How can we equalize pool for elders?

tommyceilings said:
This is a general question, and after watching the Efren match, it made me wonder.
I'm not saying Efren is decrepit nor are any other 60 year old + players.

However, if they can still run out, and pocket balls as good or better than their younger counterparts, how can tournaments be equalized for them?

Being someone who is older and having health problems, I've asked for alternate breakers where I said, I don't care who they have to it for me, pick anyone and have them break. Tournament directors have been incredibly gracious with this and will say no problem, we just need to put it to a vote. inevitably one person raises their hand and says no and I'm out.

There are a lot of older players and to just put them up there asking them to rack their own (that's hugely painful on the hip and back) as well as break their own, is just basically saying to the other player even if they are inferior, here is your WIN.
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That's easy, limit the age of all the players to an age group....10yrs old or younger, and at least 60+ and over:D
 
Play '6 Ball' with a mandatory "roll out".

Play '6 Ball' with a mandatory "roll out"....then play 'Two Shot Shoot Out' rules....this game would be fun for players of all ages - alternate break/rack or have the younger guy rack all the time, makes no difference.





tommyceilings said:
This is a general question, and after watching the Efren match, it made me wonder.
I'm not saying Efren is decrepit nor are any other 60 year old + players.

However, if they can still run out, and pocket balls as good or better than their younger counterparts, how can tournaments be equalized for them?

Being someone who is older and having health problems, I've asked for alternate breakers where I said, I don't care who they have to it for me, pick anyone and have them break. Tournament directors have been incredibly gracious with this and will say no problem, we just need to put it to a vote. inevitably one person raises their hand and says no and I'm out.

There are a lot of older players and to just put them up there asking them to rack their own (that's hugely painful on the hip and back) as well as break their own, is just basically saying to the other player even if they are inferior, here is your WIN.
Click to expand...
 
Rules should be changed in tournaments that allow males over 50 more trips to the john. I'm only semi kidding about this. Old dogs need to stop at every tree.
 
CJ Wiley said:
Play '6 Ball' with a mandatory "roll out"....then play 'Two Shot Shoot Out' rules....this game would be fun for players of all ages - alternate break/rack or have the younger guy rack all the time, makes no difference.
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What this old guy said...
 
tommyceilings said:
This is a general question, and after watching the Efren match, it made me wonder.
I'm not saying Efren is decrepit nor are any other 60 year old + players.

However, if they can still run out, and pocket balls as good or better than their younger counterparts, how can tournaments be equalized for them?

Being someone who is older and having health problems, I've asked for alternate breakers where I said, I don't care who they have to it for me, pick anyone and have them break. Tournament directors have been incredibly gracious with this and will say no problem, we just need to put it to a vote. inevitably one person raises their hand and says no and I'm out.

There are a lot of older players and to just put them up there asking them to rack their own (that's hugely painful on the hip and back) as well as break their own, is just basically saying to the other player even if they are inferior, here is your WIN.
Click to expand...

I can understand asking someone to rack it if it's hard on your back, but, even if you have to soft break and don't make a ball, that's part of your game. Besides, if it's not a solid break, the opponent probably won't run out anyway and you're back at the table.
 
I'm 66 and took 2nd last night at Doc & Eddy's 9-ball tourney on the new Diamond 9'ers. My problem isn't the break, it's staying up past my bedtime.
:D
 
Webbs Billiards said:
Most real shooters I know above 60 would gladly take you to the cleaners for even thinking they needed a handicap.
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haha forsure. I know a fella that is approaching 80 and is easily top in the league. Doesn't hurt he used to teach Cliff Thornburn snooker from time to time
 
I'm 71 and to me the problem is after a couple of hours I just run out of gas.
It is frustrating but what can you do I can start playing and feel great, but gradually
it starts going south. Of course there are health issues that can have an effect and
eye sight may not as good as it once was. I'm just glad that pool is a game you can
still play at my age.
 
First of all I am glad to hear that you guys are still playing regardless of age:clapping:

I would not have a problem with a "pinch" breaker at all. As far as whoever it was that said if you need help you should retire, did you ever hear of the designated hitter in baseball? I don't think they only hit for guys who should retire. I don't see what would make the break any different. Its too bad I had to reference baseball, I don't even like baseball, as far as I'm concerned the Brewers can leave and take the Bucks with them.
 
I am 60+ and not that good, but the best over all player in my area is 66 years old. He does play a lot of 1 pocket and is the best around here. He is still able to run 50+ in straight pool and no chump in 9b either. I played a man last year in a 9b event that did not even take up the game till he was over 65, he made it deep into the event. The equalizer is skill and working on the game.
 
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