I never truly appreciated the precision of EVERYTHING that is required in order to play at a very high level, until the last few years.
Also, I previously valued playing time far greater than I did knowledge acquisition insofar as it relates to playing ability. I think knowledge is more important than HAMB. They may go hand in hand but knowledge acquisition will shorten the learning curve, SIGNIFICANTLY.
Last night for the first time ever, I introduced my son (who I kept away from pool for most of his young life) to the precision of applying English/Side Spin, Draw and Follow and how that relates to making shape and pocketing the object ball. It was a good night, even though I lost 200clams to Warren Kiamco playing 9 rocket with a strong handicap. There's another "got it wrong" thing. In the past, I didn't give the pros enough credit for what they are able to do. Watching Warren move that cue ball around the table, rack after rack, NEVER getting hooked, missing only three balls during 14 games (two of which he missed when he led 10-3 in a race to 11); well, simply put, their precision in everything is something to behold.