One pockets hurts other games , so I'm told

[lfigueroa]

Beg to differ Lou...If pool is ever to grow again, it is ALL about money and spectators, and attracting major sponsor $$$$!..Why are so few people concerned with putting our best foot forward?..My ideas may not be the best, but if steps aren't taken, (and soon) pool will eventually become like horseshoes ..Just a game lots of us used to enjoy!

Even though my advanced age has reduced me to 'sweater' status, I am nonetheless consumed with seeing the game I have loved all my life, enjoy a much needed resurrection!..Don't you feel the same way, or are you going to be content just 'practicing' until your arms fall off?

I don't believe we disagree, Dick.

I'm talking about what to *practice* to become a better 1pocket, 8ball player.

And even in my later years, I do love to mix it up and play for varying amounts of cheese and occasionally take off the blowhard idiot

Lou Figueroa

 

[SilverCue]

I think It depends on your stroke development.
I think weaker players should stick to 8 Ball.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

 

[Z-Nole]

I agree there is very little structure for teaching the next generation of pool players, which I think we all agree is what's necessary for pool in the US to grow. I grew up with a family of competitive sailors who have been to the Olympics and a couple of America's Cups. Typically the best sailors started at a very young age, had a dedicated support team, and most importantly received excellent coaching and supervision from the best local sailors. It was almost an unwritten rule that as a sailor moved up the ranks they came back and coached younger more unexperienced kids to get them and keep them involved in the sport. This is just not part of billiards. There is an inherit part of the sport to go on the "hustle" and slow play people learning the game to make a few bucks. Its just the way it is in billiards. People who have the ability to pass on knowledge rarely if ever do it for fear they are passing up making some easy money.

 

[TRWpool]

I agree there is very little structure for teaching the next generation of pool players, which I think we all agree is what's necessary for pool in the US to grow. I grew up with a family of competitive sailors who have been to the Olympics and a couple of America's Cups. Typically the best sailors started at a very young age, had a dedicated support team, and most importantly received excellent coaching and supervision from the best local sailors. It was almost an unwritten rule that as a sailor moved up the ranks they came back and coached younger more unexperienced kids to get them and keep them involved in the sport. This is just not part of billiards. There is an inherit part of the sport to go on the "hustle" and slow play people learning the game to make a few bucks. Its just the way it is in billiards. People who have the ability to pass on knowledge rarely if ever do it for fear they are passing up making some easy money.

Z Nole, This was certainly the case many years ago. The unwritten law was like a mafia edict and there could be repercussions for those who were caught teaching. Those days a long gone. Today there are several top flight players teaching everything from the basics on through to advanced strategies of all the games including One Pocket. I am one such person and I do it for the very elementary reason that I wish to impart onto the younger generation what I have learned over nearly fifty years of playing pool. I have written a widely accepted book on One Pocket and I now have a you tube channel with well over sixty short videos of One Pocket situations many of which are intended to inspire others to educate themselves and feed their imaginations. There are so many others who have their own channels doing similar videos. Jimmy Reed, Darren Appleton, Max Eberle to name just a few. All of these guys are working hard to help others improve their pool games. Nick Varner and countless others for years have provided instructional pieces in the pool and billiard publications. So don't say "There is an inherit part of the sport to go on the "hustle" and slow play people learning the game to make a few bucks" It just isn't so!

I am only one person of hundreds throughout the Country who have the same goals for the same reasons. We all want to give something back to the game we have loved for decades. If we make a few bucks along the way, well that too is the American way. Don't fault us for wanting to capitalize on our knowledge and the public's desire to learn what we have to teach.This may not be "structured" as some of you have put it but it is out there. If you do a little research you can find a reputable instructor in your area. The specialized game of One Pocket might take you longer to find the right instructor and you might have to travel some distance for the lessons but the information gained is yours to keep and expand upon.

Tom Wirth

 

[Z-Nole]

[/B]

Z Nole, This was certainly the case many years ago. The unwritten law was like a mafia edict and there could be repercussions for those who were caught teaching. Those days a long gone. Today there are several top flight players teaching everything from the basics on through to advanced strategies of all the games including One Pocket. I am one such person and I do it for the very elementary reason that I wish to impart onto the younger generation what I have learned over nearly fifty years of playing pool. I have written a widely accepted book on One Pocket and I now have a you tube channel with well over sixty short videos of One Pocket situations many of which are intended to inspire others to educate themselves and feed their imaginations. There are so many others who have their own channels doing similar videos. Jimmy Reed, Darren Appleton, Max Eberle to name just a few. All of these guys are working hard to help others improve their pool games. Nick Varner and countless others for years have provided instructional pieces in the pool and billiard publications. So don't say "There is an inherit part of the sport to go on the "hustle" and slow play people learning the game to make a few bucks" It just isn't so!

I am only one person of hundreds throughout the Country who have the same goals for the same reasons. We all want to give something back to the game we have loved for decades. If we make a few bucks along the way, well that too is the American way. Don't fault us for wanting to capitalize on our knowledge and the public's desire to learn what we have to teach.This may not be "structured" as some of you have put it but it is out there. If you do a little research you can find a reputable instructor in your area. The specialized game of One Pocket might take you longer to find the right instructor and you might have to travel some distance for the lessons but the information gained is yours to keep and expand upon.

Tom Wirth

You are one of the rare folks who give back which is very admirable,, but I disagree and think you are the exception and not the rule. While it may be better than in the mafia days I still don't see the better than average player trying to impart any wisdom for the price of time or a cold one. It just doesn't happen that much. I'm very fortunate that the room I've been going to forever is owned by a guy who goes out of his way to promote pool and give good solid instruction for those who are interested. He sells equipment at his cost (usually eats the freight) and time is extremely reasonable considering there's 5 perfect Gold Crowns to play on. Time and again over the years I've seen a few high school age guys come in as a group and get into pool. The owner supports them, hooks them up with some equipment and eventually one or two of the guys have more natural ability than their friends and start to excel. Next thing you know they get tired of beating up on their friends and start coming in alone. And they get pounced on. Usually by guys who don't have twenty bucks in their pockets. And they pay their dues and do the same thing when they get the chance. I've seen it over and over.

 

[Z-Nole]

To answer the original question....one pocket can only help your 9 ball game. It will help with almost any game. But now that I think about it I'm not the best person to ask. Since the grey showed up in my beard i hate almost every game except one pocket and haven't really played anything else for years.

 

[lfigueroa]

[/B]

Z Nole, This was certainly the case many years ago. The unwritten law was like a mafia edict and there could be repercussions for those who were caught teaching. Those days a long gone. Today there are several top flight players teaching everything from the basics on through to advanced strategies of all the games including One Pocket. I am one such person and I do it for the very elementary reason that I wish to impart onto the younger generation what I have learned over nearly fifty years of playing pool. I have written a widely accepted book on One Pocket and I now have a you tube channel with well over sixty short videos of One Pocket situations many of which are intended to inspire others to educate themselves and feed their imaginations. There are so many others who have their own channels doing similar videos. Jimmy Reed, Darren Appleton, Max Eberle to name just a few. All of these guys are working hard to help others improve their pool games. Nick Varner and countless others for years have provided instructional pieces in the pool and billiard publications. So don't say "There is an inherit part of the sport to go on the "hustle" and slow play people learning the game to make a few bucks" It just isn't so!

I am only one person of hundreds throughout the Country who have the same goals for the same reasons. We all want to give something back to the game we have loved for decades. If we make a few bucks along the way, well that too is the American way. Don't fault us for wanting to capitalize on our knowledge and the public's desire to learn what we have to teach.This may not be "structured" as some of you have put it but it is out there. If you do a little research you can find a reputable instructor in your area. The specialized game of One Pocket might take you longer to find the right instructor and you might have to travel some distance for the lessons but the information gained is yours to keep and expand upon.

Tom Wirth

The 1pocket instructional genie was let out of the bottle 20 years ago with the release of the first Accu-Stats 1pocket VHS. From there, the door was wide open and you could study the shots and strategies and listen to the commentary of knowledgable players. That in turn helped make the game more accessible AND more popular.

Ronnie Allen once told me how it was so different from his time saying, "Shots it took me 20 years to learn, 17 year kids are shooting nowadays."

So now there are scads of DVDs, YouTubes, streams, books, discussions online, and tournaments. Today, if any young kid (or old kid) can't learn the game they have no one to blame but themselves.

Lou Figueroa

 

[TRWpool]

The 1pocket instructional genie was let out of the bottle 20 years ago with the release of the first Accu-Stats 1pocket VHS. From there, the door was wide open and you could study the shots and strategies and listen to the commentary of knowledgable players. That in turn helped make the game more accessible AND more popular.

Ronnie Allen once told me how it was so different from his time saying, "Shots it took me 20 years to learn, 17 year kids are shooting nowadays."

So now there are scads of DVDs, YouTubes, streams, books, discussions online, and tournaments. Today, if any young kid (or old kid) can't learn the game they have no one to blame but themselves.

Lou Figueroa

This is true, Lou. I think Z Nole is showing a cynical side to his nature on this one. Pool certainly had and has its seedy side but times have changed greatly since you and I grew up in that old environment where gambling was one of the requirements to learning.

These days there are instructors everywhere. the BCA or CSI or whatever is a Nationwide org. with some wonderful instructors. Private individual instructors like you, like me, and like hundreds, if not thousands are in just about every decent pool room in the Country. Let's not forget, as you say, Accu-stats video productions, You Tube, Facebook, and the leagues with players of all skill levels are providing an inexpensive way for novice players to hone their skills. All these businesses and forums have people giving back their hard earned knowledge. Web sites like AZB and OP.org provide still more ways for those who may know a bit more than some others to contribute to the education of those who wish to learn how to play pool.

Z Nole, I think you are mistaken. Sure there are plenty of hustlers still out there who take advantage of their skills and knowledge but that was, and still is true of Golf and Tennis too. Any sport you can think of has its hustler. Competition is in the blood but so is a love and understanding among the older generation that passing on our knowledge is intrical to the games growth and survival. I find teaching to be very rewarding and I know I am far from being an exception to the rule. Z Nole, look on the bright side, As far as the old hustler days, pool is moving in a cleaner more sportsmanlike direction.

Tom

 

[Z-Nole]

This is true, Lou. I think Z Nole is showing a cynical side to his nature on this one. Pool certainly had and has its seedy side but times have changed greatly since you and I grew up in that old environment where gambling was one of the requirements to learning.

These days there are instructors everywhere. the BCA or CSI or whatever is a Nationwide org. with some wonderful instructors. Private individual instructors like you, like me, and like hundreds, if not thousands are in just about every decent pool room in the Country. Let's not forget, as you say, Accu-stats video productions, You Tube, Facebook, and the leagues with players of all skill levels are providing an inexpensive way for novice players to hone their skills. All these businesses and forums have people giving back their hard earned knowledge. Web sites like AZB and OP.org provide still more ways for those who may know a bit more than some others to contribute to the education of those who wish to learn how to play pool.

Z Nole, I think you are mistaken. Sure there are plenty of hustlers still out there who take advantage of their skills and knowledge but that was, and still is true of Golf and Tennis too. Any sport you can think of has its hustler. Competition is in the blood but so is a love and understanding among the older generation that passing on our knowledge is intrical to the games growth and survival. I find teaching to be very rewarding and I know I am far from being an exception to the rule. Z Nole, look on the bright side, As far as the old hustler days, pool is moving in a cleaner more sportsmanlike direction.

Tom

I hope you're right. No doubt I can do better. I grew up watching some awesome 1 pocket. Spent countless hours watching Ray M practicing and matching up. But for the last 15 years I've had a job that puts me in hotels over 100 nights per year and a couple of plane rides every week. I've learned more on the plane than anything else. A buddy lent me the box set of Ronnie Allen playing Danny back when they were in stroke. I have about 60 other DVD's including a few instructional (albeit basic) from Grady that I've watched numerous times. And every time I watch them I learn something. Either that or my memory sucks and it just seems new to me, I'm not sure. Either way new is new, right? So I definitely agree those DVD's are a great tool.

I's glad to see pool cleaning up and wish it would continue. I made a promise 25 years ago to not try to make a living at playing pool so I don't have a vested financial interest what happens, but I do care what happens to my home room and will make it a point to do my part.

 

[GoldCrown]

To have Tom as an instructor is to learn about a classy player and person. His love for the game, He is a true ambassador. He enjoys passing it on. I play with people I can't learn from. I do not have a local pool room with knowledgeable players that would or could pass it on. And as a basement dweller on my home table I have nobody to play. I was fortunate to connect with Tom. I have no interest to play anything other than 1p but play9ball here and there.
Tom's a one of a kind. The game needs more people like him.

 

[one stroke]

This is true, Lou. I think Z Nole is showing a cynical side to his nature on this one. Pool certainly had and has its seedy side but times have changed greatly since you and I grew up in that old environment where gambling was one of the requirements to learning.

These days there are instructors everywhere. the BCA or CSI or whatever is a Nationwide org. with some wonderful instructors. Private individual instructors like you, like me, and like hundreds, if not thousands are in just about every decent pool room in the Country. Let's not forget, as you say, Accu-stats video productions, You Tube, Facebook, and the leagues with players of all skill levels are providing an inexpensive way for novice players to hone their skills. All these businesses and forums have people giving back their hard earned knowledge. Web sites like AZB and OP.org provide still more ways for those who may know a bit more than some others to contribute to the education of those who wish to learn how to play pool.

Z Nole, I think you are mistaken. Sure there are plenty of hustlers still out there who take advantage of their skills and knowledge but that was, and still is true of Golf and Tennis too. Any sport you can think of has its hustler. Competition is in the blood but so is a love and understanding among the older generation that passing on our knowledge is intrical to the games growth and survival. I find teaching to be very rewarding and I know I am far from being an exception to the rule. Z Nole, look on the bright side, As far as the old hustler days, pool is moving in a cleaner more sportsmanlike direction.

Tom

I would say the list of top notch instructors who are capable of bringing along a player from scratch to world class level is very short . Same as in golf out of thousands of PGA instructors only a hand full capable of teaching at world class level

1

 

[StuartTKelley]

I keep hearing playing one pocket will ruin my 9 -8 ball game , yet I'm finding not only is it not hurting my game it's helping my game instead
Infact to the tune of a 2 nd 3rd 4th and 2 5/6 finishes out of my last 7 events now there not big events short races , but I've beat some decent players 655 and 630 Fargo and lost 5/4 to a 735 , just for the record , best streak in many many moons

Where I think it paid its dividends is 2 way shots , kicking safe , safety play and more focused even on easy shots not letting the cue ball fly ,, some of my opponents shake thier head thinking I'm lucky , and sometimes that may be true but when they safe you and you kick at a ball not just to hit it but leave safe and keep doing it it's not all luck

So you one pockets guys does it hurt or help your game

1

I think it hurts only if you are trying to play a lot of one pocket and then the same night switch up to 9ball .. I think it takes you out of stroke because of the different stroke used for both. Just me though...I'm sure there are lots of great players that can play as many games well in one night as possible. I can't.

 

[jburkm002]

Don't follow one pocket much. Just what I read on here. Seems the best all around players are the best one pocket players. Not sure who is considered the best one pocket player but I bet it's one of the best all around players. So even some guys who specialize in one pocket seem to get beat by the best all around players.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Black-Balled]

I think it helps. It forces you to shoot the shot how it needs to be shot, not how you want to play it.

This increases your skill set.

 

[lfigueroa]

I think it hurts only if you are trying to play a lot of one pocket and then the same night switch up to 9ball .. I think it takes you out of stroke because of the different stroke used for both. Just me though...I'm sure there are lots of great players that can play as many games well in one night as possible. I can't.

I think the strokes are all the same.

If they differ, you're doing something wrong. Now, the shots, speeds, and spins are different, but not the strokes.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Don't follow one pocket much. Just what I read on here. Seems the best all around players are the best one pocket players. Not sure who is considered the best one pocket player but I bet it's one of the best all around players. So even some guys who specialize in one pocket seem to get beat by the best all around players.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Knowledge goes a long way.

But it's tough to beat a great ball striker and/or someone who, if they get loose, can run balls till the cows come home.

Lou Figueroa

 

[one stroke]

Knowledge goes a long way.

But it's tough to beat a great ball striker and/or someone who, if they get loose, can run balls till the cows come home.

Lou Figueroa

Well that's true however a real good one pocket player won't let him out of the cage very often ,,
I think Asian players such as the Ko boys would be hard pressed to beat Scott Frost other Top one pocket player for that matter cause they don't play that much of it , but I'm sure like Shane who's put plenty of time in they would be a force if they played more of it

1

 

[SJDinPHX]

The 1pocket instructional genie was let out of the bottle 20 years ago with the release of the first Accu-Stats 1pocket VHS. From there, the door was wide open and you could study the shots and strategies and listen to the commentary of knowledgable players. That in turn helped make the game more accessible AND more popular.

Ronnie Allen once told me how it was so different from his time saying, "Shots it took me 20 years to learn, 17 year kids are shooting nowadays."..Now there are scads of DVDs, YouTubes, streams, books, discussions online, and tournaments. Today, if any young kid (or old kid) can't learn the game they have no one to blame but themselves.

Lou Figueroa

That would be true to some extent Lou..But as for RA's observation, it reminds me of another well known quote..."Any 12 year old kid can learn to play one pocket, as long as he has 15 years of experience"!..I'm not sure, but that quote might have also originated from Mr. Allen!...

PS..I'm sure you've noticed..when matching up, RA was very good at feeding them a line or two, and confusing whoever it was he was talking too!

PPS..I don't think the first several Accustat videos, taught anything but the basics of the game!..Pat learned what he came to know along with all the other non-1P players!

 

[jtompilot]

I think it helps. It forces you to shoot the shot how it needs to be shot, not how you want to play it.

This increases your skill set.

You know you still owe me a match. That was a classic move you put on me sending Brandon to beat me up:grin:

 

[lfigueroa]

Well that's true however a real good one pocket player won't let him out of the cage very often ,,
I think Asian players such as the Ko boys would be hard pressed to beat Scott Frost other Top one pocket player for that matter cause they don't play that much of it , but I'm sure like Shane who's put plenty of time in they would be a force if they played more of it

1

but, but, the cage is much more porous for really good players.

I've been on the hill with Appleton, put all the balls up table in the vault, and had him escape with some tremendous shot making. Parcia did the same thing to me: I left him exactly where I had wanted and he sliced a ball down all the way down the rail from an angle most guys you wouldn't have even thought of shooting from. When a player can execute at that level there really is no cage that will hold them.

Lou Figueroa