Players and instuctors

[JoeW]

“C” means average. It is what most people do. Statistically it encompasses about 68% of the people. So it is what should be expected .

But I think there is more to it than that. I think that we are wrong to expect our kids or ourselves to get “A”s in every subject. What if we gave each of us grades for the various skill areas in life. What would your report card look like:

Life Skills Report Card
Interpersonal relations ability
Ability to play pool.
Free from addictions.
Works to potential on the job.
Gets along with co-workers.
Friendly and helpful with neighbors.
Ability as a father (mother)
Gets along with family members.
Understands current scientific issues
Understand current political issues.
Participates in political activities.

And the list goes on. Most of us would get an overall “C” in life by the time we figured out what is important and our involvement in it. I would bet that most people are not “A” players in golf, tennis, footall, basket ball, or in any sport for that matter. You may have been at one time but interest and abilities change over time.

It is more important to follow the currents of our lives than to grade ourselves and those we care about.

By definition we are all “C” players by the time you figure it out. Sure we may be an "A" player in some small area of life and that area will change from time to time.

 

[naji]

Why do so many players top out at the C+ / B- level.

Do you think its something inherent in pool or is it something
inherent in the average mental capacity (talent) of a pool players?

Maybe it just takes a lot more effort to top that plateau.

What do you think and why?

I read all answers, and it seems the word commitment and free time is the main obstacle; the only solution for free time is a table at home, that will allow one to practice at his own time, study the material apply, then go for few hours and play for money, never for fun, so that you apply what you learn under pressure, even if you loose.
As far as commitment, that is self decision, but i assure you when you see big improvement in the game, one would wants more of it.

 

[Taco]

Heart, balls and attitude. If you watch a pro and an amateur play it looks like they're playing two different sports. The (male) pro approaches the table like an alpha male. He owns it. An amateur is usually tentative and scared of missing.

 

[billy]

Why do so many players top out at the C+ / B- level.

Do you think its something inherent in pool or is it something
inherent in the average mental capacity (talent) of a pool players?

Maybe it just takes a lot more effort to top that plateau.

What do you think and why?

too many talkin' about it ... while not enough doin' it

jmho

 

[nobcitypool]

Easy answer. It's the same reason the vast majority of people who play high school sports never go on to play college sports. Lack of talent. Lack of discipline. Lack of work ethic. Lack of mental strength. The fact of the matter is, most people don't comprehend what excellence even is much less the ability to understand what it takes to achieve it. Finally, I think most people, deep down inside, don't believe they can achieve excellence. Therefore, the path down that road ends before it can even begin.