Older players... what do you do?

Billiard Architect

Billiard Architect

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Getting back into playing again. Been out of it for a while. I am now 30 lbs heavier than I was, have a belly and not able to get down on shots like I used to. I know losing weight is a start but what else can I do to allow me to bend my neck far enough to look down a cue? I have tried stretching with little success.

What do you all do?
 
I have extremely limited range of motion in my neck and struggled to get down low enough on a shot when I started playing again after many years off.

Two things that helped me were my chiropractor, and just playing. Of the two, time on the table was really the best medicine…
 
Count calories
and only play pool if I have clear and achievable objectives when at the pool table.

COVID lockdowns made me more sensitive to posture issues.

Today's pool game is all about good posture.
 
David in FL said:
I have extremely limited range of motion in my neck and struggled to get down low enough on a shot when I started playing again after many years off.

Two things that helped me were my chiropractor, and just playing. Of the two, time on the table was really the best medicine…
Click to expand...
Same here. My neck, back, shoulders (what else?) have nasty arthritis and other hiccups. Eye wear is not ideal also. Cannot position myself properly but learned/learning to adjust. Best advice (to myself) is have fun and do best I can do... I have as many good days and bad days.
Like DinF says keep playing... it beats not playing.
 
I'm no spring chicken and hadn't played in just over 20 years. I used to be able to get chin over cue and the last 7 attempts recently trying to play was difficult. I'm still waiting for our house builder to get the drywall/floors done so I can get the table installed. Once I get on the table I'll be able to work on everything so I'm comfortable getting over the cue even if it means being elevated somewhat. I have enough knowledge to be able to figure it all out.
 
Billiard Architect said:
Getting back into playing again. Been out of it for a while. I am now 30 lbs heavier than I was, have a belly and not able to get down on shots like I used to. I know losing weight is a start but what else can I do to allow me to bend my neck far enough to look down a cue? I have tried stretching with little success.

What do you all do?
Click to expand...
Good conversation starter. Now it’s time to get down to work! Two words that you’ve heard before - diet & exercise!

I’ll give you an exercise tip that most pool players are totally unaware of. This one is for all of you. Work on your grip to make it stronger! It can be as simple as making a tight fist for thirty seconds to a minute every day. Having a strong grip will improve your stroke and your overall game. I promise you!

P.S. The above does not mean holding your cue tight while playing!
 
Last edited:
David in FL said:
I have extremely limited range of motion in my neck and struggled to get down low enough on a shot when I started playing again after many years off.

Two things that helped me were my chiropractor, and just playing. Of the two, time on the table was really the best medicine…
Click to expand...
I agree, the more I play, the better the neck.
 
I never did shoot "nose to cue" even when I was 150 dripping wet and could have (so many, many, years ago). As I keep suggesting, it is all a matter of adjusting through practice/exposure. Ambidextrous shooting is a perfect example. Near impossible at first, but after time one can even learn to draw from either side. As others suggested above, follow the Nike Rule, again, and again, and . . .
 
79 here, and lucky that my few health problems (glaucoma, stiff knee joints) haven't affected my pool game. Other than practicing pool at home for about an hour a day, my main exercise consists of twice a day walks around the neighborhood. Other than that, diet for the body and lots of reading for the brain are about the only things that are within my control. From what I can tell from JAM's Facebook posts, she and Mr. Earthquake have the best daily routine of all, with long daybreak walks in the park with their dogs. Those two are likely to make it to 100.
 
This is an extreme measure and maybe not the answer for most but taking up jiu jitsu is 100% beneficial to your pool game, and not just in the physical well being aspect, it’s also a mental game the same as pool. I’ve been doing it for years now and tho pool had nothing to do with why I started, it absolutely changes everything. It enhances your mobility but also changes the way you look at the game. Hesitation is less, panic is less and you worry less. I’ve also heard yoga is good for pool, which I have yet to try but plan to.

Yesrs ago while at the Mr Olympia a friend of mine introduced me to a company called Sweet Sweat, they’re much bigger today than back then. He was friends with the owner and at the time they were one of the first companies selling the neoprene belts you wear around your abdomen. So many products are a gaff these days but that one is legit and is the simplest thing to do. You can wear it while playing and tho it’s not a back support item, it does help with that also.
 
jay helfert said:
Having a strong grip will improve your stroke and your overall game.
Click to expand...
I concur 😉 I had the privilege of a quality evening with Steve Mizerack.....playing darts! His opening with 3 in a bed demonstration of the fine finger work that is similarly available with a pool cue as well.
My dart board is getting it's share, every day. Usually just in passing. 🤷‍♂️
My morning fitness is conducted at the pool table. Simple full range movement like Tai Chi. Stretch and flex first. My daily fitness program continues with the weight work. Building stuff 🤷‍♂️
 
I've had significant arthritis in my neck for years. I had always done neck stretches, but I learned from my physical therapist that I wasn't doing the ones that best addressed my specific limitations. In the end, physical therapy helped me a lot with range of motion in my neck. Ask your doctor whether it's advisable in your case.
 
Don't know if you wear glasses like I do, but billiard glasses help me. With regular glasses when I get my chin down near the cue to sight I need to uncomfortably bend my neck back to get focused on where I'm aiming. This is pretty awkward and interferes with my stroke. Billiard glasses have the focus point much higher in the lens so you can just look down the cue with your eyes without needing to bend the neck much to get things focused. That's a lot more comfortable and natural feeling
 
Billiard Architect said:
Getting back into playing again. Been out of it for a while. I am now 30 lbs heavier than I was, have a belly and not able to get down on shots like I used to. I know losing weight is a start but what else can I do to allow me to bend my neck far enough to look down a cue? I have tried stretching with little success.

What do you all do?
Click to expand...
Just don't try to get too low right outta the box.
Take it easy and do it gradually so your neck and back don't throw fits afterwards. You'll get there. My father is an excellent example of this. Limited range due to broken hip. Learned to play standing damn near straight up. And had a good game in spite of this.
If the Stroke is still there, the other things can and do fall into line.
 
Mensabum said:
Just don't try to get too low right outta the box.
Take it easy and do it gradually so your neck and back don't throw fits afterwards. You'll get there. My father is an excellent example of this. Limited range due to broken hip. Learned to play standing damn near straight up. And had a good game in spite of this.
If the Stroke is still there, the other things can and do fall into line.
Click to expand...
I guess what I'm trying to say is don't torture yourself. Have fun with it. If you're hurting so bad you can't enjoy the game, you'll eventually quit. And that wouldn't be good for anyone. Especially you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top