Road Trip Report - John Schmidt's Pool Hall in WV

I remember JS saying this, as well.

And yes, it was when he was in the booth with Justin diring the SVB/Earl TAR match in Youngstown.

To be honest, the first thing I thought when he said it was that he was simply offering up some positivity for Kamui since they are such great sponsors.

Best,
Brian kc
 
Kickin' Chicken said:
I remember JS saying this, as well.

And yes, it was when he was in the booth with Justin diring the SVB/Earl TAR match in Youngstown.

To be honest, the first thing I thought when he said it was that he was simply offering up some positivity for Kamui since they are such great sponsors.

Best,
Brian kc
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What I thought of was that he was genuinely interested in trying something new, and that if it was as good as claimed then it might well be worth the price. But mostly that he was interested in seeing something new, that was that different.

Just the impression I got, is all. Unless and until we start hearig some of the pro's talk about the product, it's all speculation anyway.

He sure was fun in the booth, though.
 
Is this where he has been at (his poolroom), seems like I havent seen his name or heard about him in any tourneys in a while.
 
JoeyA said:
I don't think the Filipinos have a looser grip than John.JoeyA
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Joe-man,
I think I didn't describe the issue quite well enough. The key feature is NOT that the grip is extremely loose at the beginning of the stroke; in fact it can be even medium or tight. The key feature is that the starting tension does not change in ANY WAY during backswing and foreswing. However tight he starts with, I'm positive his grip does not change its tension during the stroke.

While I know at least one champion player that grips quite tightly (though he also espouses NO change in tension from start to finish); I am quite suspicious that a fairly loose starting grip (with the cue just resting in the cupped fingers, rather than "pressed" into the cupped fingers) will make it far easier for most amateur players to fulfill the goal of not adding any unwanted tension, tremor, or movement during the stroke.
 
Williebetmore said:
Well, just spent 4 days in Wheeling, West by God Virginia. Travelled with elvicash and another friend. Basically spent 3 days on straight pool and one pocket lessons. Two very tight 9 foot Diamonds (one with fabulous new cloth, just for straight pool and one pocket), and I forget how many well kept Diamond bar tables. A large full service bar, and kitchen serving locally famous ribeye sandwiches.

John was an excellent host and we had a fabulous time with good meals, good company, and GREAT pool. As you should know, John is a very top player, excelling in straight pool, one pocket, and 9-Ball. What sets him apart from the average pro player is his intelligence and communication skills. He has obviously spent years working on his game and studying the game. It was a pleasure to be around such an analytical player; and he was really funny...the time just flew by.

While you might think that pro players primarily stick to strategy/pool "physics"/gambling issues; I received some excellent stroke advice from John (who follows many of the orthodox principles of noted stroke instructors, though he has some unorthodox elements). I was very impressed, and it made a big improvement in my game.

I also was privileged to see the Wednesday night Jeanette Lee exhibiton. VERY impressive. She spoke to a standing room only packed house of her battles with scoliosis and the multiple major surgeries throughout the years. Very well spoken, very inspirational, and very entertaining. Anyone who hasn't seen the show is really missing a class act.

I hope that all AZB'ers travelling through, or living in, the Wheeling area will look up John for some pool, or lessons, or both.
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Doc,

Sounds like a blast was had! Maybe we can get together over the summer and you can show me that stroke in a game of straight pool?! Can't wait to visit the basement as all I hear are good things!

See you soon!
 
Williebetmore said:
Joe-man,
I think I didn't describe the issue quite well enough. The key feature is NOT that the grip is extremely loose at the beginning of the stroke; in fact it can be even medium or tight. The key feature is that the starting tension does not change in ANY WAY during backswing and foreswing. However tight he starts with, I'm positive his grip does not change its tension during the stroke.

While I know at least one champion player that grips quite tightly (though he also espouses NO change in tension from start to finish); I am quite suspicious that a fairly loose starting grip (with the cue just resting in the cupped fingers, rather than "pressed" into the cupped fingers) will make it far easier for most amateur players to fulfill the goal of not adding any unwanted tension, tremor, or movement during the stroke.
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I know how you guys work this. It's all good. I don't mind being spoon fed a little info here and there. It makes the thread a greater pleasure.
Good info no doubt. Thanks for sharing.

I know only one pro player who says he grips the cue tightly from beginning to end. I thought that was quite unusual. I wonder if it is the same player. Second letter of last name would be an 18 in the alphabet?

JoeyA
 
Williebetmore said:
J

In addition, playing on this super tight equipment John's speed control is SUPERIOR. He embraces and emphasizes the use of "pocket speed", hit the ball ONLY the bare minimum necessary to get the object ball barely to the pocket, and the cue ball to its target. Time after time the object ball would creep toward those tight pockets, move point to point and then barely topple into the pocket. Those are shots that would be misses if he had hit them even the SLIGHTEST bit harder.
Such speed control is very rare in my experience.

You are welcome...when may I expect my jelly???????
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This pocket-speed advice is without doubt the best instruction I ever received. Much as it feels good to drill a ball into the pocket, the steady drip-drip-drip of balls is enough to get into the head of whomever you're playing.

Rattling tight pockets on tough equipment is a sucker's game.
 
JoeyA said:
I know how you guys work this. It's all good. I don't mind being spoon fed a little info here and there. It makes the thread a greater pleasure.
Good info no doubt. Thanks for sharing.

I know only one pro player who says he grips the cue tightly from beginning to end. I thought that was quite unusual. I wonder if it is the same player. Second letter of last name would be an 18 in the alphabet?

JoeyA
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CJ Wiley. Johnnyt
 
1on1pooltournys said:
Doc,

Sounds like a blast was had! Maybe we can get together over the summer and you can show me that stroke in a game of straight pool?! Can't wait to visit the basement as all I hear are good things!

See you soon!
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11PT,
Yes, definitely. You have an open invitation. Things are quite busy until my daughter is married in June - after that I hope to have more time to play.

We could also meet near the airport at your friend's house - you could play me some 14.1 in the A.M., and match up with your nemesis in the P.M. Of course you would miss "The Basement", but there are other benefits.

As long as you don't request TOO much weight, I'm sure we can play:). I'm fairly certain you should keep your eyes tightly closed when I'm shooting (some bad habits might rub off on you).
 
JoeyA said:
I think CJ, kind of cocks his wrist when he shoots. Didn't know about the tight grip.

JoeyA
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Yes, he says most pros hold their cue loose but he believes that you lose some control holding it loose. I use his pre-shot routine but hold my cue pretty loose.. Johnnyt
 
Johnnyt said:
Yes, he says most pros hold their cue loose but he believes that you lose some control holding it loose. I use his pre-shot routine but hold my cue pretty loose.. Johnnyt
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JT and JA,
George Breedlove also uses (though does not teach or endorse) a very tight grip - his key is that the level of tension (tight) does not change at all during the stroke. He plays fairly sporty.
 
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