What it takes to become a Snooker Pro?

[pottr]

I just think that people fail to realise actually how good you have to be

[tbones147]

I just think that people fail to realise actually how good you have to be

Totally agree, don't mean to offend people when I say this, but some people are clueless to how good you have to be. I have been told many times I should have turned pro , wasted my talent etc etc. I have had 92 centuries including 2 maximums, I'm fortunate to have 2 maximums with that few centuries.

I am nowhere near top amateur level, let alone pro. Just classed as a very good club player. To be pro takes dedication, skill, nerve, composure etc, without these you will not go far.

When I'm flying I feel like im the best player in the world. 3 centuries and a 66 in 4 frames is my burst of invincibility. Need to be able to do things like that on a regular basis - which isn't going to happen.

Set your goals high, but you need to be realistic, being a snooker pro - and a successful one at that, is beyond what most can comprehend.

[mikeyd100]

Good post re your experiences.
Very realistic and honest about yourself.

[pottr]

I'm similar my friend...

I can't remember who said it first, but it really is the case that it doesn't matter how good you are at your best... It's how you are at your worst that matters.

[mikeyd100]

I'm similar my friend...

I can't remember who said it first, but it really is the case that it doesn't matter how good you are at your best... It's how you are at your worst that matters.

Fair comment, a good "B" game is more common than hitting your "A" game...... well it is for me most times haha

[Hello, Mr Big Shot]

What it takes to become a Snooker Pro?

two things. firstly, the game fools you. you think you can get better than you actually can. secondly, after a certain time of playing, the rate of improvement is glacial.

if you're not top amateur standard by 16, forget it. this game is brutal, even without the mental side of things.

my theory is the game has peaked in terms of what can be achieved. i can see players of tomorrow being significantly inferior to players of today, even if the game grows in stature and numbers and remains popular.

[Hello, Mr Big Shot]

A few years ago, I had my eyes opened to the difference between good players and pros.
I met a gent called Andy Gater in my local club.
He was brilliant to watch and offered to help me improve my game. I'd only had 1 50plus break before his input, I've got over 50 50 plus breaks a high of 87, my game improved vastly with his what seemed simple inputs.
Anyway back to him, I never beat him in a frame, even with 40 and 50 start! He was incredible to watch, ton breaks regular, saw a few 140 plus too. One night I walked into the club, the bar man approached me and exclaimed "he knocked a 147 in last night, then a 140 and missed a difficult black to make it another"!!
He was a very good player. I asked him why he wasn't pro, he said simply, "I'm not good enough"!
He decided to put a lot of effort in and give it a go though, practice routines, for hours etc.
He then arranged a money match with David Grace who was ranked in the top 80 of the world and I went along to watch.
He was beaten 6-0, it was like he hadn't even turned up.
All I could conclude was that his mental game wasn't up to the same standard. Nerves ruined his game, because his ability was as good as anyone's I've ever seen.
It was a true insight into the differences of the game and how it's not just pure ability.
He quit playing and sold his cue after that, a true waste of talent as far as I'm concerned.
I believe he's still coaching people where he chooses to and he helped my game no end.

You know what? Low level pros you've never heard of will call your mate crap. Depressing.

[j6uk]

You know what? Low level pros you've never heard of will call your mate crap. Depressing.

not really. players would call gracy an bigham crap, theyd just laugh it off cus its part of being a snooker player. tomorrows another day, wake up bit of brecky have a laugh hit the table head down to the game you love, an see what happens

[GeordieDS]

You know what? Low level pros you've never heard of will call your mate crap. Depressing.

That's just part of the bitchiness of the game, i'd love to be that crap myself

[winphenom]

I am sure everyone starts with a dream, even the pros. It is through hard work and self evaluating that one will come to realise if he is cut out to be a pro. But without the initial spark of fire and zest, there won't be any such thing as pros too. Its good to have an ambiton and work towards it whilst its also good to realise and admit we may not be cut out for it in the later stages. This goes as well with everything in life and career.

[Ethanat]

I was wondering, how good was Selby when he was a teenager? Think I read somewhere that there were many better young players in his club and most didn't thought that he can reach the top.

[j6uk]

selby worked hard an was willing to take a step back, he adpted his technique to become the player he thought he could be. now his record echos those sacrifices

[mikeyd100]

I was wondering, how good was Selby when he was a teenager? Think I read somewhere that there were many better young players in his club and most didn't thought that he can reach the top.

I watched a mini documentary on Selby, if I remember correctly Willie Thorne didnt think he would make it as a pro, but his his brother did and looked after Selby for a few years.

[mikeyd100]

That's just part of the bitchiness of the game, i'd love to be that crap myself

^^^ Likewise haha

[Inoffthered]

Well I like to think I am talking to someone genuine but you never know on some threads so - ted might be right thinking about it - lots of new members jumping on recently so maybe time to leave the forum few months until moderators sort it out or they get bored and it gets back to normal - see you guys in winter

Bye guys have great summer

Yup, I hear ya Byrom. Have a good Summer m8!