Pool Myths Explained
- Thread starter JoeyA
- Start date
Here are some of the myths from my list that have been discussed a lot in this thread. I'll be curious to see what people think about the wordings and explanations.
10. It's the arrow, not the Indian.
A good player can play well with any cue (assuming it is mechanically sound and has a decent tip). Furthermore, a great cue will not truly help a bad player play better (although, there could be psychological effects resulting in slight improvements if a player thinks they should play better with a better cue).
12. A closed bridge is better than an open bridge.
This might be true for some people and some shots, but it is not true in general (see open bridge vs. close bridge).
22. "Accelerate through the ball" is bad advice because it is not possible physically.
It is true that the cue cannot be accelerated during a hit (because it actually slows down significantly during a hit, per the stroke acceleration resource page), but thinking this ("accelerate through the ball") can be useful advice to encourage people to not be hesitant, to finish the stroke, and to create more speed into the ball (e.g., with draw shots).
28. The only way to learn to aim is to play 10,000 hours or "hit a million balls."
It can certainly help to practice a lot and gain lots of experience, but an understanding of aiming principles, having a consistent and purposeful pre-shot routine, and knowing how to adjust aim when using english can certainly speed the learning process.
37. If you elevate the cue, you get more draw.
To get tighter-angle draw, cue elevation is required (see quick draw); however, for maximum draw distance with a mostly straight shot, keeping the cue as level as possible is better (see draw shot cue elevation effects).
69. Cue twisting is necessary for certain types of bank shots.
Somebody might be able to use cue twist to pocket certain shots, but this technique is certainly not required or recommended (see stroke swoop and cue twist).
78. CB hop during a break is a good thing.
CB hop on a break is often an indicator of an accurate and powerful break, but this is not something one should force (e.g., by elevating the cue) because it represents lost energy (see break hop and squat).
I fully agree that most myths get started from not clearly stating what is actually meant. Leaving key parts out. Quickly stating a principal without bothering to explain the "whys" of what is actually happening.
As to the acceleration, few even realize that the cue is very rarely still accelerating at contact. Rather, the actual acceleration is zero! The cue has leveled off to a certain speed, meaning acceleration is zero. The need for acceleration is because one sets in their mind a certain result with a certain location and speed. If one slows down on the way to the cb, the results can be very different than expected. So, people just started saying to "accelerate" through the cb because it solved the problem of unintentionally slowing down the cue.
In reality, if one actually slowed down the cue the same amount on every shot, he wouldn't have the problem of being surprised on the outcome, because it would always be as expected. He would just learn to initially hit harder to get the same results as the person that doesn't slow their cue down.
When you try and accelerate through the cue ball, you maintain a certain constant that is difficult to do reliably otherwise.
Neil,
Thanks again for you suggestions. Many of the myths now read much better.
Catch you later,
Dave
Good one.:thumbup:
Should I add this one to my list? If so, what would you offer as the myth-busting explanation? I can't think of anything. :grin-square:
Regards,
Dave
What do you think of this one?
Pros have a secret "aiming system.
This is just not true. While a few pros do use a system that can be described and explained, most do not. Most pros have devised their own "systems" of visualizing the shot through countless repetitions and observation. Most cannot describe how they aim because it is just second nature to them now. While some aiming systems will shorten the learning curve on aiming, they all require a large amount of practice. And, aiming systems are designed for a center ball hit, so any aiming system will need certain adjustments learned through experience when using english.
As important as aiming is, proper fundamentals to deliver the cue on the chosen shot line are just as important.
Bob, we've never met, (that I know of) I know you are an accomplished player, and I've heard you are an excellent instructor. Fellows like yourself. Dr.Dave, and Colin, have amassed a very impressive amount of information, which you all generously share with anyone interested...But,I still have trouble discerning any of your (or their) exact take, on "God given talent" versus the proliferation of the various "aiming systems" or other often touted "shortcuts".
I have made my thoughts on the subject very clear..I just don't believe you can make a "TOP" well trained, experienced pool player, out of someone with zero NATURAL hand/eye coordination, even if they could read every book, or watch every DVD, ever put forth on the subject.
I'm quite sure that, at times you have thrown your hands up in frustration, when you were working with a pupil, that you 'knew' would probably NEVER be able to advance beyond a 'C' player, regardless of his love for the game, or his desire to excel at it !.. I would welcome your, or Dr.Dave, or Colin's take on that subject, if you'd care to express it.
Sincerely,
Dick Mc Morran (you may know of me by my pool nickname, 'San Jose' Dick)
LATE EDIT; I see Dr. Dave answered one of my questions in a previous post, (his #27) while I was typing this one. Thank you for your (as usual) well explained answer Dave, I shall take that as an agreement, (in principle) with my thoughts !
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Here is my thought on this topic from the Top 100 Myths page:
97. Natural talent is more important than hard work.
See the book: "The Sports Gene." For certain sports (e.g., anything involving jumping or speed like some track and field events), this can be true. Also, someone with good eye-hand coordination (e.g., from genetics and/or previous experience with other activities and sports) will have an advantage over someone who is not very coordinated. It also helps to have sharp vision and depth perception. However, practice, experience, and hard work are the most important ingredients of success in pool.
Regards,
Dave
Neil, They are not "just as important", they are infinitely MORE important !..Your aim can be considerably 'off' and you can still pocket the ball. (cheating the pocket, easy pockets, slop, etc.)...Repetition and accuracy, in delivering the cue on the chosen line..is why John Barton, will NEVER play like Shane Van Boening !..
PS..Sorry John, had to use someone to emphasize my point ! :grin:
Sorry Dave, I liked your #27 explanation (on this same subject) MUCH better !...:thumbup:
If you haven't read the book "The Sports Gene" yet, I strongly encourage you to check it out. I'm sure you will enjoy it. I certainly found it interesting and thought provoking.
Catch you later,
Dave
Will do !..Thanks.
most of the "conventional methods" are myths
I think what you'll find is most of the "conventional methods" are myths, and rarely used by champion level players.
Many players are messed up because they've heard that you must use a "loose grip," and be relaxed while you play......really? What next, pendulum strokes and long, abbreviated follow throughs? LoL - no wonder this game is so difficult for many players.
I think what you'll find is most of the "conventional methods" are myths, and rarely used by champion level players.
Many players are messed up because they've heard that you must use a "loose grip," and be relaxed while you play......really? What next, pendulum strokes and long, abbreviated follow throughs? LoL - no wonder this game is so difficult for many players.
CJ,
Are you claiming that most "champion level players" use a tight grip, are tense while playing, and use a piston stroke with a short and exaggerated follow through?
If not, could you explain in a little more detail what you meant above (in blue)?
Thanks,
Dave
a "loose grip" simply allows the player to make subconscious corrections easier.
A "loose" grip is a relative statement, however, many players think you should "let the cue do the work"....which is certainly one way of playing, however, for the most part a "loose grip" simply allows the player to make subconscious corrections easier.
This does work, unless the player gets under serious pressure...then you can count on "a wheel falling off," it's not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when".
We would make a guess that most players {that aren't performing as well as they'd like} are using 50-90% of their potential "mental horse power" on corrections when they could be using this power to play the game better.
Saying that I think "champion level players" use a tight grip, are tense while playing and use a piston stroke with a short, exaggerated follow through is silly.
I will say under pressure EVERY champion level player experiences tightness, and tenseness - and it's always better to match the situation than try to go against the natural tendencies.
A "loose" grip is a relative statement, however, many players think you should "let the cue do the work"....which is certainly one way of playing, however, for the most part a "loose grip" simply allows the player to make subconscious corrections easier.
This does work, unless the player gets under serious pressure...then you can count on "a wheel falling off," it's not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when".
We would make a guess that most players {that aren't performing as well as they'd like} are using 50-90% of their potential "mental horse power" on corrections when they could be using this power to play the game better.
Saying that I think "champion level players" use a tight grip, are tense while playing and use a piston stroke with a short, exaggerated follow through is silly.
I will say under pressure EVERY champion level player experiences tightness, and tenseness - and it's always better to match the situation than try to go against the natural tendencies.
CJ,
Are you claiming that most "champion level players" use a tight grip, are tense while playing, and use a piston stroke with a short and exaggerated follow through?
If not, could you explain in a little more detail what you meant above (in blue)?
Thanks,
Dave
I thought some of these would generate some discussion since they differ from some opinions expressed earlier in the thread.
Any comments, disagreements, or questions?
Thanks,
Dave
Even some of the greatest older players didn't understand the instructional side
Yes, these sound like they're right out of an "average" pool room. Even some of the greatest older players didn't understand the instructional side and inadvertently spread poor advice.
The worse thing is how this info is forced on unsuspecting women that are trying to take the game up. One word of advice to men in pool rooms - DO NOT try to be a teacher to every "damsel" you see hitting balls like you're a knight on a white horse.
For the most part it's rude and annoying to have someone try to "show you how to play" (unsolicited)....especially when most don't know a slip stroke from a slip knot.
Yes, these sound like they're right out of an "average" pool room. Even some of the greatest older players didn't understand the instructional side and inadvertently spread poor advice.
The worse thing is how this info is forced on unsuspecting women that are trying to take the game up. One word of advice to men in pool rooms - DO NOT try to be a teacher to every "damsel" you see hitting balls like you're a knight on a white horse.
For the most part it's rude and annoying to have someone try to "show you how to play" (unsolicited)....especially when most don't know a slip stroke from a slip knot.