World 14.1 Experience

[justnum]

The diverse field at the 14.1 this year is amazing. I set out to determine what characteristics distinguish Hall of Fame level pros from pros. Most of the time I am watching, the shots look easy enough that anyone can do them. From what I have seen the Hall of Famers would agree. What is not transparent watching them is their knowledge, experience or instinct that helps them avoid making mistakes. When pros are running racks they run racks. When they miss and make an error they look like any player. When a Hall of Famer plays few mistakes are seen. The key quality that explains Hall of Famer from Pro is an ability to avoid making mistakes.

How do they avoid mistakes? My current assessment is they have a strong process before shooting. The process in short is an EAR system. Evaluate, Assess and Respond. Evaluate the cue ball position and object ball positions. Assess which shots provide the best opportunities. Respond to the table environment, shooting. Players make errors from stroking incorrectly to bad position. The Hall of Famers make zero errors.

 

[stevekur1]

Very Good observation.. I was thinking very similar when i was playing Ralph Eckert, every aspect of his game was flawless and when he got out of line he didnt have to burn too many shots to get back where he needed to be. 1 maybe 2 shots and he ws right back in sequence.

after playing Mr Eckert today i have a new found love for the game of 14.1, everything he did was just so beautiful and natural. he really made the game look like a work of art. with every stroke he took it was like he painted the Mona Lisa right before my very eyes !!!

-Steve

 

[justnum]

Another perspective I was interested in was the Hall of Famer role as teacher or mentor. What lessons would they want the new students to learn or know? Running 100 or more balls is an exercise and the Hall of Famers demonstrate how easy it can be. But I feel like they have more to say if somebody asked.

At the 14.1 World event the players are from many generations and something about that type of gathering has impact on people. What those impacts are I am not sure of. I will continue watching. My current answer is the younger pros are learning they need to practice more and the older pros are learning the only thing they can do is show the younger pros what they want. I hope there are deeper insights.