OK, I suck. Please help me with my plan.

[derangedhermit]

I thought things would "come back" after three decades of not playing. So for a few months I've been trying to make or let that happen. But tonight was the last straw. I suck. And I'm getting worse. I'm wasting time at the table, I'm not enjoying it, and I've had enough frustration.

Here's the tentative plan:

I now have Jerry Briesath's DVDs in house. I'm going to watch them, and review and work on the contents until I have a solid grasp of what is being taught. Not necessarily mastered it, but a good understanding. It may take one month or six, I don't know.

Then I'm going to decide to either quit the game (if I still suck) or keep playing. If I keep playing, then it's over to randyg's premises (I live 90 minutes away) for some face-to-face training. I don't know whether to do the 3-day session, or if I would be better served spreading it out, maybe one day a week. It seems to me like spreading it out might be a better way to go.

After that I'll probably need an hour a week with an instructor, like learning to play a musical instrument. And x hours of practice a week.

Does this sound like a good way to go? What would improve the plan?

 

[maidenfreak]

If you were good before you are just as good now. Work on your mechanics as that is probably the 1st thing that needs a overhaul. 2nd you have been away from the game for decades so don't think you can jump right back in and regain your stroke and feel of the table in a month or two. If your path back is frustrating and not fun then I would just give up now and pick another hobby. I have learned over several decades that I shoot pool for fun. Right now I get to play maybe once a month. I have fun regardless the situation and enjoy mentoring my many friends. Just my late night opinion no offence intended. =)
Good luck on your journey back I hope that you get your game back and start to enjoy the game again.

 

[Renegade_56]

I thought things would "come back" after three decades of not playing. So for a few months I've been trying to make or let that happen. But tonight was the last straw. I suck. And I'm getting worse. I'm wasting time at the table, I'm not enjoying it, and I've had enough frustration.

Here's the tentative plan:

I now have Jerry Briesath's DVDs in house. I'm going to watch them, and review and work on the contents until I have a solid grasp of what is being taught. Not necessarily mastered it, but a good understanding. It may take one month or six, I don't know.

Then I'm going to decide to either quit the game (if I still suck) or keep playing. If I keep playing, then it's over to randyg's premises (I live 90 minutes away) for some face-to-face training. I don't know whether to do the 3-day session, or if I would be better served spreading it out, maybe one day a week. It seems to me like spreading it out might be a better way to go.

After that I'll probably need an hour a week with an instructor, like learning to play a musical instrument. And x hours of practice a week.

Does this sound like a good way to go? What would improve the plan?

I know this feeling, though I personally think I'm dealing more with a vision change issue than anything else at the moment. Back to your point,,,,,,I'd skip the DVD 6 month thing all together I think,,,,,you are gonna ingrain things that folks like Randyg, Scott Lee, etc,,, are gonna more than likely have to rebuild, and change is hard. I'd go right to RandyG, and in whatever intervals work for you, and let the healing begin.
I took the 3 day SPF class from Scott Lee. It's a very good class, loads of very good content, and excellent presentation. That said, 24 hours of pool in 3 days, for me, is too much. I just don't have anywhere near that much playing time, so burnout sets in eventually. I wish I was only 90 minutes away from Randyg or Scott, I think I could be much more productive with 3 or 4 hours a month on specific issues. You can't train yourself, you need more eyes on, and their eyes are well trained.

 

[RoadHustler]

Relax

I thought things would "come back" after three decades of not playing. So for a few months I've been trying to make or let that happen. But tonight was the last straw. I suck. And I'm getting worse. I'm wasting time at the table, I'm not enjoying it, and I've had enough frustration.

Here's the tentative plan:

I now have Jerry Briesath's DVDs in house. I'm going to watch them, and review and work on the contents until I have a solid grasp of what is being taught. Not necessarily mastered it, but a good understanding. It may take one month or six, I don't know.

Then I'm going to decide to either quit the game (if I still suck) or keep playing. If I keep playing, then it's over to randyg's premises (I live 90 minutes away) for some face-to-face training. I don't know whether to do the 3-day session, or if I would be better served spreading it out, maybe one day a week. It seems to me like spreading it out might be a better way to go.

After that I'll probably need an hour a week with an instructor, like learning to play a musical instrument. And x hours of practice a week.

Does this sound like a good way to go? What would improve the plan?

Dude pressure is a killer try to remember the word play. We play pool don't make it a job. Watch dvds take classes but remember we play the game because we love it. You came back to it so enjoy it don't worry it takes time. By the way Classes, DVD's, Youtube, & lots of practice can't hurt. But don't forget the fun is in the journey not the arrival don't burn yourself out.

 

[The Renfro]

After 3 decades of aging there is a good chance your eyes aren't what they used to be... I'd suggest giving Geno a call and spend 30minutes on the phone with him... I think they moved his free phone lesson offer to the aiming thread area....

I didn't think anything over the phone would be worth my time... I was wrong.... Age and smoking had impacted my eyes and I just couldn't line up any way I wanted and fire em in like when I was in my 20s..... Geno helped immensely.......

 

[FranCrimi]

I thought things would "come back" after three decades of not playing. So for a few months I've been trying to make or let that happen. But tonight was the last straw. I suck. And I'm getting worse. I'm wasting time at the table, I'm not enjoying it, and I've had enough frustration.

Here's the tentative plan:

I now have Jerry Briesath's DVDs in house. I'm going to watch them, and review and work on the contents until I have a solid grasp of what is being taught. Not necessarily mastered it, but a good understanding. It may take one month or six, I don't know.

Then I'm going to decide to either quit the game (if I still suck) or keep playing. If I keep playing, then it's over to randyg's premises (I live 90 minutes away) for some face-to-face training. I don't know whether to do the 3-day session, or if I would be better served spreading it out, maybe one day a week. It seems to me like spreading it out might be a better way to go.

After that I'll probably need an hour a week with an instructor, like learning to play a musical instrument. And x hours of practice a week.

Does this sound like a good way to go? What would improve the plan?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you say that you have gone thirty years without playing and you are frustrated because you can't bring your game back in only a few months? Do you do that a lot with things?

You will never play the same as you played 30 years ago because you are a different person than you were 30 years ago. That doesn't have to be a bad thing. You can become a better player than you were back then, depending on your attitude.

Getting better at anything, including pool, is a series of ups and downs. I don't know of any player who doesn't get in a down cycle in their learning process. That's because we are alive and we are constantly in motion, even if it's just breathing.

I think your plan of getting good information to help you improve is the right idea, and my advice to you is to enjoy the process rather than focusing on the result --- Becuse in the end, what we remember fondly is the process.

 

[Scott Lee]

Go directly to Randyg...do not pass go!

derangedhermit...While Jerry's dvd set is excellent, it still cannot answer questions. Go take the 3-day class from Randyg as soon as you are able. It will answer all your questions about why you cannot play like you did 30 years ago, and give you the tools to 'rebuild' your stroke enough to make it proficient and repeatable. Then it's up to you to practice correctly. At least you will be enjoying yourself again.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I thought things would "come back" after three decades of not playing. So for a few months I've been trying to make or let that happen. But tonight was the last straw. I suck. And I'm getting worse. I'm wasting time at the table, I'm not enjoying it, and I've had enough frustration.

Here's the tentative plan:

I now have Jerry Briesath's DVDs in house. I'm going to watch them, and review and work on the contents until I have a solid grasp of what is being taught. Not necessarily mastered it, but a good understanding. It may take one month or six, I don't know.

Then I'm going to decide to either quit the game (if I still suck) or keep playing. If I keep playing, then it's over to randyg's premises (I live 90 minutes away) for some face-to-face training. I don't know whether to do the 3-day session, or if I would be better served spreading it out, maybe one day a week. It seems to me like spreading it out might be a better way to go.

After that I'll probably need an hour a week with an instructor, like learning to play a musical instrument. And x hours of practice a week.

Does this sound like a good way to go? What would improve the plan?

 

[Buzzard II]

Deranged, Oh boy can I relate. In my case I put down my cue 40 years ago. Other things, other priorities. When I retired I put a table in my basement. I was so bummed by how bad I was, it sat for two years with hardly any play. Then last summer to avoid the heat I decided to get serious with the practice. I took a half day lesson, then a three day course. While I still have a hard time seeing the six on my green table I'm about were I was at 18.

I'm now really cranked up. I can beat most of the geezer's in the neighborhood. In a few weeks I get a GC IV with some 860 cloth in tour blue so I can see the damn balls. I'm looking into some glasses with a high frame with the prime focus spot high and toward my nose. (right eye) Not to sure how to explain that but the right glasses will help a bit.

My biggest problem is that I broke my shoulder years back and I can no longer take an accepted proper stance. Finding a position that works for an older body for a few hours of stroke is a quest.

I think the most important thing next to quality instruction is finding a drill set that is not boring. Then no matter what, do at least some drill each day. It will feel like you are wasting your time, "Oh man I suck", Then one night you will play some friend, cream them and that's when the improvement will show.

 

[derangedhermit]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you say that you have gone thirty years without playing and you are frustrated because you can't bring your game back in only a few months? Do you do that a lot with things?

Yes. I fall in the "natural athlete" category. Physical skills, in general, come to me more quickly than most, reach a higher level than most, and return quickly after disuse - of course not to the highest level I ever reached, but maybe 80%.

You will never play the same as you played 30 years ago because you are a different person than you were 30 years ago. That doesn't have to be a bad thing. You can become a better player than you were back then, depending on your attitude.

I agree. I'll know the rules and strategies of each game better, and play smarter, if nothing else.

 

[derangedhermit]

After 3 decades of aging there is a good chance your eyes aren't what they used to be...

I suspect my vision, which is very different, may indeed be one problem. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[porper-sig]

Take a look at Max Eberle's Book zen pool! G.L.

 

[Maniac]

randyg's premises (I live 90 minutes away)

Which direction is the "90 minutes away"? If you live close to me, we could get together and shoot some. You'd feel a whole lot better about your game after seein' me shoot . You're probably being too hard on yourself.

Maniac (you think YOU suck )

 

[Shaky1]

I suspect my vision, which is very different, may indeed be one problem. Thanks for the suggestion.

If you can't see right, you can't shoot right!
Today I get tested to see if Lasik will help. :smile:
I feel your pain. (Bill Clinton)

 

[derangedhermit]

Which direction is the "90 minutes away"? If you live close to me, we could get together and shoot some. You'd feel a whole lot better about your game after seein' me shoot . You're probably being too hard on yourself.

Maniac (you think YOU suck )

South of 20 and 35W.

 

[randyg]

I thought things would "come back" after three decades of not playing. So for a few months I've been trying to make or let that happen. But tonight was the last straw. I suck. And I'm getting worse. I'm wasting time at the table, I'm not enjoying it, and I've had enough frustration.

Here's the tentative plan:

I now have Jerry Briesath's DVDs in house. I'm going to watch them, and review and work on the contents until I have a solid grasp of what is being taught. Not necessarily mastered it, but a good understanding. It may take one month or six, I don't know.

Then I'm going to decide to either quit the game (if I still suck) or keep playing. If I keep playing, then it's over to randyg's premises (I live 90 minutes away) for some face-to-face training. I don't know whether to do the 3-day session, or if I would be better served spreading it out, maybe one day a week. It seems to me like spreading it out might be a better way to go.

After that I'll probably need an hour a week with an instructor, like learning to play a musical instrument. And x hours of practice a week.

Does this sound like a good way to go? What would improve the plan?

I'm now back home after 3 weeks in Las Vegas.

Email me at:

goettlicher@verizon.net

thanks
randyg

 

[bbb]

go to an opthomologist and get your eyes checked
asap

go to randy asap
dont ingrain bad habits

 

[mfinkelstein3]

Bad Habits

Just wanted to throw my 2 cents in.

First is to get your eyes checked and then have some pool glasses made if you are serious. I know first hand that you can't really play well with regular glasses. Contacts might be an option to look in to.

Next is get some lessons where you are video taped. Randy, Scott, Tom and others all do this.

Once you have your eyes right and the fundamentals down, you can practice hard knowing you are making progress to improving your game.

Other paths, in my opinion, cost money and time, and don't maximize your potential for growth in your pool game.

Sorry, I gave you a nickels worth.:smile: