A family of drills based on running racks

dr_dave said:
I defer to Bob on this since he has so much more straight pool experience than I do.

Regardless, success at many of these levels will definitely depend on the person and their strengths.

Me too. I think it is great. 8-ball, 9-ball, and straight pool practice in a fun and challenging format suitable for players of all levels. What's not to like. It doesn't test safety play, but I guess you can't expect to do everything in a single drill format.

Regards,
Dave
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Maybe useless but I thought of one in between 1 and 2 that might be useful for novices, 6 balls no cue ball but have to shoot them in the farthest corner pocket away. Would help will longer shot aiming. Sorry just thinking a lot about this as a distraction since I havent played since February
 
johnnysd said:
Maybe useless but I thought of one in between 1 and 2 that might be useful for novices, 6 balls no cue ball but have to shoot them in the farthest corner pocket away. Would help will longer shot aiming. Sorry just thinking a lot about this as a distraction since I havent played since February
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That would be a good addition if Bob decides to pad the lower end a little more.

Thank you for contributing to the discussion,
Dave
 
johnnysd said:
Maybe useless but I thought of one in between 1 and 2 that might be useful for novices, 6 balls no cue ball but have to shoot them in the farthest corner pocket away. Would help will longer shot aiming. Sorry just thinking a lot about this as a distraction since I havent played since February
Click to expand...
A simple small step up would be to play with 15 balls. I think a second break would probably have to be allowed. The beginner would learn a lot about how to unlock balls by shooting other balls.
 
dr_dave said:
I've tried to assign ABCD player ratings to the different levels. Do you guys have any input or suggestions concerning these?

1. 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – never played (N-)
2. 6 balls, BIH on each shot – lower novice (N)
3. 6 balls, BIH after each 2 shots – mid novice (N+)
4. 6 balls, BIH after each 3 shots – upper novice (D-)
5. 6 balls, any order – lower beginner (D).
6. 6 balls+8 (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – mid beginner (D+)
7. 9 balls, any order – upper beginner (C-)
8. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – upper intermediate (B-)
9. 15 balls, in groups of 5, BIH after each group – lower intermediate (C)
10. 6 balls, in order – mid intermediate (C+)
11. 15 balls, any order – lower advanced (B)
12. 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+)
13. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – expert tournament player (A-)
14. 9 balls, 9-ball rules – master semi pro (A)
15. 15 balls, 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – touring pro (A+/AA)
16. 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA)

I look forward to your input,
Dave
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#10: It takes a B player to beat the 6 ball rotation ghost more than half the time, IMO. A C+ is more like the 4 ball rotation ghost. Look at our ghost thread that has the 6 ball ghost. Its not easy! The 9 ball rotation ghost takes an A player.
 
iusedtoberich said:
#10: It takes a B player to beat the 6 ball rotation ghost more than half the time, IMO. A C+ is more like the 4 ball rotation ghost. Look at our ghost thread that has the 6 ball ghost. Its not easy! The 9 ball rotation ghost takes an A player.
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After we switched two of the levels earlier in the thread, I had the ratings labeled wrong. I just fixed it. Here is the current updated list:

1. 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – lower novice (N-)
2. 6 balls, BIH on each shot – mid novice (N)
3. 6 balls, BIH after each 2 shots – upper novice (N+)
4. 6 balls, BIH after each 3 shots – lower beginner (D-)
5. 6 balls, any order – mid beginner (D).
6. 6 balls+8 (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – upper beginner (D+)
7. 9 balls, any order – lower intermediate (C-)
8. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – mid intermediate (C)
9. 15 balls, in groups of 5, BIH after each group – upper intermediate (C+)
10. 6 balls, in order – lower advanced (B-)
11. 15 balls, any order – mid advanced (B)
12. 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+)
13. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – expert tournament player (A-)
14. 9 balls, 9-ball rules – master semi pro (A)
15. 15 balls, 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – touring pro (A+/AA)
16. 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA)

The 6-ball rotation level (10) is currently rated B-, and the 9-ball rotation level (14) is rated A, so the ratings seem to agree fairly well with your experience. Remember, you only need to run 1 out of 3 racks to remain at a level.

Regards,
Dave
 
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dr_dave said:
I've tried to assign ABCD player ratings to the different levels. Do you guys have any input or suggestions concerning these?

1. 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – never played (N-)
2. 6 balls, BIH on each shot – lower novice (N)
3. 6 balls, BIH after each 2 shots – mid novice (N+)
4. 6 balls, BIH after each 3 shots – upper novice (D-)
5. 6 balls, any order – lower beginner (D).
6. 6 balls+8 (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – mid beginner (D+)
7. 9 balls, any order – upper beginner (C-)
8. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – upper intermediate (C)
9. 15 balls, in groups of 5, BIH after each group – lower intermediate (C+)
10. 6 balls, in order – mid intermediate (B-)
11. 15 balls, any order – lower advanced (B)
12. 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+)
13. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – expert tournament player (A-)
14. 9 balls, 9-ball rules – master semi pro (A)
15. 15 balls, 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – touring pro (A+/AA)
16. 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA)

I look forward to your input,
Dave
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For #13 and #15, you pick one group, make them all in any order, then shoot the 8? And after making the 8, shoot the other group in rotation to win?
 
iusedtoberich said:
For #13 and #15, you pick one group, make them all in any order, then shoot the 8? And after making the 8, shoot the other group in rotation to win?
Click to expand...
That is correct.

I hope you try it out. If you do, please let us know how it goes and let us know if you have any suggestions for improvement.

Thanks,
Dave
 
I'll try 3 racks of each. As much as it pains me to say, I don't think I'm a B player, but rather a very strong C.
 
dr_dave said:
Awesome. I look forward to seeing your report.

Let's see what the system says.

Good luck,
Dave
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Ha ha, the system is made up... I suppose just like all the rating letter systems. Gambling rating in Philly area is usually Banger-D-C-B-A-Open-Pro. And of course each letter has its own range. I know players I consider strong B's who have run 100, but are not favored to beat the 9 ball ghost, and never win regional events, and rarely cash. A strong B can give a strong C the 6 ball for the cash. A strong A can give a strong B the 6 ball. etc. The ranges for one letter are just enormous.
 
And its up to the gambler to figure that out. There is no "keeper" of the ratings. You have to figure out the clock.
 
iusedtoberich said:
Ha ha, the system is made up... I suppose just like all the rating letter systems. Gambling rating in Philly area is usually Banger-D-C-B-A-Open-Pro. And of course each letter has its own range. I know players I consider strong B's who have run 100, but are not favored to beat the 9 ball ghost, and never win regional events, and rarely cash. A strong B can give a strong C the 6 ball for the cash. A strong A can give a strong B the 6 ball. etc. The ranges for one letter are just enormous.
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So it should be easy for the "system" to peg you. :grin-square:

Catch you later,
Dave
 
Thanks Bob and Dave. I will try to get my granddaughter (9) and GF (APA 1) to try these in the coming weeks and will let you know how it works out for them.
 
dr_dave said:
I've tried to assign ABCD player ratings to the different levels. Do you guys have any input or suggestions concerning these?

1. 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – never played (N-)
2. 6 balls, BIH on each shot – lower novice (N)
3. 6 balls, BIH after each 2 shots – mid novice (N+)
4. 6 balls, BIH after each 3 shots – upper novice (D-)
5. 6 balls, any order – lower beginner (D).
6. 6 balls+8 (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – mid beginner (D+)
7. 9 balls, any order – upper beginner (C-)
8. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – upper intermediate (C)
9. 15 balls, in groups of 5, BIH after each group – lower intermediate (C+)
10. 6 balls, in order – mid intermediate (B-)
11. 15 balls, any order – lower advanced (B)
12. 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+)
13. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – expert tournament player (A-)
14. 9 balls, 9-ball rules – master semi pro (A)
15. 15 balls, 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – touring pro (A+/AA)
16. 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA)

I look forward to your input,
Dave
Click to expand...

Well, the very first ranking is odd, after playing and accomplishing the drill you have graduated to never played. :D

I think the rankings are pretty tough overall. I’ve played for decades off & on and being called a beginner is a little disturbing.
 
cjr3559 said:
dr_dave said:
1. 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – lower novice (N-)
2. 6 balls, BIH on each shot – mid novice (N)
3. 6 balls, BIH after each 2 shots – upper novice (N+)
4. 6 balls, BIH after each 3 shots – lower beginner (D-)
5. 6 balls, any order – mid beginner (D).
6. 6 balls+8 (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – upper beginner (D+)
7. 9 balls, any order – lower intermediate (C-)
8. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – mid intermediate (C)
9. 15 balls, in groups of 5, BIH after each group – upper intermediate (C+)
10. 6 balls, in order – lower advanced (B-)
11. 15 balls, any order – mid advanced (B)
12. 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+)
13. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – expert tournament player (A-)
14. 9 balls, 9-ball rules – master semi pro (A)
15. 15 balls, 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – touring pro (A+/AA)
16. 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA)
Click to expand...

Well, the very first ranking is odd, after playing and accomplishing the drill you have graduated to never played. :D

I think the rankings are pretty tough overall. I’ve played for decades off & on and being called a beginner is a little disturbing.
Click to expand...
Remember, if you succeed at a level (2 out of 3 racks), you move to the next level. But I think you might be right that the ratings for the lower levels do seem a bit harsh and non-flattering. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dave
 
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dr_dave said:
Remember, if you succeed at a level (2 out of 3 racks), you move to the next level. But I think you might be right the ratings for the lower levels do seem a little harsh and non-flattering. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...

Just "New Player"?
 
johnnysd said:
Just "New Player"?
Click to expand...
Actually, I had a mistake in the labels. I was missing "mid advanced." I've now corrected it:

1. 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – lower novice (N-)
2. 6 balls, BIH on each shot – mid novice (N)
3. 6 balls, BIH after each 2 shots – upper novice (N+)
4. 6 balls, BIH after each 3 shots – lower beginner (D-)
5. 6 balls, any order – mid beginner (D).
6. 6 balls+8 (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – upper beginner (D+)
7. 9 balls, any order – lower intermediate (C-)
8. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – mid intermediate (C)
9. 15 balls, in groups of 5, BIH after each group – upper intermediate (C+)
10. 6 balls, in order – lower advanced (B-)
11. 15 balls, any order – mid advanced (B)
12. 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+)
13. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – expert tournament player (A-)
14. 9 balls, 9-ball rules – master semi pro (A)
15. 15 balls, 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – touring pro (A+/AA)
16. 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA)

Now the + and - are within each rating label (corresponding to "upper" and "lower"), and the "never played" rating is gone.

Any suggestions based on this corrected version?

Thanks,
Dave
 
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Chili Palmer said:
Thanks Bob and Dave. I will try to get my granddaughter (9) and GF (APA 1) to try these in the coming weeks and will let you know how it works out for them.
Click to expand...
When teaching novices it's important not to overload them with suggestions. Often the wrinkles will straighten themselves out with more time on the table.
 
dr_dave said:
Actually, I had a mistake in the labels. I was missing "mid advanced." I've now corrected it:

1. 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – lower novice (N-)
2. 6 balls, BIH on each shot – mid novice (N)
3. 6 balls, BIH after each 2 shots – upper novice (N+)
4. 6 balls, BIH after each 3 shots – lower beginner (D-)
5. 6 balls, any order – mid beginner (D).
6. 6 balls+8 (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – upper beginner (D+)
7. 9 balls, any order – lower intermediate (C-)
8. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules – mid intermediate (C)
9. 15 balls, in groups of 5, BIH after each group – upper intermediate (C+)
10. 6 balls, in order – lower advanced (B-)
11. 15 balls, any order – mid advanced (B)
12. 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+)
13. 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – expert tournament player (A-)
14. 9 balls, 9-ball rules – master semi pro (A)
15. 15 balls, 8-ball rules, then remaining balls in order – touring pro (A+/AA)
16. 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA)

Now the + and - are within each rating label (corresponding to "upper" and "lower"), and the "never played" rating is gone.

Any suggestions based on this corrected version?

Thanks,
Dave
Click to expand...


Clarification, for #6, #8, do you run out your group (only) plus the 8 next and that is a win and its over? Or do you run out your group first, then the next group, and then the 8 to be a win?
 
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