LOL, been playing for 43 years now, since I was 6. So....I'm hoping after 50 years I might be "good".
How long did it take you to become a good pool player?
- Thread starter Lock N Load
- Start date
LOL, been playing for 43 years now, since I was 6. So....I'm hoping after 50 years I might be "good".
6 years to be the best player in a small town. Since then 44 years to try to get better.
Very good info and input from lots of pool players. This helps everyone in some ways. Because it is directly from players having been there and done this. When you read what other players do it helps your learning process in some way.
Thanks for your input.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
Thanks for your input.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
Well it would have taken nearly forever if I had not started taking lessons. I had no way of knowing my stroke was out of whack to the point I would never have gotten past an APA 5 level.
I took my first lesson to improve my 9 ball break. That's what I felt I needed most. I showed up, met the guy, and told him my story. He threw a few balls on the table and told me to take ball in hand and run them out. I made a couple balls and then missed. Took ball in hand again, made a couple and hooked myself. After watching a few minutes of this the guy told me he wasn't going to show me how to break. When I asked why he replied, "If you break the balls wide open, you're just setting up the other guy to run out on you, because you can't run a rack."
He was right of course. After six months of lessons and doing drills at home I caught up to almost everyone from the pool hall.
Anyway, the answer really depends on if you are trying to become "good" on your own or if you are willing to get outside help. A certified instructor will cut the time required by a ton. This is just my opinion and I am NOT an instructor -before you ask!
I took my first lesson to improve my 9 ball break. That's what I felt I needed most. I showed up, met the guy, and told him my story. He threw a few balls on the table and told me to take ball in hand and run them out. I made a couple balls and then missed. Took ball in hand again, made a couple and hooked myself. After watching a few minutes of this the guy told me he wasn't going to show me how to break. When I asked why he replied, "If you break the balls wide open, you're just setting up the other guy to run out on you, because you can't run a rack."
He was right of course. After six months of lessons and doing drills at home I caught up to almost everyone from the pool hall.
Anyway, the answer really depends on if you are trying to become "good" on your own or if you are willing to get outside help. A certified instructor will cut the time required by a ton. This is just my opinion and I am NOT an instructor -before you ask!
It only took me a year to become good back in 1990. (I had some help) or, at least I thought I was good. The way I came up, and I'm sure the way most others did too in other parts of the country was the school of 'hard knocks'.
Nobody really helped anyone and only the ones who really knew anything were very selective about who they showed things to. The only way for me to learn was either by watching good local players, gambling, or watching pros on tv.
Watching Django play on TV in '92 caught my attention and from there I practiced and practiced and actually became pretty good in that style of play, but fundamentally, it took a crap on my game. Not playing for a while and coming back was more of a struggle than was necessary. Back then, there was the Challenge of Champions, where I watched Buddy and Johnny play 1 final rack for all the cheese, and Nick and Earl in the World Ch... I also remember watching Team USA play vs. Team PHI in a few different locations... those are the ones that stick out in my mind.....
It wasn't until I actually had a one good player after another approach me with the same basic info yet spoken in their own words.... and to hear the same basic thing from Buddy and a good friend, Brian Jones, magically enabled me to hone in and focus on what was truly important. Brian told me that pool is actually very basic and that every shot is basically a straight shot, and then there are variables. He also mentioned, "Unless you can do that every single time, you will never rise above the 6-7-8 speed range." After 10 minutes of practicing a drill he had me working on, he looked over and noticed something and said, "You're starting to figure out the difference between what's important and what's not important. It'll come pretty quick now." Between what he told me and what Buddy taught me, I played the best pool of my life.... to the point where John Gabriel told me if I didn't calm down, I wasn't getting any more spots....
Shortly thereafter, I sold my holy grail cue to get into cue making . . . but I still play . . . .(after taking a 15 month break)
In short, it took me a couple years to become good. It took me about 20 years to sniff anything beyond that.
Nobody really helped anyone and only the ones who really knew anything were very selective about who they showed things to. The only way for me to learn was either by watching good local players, gambling, or watching pros on tv.
Watching Django play on TV in '92 caught my attention and from there I practiced and practiced and actually became pretty good in that style of play, but fundamentally, it took a crap on my game. Not playing for a while and coming back was more of a struggle than was necessary. Back then, there was the Challenge of Champions, where I watched Buddy and Johnny play 1 final rack for all the cheese, and Nick and Earl in the World Ch... I also remember watching Team USA play vs. Team PHI in a few different locations... those are the ones that stick out in my mind.....
It wasn't until I actually had a one good player after another approach me with the same basic info yet spoken in their own words.... and to hear the same basic thing from Buddy and a good friend, Brian Jones, magically enabled me to hone in and focus on what was truly important. Brian told me that pool is actually very basic and that every shot is basically a straight shot, and then there are variables. He also mentioned, "Unless you can do that every single time, you will never rise above the 6-7-8 speed range." After 10 minutes of practicing a drill he had me working on, he looked over and noticed something and said, "You're starting to figure out the difference between what's important and what's not important. It'll come pretty quick now." Between what he told me and what Buddy taught me, I played the best pool of my life.... to the point where John Gabriel told me if I didn't calm down, I wasn't getting any more spots....
Shortly thereafter, I sold my holy grail cue to get into cue making . . . but I still play . . . .(after taking a 15 month break)
In short, it took me a couple years to become good. It took me about 20 years to sniff anything beyond that.
I thought I was good after 2 years, but then I started checking out bigger fishbowls.
I'd say it took me almost 10 years to say I'm "good" and not change my mind later. But I know I could have gotten there a lot faster if I didn't have to unlearn bad habits. I've seen players who got to my level after about 2 years. I think starting early helps (I started at 18 which was later) and obviously being taught the right way, the first time, helps a lot.
I think a normal guy who cares about winning and enjoys pool can reach a level I'd call "Good" in 4 years with the right training.
I'd say it took me almost 10 years to say I'm "good" and not change my mind later. But I know I could have gotten there a lot faster if I didn't have to unlearn bad habits. I've seen players who got to my level after about 2 years. I think starting early helps (I started at 18 which was later) and obviously being taught the right way, the first time, helps a lot.
I think a normal guy who cares about winning and enjoys pool can reach a level I'd call "Good" in 4 years with the right training.
I became a good pool player in a couple days.
Yep, after a couple days of playing I could beet all my 7 year old friends and even some of my 8 and 9 year old friends.
They thought I was pretty good and so did I.
I've been playing a day or two and I'm OK. Back in the late 60's and 70's I used to watch the likes of Cole Dickson, Ritchie Florence, and Ronnie Allen play. Watching players like that I knew where I stood...no where even remotely close in any way shape or form. I knew then just to enjoy the game
Gerry S
Gerry S
Can't get there. Can barely place a few spots before the money in local tourneys. I played 8 years off and on of worthless pool getting nowhere. Then 5 years of good pool. I have another probably 5 years before I would be considered a player. I guess I'll never know what its like to play really good pool. So if ever I become a decent player, it will be 18 years.
Well, it is hard for me to believe you have all of those cues and you say you can't play good pool!
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.
Do you have any videos of you playing pool Lock.
Might be an interesting project and I am sure lots of people would enjoy watching you shoot a few.
Might be an interesting project and I am sure lots of people would enjoy watching you shoot a few.
Hello Blue Hog Rdir,
How are you doing? I had some videos, but when I was on the road I lost them. I am suppose to make some more soon. I will let you know when. These will be with me shooting pool. Thanks.
Many Regards,
Lock N Load.