How do you deal with undesirable people?

This is as much or more of a problem with the best players in a room. They don't have to worry about others wanting to match up but always gather at your table while your trying to practice and comment on every shot, wanting to know what did you put on the ball to get there? I have tryed the head phones and it stops some but most will just get in front of you jestering for you to take them off so they can talk with you. The best practice I've ever got was when the owners would give me the keys and let me practice when they close. I know this is not a option for the majority but I just can't seem to be rude with people who really mean nothing by their actions, with exceptions .. I found out a long time ago, I can't play and have coversations at the same time. I also like Cj's sugg estion.
 
bulldogpool said:
When I go practice to my local pool hall, I like to be left alone as I work through very basic drill exercises. So far I noticed the following characters on a more or less regular basis:

  • Someone who claims I'm good and wants to play against me for money (let's call him a hustler)
  • Someone who tells me that my drill approach is stupid and I should instead be doing something else
  • Someone who wants to teach me instead of let me practice on my own (I already have an instructor I pay for lessons)
  • Someone who wants to freeload table time and tries to interrupt my practice to play games against me
  • Someone who will ask me about my experience. And inevitably criticize some aspect of my approach ("oh you bought a way too expensive cue", or "oh you are practicing too few times a week", or "you should play with a house cue", or "oh you should practice breaking".

Basically, I'm never left the hell alone when I go practicing. And some of the characters are, well, colorful and more "intimidating" than my usual crowd. I've been trying to be polite, and I understand that some of these actually have good intentions.

Is this normal? So far I've been trying to be patient and say "thanks, but no thanks" but some of these are persistent and start to hang out while I practice, talking to me and distracting me. It's pretty annoying.

Any suggestions?
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Put it all into perspective, and remember, whats is a pool room parallels life in all manners, good and bad, its kinda of a condensed version of life in a small area. Also, consider the demographics in a ''pool room''. Some of the people ''hangin'' around are most likely not welcome pretty much anywhere because they are obnoxious, and where do they end up? Many are lonely and because of it, chose the pool room to interact with others, why? they need it for their ego, no one wants em in their life during ''their'' free time, so they choose the adult mall with pool tables and alcohol.
 
Blue Hog ridr said:
The hall isn't very busy many times that I am in there.
I go to practice and most times, I am happy to do just that.
Altho, many nights, I wouldn't turn down a few games if someone asked.

Seldom happens. The last guy that asked me was turned down and then he asked me.

He was an older Native Canadian gentleman that was in town for a conference. I said, sure, I'll play you until you are ready to quit.

Now this guy was a great shooter and once he knew I was willing to accept a little advice, he started showing me things that no one ever told me before. Little things about reading the table after the break for example. How to, if you can't make a shot, how to leave your opponent bad. I mean, I thought I knew how to do this already but this was a totally different level.

When he packed up, I was wishing that he had a couple more hours to spend.

See how this works sometimes.
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Every now an then I get lucky like that..most around here
know me..I play once in awhile for a little, but mostly just
for fun.
The young men still try to work on me..once in a while I'll
play them..but its with a understanding that once I lose x
amount I'm done..I'm not your atm this week..and I tell'em
this..and I let them know I will quit winner..once the money
is in my pocket..its my money..not theirs..this gets them going
but in more of a friendly banter..they know I'm not going
to get their cash..lol. these guys will play me for free at times.

To OP..tell'em to leave..say..hey I'm here to practice by myself..
but as others have side..some day you may want a pick up
game , an they may not give to you for free...
 
I would think a polite no thanks I don't play for money or I am just practicing would suffice. I really don't know a way to repel other players without some interaction.
 
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