thinking about going pro

[C.Milian]

I met a guy that told me it will take him sixth months to turn me into a champion. He told me sixth months ago I got another sixth months to go. Every six months I get so much better that I stop myself from straggling him the next sixth months I see him. One shady mothuF-ER.

 

[JoeyA]

I met a guy that told me it will take him sixth months to turn me into a champion. He told me sixth months ago I got another sixth months to go. Every six months I get so much better that I stop myself from straggling him the next sixth months I see him. One shady mothuF-ER.

Funny, funny story. Maybe it's better to get a consensus of opinion from the local pool room and find out who is best qualified to turn who into a champion.

It takes a whole pool room to raise a champion.

To become a champion, you have to look in that mirror, be honest with yourself and not be willing to accept anything less than what is expected of you to become one.

 

[Kid Dynomite]

I will chime in here and I have seriously been debating saying something???

Historically, all the top pool players have little to nothing to show for their talent!!!

Please name 5 top level pool players over the last 20 years that is "living the good life" how ever YOU define the good life??????

In the #1 spot of this list is???

#1 Terry Bell
Made the APA not from Pro Pool

#2 Allen Hopkins
Made the Super Biliards Expo and ESPN production CO. not from pro pool

#3 Doctor Cue "Tom Rossman"
Trick shot contract at every major college not from pro pool

#4 Nick Varner
Saved his money!!!!


I cant name 5!!!!!!!!!

The above list of those doing ok consist of several that would not be classified as top level by some or most!!!

NOW!!!

If you want to list those doing BAD!!! We can get really UGLY!!!
I could list names and supporting info but WHY??? They deserve privacy like everyone else. If they want to come on and chime in they are very welcome to do just that. But some don't have internet or computers or other BASIC necessities!!!

KD

 

[steveinflorida]

I will chime in here and I have seriously been debating saying something???

Historically, all the top pool players have little to nothing to show for their talent!!!

Please name 5 top level pool players over the last 20 years that is "living the good life" how ever YOU define the good life??????

In the #1 spot of this list is???

#1 Terry Bell
Made the APA not from Pro Pool

#2 Allen Hopkins
Made the Super Biliards Expo and ESPN production CO. not from pro pool

#3 Doctor Cue "Tom Rossman"
Trick shot contract at every major college not from pro pool

#4 Nick Varner
Saved his money!!!!


I cant name 5!!!!!!!!!

The above list of those doing ok consist of several that would not be classified as top level by some or most!!!

NOW!!!

If you want to list those doing BAD!!! We can get really UGLY!!!
I could list names and supporting info but WHY??? They deserve privacy like everyone else. If they want to come on and chime in they are very welcome to do just that. But some don't have internet or computers or other BASIC necessities!!!

KD

I pretty much have to go along with this. It is sad, but, true in an awful lot of cases.

 

[C.Milian]

Funny, funny story. Maybe it's better to get a consensus of opinion from the local pool room and find out who is best qualified to turn who into a champion.

It takes a whole pool room to raise a champion.

To become a champion, you have to look in that mirror, be honest with yourself and not be willing to accept anything less than what is expected of you to become one.

Very true. Even so, there was a time I would have tried to overcome the impossible. I looked recently and have decided that the the kid won't get there. Champions have to accept losses well too right? :thumbup:

 

[BFrench501]

Surely Efren Reyes does okay for himself? Darren Appleton seems to have a good life right now. Raj Hundal lives the high roller lifestyle it seems according to his blogs.

there must be more than 4 people who do well in pool financially...?

 

[BRKNRUN]

Hmmmmm...my guess is that you could make pretty much the same post with someone that wants to become a "backer".

 

[JoeW]

A few weeks ago I watched two top ten pros in a match shown on the internet. One of the pros was quite a bit ahead and it appeared he would win the match easily as the other pro was off his game. About ¾ of the way through the match the losing pro took a five minute break and returned to win every game for the rest of the match. His improved concentration and sustained attention to every shot were only exceeded by the renewed level of energy he showed.

These are signs of cocaine and or methamphamine use. Many of the people in the pool playing world’s elite are not well known for their ethics, morality or commitment to the improvement of the game, let alone anything else. Other sports also have problems with law abiding and moral behavior but pool players are certainly not at the top of the ethical world.

If you are thinking about turning pro consider the idea that some of these “pros” will use anything at their disposal to win a few dollars.

 

[justnum]

Since pro pool isn't a money maker like pro golf.

Sure a handful of wealthy people might support the cause but most people watching are more interested in getting a cheap show on the internet then paying to watch live competition pool.

In sports like football people pay room, board and airfare to see an event like the superbowl. Pool players need an infrastructure that attracts people the same way big sports attract people. The only signs of that are coming from Dragon Promotions. However if you had to make a decision within five years about going pro or just playing locally, playing locally is the conservative move.

 

[justnum]

A few weeks ago I watched two top ten pros in a match shown on the internet. One of the pros was quite a bit ahead and it appeared he would win the match easily as the other pro was off his game. About ¾ of the way through the match the losing pro took a five minute break and returned to win every game for the rest of the match. His improved concentration and sustained attention to every shot were only exceeded by the renewed level of energy he showed.

These are signs of cocaine and or methamphamine use. Many of the people in the pool playing world’s elite are not well known for their ethics, morality or commitment to the improvement of the game, let alone anything else. Other sports also have problems with law abiding and moral behavior but pool players are certainly not at the top of the ethical world.

If you are thinking about turning pro consider the idea that some of these “pros” will use anything at their disposal to win a few dollars.

Sports athletes have classically been plagued by drugs, gambling and alcohol. At least pool isn't a sport where steroids are needed, attention deficit medicine might seem to be the illegal drug of choice for pool players.

What is nice about pool is people that play it well know it is best played calmly, unlike emotional sports where confidence and ego (I mean talent) are a key to being successful.

 

[C.Milian]

A few weeks ago I watched two top ten pros in a match shown on the internet. One of the pros was quite a bit ahead and it appeared he would win the match easily as the other pro was off his game. About ¾ of the way through the match the losing pro took a five minute break and returned to win every game for the rest of the match. His improved concentration and sustained attention to every shot were only exceeded by the renewed level of energy he showed.

These are signs of cocaine and or methamphamine use. Many of the people in the pool playing world’s elite are not well known for their ethics, morality or commitment to the improvement of the game, let alone anything else. Other sports also have problems with law abiding and moral behavior but pool players are certainly not at the top of the ethical world.

If you are thinking about turning pro consider the idea that some of these “pros” will use anything at their disposal to win a few dollars.

Other athletes are on just as much high energy type drugs as pool players if not more. They do it on a legal basis and have doctors telling them the correct amount to take and when to cycle on and off. Just guessin.

 

[justnum]

Other athletes are on just as much high energy type drugs as pool players if not more. They do it on a legal basis and have doctors telling them the correct amount to take and when to cycle on and off. Just guessin.

Bad advice from professionals in the industry is something an amateur should consider.

The most common story being when entering a new industry people are telling you what sells, what works and how to make fast money.

Being prepared for initial financial hardships is a big issue. And following the advice of people during that time can lead to unwanted consequences.

Common to a failed success is a business manager who talks a good game but when things go bad blame it on the lack of demand. In the end you did all you could, you worked hard, but you weren't preparing for the disasters you thought other people would prepare for, even though you were assured they are taking legal actions to ensure outcomes.

 

[Kid Dynomite]

Surely Efren Reyes does okay for himself? Darren Appleton seems to have a good life "right now". Raj Hundal lives the high roller lifestyle it seems according to his blogs.

there must be more than 4 people who do well in pool financially...?

This does not include expenses!
It does not include bad years!
This does not include lack of sponsors!

Efren lives in the Philippines and the Average Yearly salary in USA dollars is close to $1800. So, by those standards he is doing very well! If you ask Efren he will tell you about NOT being paid and "the fact" that he was Cheated out of his winnings and earnings early in his career!

if you do ever find more than 4 people doing well financially PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHO????

KD

 

[JoeW]

I would think long and hard before making a decision to turn pro. Consider the time and effort required (even with talent). Consider the cost of doing business. Consider the financial return on investment. If you look at the AZ player stats it would appear that most pros do not make money consistently. Consider the playing field. Is it basically level and fair?

In my experience (Dr, Professor, scientific researcher, software author, and general author) I never took up a new “hobby” unless the hobby paid for itself by the end of the first year. After that it had to pay well until I was bored with the endeavor. To me any new “hobby” requires more effort and more down right work than any “job” I held at the time. I had to put in at least twice the effort of the average member of the profession just to get started.

Over the years I learned that the most important thing you bring to a new field is something new, creative, or innovative. That is when your love of the field (which is required) leads to success. I have failed and succeeded at many things in life and perhaps the thoughts of an old retired guy may help you sort through the issues.

I would not become a pro player because I have nothing new to contribute and because it is not a level playing field. If you want to do well you have to play on their terms and thus reduce yourself to becoming like them. Self centered and aggressive.

 

[justnum]

When coaching new careers the only advice to give is, will it keep you out of trouble? Whatever criminal history you may have had, or whatever wrongs you have done to society, if you think going pro will help you stay clean then go for it.

Most people I know make a career decision because the money is worthwhile. As for everything else well, they are talented enough to secure a lifestyle that they won't let go willingly.

 

[JoeW]

Probably one of the best things that you can do for yourself is to buy a copy of “What color is your parachute.” This timely, classic in the field of vocational choices is in your local library. Any edition will do. The latest is not needed. Read through the book and work through the projects. By the time you have finished you will have an excellent idea about your strengths and weaknesses. You will also have some pretty good ideas about what you should be doing with your life that makes the best use of you, your skills, your preferences and your abilities that you may or may not have considered.

BTW, if you are well suited to a career in sports that too will come out. The research has been done and it is true that the most successful people in any area of endeavor love their field. If you truly love what you are doing you will work at it harder, longer, and with more commitment. Such people are rare and usually paid well.

Jasmin Oschan is a good example of a pro who brings a new style to the playing field and she is being well rewarded. Could you do something similar? She has a coach, a training program, a commitmnt to contributing ad she plays extremely well. Now there is a success story.

 

[JoeyA]

justnumb, I am curious if you are the person you are asking the question about? It seems that way but reading some of your posts, I get the impression that you are far more "educated" about the pool world than your question lets on.

 

[justnum]

justnumb, I am curious if you are the person you are asking the question about? It seems that way but reading some of your posts, I get the impression that you are far more "educated" about the pool world than your question lets on.

In modernist style writing (smart people talk) the approach is focused on thoughts and observations that are critical to a situation.

You are right I was asking the question, but strictly as a writing exercise.

Half the time I hear male pro players talk I wonder just how much they have thought about the lives they are leading, aside from thinking about how excited everyone will be to see how talented they are.

 

[justnum]

Probably one of the best things that you can do for yourself is to buy a copy of “What color is your parachute.” This timely, classic in the field of vocational choices is in your local library. Any edition will do. The latest is not needed. Read through the book and work through the projects. By the time you have finished you will have an excellent idea about your strengths and weaknesses. You will also have some pretty good ideas about what you should be doing with your life that makes the best use of you, your skills, your preferences and your abilities that you may or may not have considered.

BTW, if you are well suited to a career in sports that too will come out. The research has been done and it is true that the most successful people in any area of endeavor love their field. If you truly love what you are doing you will work at it harder, longer, and with more commitment. Such people are rare and usually paid well.

Jasmin Oschan is a good example of a pro who brings a new style to the playing field and she is being well rewarded. Could you do something similar? She has a coach, a training program, a commitmnt to contributing ad she plays extremely well. Now there is a success story.

A success story is great but I am more into comebacks.

I am a big believer that people who may have gotten in with the wrong crowd can recover. Maybe some pros come to mind who need a good comeback story. I won't name any, but there are always some.

The pro who almost made it, got messed up but survived because of something in pool, competing professionally or traveling. I call it the "born again billiard player."

Kids that work hard and succeed well, that is not a story which will captivate the imagination of many people. Though an important story, not one that I find to frequently when meeting people.