How to make my kids love pool?

D

DeadStrokeMan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I've had the pool table now for about 6 months. I even Rebuilt it to BITCHIN condition!

Its just a BLAST to play on now - Question: How do I get my children (daughter is 15 and son is 17) to LOVE pool?

See - they say "its no fun Dad - you always win" - So I make up all kinda silly rules to give them the edge (and still give myself a challenge). But they just don't seem to show interest! Should I *SMASH* the friggen computers to pieces so they don't have the 'chat & games' to take them out? :cool:

Does anyone know how to 'entice' them to practice?

My son became a tad 'pissed' tonight and told me "Dad you're good at everything and I just suck". I'm like what? "Thats insane: First off - I've been shooting pool for more years than your age! And - you're made of the same stuff (genes) as I am - So I don't wanna hear it! Just practice everyday!" -

BUT THEY DON'T! They want INSTANT gratification. Becoming good at anything takes TIME & PATIENCE - something I guess I didn't install in them.

When I was early teen - my stepbrother beat me on our own table CONSISTANTLY - I wanted to win - so I spent a summer doing drills ...cuts, long shots , learning english .... After I whooped his ass a few times , the pussy never played pool with me again! That sucked! But at least I became good at SOMETHING!

So does anyone have any clues on this? I've even offered them $1.00 for any game they beat me - NUFFIN' too loose - Even that doesn't work - LOL!

BTW: My children are straight 'A' students with none of those bad problems ya see in city / tv kids :p
 
Michael Webb said:
Pool party and Dad, you can't play. Just the teens and their friends.
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Thanx Mike - ..yeah I try to encourage that. and they do it "some". My daughter is kinda different ..doesn't have friends come over. And when they do - they gear into a movie.

My son has had the "pool party" a few times but he seems more interested in this silly girl than anything else (been there done that ta' death ;) ). They don't have friends over very often. I've always tried to be the best friend - but that comes with the price of yeilding some "authority" ... but they are "teens" now and I'm less invited into their lives :(
(good thing I have another in the oven - due in a couple of weeks - LOL - He gets a golf club and cue from day 1 :D ).
 
DeadStrokeMan said:
I've had the pool table now for about 6 months. I even Rebuilt it to BITCHIN condition!

Its just a BLAST to play on now - Question: How do I get my children (daughter is 15 and son is 17) to LOVE pool?

See - they say "its no fun Dad - you always win" - So I make up all kinda silly rules to give them the edge (and still give myself a challenge). But they just don't seem to show interest! Should I *SMASH* the friggen computers to pieces so they don't have the 'chat & games' to take them out? :cool:

Does anyone know how to 'entice' them to practice?

My son became a tad 'pissed' tonight and told me "Dad you're good at everything and I just suck". I'm like what? "Thats insane: First off - I've been shooting pool for more years than your age! And - you're made of the same stuff (genes) as I am - So I don't wanna hear it! Just practice everyday!" -

BUT THEY DON'T! They want INSTANT gratification. Becoming good at anything takes TIME & PATIENCE - something I guess I didn't install in them.

When I was early teen - my stepbrother beat me on our own table CONSISTANTLY - I wanted to win - so I spent a summer doing drills ...cuts, long shots , learning english .... After I whooped his ass a few times , the pussy never played pool with me again! That sucked! But at least I became good at SOMETHING!

So does anyone have any clues on this? I've even offered them $1.00 for any game they beat me - NUFFIN' too loose - Even that doesn't work - LOL!

BTW: My children are straight 'A' students with none of those bad problems ya see in city / tv kids :p
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Unfortunately they're a little young for something like the APA but I would strongly encourage joining a league of sorts. Make it like a family team or something. That way, you're not competing against oneanother. Also, if your son has any competitive edge (and I'm sure he does), he'll start doing drills without you telling him. In fact, he'll probably look to you for advice eventually.

No matter what approach you take, you need to set up a situation where he views you as an asset rather than an opponent. Look for a team league or father/son tournaments (I know they're having one in Orlando in August). You can also check the bca website (www.bca-pool.com) for information on your local bca league. Unlike the APA, the BCA doesn't have a blanket age-restriction so if the poolroom allows your family to play, they can play.

I know many families that have used the poolroom as their night-out. Of course it can have its downside and you must understand that you will be exposing your family to elements of society that they may not be entirely prepared for but there's something to be said for a person who knows how to handle themselves in all situations. If you don't have a regular room that you frequent, do some research. Spend a full night at the room on their league night and try to get a feel for the level of play and the problems a given league player might encounter. You want a room where 'fun' is most important yet serious play is encouraged. You don't want the 'win at all costs' leagues or where the bar is doing a little better than it should be.


Good luck with your children. I hope all works out.


BTW, I grew up in New York City and watched plenty of tv.
 
find a nice pool room and go find some other people that want to improve
whether it be a young newlywed couple or father son ect ect
and have the kids be your doubles or scotch doubles partners
that way you arent the opponent
 
You can adopt me!! I love pool and when I was in school I almost got an A once! I really tried hard!!! I will play you $1 games all day long!! Where do you live and when can I move in???? :D
 
I read the title of this thread as "How do I make love to my kids?" I really need to go to bed.
 
lukeinva said:
You can adopt me!! I love pool and when I was in school I almost got an A once! I really tried hard!!! I will play you $1 games all day long!! Where do you live and when can I move in???? :D
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Unfortunately - I live in biggest NO BILLIARDS ZONE in the entire U.S.

Hurricane, Ut. 15 miles from St. George Utah - There was 1 billiards place ...and because of the alcohol laws (this is the MORMON STATE) - it was a "kids hangout" instead of a poolhall. Needless to say - he went out of bussiness .... little "crack dealers" don't bring much $$ to support the place. - And he did a louzy job at making it a decent establishment : He paid the ultimate cost of bankruptcy.

There is 1 bar in St. George and 2 private clubs. Population 125,000. The bar has 4 of cheapest bar tables ya ever saw (not that I would drag my kids to this place either)- SUX SUX SUX.

Part of the reason I live here is to raise my children "deVoid" of Crack Dealin' GangBAngers - they're are some in St. George (and they managed to help the downfall of the only billiards place within 200 miles).

My children are bright : they know whats out there - I told and showed them all those things :) So far, they've lived a very clean and simply life (short of the movies we watch - that taught them alot of whats out there.)

The MORMONS have successfully KILLED BILLIARDS (and ALOT of other things) with their silly alcohol rules - and I live in the thick of it. If I was able to get a "beer license" (liquor is not allowed in bars - go figure), I'd be the first to start up a very nice billiards club here.

There are NO LEAGUES - NO BCA, NO APA, NO NUFFIN' - Except about 1,000 mormon monstrousities that look like mini "disney lands" and the largest police force known to mankind ... (( drive with great fear - you *WILL* be pulled over )).

There are good sides - some of the most beautiful land you ever saw. Non-existant crime rate (minus the imported crack-dealers in St. George). Air you can actually breath and not choke on.

When I want action - its a 2hour drive to Las Vegas.

So now we have the total comprehensive and boring history of St. George (and surrounding areas) Utah.
 
DeadStrokeMan said:
Unfortunately - I live in biggest NO BILLIARDS ZONE in the entire U.S.

Hurricane, Ut. 15 miles from St. George Utah - There was 1 billiards place ...and because of the alcohol laws (this is the MORMON STATE) - it was a "kids hangout" instead of a poolhall. Needless to say - he went out of bussiness .... little "crack dealers" don't bring much $$ to support the place. - And he did a louzy job at making it a decent establishment : He paid the ultimate cost of bankruptcy.

There is 1 bar in St. George and 2 private clubs. Population 125,000. The bar has 4 of cheapest bar tables ya ever saw (not that I would drag my kids to this place either)- SUX SUX SUX.

Part of the reason I live here is to raise my children "deVoid" of Crack Dealin' GangBAngers - they're are some in St. George (and they managed to help the downfall of the only billiards place within 200 miles).

My children are bright : they know whats out there - I told and showed them all those things :) So far, they've lived a very clean and simply life (short of the movies we watch - that taught them alot of whats out there.)

The MORMONS have successfully KILLED BILLIARDS (and ALOT of other things) with their silly alcohol rules - and I live in the thick of it. If I was able to get a "beer license" (liquor is not allowed in bars - go figure), I'd be the first to start up a very nice billiards club here.

There are NO LEAGUES - NO BCA, NO APA, NO NUFFIN' - Except about 1,000 mormon monstrousities that look like mini "disney lands" and the largest police force known to mankind ... (( drive with great fear - you *WILL* be pulled over )).

There are good sides - some of the most beautiful land you ever saw. Non-existant crime rate (minus the imported crack-dealers in St. George). Air you can actually breath and not choke on.

When I want action - its a 2hour drive to Las Vegas.

So now we have the total comprehensive and boring history of St. George (and surrounding areas) Utah.
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Yeah I aint going to move there!!! No matter what you offer me!!! LOL :D
 
They are teenagers! The more you push them, the more they will resist. Not everyone will share our passion for the game.

You might suggest that your son teach the "silly girl" how to play. He would have to learn before he could teach.

Or just accept the fact that they aren't as interested as you are, and support them in the things they enjoy.
 
You (parent) can't teach your children how to play pool...they just wont put the effort out...it's proven.
I would suggest finding a Trick Shot Exhibition or even someone to come to your house to display some trick shots. This will get their attention! Maybe find someone their age that can't miss a shot! This will build their confidence (IMO) that they are able to be good at their current age.

Zim
 
You can't make your kids love pool. It isn't for everybody and maybe they're part of the "not for me" crowd. I enoy just putting balls in pockets, my kids (21-26) enjoy other things. They will knock a few balls around with me and play on bar boxes out with their friends. They're not bad considering they pick up a cue about every 3-6 months, but they just don't have a passion for it. If pool is right for your kids they'll find it eventually and probably wish they had spent more time on Dad's table, but you can't shove it down their throats.
Just enjoy them before they move out, I've only one left at home (while he finishes up college) and I know I miss them.
 
vapoolplayer said:
the answer to this problem is very simple...............

tell them that they aren't allowed to play pool.

VAP
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That's a good one!!! Invite a lot of your friends, as well as your wifes friends, then tell the kids they have to stay in their room for the evening while you and your friends have a good time. Be sure to have music and plenty of food and lots of conversation.

haha!!

Zim
 
DeadStrokeMan said:
But at least I became good at SOMETHING!
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And they will become good at something as well. But it might not be pool. Not everyone is as fascinated with small round balls colliding, bouncing and disappearing as the posters here are. Encourage whatever time they do spend on the table, and then perhaps spend a little time playing their computer games. Share different interests.

Rick
 
catscradle said:
You can't make your kids love pool. It isn't for everybody and maybe they're part of the "not for me" crowd. I enoy just putting balls in pockets, my kids (21-26) enjoy other things. They will knock a few balls around with me and play on bar boxes out with their friends. They're not bad considering they pick up a cue about every 3-6 months, but they just don't have a passion for it. If pool is right for your kids they'll find it eventually and probably wish they had spent more time on Dad's table, but you can't shove it down their throats.
Just enjoy them before they move out, I've only one left at home (while he finishes up college) and I know I miss them.
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Well said. My older kids are very similar. They had every opportunity to play in our basement, and would sometimes. Mostly this took place over a few beer prior to the gang going out for the evening, no problem there. Now my oldest does play a bit at the bar, can beat a lot of his friends, and does wish that he played more, but of course that would have taken away from the many other things he likes to do. My youngest (10 y.o. girl) will play sometimes, but is not at all 'in love' with the game (just in case nobody noticed, I am !). Her cousins (10 and 13) from Regina are another story ! When they come to visit their father and I have to bribe and/or threaten them to get in a game.

BTW, when young Stacey and I play we do not play any known game. Rather we just shoot balls. She gets to shoot whatever she wants, I shoot banks or kicks in rotation. She stays interested and I get in some good kicking practice. She always wins (OK, so there are 2 girls who always win, but ONLY 2 ! ).

Mr. Original Poster, you've done all you can by putting in a table, imo. Most kids don't have the opportunity.

Dave
 
Have you tried to let them win.

What I mean is start to shoot at a lower speed without it being obvious, like in 9 ball.

Don't get on the right side of the ball, and start to have to make tougher and tougher shots.

If they start to win, they might enjoy it, just like you did, when you put your big "pussy" brother in his place. :D :D :D :)

And on a side note, good for you. :) :) :)

Good luck
Pete
 
It goes to the old saying ,you can bring a horse to water but you can;t make him drink.They will play if they want and if not they will find there own interests.Kids at those ages are going through so many different changes with school peer pressure sex drugs and just the world in general.They will pick up a cue if and when they are ready.
 
DeadStrokeMan said:
Its just a BLAST to play on now - Question: How do I get my children (daughter is 15 and son is 17) to LOVE pool?
Click to expand...

I have not read all the other posts, so this may have already been said. If not, I am sorry to be the one to tell you, but you cant make them love pool!

All you can do is expose them to the game and see if it takes. But just having a table in the house probably wont do it. The majority of us didnt get hooked on pool because we had a table and loved missing balls, most of us got hooked on the atmosphere of the pool room and later found a love of the game.

My kids like to play pool with me on our home table, but I can tell you its NOT because they like pool. They are just still young enough to like getting dads attention. Im sure when they get close to 18, unless they are playing at a level that makes them want to continue the interest in the game may subside. Unless they have been exposed to other kids their age in a pool room (which can be hard to find).

Best thing you could do is see if they would be interested in any local tournaments (if there are any that allow minors) or just get them out to a decent room so they can see there is more to pool than your home table. Then they may find a desire to practice, because at this point you are so much better than them they dont think they could get good enough to beat you. But if they played against a few people closer to thier level they may feel with a little practice they could beat that person.

Woody
 
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