Pro level. Why settle for less?
What skill level are you actively working towards?
- Thread starter Cameron Smith
- Start date
I've always agreed with this following definition, except for the part about A players and Open player always stringing racks together. It depends entirely on how the table is breaking, and how good a breaker the player is.
D- Player
>will not run a rack
>average run is about 3 balls
>with ball in hand, will get out from the 7, one out of 3 times
>rarely plays a successful safe
C-Player
>will probably run one rack, but usually not more than one
>avg. run is 3 to 5 balls
>with ball in hand, will get out from the 7, two out of 3 times
>mixed results when playing safe
>inning ends due to botched position, missed shot or attempting a safe.
B-Player
>Able to run 1 to 3 racks
>avg. run is 5-7 balls
>with ball in hand will get out form the 5, 2 out of 3 times
>most of the time a "B" player will play a "safety" which maybe hit easily 2 out of 3 times
>a typical inning will end with a missed shot, a fair safety, or a won game
A-Player
>will string 2 to 3 racks
>avg. ball run, 7-9
>with ball in hand, will be out from the 3 ball, 2 out of 3 times
>typical inning will end with a well executed safety or a win.
OPEN-Players
>average 8+ balls
>string racks together more than once in a match
>is a threat to run out from every ball, from every position, every inning
>typical inning will end in excellent safety or win
Rating?
Hi,
Interesting thread.
Always wondered why the visitors at the pool hall always shot better pool,
The definition helps .
Thanks
I play BCA but not sure if APA would be better = handicap deal for a returning player,
any recommendations --I have heard that APA might be more fare.
Hi,
Interesting thread.
Always wondered why the visitors at the pool hall always shot better pool,
The definition helps .
Thanks
I play BCA but not sure if APA would be better = handicap deal for a returning player,
any recommendations --I have heard that APA might be more fare.
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Since I cannot replace my day job income unless I were a top tier pro with paid endorsement deals, I do not aspire to make a living playing pool.
I'm a C+/B- player. I believe I can achieve A player. Like another poster said, I want to be a threat to anyone in a tourney.
Goal: A+ or Open
I'm rated as a B+ player at the weekly Mr. Cues II 9-ball touney in Atlanta, GA. A couple months ago, I played in a GSBT event and was rated as a A player. I'm a solid 9 in BCA. I guess I average out to a A-. My goal would be a solid A+ player which I obtained when I was 19. Being 36 now, and taking a ten year break from pool has taken some of my speed away. I would like to be back to where I used to be. An Open player status would exceed my expectations. Only issue is time at the table. Now I play 6-8hrs a week. Back in the day, I worked in a pool hall and played 3-6hrs a day.
Cheers, Mark
I'm rated as a B+ player at the weekly Mr. Cues II 9-ball touney in Atlanta, GA. A couple months ago, I played in a GSBT event and was rated as a A player. I'm a solid 9 in BCA. I guess I average out to a A-. My goal would be a solid A+ player which I obtained when I was 19. Being 36 now, and taking a ten year break from pool has taken some of my speed away. I would like to be back to where I used to be. An Open player status would exceed my expectations. Only issue is time at the table. Now I play 6-8hrs a week. Back in the day, I worked in a pool hall and played 3-6hrs a day.
Cheers, Mark
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The end goal is to able to play pool at the highest level you can possibly achieve.
That's the pro level obviously.
I just wish I had more time to play. I am fortunate to have a good job that pays my bills but it would sure be nice to not have to work and have more time to play. When I was laid off in 92 I played avg. of 10hrs a day and got pretty stong. I play better now (knowledge wise) but I was sure a lot more consistant then. I was also younger fearless and most important could SEE better.
B- or B now would love to get to an A
B- or B now would love to get to an A
I'd like to hit B+ player status some day. I believe I'm currently at the C+ level and getting nearer to the B- level. Right now I believe I'm not consistent enough and do not have the mental game and foresight to be considered a B player. Improvement is slow since I rarely focus on practicing, but I see a little improvement every once in a while.
Watching pros play, I realize that I will not get to that level without much, much more time put into it (times a thousand). I think that at a B+ level I should have a running chance to win a couple of local tournaments with an occassional good placement in a regional tournament.
Watching pros play, I realize that I will not get to that level without much, much more time put into it (times a thousand). I think that at a B+ level I should have a running chance to win a couple of local tournaments with an occassional good placement in a regional tournament.
Argh, your right. I screwed up my pun. Damn the uneditable poll.
I'd love to get to the point where I can string 5 racks of 9-ball on a good day. Like, not just doing it once because I got 5 spectacular breaks in a row, but getting to the point where a very good opponent in the chair starts to feel concerned about how many racks I'll run before I let him back to the table. I'd consider this level to be "open", so that's what I voted for.
If you're the kind of player who might come out with a 5-pack at any time, you have a chance to beat the best in the world. Probably not often, but you're never in a match that you don't have a chance to win. That would be great.
-Andrew
If you're the kind of player who might come out with a 5-pack at any time, you have a chance to beat the best in the world. Probably not often, but you're never in a match that you don't have a chance to win. That would be great.
-Andrew
IMO - even at the Pro level, there are stages. To be among the Elite will be the goal when I next give it a go. :wink:
When I get the table up again in the next few days, I will be practicing to become pro speed. I know the weak areas I have to work on to compete at that level. I can see 30-40 hour weeks coming real soon.
I agree. The above is pretty much the peak of my everest, but I suspect if get there I might look for a bigger mountain.
going by this I'd fall in the "B" ranking range for 9ball,,,, which most of my friends think I am, even thought in 90% of any handicap tourny I've played in, I am a "C" player cuz I've never won anything.....
in 8ball, I'm a solid "B" player, I've run many racks of 8ball "BCA or APA" and should easily be a sl7 in 8ball...
I wish you the best of luck my friend. I, more than most, can sympathize with you about your back problem. I haven't had surgery, but I suffer with arthritis and it has definitely slowed my pool game down. I play twice a week and practice when I can squeeze in some time to hit a few racks.
Keep a positive attitude and you'll be back playing before you know it.
James
I think most 90% in any sport aspires to be great.
Its also true that roughly 95% of all those DONT work actively and correctly on reaching that dream.
I am not any different. I would love to play solid A speed or higher every time I play. however I dont put in the neccessary focus, practice and
dedication to do so.
Years ago I could play for hours and hours always learning and trying hard. Now the game is enjoyable but in small batches.
However, after a couple recent bad outings I am thinking about creating a dedicated practice routine. I believe that short practice sessions that are very focused can be very beneficial especially over long sessions that are random and undefined.
Its also true that roughly 95% of all those DONT work actively and correctly on reaching that dream.
I am not any different. I would love to play solid A speed or higher every time I play. however I dont put in the neccessary focus, practice and
dedication to do so.
Years ago I could play for hours and hours always learning and trying hard. Now the game is enjoyable but in small batches.
However, after a couple recent bad outings I am thinking about creating a dedicated practice routine. I believe that short practice sessions that are very focused can be very beneficial especially over long sessions that are random and undefined.