize that there arent many people out there that can be smart without some sort of help. Unfortunetly i realized that after it was too late for high school, so im planning to make amends for college. If i had leraned properly from the get go, i could have had a 4.0 GPA right now, instead of barely makeing a 3.0 GPA.

Anyway, im kind of in yur position. Im 17 and i aspire to be a pro pool player someday. Ive given up a lot of time to pool, making me play better than my friends, but i realized that i probably wont become a pro within the next few years. My plan, currently, is to get a masters or PhD in engineering and THEN go for the pro tour. If it doesnt work out, well, at least i have a degree to help me get work later on. I might be starting off late, but i would rather be late then not have options that i would be happy with.

 

[ericksakti]

May I ask a question?...What is it about being a "pro pool player" that attracts your interest?

Jeff Livingston

actually....I really like to play pool...but I know that I may not have a good living if I play pool...I can say that because I know that my dad make more money than ANY pool player in this world...well...being a pro pool player while having a job is my goal...so I can have a lot of fun in pool and getting additional money at the same time...

 

[Donovan]

I am going to assume you did not intend to insult anyone here, but that statement is a bit offensive. After dropping out of college, I went back, spent countless nights studying and applying myself; at the same time worked third shift as well as slept in shifts to get a degree. I worked hard and made sacrifices so that I would not pay later in life, and respectfully disagree that school is the easy way out. As with many things in life, you take out what you put in.

Oh come on! You're taking things waaay to personal. Be proud of your schooling, but don't get silly about it. School was tough for most of us, but it wasn't something that in unachievable. Many people play pool, but will never achieve pro status. Look at it like this: Millions of people do the school thing; millions of people don't make it as a pro pool player.

Shanghai wasn't insulting anything and he certainly wasn't saying school was easy. He was saying that between the two choices of school and being a pro, that school is the easier of two choices.

Common sense with or without schooling should have made you see this. However, all that aside...Congrats on getting the schooling thing done. Many fail that endeavor as well!

 

[ceebee]

I can see from all the previous post is that almost all of you was thinking that I'm going to quit my school....hell no I won't do that....actually...I have the best mark in my class...and not to be proud of it...but I got it WITHOUT studying at home.....

If you are fortunate enough, to make the best marks by not studying, then it should be easy for you to make PERFECT MARKS by studying. Your grades are a record of your accomplishments. Employers will look at that record. If you cheat yourself & just get bye, you will pay dearly throughout your lifetime. Remember this, if you ever get hurt, you'll need that education to lean on.

If you think education is expensive, (money, time & effort), try being poor & semi-ignorant, where everything is expensive.

You'll only get one (1) FREE chance at getting an education, that is the greatest gift you will ever receive. An educated person fares far better throughout their entire life, than the uneducated. We all see that in our daily lives.

Education will give you insight into dealing with problems & people or both. Without an education you can get stuck in the mass & never become part of the cream. There is plenty of time to become a Pool Pro, later. An educated professional has the best of both worlds....

What do they call a Professional Pool Player, that doesn't have a girl friend?..... HOMELESS ! That little joke should give you some insight, as to the direction you should take.

 

[Donovan]

okay I really appreciate all the reply that you have given me....but what I can see from all the previous post is that almost all of you was thinking that I'm going to quit my school....hell no I won't do that....actually...I have the best mark in my class...and not to be proud of it...but I got it WITHOUT studying at home.....so I still have a lot of spare time to play pool...and to support my statement...I have a pool table in my house....so that mean I can play anytime I want...and I still join the tournament when I have time too....what I'm going to say is I'm going to enjoy playing pool while still going to school and play pool when I have time....well...If I failed as a pool player...then I will be a business man...lol....well...actually my real dream is to become a business man and a pro pool player at the same time...anybody know any pro pool player that do business at the same time?

Play in as many tournaments as you can. If you find you are winning them, then let nature take it's course. Enter bigger tournaments. Let it happen naturally! You should get a top notch instructor or coach by all means though.

 

[JamisonNeu]

very nice

Nice to see you have your head on straight just treat pool as a good second income and you'll be fine. As long as you never think you can't, you can be a pro pool player don't ever listen to anyone who would tell you otherwise. The most wealthy person I have ever met told me "Don't ever tell your dreams to another man they will just criticize them or steal them". I have seen a little of this in this very thread. So I say if your ducks are in a row then hell ya you have a good chance of turning pro. Just don't miss.

 

[pete lafond]

2 years or forget it..

Most young players usually amount to something within the 2nd and 3rd year. HOWEVER, some became greater players later in life. Some take longer than others to finally reach the point of "you get it" or "you figured it out". There is a level of pool that has nothing to do with how well you pocket or play position, rather a point were you have gained a higher level of understanding of "feel" and "knowledge" about your stroke and game.

Things like you feel the felt through the CB, your stick and to your hands. You have reached a mental state that is so different than ever before. You feel your stroke has developed and you have a different level of confidence than ever before. You can warm up before a match to get everything there because it is so well defined in you. Then you continue to learn more.

I have seen players at age 35+ take a big jump and one person I know is at pro level winning events as the Joss tour. So it can be done.

The players of the past use to play the stronger ones and if you want to learn, they will get you there fast. They are proven. There are NO rules. Many never practiced, just played. There are basics that an instructor can teach you, but be wary that if you go to the wrong one you could lose time. (Maybe RangyG will travel at your location) Just like in almost every successful person, there is a mentor. Find yours, even if they are far away.

Hang in at school and stay as attentive as you can never losing time to catching-up, time is valuable. Play pool because you love it.

 

[Bamacues]

In one of his books, The Monk states that a person should not consider going pro until they can run 100 balls without missing....Not straight pool, but throwing the balls on the table and running them. I don't know if that is realistic or not, but it is a strating point.

 

[ericksakti]

What do they call a Professional Pool Player, that doesn't have a girl friend?..... HOMELESS ! That little joke should give you some insight, as to the direction you should take.

well i do have a girlfriend...

 

[rackmsuckr]

You can do it! Get an instructor/mentor/coach. Always try to play better skilled players, because being able to beat your friends may not be the best way to evaluate where you are (being the big fish in a little pond.) Take your licks and pay your dues. Put a little something on it maybe (not condoning a life of gambling ) to be able to play under pressure. Enter as many tournaments as you can.

Learn how to filter out distractions. After you learn ball pocketing and position and touch, what separates great players from merely the good, is the mental side. Work on getting mentally tough along with your other skills you are developing. Learn how not to choke under pressure, as much as possible. Study videos of the greats. Learn more than 9 ball - learn one pocket (which takes years to master), straight pool, banks, caroms, so that you are well-rounded in all aspects of the game.

Also, work on being a gentleman. It's not easy to lose. We all get hot. Try not to say anything in the heat of the moment that denigrates your opponent's abilities. The true mark of a CHAMPION is how he comports himself. Pay what you owe graciously. Stay in your chair and be quiet when the other guy shoots. I don't think sharking should be any part of your billiard education.

School should be the same way. Always try to challenge your mind. If you are the best at school without studying, think of the possibilities of what you could LEARN if you did study! Strive to be a life-long learner, on or off the table.

Someday, when you are an old fart , maybe you can give back to the pool community by running tournaments, instructing, or taking another young gun under your wing.

Looks like you have a good head on your shoulders and I wish you well in your quest for success.

 

[BAZARUS]

The thing with cue sport is, when you get bugged you don't want to look back! For me it was 1991 for the first time in Holland when I picked up a pool cue. I just got out of army, school was over for me and I could do anything I wanted.
With you the story is quite different. I think like most people here that you should stay in school and take it easy on pool. Practice of course, but do not compromise education. You could become a pro but there is no guarantee. I'm still trying to go pro, but no success so far and its been 14 years since am playing almost everyday. Some people will never get there and you need to have a back up plan, unless you have a natural talent and you believe that your pool skills are exceptional.

 

[scottycoyote]

sure you can be anything you are willing to work for. You have the advantage of youth, if you apply yourself, seek proper training, and have the dedication, then yes I think anyone without some type of limiting physical disability could reach pro status. the downside is at 17......youre going to be involved with things like school, friends, women, career, marriage, family. I think to make it to pro level you are going to have to forego some of these things are at least put them off. As you get older things will change, priorities will shift. Id like to play on a pro level one day, but i dont think id want to be a pro player.....i prefer my current profession and just have my pool on the side.

 

[Colin Colenso]

okay I really appreciate all the reply that you have given me....but what I can see from all the previous post is that almost all of you was thinking that I'm going to quit my school....hell no I won't do that....actually...I have the best mark in my class...and not to be proud of it...but I got it WITHOUT studying at home.....so I still have a lot of spare time to play pool...and to support my statement...I have a pool table in my house....so that mean I can play anytime I want...and I still join the tournament when I have time too....what I'm going to say is I'm going to enjoy playing pool while still going to school and play pool when I have time....well...If I failed as a pool player...then I will be a business man...lol....well...actually my real dream is to become a business man and a pro pool player at the same time...anybody know any pro pool player that do business at the same time?

Seems you have a good outlook.

For every pro-player making a living off the game there are 100 or maybe more professionals making a living off the pool industry.

Becoming a serious players can allow you to meet people in this industry and study their methods.

I make my living organizing pool events and now am on the IPT. Both are complimentary and being a respected player can help open some doors.

Best way is not to limit yourself, but whatever you do, take a professional attitude toward it. Put yourself in the shoes of cue makers, club owners, coaches, promoters, distributors. The more you learn about the various fields, the more interesting they will seem.

 

[Colin Colenso]

If you integrate business with pool playing, you'll be waaaay ahead of 99% of your competition.

If you can learn enough in school to have a foundation for learning business, then that is good. Beware, though, that some schools actually teach you to ignore/hate/dis/punish/forego/dismiss/denegrate/harm/kill/intiate violence against/thwart/stop/terminate the business mindset. Beware!

May I ask a question?...What is it about being a "pro pool player" that attracts your interest?

Jeff Livingston

Agree with your line of thinking as usual Jeff!

Your last comment reminds me of a story:
A man employs a boy as his assistant carpenter while building a house. After a couple of days he asks the boy if he is enjoying his work. "No", the boy replies "I don't like work, I like to play". "Then what kind of play do you enjoy?" the carpenter inquires. "Well, I like to play with machines!" the apprentice replies.

Fact was the young boy thrilled in the process of taking machines apart and putting them back together and discovering how they worked and how to make them work. He didn't mind if he greased his hands of clunked his knuckles in the process, as that was simply the means to a satisfying end.

So if one can say they like potting the balls, and thrill in overcoming challenges in the game, they have the basic desire in place to become a pro if that is what they are willing to dedicate themselves towards.

I don't think pro-level is that hard to achieve. It's just that 99.999% of players are not dedicated enough to reach that level. How many guys here can honestly say the put in 8-hours a day for 3 years with structured training? I doubt any...but this is what is required in most trades to become tradesman.

People overestimate pool abilities and other sports abilities as gifts. But almost always the greatest sports champions are those who have worked with a passion far beyond anything the average person could apply themselves to.

I remember reading about Gary Player who would hit balls untill his hands bled and well into the dark, in order to meet his training goals. That's the kind of indset that produces exceptional ability. If you're gonna push yourself so hard, might as well be in doing something you enjoy.

 

[Blackjack]

Do what your heart tells you to do. If its pool, then ride that wave for all it is worth. If it is something other than pool, try to best at that too. You do not have to follow the stereotypes to become great at any endeavor. As long as you are following your dreams and following your heart (guided by a good supply of common sense) - you will eventually arrive at where you need to be. Surround yourself with winners, and try to learn just as much from watching the losers. Somewhere in there is the key to success. I won't pretend to know exactly what it is. I started out as a pool player out on the road. I have been through many different changes over the years and went from being a soldier, husband, father, business owner, a police officer, an author, and a coach. Life is like a large puzzle; sometimes you have to put the other pieces together before you see where you will fit. Sometimes you get stuck with pieces that don't seem to fit anywhere at first. Just work hard and eventually you'll see it start to put itself together. Above all else, never allow anyone to discourage you from living out your dreams. It is better to attempt and not succeed, than to live with the regret of never trying in the first place.

Good Luck & God Bless

 

[Egg McDogit]

Find yourself a great teacher & mentor, a BCA certified instructor or a working/retired pro player who may take you under his/her wing.

A lot of people on this board carelessly recommend BCA certified instruction. I would just like to point out that just because a person is "BCA certified" doesn't mean that they're competent (or in some cases even remotely competent). Not a knock on anyone, but I feel that it is TERRIBLE advice to throw some poor guy towards a BCA instructor just because he/she is certified. My game suffered terribly as a result of someone taking me under their wing. While I appreciate his intentions, I feel like I lost a lot of valuable time. I've seen some of these instructors playing and they play as wrong as you possibly can. If you learn from them, you'll have to unlearn what they taught you and relearn everything. If you have some money, take some lessons from GOOD players e.g. Shawn Putnam on this board. If not, then watch the top players carefully and shoot as many balls as you can.

Also I don't think 2 years for to become an A player is a stretch. I know a couple guys who are semi-pro to pro speed and they were at least strong B players within 6 months to 1 year. Just to give you an idea of where you stand. Those guys played constantly btw.

Just my 2c