Effect of Old Age on Playing Pool

3/23/2007 3:09:50 PM

Effect of Old Age on Playing Pool

What do you guys think is the point of diminishing returns with your game with respect to a player's age vs. skill level.

Do you think at some point as you get older that your game will suffer?

Barring serious health issues do you think you can maintain a high level of play into your 60's 70's 80's and above?

Bishop

Effect of Old Age on Playing Pool

Replies & Comments

BHQ on 3/23/2007 7:04:31 PM
I think it's different for everyone. My pool buddy is 73 years old and has an artificial leg, and I don't believe he's lost his game. He just doesn't play quite as often. He works 50-60 hours a week and runs circles around the pool table like a 18 yr old kid.

We played for 14 hours straight a couple years ago. Hell, he wore ME out.

Maybe you could put another post on about how my GAME causes me to AGE!

shark3149 on 3/23/2007 7:14:26 PM
I would have to agree with @BHQ.

I have a friend in his 70's and he is still is one of the favorites at any tournament he goes to. I have known him for about 15 years and he still plays as good, if not better, now than he ever has. He is just a bit slower. I hope I play half as good as him at that age.

A-Train on 3/23/2007 9:09:13 PM
I'm 22, so I don't know anything about that yet.

There is an ex pro that plays at my favorite pool hall who is probably somewhere between 60 and 65 years old and he's sharp as ever.

There is also a former world champion 9 ball player that works at my pool hall and he's still "johnny on the spot" when it comes to pool.

One guy, probably 80 years old, is likely the best cue ball manipulator I've ever witnessed. He may not make all the balls, but his shape is impeccable every time. He doesn't move around the table fast, but he sure does have a great time doing it.

Maniac on 3/26/2007 2:02:50 PM
To start with, I could never compare myself to an aging "pro". Let's just say at 54 years of age, I'm good on a good night and can suck with the worst of them on a bad night (in reality, I'm an APA SL5).

But the aging process has already affected my game. I have to shoot with "reading" glasses on to get a distinct, sharp image at the edge of the object ball I'm aiming at. When I'm not at the table I have to remove them so the table doesn't look blurry.

Then, almost 5 years ago I had rotator cuff surgery on my right shoulder (I'm right handed) and now have somewhat limited motion with that shoulder thus making "jacked-up" shots difficult.

Then, about this time last year I began feeling the effects of "frozen shoulder" (medical term: adhesive capsulation) in my left shoulder which I eventually had to have a surgical procedure on followed by about 30 sessions of physical therapy. Now I have somewhat limited movement in my left shoulder as well, keeping me from stretching out while bridging.

Two nights ago while in bed, I noticed my right shoulder was hurting. It is still stiff and a little painful today. I am starting to think I may be getting "frozen shoulder" on my right side as well.

On top of all this I have chronic stiffness in my lower back that effects how far I can bend at the waist. I load up on Ibuprofen about an hour before my matches start to loosen it up some.

So, with all that being said, I believe in my case I have reached the point of diminishing returns. If I would have taken pool more seriously (trying to learn more instead of just showing-off/banging) when I was younger, as I now do, there is no doubt in my mind that I would have been a much better player, then, as I ever will be now at my age.

ccn7 on 4/19/2007 1:09:35 PM
I'll be 60 this year, and I think the biggest thing that has changed in my game is my eyesight. I have a tough time with the long cuts on a 9 footer. My position play is a lot better as I've had to try and avoid long shots I once could make.

My patience is a lot better than when i was younger, I'm still an offensive player ,but now play good defense when needed.

I don't think your game has to suffer when you get older. I think you find other parts of your game to improve on to overcome the parts that are diminishing. As you get older, it is my feeling that your mental game is one of the most important parts of your game. And us older guys have one heck of a library of knowledge from having "been there, done that" and to recall shots we have made many a time as part of our game.

Effect of Old Age on Playing Pool

Title: Effect of Old Age on Playing Pool
Author: Bishop (Ryan Jones)
Published: 3/23/2007 3:09:50 PM