Why I Quit After Playing Almost Everyday for 30 Years

Black-Balled said:
And remember:
A) no matter how well you play somebody is better

2. Nobody wins all the time.

1- pool is for enjoyment.
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No matter how good or bad I play I still love the sport, somedays it's tough shaking the winners hand over an over again but then I remember I am still able to play a sport that I love and one day might never be able to play it again with people who have become friends.
 
brunswick1901 said:
After I learned to play the game at a decent level, I saw a old guy trying to play pool, it looked like he was just learning the game.

I was shocked when one of the guys said, "He used to be a great player!".

I decided that when I lost the ability to play I would quit, it happened just after I turned 50.
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Here's another example, Kim Davenport, I believe he's close to 70, just finished pretty high in the Music City open.
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Fred Davis…8 time world snooker champion…an English billiard world champion also
He didn’t play as well in his 60s….but he got trickier…..and he always laughed a lot…he had fun.
Here he is running a century at 65……
 
I have played since elementary school anywhere I could find a table. I never played great, but I can play better now than I ever did, despite many injuries and surgeries. I suppose I have somehow accommodated physical limitations. Bad viision is my biggest physical problem, but then it always has been.

My biggest stumbling block is not physical. Except for the fact that they have helped spread and preserve pool, I absolutely hate bar boxes. Finding a place to play with acceptable equipment and a tolerable atmosphere is my greatest difficulty these days. (1P on bad equipment does not compute.) I have to admit, without any shame, that I am a complete snob when it comes to pool, but I cannot help it as I came up and played during some of pool's glory days. As all of y'all are surely tired of hearing from me, "if you were not there, you can't know what I am talking about". In the final analysis, I have faded getting old better than pool has. Sadly. old school pool halls were an environment which fostered a unique culture that cannot be replicated.
 
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sjm said:
If you give up every leisurely pursuit because you used to do better at it, you'll find yourself with few hobbies and a less satisfying life.

Pool is a game for a lifetime, so get those expectations in order and you'll enjoy it again.
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I'm going to piggy back on Stu's wisdom here.
I have an 89 YO on my APL team and he just came back to the team after a layoff since late November.... after fracturing his BACK!! He just keeps on going and WINNING as often as not! Drives, drinks and plays pool every week. This is my idol and I hope I am still upright when I am his age.
 
It is good for stretching. When covid stopped me from playing I could feel the difference. I can still get down with my chin on the cue and I still enjoy the game. My break seems to be whats in decline though. Would like to play more one pocket but not too popular where I am now.
 
Age and injury affect my game. 8 years ago I had rotator cuff surgery on my left shoulder, but it didn’t affect my game a lot. 6 years ago I had rotator surgery on my right shoulder, and I didn’t have a good recovery. It really messed me up, to the point that I was not even able to break. I quit for 2 years, but then started again in league play. It has been a long road back, but I have hope, and I still love the game. I petitioned the league, and was moved down from a 7 to a 5. (I was told it is a league rule that a former 7can never be ranked lower than 5.)
I find that at least on 1 match out of 3 I can still shoot at well as ever, but the other 2 leave something to be desired. An example of a good night was beating a 9 in 9-ball 3 weeks ago.
I am 76 now, never miss a night of league, and love it. My goal is to keep playing, and keep getting better. It’s all a matter of dedication and love for the game.
 
I don't play competitively anymore but I still draw eyes whenever I play. People that knew me in the past would encourage me to play again but its long over. Like I said I either play the weekly tournaments for my fix -or- I just dump the ball on the table and try pocketing all the balls. No longer than 30 minutes every other day.
 
misterpoole said:
It is good for stretching. When covid stopped me from playing I could feel the difference. I can still get down with my chin on the cue and I still enjoy the game. My break seems to be whats in decline though. Would like to play more one pocket but not too popular where I am now.
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My break has been better than ever.

I quit drinking and started training for the last 5 months. My breaks are almost professional levels. I always had speed but now its speed and power.

Sadly its not very controlled but I'm guarantee to always pocket something.
 
Check out the second paragraph of post number 26 above by Biloxi Boy. I second his thoughts there 100%.

I turned eighty-one two days ago. My vision is fine. My health is very good. Okay, my knees creak a bit. I’m mentally and psychologically sound,

As Biloxi Boy says, “I have aged better than pool has.”
 
Damn.... what a geriatric thread. I can't play I didn't have my energy Ensure. My cane broke I was late for the game. I was in the bathroom for a long dump and forfeited the match. Oh my arthritis and rear end is bothering me today. My nose runs, my feet smell. Can't see or pee...not playing like I use to.
REPORTED.... thread reported to the kindergarten teacher..... GET OUT AND PLAY... I saw a handicap tournament once...physically disabled players kicking serious ass.
 
It's called other interests.

Nobody wants to play this forever. A person is dead inside if they are playing everyday. There are other things to do.

I am at a wonderful balance.
 
shooter_Hans said:
My break has been better than ever.

I quit drinking and started training for the last 5 months. My breaks are almost professional levels. I always had speed but now its speed and power.

Sadly its not very controlled but I'm guarantee to always pocket something.
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Your last 2 post completely contradict one another. I think you just like to listen to yourself talk.
 
shooter_Hans said:
My break has been better than ever.

I quit drinking and started training for the last 5 months. My breaks are almost professional levels. I always had speed but now its speed and power.

Sadly its not very controlled but I'm guarantee to always pocket something.
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This is coming from the guy who plays 30 minutes every other day and just throws the balls on the table. You are so full of shit it’s laughable honestly! That’s some training lol but how does it improve your break?
 
brunswick1901 said:
After I learned to play the game at a decent level, I saw a old guy trying to play pool, it looked like he was just learning the game.

I was shocked when one of the guys said, "He used to be a great player!".

I decided that when I lost the ability to play I would quit, it happened just after I turned 50.
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It's your decision. People play for different reasons. Some play for the challenge of becoming better, winning etc. Some play because they love the game. I think many people are overly concerned with what others think of them and their status. They're afraid of being judged. This btw, is one of the number one deathbed regrets of people, having been too afraid of what others would think of them if...You thought the old man looked silly or whatever, and now are afraid people will think the same of you? The more important thing you should worry about was if he enjoyed himself or not? Time is all we have, this is how he spent some of his last remaining time. My guess is he enjoyed himself, and so should you, whatever you choose to do.
 
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