How old are the good players?

[TommyT]

I'm from Rochester, N.Y. and most of the good players are in their 40's,50's and 60's. The pool hall where I play they took out a bunch of the 9 foot tables and put in barboxes. That's where the younger players play.
Is this game, the way it's supposed to be played becoming extinct?. Could it be the younger players don't have the time to become skilled, or is there to much competition for there free time.

I'm an old guy.................TommyT

 

[royuco77]

I'm from Rochester, N.Y. and most of the good players are in their 40's,50's and 60's. The pool hall where I play they took out a bunch of the 9 foot tables and put in barboxes. That's where the younger players play.
Is this game, the way it's supposed to be played becoming extinct?. Could it be the younger players don't have the time to become skilled, or is there to much competition for there free time.

I'm an old guy.................TommyT

what are you talking about? haven't you seen the current world champion? he is 16 for god's sake and beating players twice his age in tournaments and money matches.

 

[pete lafond]

what are you talking about? haven't you seen the current world champion? he is 16 for god's sake and beating players twice his age in tournaments and money matches.

Tommy is talking about Rochester and is interested in the rest of the countries experiences.

This is just my opinion.

The majority of players play in bar leagues and as a result the under age do not get a chance to see them or "be like them". If pool halls were the place to play then I believe you would find a larger group of younger 15 to 20 players there. With now the younger players there, the even younger brothers and sisters would also want to be there. People and kids especially look to were larger groups hang out and follow the lead.

Additionally, those that play in bars never develop their game fully and are not seen as "spectacular" and as a result goals are not set for others. Remember those that become good have a competitive instinct and in order to trigger the need to compete there has to be someone to challenge. More specifically players from around their age group.

Rochester is not the only area were pool halls have put in bar tables and this is to try to compete against the bars. This is still not pool as you do not need to develop a stroke for bar tables and it is much too simple to play and beat your better opponent. Most that are competitive see this as easy and as a result are not really challenged.

 

[TommyT]

Tommy is talking about Rochester and is interested in the rest of the countries experiences.

That's right Pete. I read all the billiard mags, attend Derby city and the Expo so I know there are a lot of great young players. I was wondering if they are the majority,in most pool halls?. I have a feeling that the regulars who are at the pool hall day after day are the older guys. I'm just putting out the question.

TommyT