Learning technique, embedding it into muscle memory .... then repetition, practice, repetition, practice.

Roger Federer said it is practice and enthusiasm for the sport that made him as good as he is. Tiger Woods said it is because he has hit over a 100,000 golf balls. Pele said he played football in the street with an orange for 9 hours a day. Stephen Hendry practiced 7 days a week for 8 hours a day for 25 years. As Arnold Palmer said "The more I practice, the luckier I get"

I definitely think environment and family contribute to make that dedication more likely, easier and to perhaps help against distractions and temptation.

That's why the greats are so great, and why they have longevity and dominate/compete for years.

Granted, I do think some people do have more natural talent than others at some things. Naseem Hamed is s good example.

But he is also a good example of my first point: he didn't do what the guys mentioned did ..... and he got found out and exposed somewhat. Great talents who don't work hard have shorter careers.

Only my viewpoint of course!