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Step 1
Join a pool league. The fastest way to get into the game is to seek local and regional leagues and find out how to become a member. This allows players to network with other players and to watch other strategies to the game. It’s also a tool in determining whether the billiards player is ready for a higher level of play.
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Step 2
Seek high profile contests. Billiards is now gaining popularity as a spectator’s sports. Networks, like ESPN, televise contests on a regular basis. The ESPN Ultimate 9-Ball Challenge, U.S. Open One Pocket Championship and World 8-Ball Championship are just some of the billiards contests with high visibility. Competing and winning in these contests will set a player on the path of becoming a respected professional.
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Step 3
Practice all the time. As with any athlete with hopes of going pro, billiards players must constantly stay on top of their game. A lazy approach to practice will delay professional desires. Billiards is extremely competitive and has international popularity. Some of the players on the world stage of billiards include Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante. These players have track records of winning that data back to the late 1980’s and early 90’s.
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Step 4
Study a professional player that has a career that is appealing. If the desire is to only play professional in the United States, find a player with a similar career and emulate his or her plan. International players take a different approach in the contests they pursue and the frequency of play. The American Pool Association is a good place to start with player bios and advice for creating a particular career as a professional billiards player.
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Step 5
Be colorful and persistent. Many professional billiards players have unique styles as players and people in general. This will allow the player to stand out and win notoriety in the billiards community. Continue to make billiards a priority and never give up. This will make professional play a reality.
