TexasLawDog
Registered
Hello everybody, I know how it is being an experienced member of a forum and having the new guy asking remedial questions, like I am about to do. Sorry for the long read but I am going to try and describe what I do to the best I can, so you can tell me what I'm doing wrong.
A little background on me, I'm 21 and have been playing on and off for about 6 years, non professional, non leauge, just as a "hobby" I guess. After playing for this long I'm ready to step up and become a better player and not just be stuck in the bars playing with friends. I have no formal traits or training as far as billiards go, as of right now I'd rank my self as an F+ :grin: I've picked up some things from watching billiards on TV and watching tourneys played (Stance, bridge, and swing).
Right now I the way I play isn't bad for just aim and fire. The problems I know I have are:
The basics of the game
Swing (ammount of force used)
Aim (angles, where to strike the target ball, consistency on striking an area of the cue ball)
English
Angle of the cue
ect.
My style of playing (right handed):
Stance - feet shoulder width apart at about 45* left foot forward right foot back leaning down to aim
Bridge - closed with the cue resting on my thumb and middle finger and my index finger looped over the cue slightly pulling it towards my palm, with this position I can shoot either flat handed or elevated
Swing - on break I use my whole arm, but after that it's all down to my forearm.
Grip - I grip just behind the balance point of the cue, with my pinky through index under the cue for support, depending on the shot my thumb is either on the outside of the cue or pressing down on top, I have a light grip on the cue I don't white knuckle it.
Shooting - for straight shots into a pocket I use a little bit of bottom english (aka I aim a little bit low on the cue ball cause I don't know what I'm doing lol) power is depending on the set up, bank shots I do my best to guess the angle and fire away.
Etiquette - I make sure to have proper pool hall etiquette because I know I'm not the best player but having respect for the game, and for the people, makes it a much better experience. Plus I hate it when a group of roudy teens come in and disrespect the game and the staff...
Equipment:
I was using a Wal-Mart special cue, but I am in the process of getting a Sneaky Pete cue from a friend for dirt cheap.
Master's chalk (Blue if it matters)
Hand Chalk
House issued balls
Now for the question:
What would be the logical way to start improving my game?
What kind of drills are good to practice?
Any books that might help? (I already have: A Mind for Pool, Pool & Billiards, Up Scale One Pocket (not really needed yet I know), Minnesota Flats on Pool)
What kind of training regiment would work out for a novice like me?
So I thank you ahead for your reply and I hope I didn't bore you with all of that.
A little background on me, I'm 21 and have been playing on and off for about 6 years, non professional, non leauge, just as a "hobby" I guess. After playing for this long I'm ready to step up and become a better player and not just be stuck in the bars playing with friends. I have no formal traits or training as far as billiards go, as of right now I'd rank my self as an F+ :grin: I've picked up some things from watching billiards on TV and watching tourneys played (Stance, bridge, and swing).
Right now I the way I play isn't bad for just aim and fire. The problems I know I have are:
The basics of the game
Swing (ammount of force used)
Aim (angles, where to strike the target ball, consistency on striking an area of the cue ball)
English
Angle of the cue
ect.
My style of playing (right handed):
Stance - feet shoulder width apart at about 45* left foot forward right foot back leaning down to aim
Bridge - closed with the cue resting on my thumb and middle finger and my index finger looped over the cue slightly pulling it towards my palm, with this position I can shoot either flat handed or elevated
Swing - on break I use my whole arm, but after that it's all down to my forearm.
Grip - I grip just behind the balance point of the cue, with my pinky through index under the cue for support, depending on the shot my thumb is either on the outside of the cue or pressing down on top, I have a light grip on the cue I don't white knuckle it.
Shooting - for straight shots into a pocket I use a little bit of bottom english (aka I aim a little bit low on the cue ball cause I don't know what I'm doing lol) power is depending on the set up, bank shots I do my best to guess the angle and fire away.
Etiquette - I make sure to have proper pool hall etiquette because I know I'm not the best player but having respect for the game, and for the people, makes it a much better experience. Plus I hate it when a group of roudy teens come in and disrespect the game and the staff...
Equipment:
I was using a Wal-Mart special cue, but I am in the process of getting a Sneaky Pete cue from a friend for dirt cheap.
Master's chalk (Blue if it matters)
Hand Chalk
House issued balls
Now for the question:
What would be the logical way to start improving my game?
What kind of drills are good to practice?
Any books that might help? (I already have: A Mind for Pool, Pool & Billiards, Up Scale One Pocket (not really needed yet I know), Minnesota Flats on Pool)
What kind of training regiment would work out for a novice like me?
So I thank you ahead for your reply and I hope I didn't bore you with all of that.
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