Mike Sigel shares "the Key" he learned from Irving Crane in Dallas Texas

.I always admired how square his vision was to the cue ball and.......

ScottK said:
Not likely at all considering CJ describes it as "one more "tool" to make sure everything's systematically connected to the "shot line." I'm also certain CJ didn't just learn the 30 degree rule last night.
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Mike lines up better than anyone I've ever seen - there was something I always wanted to ask him about his technique and finally got the opportunity.....I always admired how square his vision was to the cue ball and his right foot was parallel to the "shot line"...this has several advantages, especially when you have to play one side of the pocket on long, end rail shots.

I wish there was time to play straight pool with him for a couple of days, I'm sure he could enlighten me on a few more things......maybe one of these days.
 
Thanks for sharing CJ. You're one lucky guy
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Actually, Bob shared it via Dr. Dave's site.

They will always be 2 of the good guys.

Thanks for digging that up Bob. If not, everyone reading this Thread would be left scratching their heads.

Look at the thousands of hrs of free instruction and entertainment that Dave has produced for us. I mean by thousands of hours, the time that it must have taken Dave to video and document all this Free Info.

He only has one video series for sale and as of yet, hasn't pounded AZB for Sales. He just let us know on a couple of occasions that he has it available.

Dr. Dave = One of the Great Guys whether you know it or not.

Myself, I will always remain indebted to Dave and Bob for their Free Referee Series.

Being Humble is the Teacher.
 
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CJ Wiley said:
Mike lines up better than anyone I've ever seen - there was something I always wanted to ask him about his technique and finally got the opportunity.....I always admired how square his vision was to the cue ball and his right foot was parallel to the "shot line"...this has several advantages, especially when you have to play one side of the pocket on long, end rail shots.

I wish there was time to play straight pool with him for a couple of days, I'm sure he could enlighten me on a few more things......maybe one of these days.
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So I'm reading this and thinking, what the hell is CJ talking about, which is my usual reaction to most of your posts :grin-square:

I grab my cue and start emulating a stance like you described Mike having. I imagined a shot line for a straight in shot. No matter how hard I tried, it was extremely awkward to have my right foot parallel to that imaginary shot line.

Then it dawned on me. Mike plays pool left handed (me right handed), so his right foot is his front foot, and then it all made sense.

You and I don't always agree on everything, but thanks for this post. It (in addition to my own for forgetfulness) was the catalyst for a good laugh tonight.
 
Efren couldn't beat Sigel for a long time, especially in the finals

SCCues said:
I have an Accu-stats video with Efren Reyes and Jerry McWorter doing the commentary and it was quite entertaining listening to Efren analyze shots and say what he would do. Jerry thinks the world of Efren and during the commentary Jerry had to ask "Efren who was the toughest player you ever played against?" and Efren didn't hesitate and said "Mike Sigel was the toughest" before Mike retired. That's a pretty strong statement coming from the "Magician" and quite a compliment to Mike Sigel.
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Yes, Efren couldn't beat Sigel for a long time, especially in the finals. Efren changed his stroke quite a bit to be able to win in the United States. The difference between Efren's right arm delivery now and when he first came to the USA is "night and day".
 
.try it in a mirror, it will be easier

BeiberLvr said:
So I'm reading this and thinking, what the hell is CJ talking about, which is my usual reaction to most of your posts :grin-square:

I grab my cue and start emulating a stance like you described Mike having. I imagined a shot line for a straight in shot. No matter how hard I tried, it was extremely awkward to have my right foot parallel to that imaginary shot line.

Then it dawned on me. Mike plays pool left handed (me right handed), so his right foot is his front foot, and then it all made sense.

You and I don't always agree on everything, but thanks for this post. It (in addition to my own for forgetfulness) was the catalyst for a good laugh tonight.
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Yes, I found it humorous when I wrote the post that some people wouldn't "real eyes" Mike Sigel's left handed......try it in a mirror, it will be easier. ;)
 
Mike is in Texas Promoting the new, GPPA League,

I was wondering, this question is submittted to CJ and others that were at the Fox and Hound, last night,

What is the energy and acceptance of the new GPPA?

Did there seem to be much excitement and people wanting to sign up?

thanks for the feedback

Mike 'acedonkeyace' kennedy
 
Mike Sigel shares the key!!!! I was looking forward to reading this thread. Then I saw CJ posted it and immediately I said to my self "sh*t" No key headed my way :(
 
.don't tell anyone, it'll be our "secret".

d.p said:
Good meeting you

And good playing ping pong with you cj
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Ping Pong has always been my best game.....don't tell anyone, it'll be our "secret".

Nice meeting you too, Bud, we'll shoot some pool next time I'm in town and you're around.......Cya
 
CJ Wiley said:
Every time I've ever had an extensive conversation with Mike Sigel he always expands my knowledge, which leads to deeper understandings. Now that he's retired from competition he's even more generous with communicating his "inside specialties". He shared some techniques that I looked forward to trying out on the table, and today I did.

This morning I set up a break shot and ran 82 balls playing straight pool without even warming up - I could have easily ran over 100 but had to leave for a lunch meeting. I've always known it's essential to line up the cue to the hand and body, and now I have one more "tool" to make sure everything's systematically connected to the "shot line".

The most satisfying thing about it was not running the balls, it was how much fun it was to learn a new technique that is immediately effective. I forgot what it was like {when I was young} being influenced by the likes of Buddy Hall, Nick Varner, Efren Reyes, and Mike Sigel - sometimes it takes one sentence from a champion to increase my awareness two or three levels....it's happened to on several occasions.

Mike was in rare form {last night} sharing many of his own competitive experiences and "the Key" he learned from Irving Crane that he used as a mantra to win many tournament titles. Mike is 60 years old and can still run 300 balls any time he sets his mind to it - now I understand more about how he does it utilizing the "31 Degree Rule".

I've played and watched many champion players through the years and I still believe Mike was the toughest to beat in the big matches. Not only has he mastered all games "inside" and out, he also understands the deep level of competition. Most champion players will agree that they would rather face anyone in the finals other than Sigel!

Mike will be doing an exhibition tonight (7PM) at the FOX & HOUND on Campbell RD - just west of HWY 75 tonight in Dallas Texas. Mary Avina and I will also be there to check out his show and enjoy the always entertaining "Captain Hook".

We hope to see you there if you live in the DFW Texas area.
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thanks for the post CJ.

i know what you are saying whenever you mentioned someone saying something that really makes it clique despite almost knowing it through hours of practice. its like when you hear it from someone else, it makes you think you are not crazy for thinking it yourself. especially someone with a lot of knowledge in the game. every time i listen to sigel commentate on a match, i learn something new.
 
"real eyes" this is competitive genius (taught to Mike by Irving Crane).

SeabrookMiglla said:
thanks for the post CJ.

i know what you are saying whenever you mentioned someone saying something that really makes it clique despite almost knowing it through hours of practice. its like when you hear it from someone else, it makes you think you are not crazy for thinking it yourself. especially someone with a lot of knowledge in the game. every time i listen to sigel commentate on a match, i learn something new.
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Yes, the technique Mike Sigel stresses that I believe profound is: "Make Them Earn It!"

At first one might glance over this and think nothing of it....upon closer review one may "real eyes" this is competitive genius (taught to Mike by Irving Crane) 'The Game is the Teacher'
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DT, CJ went from Hustler mode to Needy Mode some time ago.

The only problem is that altho many of us may have been born at night, it wasn't last night.

Being Born During the Day is the Teacher.
 
DTL said:
Efren’s stroke hasn’t changed since I saw him in 1985 at Reds.
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I don't know why CJ said that but you're right. I've seen a lot of pros watch Efren play and practice, but I've never seen Efren watch them. No one ever saw anything like Efren when he came to this country. It's laughable to think Efren would change his game to look more like us.
 
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