hey everybody, im starting to get my game back in shape to play some pro tournaments coming up and was wondering what everyones practice regement is? currently i practice each night by playing two sets against the ghost. my table at home is only a 4x8 olhousen but its the tighest table youve ever seen!(5x shimmed, 3.25 inches at the drop). i play two races to 10 against the ghost, i get BIH after the break. beyond that i play two nights a week in the local league and i try to get to a pool hall once every two weeks to get some action. what im doing now is working pretty well but i would like to hear some other ideas that maybe i could add in to push myself alittle further. thanks for you replies!
whats your practice regement??
- Thread starter Tony Longoni
- Start date
I would say move to ten ball, that table sounds brutally beautiful. Build up your stroke by hitting about 30-50 stroke shots of your choice a day maybe more. Thats what I have been doing and seems to be helping me out. Break from everywhere, the side rail, open bridge in the box. Helps the control.
Eric.
Eric.
thanks for your reply eric, im alittle suprised to see with all these pool players on this forum that you were the only reply... are we the only two that practice??lol
Tony Longoni said:
No, I just suck, but I'll offer up some options....
I always like to warm up with 9-ball to get the stroke going....once warm, I usually try to find someone that likes a myriad of games to practice with....like to play winner chooses game, play a mix of 8,9,10,14.1, and 1pocket....like Eric said, I goof around with the break, move to different areas....if there was an issue or confusing shot during the game, set it back up and work on options....always enjoy practicing with someone...
When alone, I like to work on specific situations, as well as my stroke...
Not sure if that helps
Must be us 3
I have slacked off since Vegas. I use a couple of basic bank shots, like cross side lined up straight across the table, first diamond away from the side. 10 banks on each side. Long rail or straight back, the same way. What this does for me is give me the consistency in my stroke to hit the ball the same way repeatedly. It also builds the confidence to make those banks when they come up during a match. Everyone likes different stuff to practice, this is mine. Good luck to ya. SamTony Longoni said:
I never play. I just post on here.
Well - Im not very good but I will try
Here is my daily practice drills.
1.) I do the L-drill. It is my stand by drill and I start with 6 balls and move up 2 balls after successfull completion.
2.) 9 ball ghost, BIH after the break.
3.) I put ball on the middle of the rail on the short rail (HEAD and TAIL) get ball in hand on first shot. Try to make the ball in either pocket that rail is on and try to get shape on the one at the other end. I then put another ball up on the middle of the rail where it was at previously. Where the ball ends up I have to shoot from there. Basically I am shoot the same shot from each end rails.
This drill makes me get shape, shoot a rail shot, and move the cue ball in different ways. I always smile to myself when this pattern comes up in the end game of 9 ball.
Ken
Here is my daily practice drills.
1.) I do the L-drill. It is my stand by drill and I start with 6 balls and move up 2 balls after successfull completion.
2.) 9 ball ghost, BIH after the break.
3.) I put ball on the middle of the rail on the short rail (HEAD and TAIL) get ball in hand on first shot. Try to make the ball in either pocket that rail is on and try to get shape on the one at the other end. I then put another ball up on the middle of the rail where it was at previously. Where the ball ends up I have to shoot from there. Basically I am shoot the same shot from each end rails.
This drill makes me get shape, shoot a rail shot, and move the cue ball in different ways. I always smile to myself when this pattern comes up in the end game of 9 ball.
Ken
I used to run through this setup every once in a while to tighten up position and get comfortable cutting balls down the rail. You can shoot the balls in any order.
I picked up on the "Mississippi 9B Drill" from this thread-->
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=64039
I've tried it and its much harder than it looks. Once I feel comfortable with that, I will step it up to these...
Tougher...
Toughest...
I picked up on the "Mississippi 9B Drill" from this thread-->
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=64039
I've tried it and its much harder than it looks. Once I feel comfortable with that, I will step it up to these...
Tougher...
Toughest...
My practice routine varies from day to day so that I can develop and maintain a variety of skills, but here are the basics:
Excluding the consumption of the Heineken (or two)
, that generally gives me about 2 to 3 1/2 hours of workout.
- I begin by putting the cueball in the center and lag three rails to the exact center where I began--for speed control--5 minutes or so
- I place the cue ball on the foot spot and lag one rail to the center diamond on the back rail. Its very important that the cue ball comes straight back down the table and rolls back over the foot spot. Then send the cue ball straight two rails back up to the head rail, once again rolling straight and crossing over the head and foot spots--for further speed control and accurate cueing--5 minutes
- I then do 45-60 balls of stroke practice, always beginning with at least 15 long stop shots and progressing to various distance follow and draw shots.
- Then shotmaking practice, usually alternating days between cuts and banks--15 minutes
- Then the position drills of the day--usually another 15 to 30 minutes
- From there, I play some solitary straight pool, beginning each inning with a full rack and a break ball. I usually go until I've run at least 50 balls--softens my stroke and just does all the wonderful things that straight pool does for your game--depending on how how many tries it takes for me run 50 balls, anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour and a half.
- Finally, the 9-ball ghost, beginning with a few practice racks and then a race to 9 against that ol' non-missin' so and so. To encourage myself to control the rock after the break, I award myself two points for a runout without ball in hand. Depending on how the break is working, I may include some extra work on the break.
- Wipe and break down the stick and head for the bar to collect my reward--an ice cold Heineken!
Excluding the consumption of the Heineken (or two)
, that generally gives me about 2 to 3 1/2 hours of workout.
I prefer progressive practice routines.
Bob Jewett has some good ideas on his website
http://www.sfbilliards.com/
IMO I think players need to first assess at what skill level that they play and embrace it. Dont try to rate yourself too high making your practice expectations unrealistic.
Realize that everyone has progressed through the different levels and that work will be needed to advance. Tell yourself that your ____ skill level but that with these practice methods you will move up and get better.
I dont think its good to practice things that are way above your skill level on a consisitent basis. If you cant beat the 6 ball ghost then why try the 9ball ghost etc..
I think games like Fargo ( http://www.pro9.co.uk/html/RulesFargo.php ) are great to see
your improvement. It takes a little dedication to play sets of the game and get true averages but in time you will find yourself improving and pocketing balls better.
For me personally I am a B or B+ player. I play APA and am a sl 7 in eight ball and a 9 in nine ball.
I try to practice the following but I realize that I dont practice near as much as I should.
Ball pocketing and seeing patterns ---
I will throw out all 15 balls and try to run them out in any order without missing for 5 racks. Its a good way to loosen up and its easy to see where you stand. In other words --am I getting out in 15 shots or is it taking 20. If you need 20 then set 20 as your bar and as you get better keep lowering the number.
I usually will then play a few games of straight pool by myself. Usually to 50 or 75. Nothing too long but long enough I get chances to run 20-35 balls.
9 ball---
I start with the 6 ball ghost and then progress a ball at a time until I reach 9. I make myself run 5 in a row of the 6 and 7 ball limits but give myself a game cushion on the 8 and when I play the 9ball ghost I play races to 7. Its odd for me that I can beat the 6 and 7 ball ghost usually in the first try (running 5 in a row) and usually within a few trys on the 8 ball level but struggle much more with the 9 ball ghost.
Again if you need to more time to beat the 6 ball ghost or any level just allow yourself that and keep adjusting as you become more consistent at beating that level. It could be that you need to play the 6 ball level a race to 5 instead of beating it 5 in a row before advance to the next level.
Dont get discouraged if you dont always advance through the levels easily or at all. Remember that its practice and that if your honest and are trying you should see results.
8ball
I have suggested the following to some guys that play below my level that ask how to get better at 8 ball.
Rack the 1-2-3-4-8- 10-11-12-13 balls in a normal 9ball rack but place the 8 in the center. Break and choose a side and plan your out. After each shot make sure your plan is still the best option and/or find other options.
I like this because it forces the player to start learning 4-5 ball patterns and usually during their matches or practice games they will have more opportunities for this size run. Its also progressive and easy to see results. Track your progress of how many breaks it takes to run 5 racks either in a row or just o run 5.
Also find better players and ask questions.... remember some layouts and
ask them what they would do from there and why. Buy them a coke or beer for their info and I think you will get more information. Be specific
in your questions and remember they wont have a magic pill to make you better. It takes time and experience.
If your a league player then remember that IMO you need to play your match to win and to try and doinate your opponent every time up. Its not the time to experiment and practice. League play is for fun and for competition. Practice time whether by yourself or with another player is the time to experiment and practice. Just because your playing with a partner does not mean you cant grab the balls and set them up again and give it a different try or a retry.
Everyone wont be a champion. Embrace your level and have fun at that level. When practicing try to set goals that you eventually can reach and then raise them. Progressive practice is the best IMO. Find better players and be specifc about questions and layouts. Find a good instructor in your area or at a pool school and spend the $$ and go. they will be able to start you on the right track and show you practice routines.
good luck
Bob Jewett has some good ideas on his website
http://www.sfbilliards.com/
IMO I think players need to first assess at what skill level that they play and embrace it. Dont try to rate yourself too high making your practice expectations unrealistic.
Realize that everyone has progressed through the different levels and that work will be needed to advance. Tell yourself that your ____ skill level but that with these practice methods you will move up and get better.
I dont think its good to practice things that are way above your skill level on a consisitent basis. If you cant beat the 6 ball ghost then why try the 9ball ghost etc..
I think games like Fargo ( http://www.pro9.co.uk/html/RulesFargo.php ) are great to see
your improvement. It takes a little dedication to play sets of the game and get true averages but in time you will find yourself improving and pocketing balls better.
For me personally I am a B or B+ player. I play APA and am a sl 7 in eight ball and a 9 in nine ball.
I try to practice the following but I realize that I dont practice near as much as I should.
Ball pocketing and seeing patterns ---
I will throw out all 15 balls and try to run them out in any order without missing for 5 racks. Its a good way to loosen up and its easy to see where you stand. In other words --am I getting out in 15 shots or is it taking 20. If you need 20 then set 20 as your bar and as you get better keep lowering the number.
I usually will then play a few games of straight pool by myself. Usually to 50 or 75. Nothing too long but long enough I get chances to run 20-35 balls.
9 ball---
I start with the 6 ball ghost and then progress a ball at a time until I reach 9. I make myself run 5 in a row of the 6 and 7 ball limits but give myself a game cushion on the 8 and when I play the 9ball ghost I play races to 7. Its odd for me that I can beat the 6 and 7 ball ghost usually in the first try (running 5 in a row) and usually within a few trys on the 8 ball level but struggle much more with the 9 ball ghost.
Again if you need to more time to beat the 6 ball ghost or any level just allow yourself that and keep adjusting as you become more consistent at beating that level. It could be that you need to play the 6 ball level a race to 5 instead of beating it 5 in a row before advance to the next level.
Dont get discouraged if you dont always advance through the levels easily or at all. Remember that its practice and that if your honest and are trying you should see results.
8ball
I have suggested the following to some guys that play below my level that ask how to get better at 8 ball.
Rack the 1-2-3-4-8- 10-11-12-13 balls in a normal 9ball rack but place the 8 in the center. Break and choose a side and plan your out. After each shot make sure your plan is still the best option and/or find other options.
I like this because it forces the player to start learning 4-5 ball patterns and usually during their matches or practice games they will have more opportunities for this size run. Its also progressive and easy to see results. Track your progress of how many breaks it takes to run 5 racks either in a row or just o run 5.
Also find better players and ask questions.... remember some layouts and
ask them what they would do from there and why. Buy them a coke or beer for their info and I think you will get more information. Be specific
in your questions and remember they wont have a magic pill to make you better. It takes time and experience.
If your a league player then remember that IMO you need to play your match to win and to try and doinate your opponent every time up. Its not the time to experiment and practice. League play is for fun and for competition. Practice time whether by yourself or with another player is the time to experiment and practice. Just because your playing with a partner does not mean you cant grab the balls and set them up again and give it a different try or a retry.
Everyone wont be a champion. Embrace your level and have fun at that level. When practicing try to set goals that you eventually can reach and then raise them. Progressive practice is the best IMO. Find better players and be specifc about questions and layouts. Find a good instructor in your area or at a pool school and spend the $$ and go. they will be able to start you on the right track and show you practice routines.
good luck
thanks everybody for all the advice, after reading the different methods people use to practice i think i have a few different things to add to my routine, some that ive gotten away from but should go back to, and some that i just havent tried yet. its very interesting to see how different people's routines are and although we all vary in ablility, there were items in your suggestions that should be practiced by players of all ability's. - Tony
I unfortunately dont have a shimmed table, but I did about a year and a half ago buy those pocket reducer things, so I could play at my table at home and not have to go to the pool hall to play on a tight table. The pockets are 3 1/2 inches, so they are good to go. I start off breaking a rotation rack and trying to run out to the 11 with ball in hand. Usually on my crazy tight table takes me awhile, but once I do it one time, I rack (what I call 13 ball) picture 10 ball with three balls in the back. Then when I run that, I go to ten ball ghost. I also practice my "weak" shots until they become my strong ones.
my practice is way under par apparently. i'll have to use some of these