I don't know what my skill level but it's not very high. In a bar, I'd be in the 80th or 90th percentile in 8-ball and might win most every match but that isn't really saying much. I guess that is how you say it -- 90th percentile meaning that 90% of barroom players are worse than me?
I've watched countless hours of pool matches on youtube and I see what the players can do with the cue ball. I'm often fascinated by a skilled commentator saying, "Ok, he's probably gonna do such and such." And then the shooter will do exactly that. Now, KNOWING what to do is a key part but then DOING it is also a huge factor.
My point is that the skill level of pro players is truly amazing. I can identity through golf. I worked at my game like a crazy man several years ago. Practiced a lot, played or practiced 4-5 days/week. My best handicap was +1.2. That is not 1.2, that is +1.2. That is above the 99th percentile. Very few people achieve that. And yet I'd get killed day in, day out but one of the top amateurs in this area. And go to a pro tournament and watch and sheesh, it's a game with which I am not familiar with. The skill level, the repeatability of most every shot is astounding. Golfing machines!
Same thing with pool. As I try to get better with cue ball control and realize how bad I suck at it, it's just another example of just how good pros are. They not only work their butts off a bazillion hours but I figure they are 'gifted' beyond that. Certain people can repeat a stroke better than others. And have other skills pertinent thereto above and beyond the norm. Cheers pros!
I've watched countless hours of pool matches on youtube and I see what the players can do with the cue ball. I'm often fascinated by a skilled commentator saying, "Ok, he's probably gonna do such and such." And then the shooter will do exactly that. Now, KNOWING what to do is a key part but then DOING it is also a huge factor.
My point is that the skill level of pro players is truly amazing. I can identity through golf. I worked at my game like a crazy man several years ago. Practiced a lot, played or practiced 4-5 days/week. My best handicap was +1.2. That is not 1.2, that is +1.2. That is above the 99th percentile. Very few people achieve that. And yet I'd get killed day in, day out but one of the top amateurs in this area. And go to a pro tournament and watch and sheesh, it's a game with which I am not familiar with. The skill level, the repeatability of most every shot is astounding. Golfing machines!
Same thing with pool. As I try to get better with cue ball control and realize how bad I suck at it, it's just another example of just how good pros are. They not only work their butts off a bazillion hours but I figure they are 'gifted' beyond that. Certain people can repeat a stroke better than others. And have other skills pertinent thereto above and beyond the norm. Cheers pros!
