That is the table I bought when I was living in a much smaller place. If you have seen any of my older videos in the dark basement with stone walls, you'll recognize the table.I'm actually a bit surprised by the liberal pocket size and short shelf on your table. Some folks might call it an 8 footer with "buckets". I always envision Willy Mosconi running 526 balls on a table like yours. Is there a reason you practice and play on a table with these characteristics instead of a more challenging one? It looks like your room has quite a bit of space for a nine footer.
Also, an 8' table with big pockets is ideal for filming for pool DVD projects. It takes a lot less time to get footage on difficult shots that might require 10-times as many attempts on a larger table with tight pockets. The VEPS series I did with Tom Ross would have taken forever to film on a really tough table. The 8' foot size is also better when trying to get different camera angles for the DVDs.
I agree with you that the pockets on my table are "buckets" (although, they play a little tighter than they look, especially compared to my league's Valley bar boxes, where the corner pockets truly are buckets even though they are physically smaller and look much tighter with how they are cut).
I do have a goal of achieving a Doctorate of Pool within the next year. If I reach this goal, I'll post the 9' table videos. I think I'll be more proud of the Pool Doctorate than the Engineering Doctorate when I achieve my goal. Wish me luck.
In the first version on Exam I, we actually required that the CB not touch the rail for a true stop shot, but we decided to go with the current version, where rail contact is allowed. Using the rail increases the margin for error, and smart players will know how to take advantage of this. That's part of the challenge with some of the drills ... sometimes "knowledge" and creativity can be helpful. We cover a lot of "hot tips" and advice along these lines in the BU DVD series. Another good example where you can increase your margin for error is the follow shot drill in Exam I. Deflecting the CB off the long rail above the side pocket is a much better approach, and playing to come off the end rail increases the margin for error with speed significantly.Also a question about the stop shot drill in exam 1. It looks like you have the line directed off center slightly to allow you to roll over to the rail instead of shooting right to the back of the pocket? This makes a few of them not true stop shots. Had the rail not been there to bounce back off of the cue ball looks like it would have rolled out of the zone. Was this line off center or were you cheating the pocket to achieve this? Or did you just miss the stop shot? I thought stop shots stopped, not rebound off the rail? Did you use a laser to line it up? Inquiring minds want to know.
Thank you for you input and comments.
Have you taken the exams yet? Should we expect your score (and video?) soon?
Catch you later,
Dave