Fast Eddie Johnson
I haven't read Mr. Yessis's book on sports but I did find "The Talent Code" a very informative and interesting read. The physiological development of brain matter called myelin was the central focus in Mr. Coyle's assessments of how intelligence coupled with physical skills are developed to enable tasks related to any number of goals. This science based approach was referenced at every turn and research suggest that anyone with enough desire and practice may become extremely talented. That said, I truly believe there are talents in some that remain unexplained. In particular, I compete regularly with a gentleman about my age (60), who's ability would seem to be quite natural from a very young age. He grew up in a small town in NW Indiana, and started shooting at a local pool hall at the age of 13. By the time he was 14 he was winning at a constant rate. What is unusual about his game is the frenetic pace. I've witnessed many 8 ball runs in less than 2 minutes. When he gets down on a shot he rarely takes more than one stroke before shooting, and when he's on, which is more often than not, he cleans a table faster than a speeding bullet. He doesn't stand back calculating angles, forecasting with deliberation, he just gets up there and shoots. He certainly doesn't always get the best shape, but he can shoot his way out of a bad situation. I recently ask him how often he practices and he responded "practice (?), I don't ever practice. The only play I get is four games a week in league and what few tournaments I get to play in." In my mind, he is a perfect example of natural talent. I'm quite sure had he been tutored at the beginning of his venture into pool, his ability overall would have been increased dramatically, but he wins many local tournaments and with limited playing time remains a force to be reckoned with.
I haven't read Mr. Yessis's book on sports but I did find "The Talent Code" a very informative and interesting read. The physiological development of brain matter called myelin was the central focus in Mr. Coyle's assessments of how intelligence coupled with physical skills are developed to enable tasks related to any number of goals. This science based approach was referenced at every turn and research suggest that anyone with enough desire and practice may become extremely talented. That said, I truly believe there are talents in some that remain unexplained. In particular, I compete regularly with a gentleman about my age (60), who's ability would seem to be quite natural from a very young age. He grew up in a small town in NW Indiana, and started shooting at a local pool hall at the age of 13. By the time he was 14 he was winning at a constant rate. What is unusual about his game is the frenetic pace. I've witnessed many 8 ball runs in less than 2 minutes. When he gets down on a shot he rarely takes more than one stroke before shooting, and when he's on, which is more often than not, he cleans a table faster than a speeding bullet. He doesn't stand back calculating angles, forecasting with deliberation, he just gets up there and shoots. He certainly doesn't always get the best shape, but he can shoot his way out of a bad situation. I recently ask him how often he practices and he responded "practice (?), I don't ever practice. The only play I get is four games a week in league and what few tournaments I get to play in." In my mind, he is a perfect example of natural talent. I'm quite sure had he been tutored at the beginning of his venture into pool, his ability overall would have been increased dramatically, but he wins many local tournaments and with limited playing time remains a force to be reckoned with.