Another member posted about the difficulties of playing pool and working, and I began to think about why I play pool now that the game is going downhill, and why I am looking at laying out upwards of $15,000 to renovate my garage and buy a pool table.
Then, I think about my recent trip back to Iraq after my two week leave rotation. I remember how I had been playing with a few Army Lieutenants in the rec center in Kuwait, waiting for my flight.
And I remember being asked if I was a professional, and responding "No, not even close. It's just that some fundamental concepts of pool make things so much easier. Here, let me show you."
And I showed them how frozen combinations can be manipulated to make what seem to be impossible shots. And I saw how they were amazed that these seemingly very difficult shots were in fact really easy.
That took me back to a time just after I read Byrne's Standard Guide to Pool and Billiards, and how much it taught me, and to being overwhelmed with the vast amount of information in that book.
In short, it took me back to a time when I played the game for the joy of learning something new. Both about the table, and about myself.
Then I remembered being a young Specialist in the Army, who didn't have a sharp game yet, and furthermore, spent like a wild man, and often had $20.00 left in his pocket, a week before payday. And how I'd often go out to a bar table tourney with that $20.00, and KNOW I couldn't miss a ball, if I intended to have any money for the week. Even so, if anyone at that tourney was receptive enought to ask me how I made a shot, I'd be more than willing to help them out.
I think a lot of us lost that childlike wonderment that we had when we first stepped up to a pool table. We think because there is no money in it, and that not that many tourneys are being played, that it is not worh pursuing.
No doubt, if there are not that many tournaments out there, it is hard. But that doesn't stop you from going out once or twice a month, and just trying to ENJOY the sensation of knocking balls in holes. I think as competitors, we get too caught up with doing everything "right" on the table.
Some of the pros have a lot to teach us about what is "right" and "wrong" at a table. Some of the pros have very unorthodox styles, but have learned that, if you just put that ball in the hole, a lot of times, everything else sorts itself out.
So... I am still going to get my pool table. Even if it means that just me and my son will be playing on it as he grows up. I am not a sports buff, and I don't like doing outdoors type stuff. A pool table will be my chance to bond with him after being away so long in Iraq.
Now get out there and just enjoy putting balls in the hole.
Russ
Then, I think about my recent trip back to Iraq after my two week leave rotation. I remember how I had been playing with a few Army Lieutenants in the rec center in Kuwait, waiting for my flight.
And I remember being asked if I was a professional, and responding "No, not even close. It's just that some fundamental concepts of pool make things so much easier. Here, let me show you."
And I showed them how frozen combinations can be manipulated to make what seem to be impossible shots. And I saw how they were amazed that these seemingly very difficult shots were in fact really easy.
That took me back to a time just after I read Byrne's Standard Guide to Pool and Billiards, and how much it taught me, and to being overwhelmed with the vast amount of information in that book.
In short, it took me back to a time when I played the game for the joy of learning something new. Both about the table, and about myself.
Then I remembered being a young Specialist in the Army, who didn't have a sharp game yet, and furthermore, spent like a wild man, and often had $20.00 left in his pocket, a week before payday. And how I'd often go out to a bar table tourney with that $20.00, and KNOW I couldn't miss a ball, if I intended to have any money for the week. Even so, if anyone at that tourney was receptive enought to ask me how I made a shot, I'd be more than willing to help them out.
I think a lot of us lost that childlike wonderment that we had when we first stepped up to a pool table. We think because there is no money in it, and that not that many tourneys are being played, that it is not worh pursuing.
No doubt, if there are not that many tournaments out there, it is hard. But that doesn't stop you from going out once or twice a month, and just trying to ENJOY the sensation of knocking balls in holes. I think as competitors, we get too caught up with doing everything "right" on the table.
Some of the pros have a lot to teach us about what is "right" and "wrong" at a table. Some of the pros have very unorthodox styles, but have learned that, if you just put that ball in the hole, a lot of times, everything else sorts itself out.
So... I am still going to get my pool table. Even if it means that just me and my son will be playing on it as he grows up. I am not a sports buff, and I don't like doing outdoors type stuff. A pool table will be my chance to bond with him after being away so long in Iraq.
Now get out there and just enjoy putting balls in the hole.
Russ
