Practice?

[Tbeaux]

Hey Melissa,

I've heard that you are one of the pros who is working a regular job in addition to playing on the tour. I was wondering what you do to make the most of the time that you are able to make for practice? Do you look for games to keep your competitive edge or concentrate more on drills to keep your skills up?

Terry

 

[Melissa Herndon]

Hey there!

I have worked a full-time job throughout my pool career...and I have to tell you, it isn't easy to strike that right balance between the two.

There are times that I really want to focus on the pool, and I resent having to work...which makes me less focused than I should be at my job. But I have an extremely strong work ethic...and so when I dedicate myself to getting my job done...the pool suffers. For example, I just mentioned in the Swanee thread that I had to work a 13-hour day the day before the Swanee event. I had really wanted to go hit balls on Friday night so that I would be ready on Saturday...but I was swamped at work, and I just can't walk out on my job when everything isn't finished. So, I played terrible over the weekend...but what can I do?

I quit a job earlier this year...a job that I had been at for 6 years and had been promoted twice. I wanted to focus solely on pool. For about 5 months, I traveled and played pool. I was only happy for the first month or so. After that, I started to feel a little useless. I felt like I was not being a productive member of society. Money wasn't a big issue...but I wasn't able to live the lifestyle that I was used to. To be honest, it was kind of depressing for me. I knew I needed to start working again, but I didn't want to give up the freedom that I had.

In August, I signed up with a temp agency. So far, this seems to strike the perfect balance for me. I can accept jobs when I want to work....and if I need time off to go to tournaments or relax...then I just let my temp agency know not to schedule me for any assignments. Currently, I am working for Dole Foods. I had accepted a 2-month assignment through the holidays...but they have asked me to stay, so I extended through May. They know that I need to leave for tournaments during that time, and they are very supportive and are giving me a lot of leeway.

Now that I am working again, I find that I value my practice time more...and so I really work hard during those practice sessions. I make sure that I am playing about 4 times a week...and I work on different things each session. Mostly I concentrate on speed control and making sure that my hit is pure.

Anyhow, I just realized that I gave a very long answer to a fairly simple question. But basically, I just looked for a way to make my situation work. It is not ideal...but I have to do what I can to make it work. (Until I win the lottery that is!!! I think if I had millions behind me, I could find a way to enjoy being a non-productive member of the human race!!!)

Melissa

 

[Tbeaux]

Melissa that was a great answer. Dole huh? If things look promising there and the boss is a friendly sort and likes pool.......??? Ummm maybe things get better on the practice or ahhh...sponsorship front!
Keep hittin, strokin, kickin and bankin!<<<<< (double entendres )

Terry

 

[justnum]

Melissa's answer was thorough to the point where I no longer dream of becoming a full time pool player. It is comforting knowing that some pool pros have regular jobs. Her post really made me re-evaluate some of my life choices.

 

[yobagua]

Thats too bad because you have such a powerful stroke. I call it an American style. Unlike the UK snooker type of stance and stroke or the Asiatic smoothness with lower gravity, but more in line with the Kim Davenport or Strickland type of stroke Upper body strength and powerful stroke standing over the ball.
You are one of my favorites but am selfishly greedy to see you give in to other priorities. I just love to see you power your way through a rack.

 

[Melissa Herndon]

Thats too bad because you have such a powerful stroke. I call it an American style. Unlike the UK snooker type of stance and stroke or the Asiatic smoothness with lower gravity, but more in line with the Kim Davenport or Strickland type of stroke Upper body strength and powerful stroke standing over the ball.
You are one of my favorites but am selfishly greedy to see you give in to other priorities. I just love to see you power your way through a rack.

Well thank you for the compliments! But there is no need to feel bad...because I have no intentions of quitting anytime soon. I just needed to find the balance between a "normal" life and the poolroom life. There are many out there who feel no need to work and can just play pool. But at this point in my life, I am not one of them. I cannot devote 100% of my time and energy to the lifestyle. But, I do the best I can with the talent I was given, the time that I have, and my passion for the game. So don't worry...I will be on the pool scene for years to come!

Melissa

 

[Melissa Herndon]

Melissa's answer was thorough to the point where I no longer dream of becoming a full time pool player. It is comforting knowing that some pool pros have regular jobs. Her post really made me re-evaluate some of my life choices.

If being a professional is truly your dream...there is no need to give it up. Just be aware that there are many options available in life. If you are dedicated and creative and efficient with your time....you can achieve lots of things.

There are tons of amateur athletes out there (Olympic caliber) who have to work to support their dreams of winning gold medals. Figure-skaters who get up at 3am to train, then go to school, then go to work, then go back to the rink and train some more. Gymnasts who go to college, waitress to pay the bills, and still find the time to train 5-6 hours a day.
As a matter of fact, there are many US Olympic athletes who work full-time at Home Depot...because Home Depot is very supportive of their Olympic dreams and gives them the time-off they need for events, etc.

Sorry...once again I digress a little. But my point is....there is never a need to give up your dreams. Sometimes, you just have to be realistic about what it will take to achieve those dreams. And remember, if it is easy...it's not really worth having.

Melissa