Cenobite, surely training (if done properly) = skill. I think what Robbo has hinted at in the past is a more scientific approach to training such as that used by the Russian Legion. What form this takes I am unsure of, it could be working out the most efficient/ effective way to play tight and shoot straight and then learn this through rote, ie practice and repetition. Robbo has certainly been the advocate of technique over the years.
So even though some players were am and nov last year it could be that appropriate and applied training is as effective, if not more so, than simply playing for years. I guess playing for years leads to a natural selection effect whereby people settle into a level whether it be pro, am or nov, after an intial period of improvement. Training on the other hand increases the period of improvement, allowing players to step beyond the level they may otherwise have settled at.
Think this acts as a lesson to us all.
