How long do your skills last?

[Cactus Ed]

What is the maximum age range could someone be before their level of speed truly has to start diminishing? This topic is inspired by the mention of Parica still being great in his mid-50s. I know Crane won a world title at 54.

Could a person keep their same quality of game and level of speed on in to their 60s and 70s, assuming they keep themselves fit? I see no reason why not, personally. They might drop off a little in longer range shot-making ability, but make up for it in other areas, such as increased discipline when it comes to game plan, increased defensive skills, etc.

What say you?

 

[pro-player]

When Efren is struggling, he still wins by using his wit. He knows all the moves, the game is like chess to him.

 

[Sputnik]

At 40, eyesight begins to deteriorate. Unfortunately, some have it at a younger age. Muscular toning is variable, for as long as one does not have arthritis or rheumatism, which come also at around 40. Doing the road is no joke. Plane rides and jet logs would affect the older players more.

Come to think of it, at 40, one is probably way past half his lifetime. Everything will start dwindling down. The up side of it is the experience one has acquired through the playing years will maintain the game at a mature level. Also, the reputation one has established that would make a younger opponent sweat in the table.

Nevertheless, pool is a game that retirees can still enjoy. Their only problem is their peer to play against. Pool does not present a healthy lifestyle. Long nights, smoke, coffee, and sometimes alcohol will catch up on a pool player's life span. Pool is good for the soul, but bad for the body!

 

[Porter]

I think it is a lot like SEX.

As you get older the interest is still there.

It takes a little longer to get warmed up. Your stroke isn't what it used to be.

You can't play as much in one night as you used to. (It is hard to stay up as long.)

Younger partners are not as interested in playing with you. But some of the older ones talk about how good you were.

But finishing a good set is still as satisfing as it ever was,

 

[yobagua]

I just hit my 56th birthday and just now feel that I am starting on a new level of skills. Im running racks more and seeing patterns better. My stroke is better too as Im not using youthful strength but technique to control my rock. When I was younger I used alot of english and force to pocket balls. Course this was in the days when there were no books or instructors. But when I was younger I never listened to anyones advice and didnt have time for books anyway. And because Im more mature I have a lot more confidence in myself and am not afraid to lose, therefore dogging it less. So you might lose some skills but age does give you something in return.

 

[Cactus Ed]

I just hit my 56th birthday and just now feel that I am starting on a new level of skills. Im running racks more and seeing patterns better. My stroke is better too as Im not using youthful strength but technique to control my rock. When I was younger I used alot of english and force to pocket balls. Course this was in the days when there were no books or instructors. But when I was younger I never listened to anyones advice and didnt have time for books anyway. And because Im more mature I have a lot more confidence in myself and am not afraid to lose, therefore dogging it less. So you might lose some skills but age does give you something in return.

Your post is VERY encouraging to me, yobagua, as I'm five years younger than you, and intend to start playing a little pool again.

I so agree with your point that age might take away from your skills but also gives you something back.

 

[ajrack]

When I began to play about 30 years ago, the saying was "you learn 80% of pool in 3 years ( and fine tune your game the rest of your life) and 30% of billiards in 8 years (you never have enough time to get yourself tuned) "!
If you were lucky in those days there was a great or very good player playing in your local room. I am sure that even if you are 70 and have an interest in improving some part of your game ... you will pick up some new bits of info.
And of course, now you also have books, videos, etc. to help.

 

[locki]

i am learning without books or videos...
i agree, i think 80% of one's skills is learned during his first 3 yrs of playing, and i think i have that 75% already...despite me playing pool for 4 yrs already...well, im still going to college that's why my practice time is limited. another thing is, i dont have my own pool table... (i guess its not a factor though)

 

[pro-player]

i am learning without books or videos...
i agree, i think 80% of one's skills is learned during his first 3 yrs of playing, and i think i have that 75% already...despite me playing pool for 4 yrs already...well, im still going to college that's why my practice time is limited. another thing is, i dont have my own pool table... (i guess its not a factor though)

Don't worry if you can't play often. You sound like a smart guy who knows alot for the 4 years you've been playing. Finish school, make some good money, and get some good action. That's the best way to improve, gambling on your own money.