I started playing pool seriously 2012. I played in high school, but didn't continue to do so when I went to college. Any how, in 2012 at 23 I joined the apa and have improved a lot in the last year and a half. I went from SL 3- to a SL 6. Unfortunately I feel like I have hit a plateau. I practice 3-4 times a week and I don't see myself breaking and running the table consistently. I probably do it 1-6 times. How long does it take to turn that corner? Do I need to practice more?
How long does it take?
- Thread starter ByronJr
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I don't know what part of the game you are having the most problems with, but if you are not thinking 3 balls ahead, you need to try and do that. A lot of things fall into place after you master that. Good luck on your journey. Johnnyt
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I'm still asking myself that question. Went up to a 6 the first year, a 7 a few years later and it seems like an uphill battle trying to get a measurable difference in my game 4 or 5 years later. I can tell that I'm better than I was X months ago, but there are so many things that keep getting in the way.
Pool is a matter of consistency. So, you see yourself starting to break and run, but you still have some of those tendencies from being so new. While you can make a great run, you're succeptible to dumb mistakes. Keep at it and watch some of those dumb mistakes get a little fewer. At the same time, you'll be picking up a few new tricks and may encounter new problems with those all over again.
Fun game, isn't it? :thumbup:
progression.
FUN AND ADDICTIVE! If it wasn't for the lousy pay I would love to play pool for a living. I wish I could shoot pool daily! Thanks for the kind words, I definitely share your point of view, sometimes I can't notice whether or not I have improved or gotten worse in the last months. I guess this is part of "turning that corner."
FUN AND ADDICTIVE! If it wasn't for the lousy pay I would love to play pool for a living. I wish I could shoot pool daily! Thanks for the kind words, I definitely share your point of view, sometimes I can't notice whether or not I have improved or gotten worse in the last months. I guess this is part of "turning that corner."
To get past about a C level, unless you have some natural ability, takes years. You can hit a low B pretty quickly with a lot of playing and learning the right way, but to go from B to A is a long road.
I would worry if you've been playing about 5 years with no visible improvement, not after a year.
You say you practice 3-4 days a week, is that practice with better players and maybe a coach or just you out there hitting balls in at random, maybe playing a few racks. 3-4 days a week for how long? I've read somewhere that playing a few hours a week is only enough to maintain your current level, I can only play 2 days a week maybe a few hours each time, and I know that's a fact LOL, 4-5 hours of pool a week won't get you anywhere decent. 4-5 hours of pool learning specific things from a coach plus 10 hours a week in general play should help you see some improvements in a few months.
I would worry if you've been playing about 5 years with no visible improvement, not after a year.
You say you practice 3-4 days a week, is that practice with better players and maybe a coach or just you out there hitting balls in at random, maybe playing a few racks. 3-4 days a week for how long? I've read somewhere that playing a few hours a week is only enough to maintain your current level, I can only play 2 days a week maybe a few hours each time, and I know that's a fact LOL, 4-5 hours of pool a week won't get you anywhere decent. 4-5 hours of pool learning specific things from a coach plus 10 hours a week in general play should help you see some improvements in a few months.
Your first few years, your game will improve quickly, and you will level up at a fast pace. The more years you play, the slower the change in your game becomes. From personal experience, league play will only get you so far. Step up to tournament play, and play guys even who you'd normally get a spot from.
Also, when you're not at the table, stay involved in the sport as much as possible. There are zillions of videos on YouTube, from old videos from the 80s to new ones added nearly every day. There's also lots of live streaming, podcasts, and now radio broadcasts. Play pool on your phone, read instruction books, and keep up with industry news. You will feel like you understand not only the game better, but the sport as a whole that way.
Good luck out there!
Also, when you're not at the table, stay involved in the sport as much as possible. There are zillions of videos on YouTube, from old videos from the 80s to new ones added nearly every day. There's also lots of live streaming, podcasts, and now radio broadcasts. Play pool on your phone, read instruction books, and keep up with industry news. You will feel like you understand not only the game better, but the sport as a whole that way.
Good luck out there!
Work on your fundamentals until they come natural, practice until you have the confidence to know you can run out and you know what to do, and play the table (balls) and not your opponent. The mental game is a big part of pool and you can control your nerves by knowing you have the knowledge and ability when it's your turn to shoot. Remember this every time you play and watch your game go up.
Practice
When I practice I usually start off playing the 9 ball ghost, then play straight pool, 8 ball, 9 ball, and 1 pocket. If I go to the pool hall I am there for a minimum of 3 hours. I would say I practice anywhere between 9-12 hours a week. I play in local 9 ball tournaments and try to always play with people better than me. I guess I just feel like the improvements aren't as noticeable anymore.
When I practice I usually start off playing the 9 ball ghost, then play straight pool, 8 ball, 9 ball, and 1 pocket. If I go to the pool hall I am there for a minimum of 3 hours. I would say I practice anywhere between 9-12 hours a week. I play in local 9 ball tournaments and try to always play with people better than me. I guess I just feel like the improvements aren't as noticeable anymore.
Let me start by asking you this, what exactly do you mean by serious? Or rather ask yourself that question.
I used to think I was serious about it. I spent hours everyday playing, I read some books and watched some video. I played in league, tournaments and the occasional money game. I was decent but I was no where near serious ( like I thought I was)
I strongly advise taking lessons from a reputable instructor. I have been working with one and practicing 3-4 hours every day. Before I would rack up a game of 9 ball or 10 ball and try to run out, set up some bank and cut shots and call it practice. But I wasn't using strong fundamentals so most of that time was a waste to some extent.
Go to someone who will get your basics right. Do what they tell you and don't listen to the nay-sayers. Keep a journal of your practices and become a real student of the game. When you miss a ball take notice of what you did wrong. I like so many other people used to miss and go on like nothing happened. When I was in a slump I was more concerned with how to get out of it rather than figure out why I was in one in the first place. (and how to avoid it in the future)
In short, find out how and then put in the work.
Books
I play in local tournaments and do OK. I definitely watch pool daily and try my very best to stay in the loop. I play virtual pool on my phone every chance I get. The one thing I have not done is read instructional books. I have read recollections of different road players, (kid delicious), (pool Wars) etc., but have never read anything instructional. Do you have any that you recommend ? Thanks for your reply.
I play in local tournaments and do OK. I definitely watch pool daily and try my very best to stay in the loop. I play virtual pool on my phone every chance I get. The one thing I have not done is read instructional books. I have read recollections of different road players, (kid delicious), (pool Wars) etc., but have never read anything instructional. Do you have any that you recommend ? Thanks for your reply.
Interesting.
I never thought about this. I guess I feel like I have become serious about pool because I dedicate time to it? And like you, when I am in a slump I am more focused on trying to get out of it. Lessons might be the right answer for me. I like the journal idea thanks!
I never thought about this. I guess I feel like I have become serious about pool because I dedicate time to it? And like you, when I am in a slump I am more focused on trying to get out of it. Lessons might be the right answer for me. I like the journal idea thanks!
My very first book was Idiot's Guide to Pool & Billiards by Ewa Lawrence. Great read, some good pointers, even for intermediate play. However, the best instructional books are by Dr. Dave Alciatore. Definitely read Pool Wars (amazing!) and Running the Table (about Kid Delicious). Also, Robert Byrne has some great ones.
Thanks!
I have read pool wars and runnign the table. I will look into the others Thanks!!
I have read pool wars and runnign the table. I will look into the others Thanks!!
Some people scoff at the journal idea but I like it because I can track my progress and it gives me a great picture of my strengths and weaknesses. I can send you a copy of my practice regimen if you like just so you can get a feel for what I am talking about. But again doing the same thing as me wont mean much if your fundamentals are weak. You need someone who can show you the things that you may not know.
I'm not sure who all is in Columbus Ohio but I know that Scott Lee travels a lot to teach and I think he would be great to take a lesson or two from. Scott has always struck me as a knowledgeable and professional person. I am currently taking lessons from Mark Wilson and am very happy with him. RandyG that posts on here is another one that I would recommend without hesitation. I am sure that there are plenty of other instructors that are capable but those are the one I have learned either learned from on here or in person.
Practice
Absolutely! I would definitely appreciate any help I can get. I know Chris Bartram is around. I do not know if he does private lessons, but I will definitely see if Scott Lee is or will be around the area. Thanks a lot, can't wait to give your practice regimen a try!
Absolutely! I would definitely appreciate any help I can get. I know Chris Bartram is around. I do not know if he does private lessons, but I will definitely see if Scott Lee is or will be around the area. Thanks a lot, can't wait to give your practice regimen a try!
It's really not how much you practice but what do you practice. Find a good Instructor and let him help you.
randyg