What is your Great Idea to Create more Pool Players

[chefjeff]

I think this is a great idea but our government is broke. I believe it will have to be a grassroots effort if something like this will succeed.​

I believe one of the best ways to get new people playing the game is to simply invite them to play after work, on the weekend, as a social outing. Teach them the basics, proper fundamentals and let them experience the fun in the game. It's amazing how you can go to a pool hall now and practice/play by yourself for hours and not have anyone approach you just to play. Sure the shortstops and want to be gamblers will try to get a game with you but people just don't seem to want to play with people they don't know. Even if you ask nicely people in general will say no thanks. It saddens me that for the large part of my experience, I see a sea of tables with only one player on each and none of them are interested in playing with anyone else.

On a positive note, just before Thanksgiving I had the great pleasure of being invited to play with a gentleman I didn't know and was joined later by a gentleman from out of town that neither of us had ever met. 2-3 hours later we had all had a very good time playing pool and life seemed a bit better than before because we had shared a few games together.

One of the problems I see with that is the different skill levels of the players. I see the better players not wanting to lower themselves, so to speak, to the newbies, amateurs' level.

I think if the good players invite others to play, the good players have to play beneath their levels so as not to scare away the newbies, if that makes sense. A bit of trade off from kicking azz to marketing the game might be the problem for some to invite newbies. I know I don't enjoy the game as much when I lower my skill levels, or at least lower my focus levels, but I do it to encourage the newbies/amateurs I'm playing against. Not condescending, but a touch of mercy and education added to what I'm doing on the table.

Jeff Livingston

 

[ENGLISH!]

I like your comments. I do, however, cherish the times (and what I learned about life, bowling and pool) from going to bowling alleys and pool halls (had to sneak in) as a teenager.

When I was a kid there were high school bowling leagues that were very successful in bringing kids to bowling. I've always thought the same would work for pool (some have tried it with success). The problem is getting pool hall owners to show interest and getting old conservatives in the school system to come out of the dark ages...

Mr. Lutz,

Thanks for liking my comments & you are correct. I remember playing on my Jr. High School tennis team. I had just been introduced to tennis by my older brother but the tennis coach really reinforced the game to me. I also remember going to watch my friend play some his high school bowling matches.

The ideal scenario would be for schools to have a table on site but under 'lock & key', controlled & for use only for the team, tryouts, practices, & matches. However we know that that will most probably, if not certainly, never happen.

Best Regards,

 

[336Robin]

I thought this thread was about adding to pool, not killing it off.

Jeff Livingston

Well keeping politics out of it, there are a lot of kids that fall in the At Risk category and its an idea that would definitely be filed from the perspective of a private industry concern......its a tad far fetched I will grant you...but a lot of people including those with political aversions to goverment that utilize the programs, tax credits and incentives that offer to increase jobs and business activity.....in the end it can be good business for goverments to do this because when the balance sheet is examined.... taxes come from profits.....Profits do not occur in this business over night and there doesnt seem to be any foundations that I know of willing to step forth and do something to help pool but if we help youth there might actually be some help out there.....If you know of anyone who privately would like to see something of this nature work...I will gladly be willing talk serious about doing something.....

Just another lovely day in paradise.......

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[ronscuba]

ronscba,

If it's about 'winning', then a beginner is taking up the 'wrong' game. Handycaps, & leagues that employ them, can actually hold people back. However, the ball handycap is more fair & makes a point to the player as to just how close or far they are from where they might want to be.

I agree with you, the point is getting NEW players. How is that done? I'm sure that I do not really know. Maybe free table time for couples only or those under a certain age. Anything to just get them on a table.

Best Regards,

Agreed. Not all about winning, but at some point a new player needs to win a game or 2. A beginner will not stay with the game if they never win a single game in a season. My wife and I joined a beginner, ball handicap league 18 months ago. We are now hooked on the game. We see others just like us joining every season. We are lucky to live in NYC where there are more than enough players to have separate beginner and intermediate/advanced leagues.

I like what chefjeff said about good players taking it a little easy on newer players and not scaring them away.

 

[chefjeff]

Well keeping politics out of it, there are a lot of kids that fall in the At Risk category and its an idea that would definitely be filed from the perspective of a private industry concern......its a tad far fetched I will grant you...but a lot of people including those with political aversions to goverment that utilize the programs, tax credits and incentives that offer to increase jobs and business activity.....in the end it can be good business for goverments to do this because when the balance sheet is examined.... taxes come from profits.....Profits do not occur in this business over night and there doesnt seem to be any foundations that I know of willing to step forth and do something to help pool but if we help youth there might actually be some help out there.....If you know of anyone who privately would like to see something of this nature work...I will gladly be willing talk serious about doing something.....

Just another lovely day in paradise.......

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

I understand and didn't mean to take this off topic.

I sometimes get that urge, too, especially when I see how local govts finance golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, volleyball courts, shuffleboard areas, bicycle paths, snowmobile areas, swimming pools, et al.....and at the same time they restrict pool hall businesses through various regulations and zonings, etc., as if we're a bunch of child-molesting whack jobs who just wanna find suckers to bet with.

It ain't fair, is it?

Jeff Livingston

 

[336Robin]

I like your comments. I do, however, cherish the times (and what I learned about life, bowling and pool) from going to bowling alleys and pool halls (had to sneak in) as a teenager.

When I was a kid there were high school bowling leagues that were very successful in bringing kids to bowling. I've always thought the same would work for pool (some have tried it with success). The problem is getting pool hall owners to show interest and getting old conservatives in the school system to come out of the dark ages...

Mr. Lutz,
Thats a great idea whose time might have come. I actually talked to someone who tried this and they had support but when it was found out that Alcohol was served and smoking was allowed in the room, they said ok...you have to have a signed statement from each parent...and that killed it....for rooms that do neither I think it could definitely work.....and maybe perhaps since smoking were not going on now in a lot of places...it might work yet....
Sounds like a good idea for someone to draw up a program....

Just another lovely day in paradise......

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[336Robin]

New Players

I understand and didn't mean to take this off topic.

I sometimes get that urge, too, especially when I see how local govts finance golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, volleyball courts, shuffleboard areas, bicycle paths, snowmobile areas, swimming pools, et al.....and at the same time they restrict pool hall businesses through various regulations and zonings, etc., as if we're a bunch of child-molesting whack jobs who just wanna find suckers to bet with.

It ain't fair, is it?

Jeff Livingston

Jeff,
Dont get me started on some of the whack jobs in pool...lol...we definitely have an image problem but its hard to run the business you have off. Its probably not fair but the image is there.....its possible that our colorful past may not be the best future for our sport and I started out in recreation centers , that is the kind of place where you nurture pool players.....get them started and they come back at different points in their life...I sure did....pool has several problems but the new player problem is one we better fix.....

Just another lovely day in paradise.......

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[ctyhntr]

This sounds like a great idea. Rather than re-invent the wheel, leverage what we have already.

I've seen entire families show up to root at league matches. Maybe we can replace the soccer mom with the pool mom. Maybe one day we'll get some motherly advice like this: Junior, watch out for that kid, he can't make a ball so he's going to safety you to death.

Our ground work has been already set.

Find a local APA-BCAPL-TAP-VNEA League in your area and pick a couple of students. Offer them free lessons. Student bees produce honey and honey attracts more students. In less than two months you will see your efforts multiplying.

The better I bowl the more I like bowling!

randyg

 

[dr9ball]

There is only one way I can see to make the sport bigger. Make a way that pool players can make a career out of playing that pays well. That way, parents can support their kids who find a talent for pool. I am working on it. Look for Pool America Sports threads.

Thanks,
Jim

Jim,

I see above where you said the sport needs to be bigger but more amateur leagues and local tournaments could do that as well as more advertising by pool rooms to attract new players. I don't see the pro connection to pool for the masses. (With that said, I'd like to see the pros have successful careers but I don't see the dependence I believe you do.)

Let me ask your thoughts on why you feel Pro Pool Players having a successful career is necessary to get more people of the general populace playing pool?

 

[naji]

:thumbup:

Ron, Naji,
I think more specifically my concern isnt as much as what we do with them when we get them as it is.....how in the world do we get them?......to me it seems that Pool is just not on the minds of people in general...how do we get a non player...who knows no players at all.....the idea.....that hey...I think I might try playing pool?

Just another lovely day in paradise......

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

Loction of pool room is main factor, near single couples. Free pool, free prizes all win. Add poker, chess, dart, cards game and associate with pool somehow, like i suggested in my earliest post.

 

[Halter]

The answer seems simple to me. How do you attract women to the game? If there were as many women players as men, wouldn't this discussion be over? I have just returned to pool after a 20 year break. Previously, I always owned a pool table and played mostly at home.

This time I tried to get my wife interested. Bought her a cue, a couple of lessons, and everything. She was really excited. That is...until her first several times entering a pool hall. And I have taken her to several. She just doesn't like the environment, the feel. She is intimidated by the whole atmosphere going on. (not to mention that she considers them pretty dirty places.) Telling her that is what makes the game interesting hasn't worked at all. She says she will play when I buy a table for home again.

IMO, if you want to know how to increase the number of pool players, everyone should be quiet and listen to the ladies. Are there any women on this forum with some good advice?

 

[Missing Link]

Pool needs recognition and face time...we all know how addictive it is, we just need to get people playing and the bug will bite. I would like to see celebrity exhibition matches with people who are already in the public consciousness and sponsor ship of players by non-billiards products. What if Monster energy, Redbull, DC shoes, ect were to advertised for and be sponsored by pros?

I think pool needs a young face, a "rockstar" that younger people want to be like, SVB and pros like him could be a great gateway if marketed right, as a "brand" unto themselves and the older statesmen of the game shown as a solid foundation and as our roots...what's more entertaining than Earl or JA being interviewed by Joe Rogan?

Things like TAR are a great, marketable experience...I've gotten many ppl in the 20-30 age bracket interested just from the podcasts. I think social media and creating faces that are known outside of our circle is the start of getting it back into Americas social consciousness.

 

[ENGLISH!]

Mr. Halter,

When I was 13 years old my Dad took me to a hall that had a seperate room for coulpes only. He asked the owner if he could take me in there. Later on when I was older I came across another hall that had the bar & three(3) tables seperated from the rest of the hall by a half wall with glass on top. Both of these were in New Orleans. Both have been gone for many, many years.

But... you are correct with regards to most of the female population. A new upsacle hall opened up here about a year ago & it seems to do well with younger couples. I bet CJ's place did well with that demographic as well.

Best regards,

 

[djbalsmann]

hmm sounds good

 

[336Robin]

Pool needs recognition and face time...we all know how addictive it is, we just need to get people playing and the bug will bite. I would like to see celebrity exhibition matches with people who are already in the public consciousness and sponsor ship of players by non-billiards products. What if Monster energy, Redbull, DC shoes, ect were to advertised for and be sponsored by pros?

I think pool needs a young face, a "rockstar" that younger people want to be like, SVB and pros like him could be a great gateway if marketed right, as a "brand" unto themselves and the older statesmen of the game shown as a solid foundation and as our roots...what's more entertaining than Earl or JA being interviewed by Joe Rogan?

Things like TAR are a great, marketable experience...I've gotten many ppl in the 20-30 age bracket interested just from the podcasts. I think social media and creating faces that are known outside of our circle is the start of getting it back into Americas social consciousness.

Missing Link,
I agree the core of what you have said and you said a lot. The game needs a face lift. I spent a lot of time working on a new format for pool tournaments and part of that was a conduct code and after it got going a dress code....I was going to do Modified Round Robin and I spent a lot of time making sure I had the kinks worked out....then I started talking to players and sort of discouraged by the comments....while the format would be great....I dont have a lot of time right now to devote to running a tour.....what I would like to see in pool is a change .....like you said....a facelift...and we need new players....so I have focused more of my mental space on that....great post...some good ideas....however one has to be real careful what they do with Earl....god only knows what he might say.....lol

Just another lovely day in paradise......

336Robin :thumbup:

aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[336Robin]

The answer seems simple to me. How do you attract women to the game? If there were as many women players as men, wouldn't this discussion be over? I have just returned to pool after a 20 year break. Previously, I always owned a pool table and played mostly at home.

This time I tried to get my wife interested. Bought her a cue, a couple of lessons, and everything. She was really excited. That is...until her first several times entering a pool hall. And I have taken her to several. She just doesn't like the environment, the feel. She is intimidated by the whole atmosphere going on. (not to mention that she considers them pretty dirty places.) Telling her that is what makes the game interesting hasn't worked at all. She says she will play when I buy a table for home again.

IMO, if you want to know how to increase the number of pool players, everyone should be quiet and listen to the ladies. Are there any women on this forum with some good advice?

Halter,
You are exactly right....I spent one of the best experiences of my pool life helping run a WPBA East Coast event. The girls came in there from all over like it was something important, they were where they were supposed to be, on time, in dress code and they acted right....if they didnt they got fussed at...no bs. I had the best experience of my life watching the tournament, shooting the breeze and talking pool. It was a great weekend and I walked away from the experience thinking this is what pool should be about....

Just another lovely day in paradise......

336Robin:thumbup:
aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[naji]

This is something I think all of us think about, we say ok, caused by financial crisis, jobs, smoking, video games, we need another color of money, ya da, ya da, yada....ok.....lets vent....what do you think we could do to save us from the rapidly declining numbers of players in pool? Come on...lets hear it....

Just another lovely day in paradise....

336Robin :thumbup:
aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

Need to get CEO's of companies to shift gear from golf to pool, at least in winter time. Those are the guys that have the money and influence, who knows one of them might make pool on TV. The draw back to this, is they might need private pool clubs, in business districts with lots of leisure stuff, pro trainers...etc
Pool table manufactures should be working on this too, they can't just sell tables and sit back watch pool halls bankrupt one after the other. Sponsoring a tourney here and there is not enough.

 

[336Robin]

Need to get CEO's of companies to shift gear from golf to pool, at least in winter time. Those are the guys that have the money and influence, who knows one of them might make pool on TV. The draw back to this, is they might need private pool clubs, in business districts with lots of leisure stuff, pro trainers...etc
Pool table manufactures should be working on this too, they can't just sell tables and sit back watch pool halls bankrupt one after the other. Sponsoring a tourney here and there is not enough.

Naji,
I agree with you but pool has to be worthy of corporate interest....we cant have fights...people peeing in parking lots.....crap like that and maintain much of an image....we have to clean up.....

Just another lovely day in paradise....

336Robin :thumbup:
aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[336Robin]

Ive seen golfers snap their putters and the fans cheer and it gets played over and over on espn. John mcenroe is one of the most famous tennis players ever and his temper makes earl look pretty friendly lol.

I hear ya....zmfb23......but thats probably not the norm....and those guys probably made sure they didnt separate themselves from their corporate sponsor either....they know where there bread is buttered.....Ive seen some crazy stuff done...like people raking the balls on a table when a backer is standing there with his money all by himself....a backer is none the less than a sponsor.....

Just another lovely day in paradise....

336Robin :thumbup:
aimisthegameinpool.com
aimisthegameinpool@yahoo.com

 

[elvicash]

Tell people to have more sex for it to really work it will have to be heterosexual.