Fargo rating progression rate

westcoast said:
Depends on the league of course. Even if the ability level isn’t very high, it is still competition with the added pressure of not wanting to let your teammates down- I actually feel more pressure playing league matches than tournament matches for that reason.
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I predominately played leagues, you get out of them what you put into them.
 
dfreshlv said:
As a relatively new pool player/hobbyist I’m curious as to how much one might roughly progress in Fargo rating within a year or a few years with several hours of focused practice per week and weekly league play/matches.
Obviously there are numerous factors at play but I’ve trained in a number of sports throughout my life and I am of the opinion that we have “soft caps” that we can reach with just a modicum of effort and discipline and then “hard caps” that require full commitment to the sport i,e. professionals.
If say right now I’m in the low 500 range is it realistic to think I could move up to the low 600 range in a year or two if I’m working on the right things? I’m just try to get a sense of what is achievable for an average player/person who doesn’t have the time or commitment to play pool 5 times a week or more. Any opinions are appreciated.
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Your post doesn't add up. If you are "relatively new", there is no way you are in the low 500's. If you actually are, then you have some talent and will be at 500 for just a few months on your way to 600.

Someone who is really a brand new player could easily improve 100 points in a year with dedicated practice. Someone who has been playing for 5 years (with dedication), would be like a needle in a haystack for that player to THEN improve by 100 points.
 
straightline said:
Would you factor getting up to speed anywhere in there?
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Hmmm, what do you mean? I took a 13 year break before coming back in 2022, and it took about a year to shake off the rust and get back to where I was previously. So that counts as "getting up to speed". Also, probably ~5% of my time was spent warming up and getting into stroke each day - is that what you meant by "getting up to speed"?
 
iusedtoberich said:
Your post doesn't add up. If you are "relatively new", there is no way you are in the low 500's. If you actually are, then you have some talent and will be at 500 for just a few months on your way to 600.

Someone who is really a brand new player could easily improve 100 points in a year with dedicated practice. Someone who has been playing for 5 years (with dedication), would be like a needle in a haystack for that player to THEN improve by 100 points.
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So it’s a matter of perspective I suppose, but I wasn’t trying to be deceitful in my post. I played as a kid with my dad, then didn’t touch a cue again for over twenty years, then started league play for fun and been doing that 10 years now. However, until the past 18 months I literally would show up once a week, average one match a week, and never practiced, watched videos, nothing.

So I do consider myself a relatively new player as it’s just recently that I began to want to improve and actually try to practice and learn a few things. Obviously if I take a disciplined and focused approach in training, my improvement will accelerate to some degree even more and that’s what I wanted to hear people’s opinions on.
In a general sense, I don’t really care what my Fargo rating is, but I would like to be able to play at a 600ish level if possible, and I enjoy challenges and the process itself rather than only being focused on the target goal. I don’t even have a Fargo rating yet but my guess is low 500s or high 400s based on the rating of people I’ve played against.

I think I’m going to try to put a plan together and start it come January and see what happens….it certainly can’t hurt to try regardless.
 
dfreshlv said:
So it’s a matter of perspective I suppose, but I wasn’t trying to be deceitful in my post. I played as a kid with my dad, then didn’t touch a cue again for over twenty years, then started league play for fun and been doing that 10 years now. However, until the past 18 months I literally would show up once a week, average one match a week, and never practiced, watched videos, nothing.

So I do consider myself a relatively new player as it’s just recently that I began to want to improve and actually try to practice and learn a few things. Obviously if I take a disciplined and focused approach in training, my improvement will accelerate to some degree even more and that’s what I wanted to hear people’s opinions on.
In a general sense, I don’t really care what my Fargo rating is, but I would like to be able to play at a 600ish level if possible, and I enjoy challenges and the process itself rather than only being focused on the target goal. I don’t even have a Fargo rating yet but my guess is low 500s or high 400s based on the rating of people I’ve played against.

I think I’m going to try to put a plan together and start it come January and see what happens….it certainly can’t hurt to try regardless.
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I would assume you have some basic knowledge but trust me, as you get better you'll understand how little you know right now. My suggestion is to first improve your basics - stance, stroke, tangent line, and speed control. Give each one some dedicated time - real dedicated time, no TV, no music, no buddies watching you, etc. I've listed some videos below, some may work for you and some may not, just search YouTube and ask questions. Go play in some local tournaments. Work on kicking and banking, learn how to shorten and/or lengthen a bank/kick using speed and English. Learn 3 rail kicks/banks, learn what spot on the wall is.

The first two videos below are BY FAR the two videos that helped me improve the most. Also, kick safe is great way to learn kicking, safe's and speed control.

Work on your stroke...



Work on the tangent line...




Work on speed...



Work on safety play...



Kick Safe...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwCzW3K4sA8


Work on your break...

Not sure what game you play so no link as each break is different, just search YouTube, you'll find something.


Play as many games as you can to improve every aspect of your game.

8B
9B
10B
1P
14.1
Banks
Kick Safe
Rotation Pool
Etc...


Good luck...(y)
 
Chili Palmer said:
I would assume you have some basic knowledge but trust me, as you get better you'll understand how little you know right now. My suggestion is to first improve your basics - stance, stroke, tangent line, and speed control. Give each one some dedicated time - real dedicated time, no TV, no music, no buddies watching you, etc. I've listed some videos below, some may work for you and some may not, just search YouTube and ask questions. Go play in some local tournaments. Work on kicking and banking, learn how to shorten and/or lengthen a bank/kick using speed and English. Learn 3 rail kicks/banks, learn what spot on the wall is.

The first two videos below are BY FAR the two videos that helped me improve the most. Also, kick safe is great way to learn kicking, safe's and speed control.

Work on your stroke...



Work on the tangent line...




Work on speed...



Work on safety play...



Kick Safe...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwCzW3K4sA8


Work on your break...

Not sure what game you play so no link as each break is different, just search YouTube, you'll find something.


Play as many games as you can to improve every aspect of your game.

8B
9B
10B
1P
14.1
Banks
Kick Safe
Rotation Pool
Etc...


Good luck...(y)
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Great advice, I really appreciate you taking the time to share that.
 
kingwang said:
Hmmm, what do you mean? I took a 13 year break before coming back in 2022, and it took about a year to shake off the rust and get back to where I was previously. So that counts as "getting up to speed". Also, probably ~5% of my time was spent warming up and getting into stroke each day - is that what you meant by "getting up to speed"?
Click to expand...

Yes that's it. Maybe the question is how much new ground/actual improvement did you need?
 
dfreshlv said:
Great advice, I really appreciate you taking the time to share that.
Click to expand...

You're welcome, since I was trying to find those other videos, this video showed up in my feed. She does a great job of explaining how a practice session should work.

EDIT: Forgot to add the link...


Also, since you don't have a Fargo rating I suggest you play some bowliards. I made a post about it a while ago. As I mention in that thread, it's a great tool to track your progress as well as help you understand just how much each ball counts.


Chili Palmer

Thread 'Using bowlliards to track progress?'

Anyone here use bowlliards to track their progress.

Long before YouTube, long before Dr. Dave and the Billiards University, and long before a zillion "pros" started coming up with their "systems" we used a game called bowlliards to track our progress.

https://www.bowlliards.com/howtoplay.php (I have no affiliation)

For those that don't want to click through - in bowlliards you rack 10 balls (any 10 in random order) and break. All pocketed balls on the break get spotted and from there (depending on skill level) you can either leave the CB as is, put CB in kitchen, or take BIH...
  • Like

It also appears that the bowliards website is working again.

The Funnest Game in Pool | Bowlliards

www.bowlliards.com www.bowlliards.com
 
There are lots of good suggestions here, but one thing is missing, a peer group. You need table time, with the type of player you want to be, in a progression. 525-550, until you match them, 550-575, until you match them, etc. Is there an open league near you, no handicap? Populated with mostly 500-630 guys? Tough to fade being bottom of the ladder. If you can find the right group of people, it could be very beneficial. Maybe it’s outside of a league, maybe a local weekly. A place where people are into pool, into their game, and into yours. Some dipstick trying to match up and get in your pocket is worthless, for what you are trying to accomplish. I’m not saying you can’t get in with a bunch of guys playing races to five for $20. I’m saying those guys have to be the ones that enjoy watching you get better. Drills and practice and self discovery are all important, but you have to be at the table, with the guy you want to be. The guy you want to beat. Good luck!
 
dfreshlv said:
As a relatively new pool player/hobbyist I’m curious as to how much one might roughly progress in Fargo rating within a year or a few years with several hours of focused practice per week and weekly league play/matches.
Obviously there are numerous factors at play but I’ve trained in a number of sports throughout my life and I am of the opinion that we have “soft caps” that we can reach with just a modicum of effort and discipline and then “hard caps” that require full commitment to the sport i,e. professionals.
If say right now I’m in the low 500 range is it realistic to think I could move up to the low 600 range in a year or two if I’m working on the right things? I’m just try to get a sense of what is achievable for an average player/person who doesn’t have the time or commitment to play pool 5 times a week or more. Any opinions are appreciated.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure how serious you are and your goals are. Reaching Fargo 600, 700, 800, Josh Filler? If you are dead serious and want to become really good, then stop listening to your buddies in your area eg. some good 680 or 720 guy in your pool hall. Never do drills. Get instant coaching, top notch. ıf you're in the US, get coaching but then get an online coaching from a snooker coach as well, about pre-shot routine, about sight, about creating a corridor etc. Shoot 1000s of shots. Most common ones, straight ins, back cuts etc. Never do drills yet, let your coach check your fundemantals, if you're good to go then go to the drills. Otherwise you will only be practicing bad habits. It's a tough road, painful but when you reacch there, it's very satisfying. Yeah and don't ever play with your friends, fun games etc. That will only loosen you up or can make you wreckless at times. Last thing never drink while playing. After the pool day is over you can have your beer.
 
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Bora Duru said:
I'm not sure how serious you are and your goals are. Reaching Fargo 600, 700, 800, Josh Filler? If you are dead serious and want to become really good, then stop listening to your buddies in your area eg. some good 680 or 720 guy in your pool hall. Never do drills. Get instant coaching, top notch. ıf you're in the US, get coaching but then get an online coaching from a snooker coach as well, about pre-shot routine, about sight, about creating a corridor etc. Shoot 1000s of shots. Most common ones, straight ins, back cuts etc. Never do drills yet, let your coach check your fundemantals, if you're good to go then go to the drills. Otherwise you will only be practicing bad habits. It's a tough road, painful but when you reacch there, it's very satisfying. Yeah and don't ever play with your friends, fun games etc. That will only loosen you up or can make you wreckless at times. Last thing never drink while playing. After the pool day is over you can have your beer.
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Just a wild guess that anyone in the actual fives would need extensive technical development; drills included.
 
Bora Duru said:
I'm not sure how serious you are and your goals are. Reaching Fargo 600, 700, 800, Josh Filler? If you are dead serious and want to become really good, then stop listening to your buddies in your area eg. some good 680 or 720 guy in your pool hall. Never do drills. Get instant coaching, top notch. ıf you're in the US, get coaching but then get an online coaching from a snooker coach as well, about pre-shot routine, about sight, about creating a corridor etc. Shoot 1000s of shots. Most common ones, straight ins, back cuts etc. Never do drills yet, let your coach check your fundemantals, if you're good to go then go to the drills. Otherwise you will only be practicing bad habits. It's a tough road, painful but when you reacch there, it's very satisfying. Yeah and don't ever play with your friends, fun games etc. That will only loosen you up or can make you wreckless at times. Last thing never drink while playing. After the pool day is over you can have your beer.
Click to expand...
Sure sounds like fun 😎
 
Bora Duru said:
I'm not sure how serious you are and your goals are. Reaching Fargo 600, 700, 800, Josh Filler? If you are dead serious and want to become really good, then stop listening to your buddies in your area eg. some good 680 or 720 guy in your pool hall. Never do drills. Get instant coaching, top notch. ıf you're in the US, get coaching but then get an online coaching from a snooker coach as well, about pre-shot routine, about sight, about creating a corridor etc. Shoot 1000s of shots. Most common ones, straight ins, back cuts etc. Never do drills yet, let your coach check your fundemantals, if you're good to go then go to the drills. Otherwise you will only be practicing bad habits. It's a tough road, painful but when you reacch there, it's very satisfying. Yeah and don't ever play with your friends, fun games etc. That will only loosen you up or can make you wreckless at times. Last thing never drink while playing. After the pool day is over you can have your beer.
Click to expand...
I agree with almost all of this.
Shoot 1000s of shots..strait, back cuts, etc(those are drills)

Also 680-720s can definitely help you learn good decision making (shooting the right shots and when, pattern play)
I think your saying to get the fundamentals of stroke, stance, and p.s.r. first...I agree with that.

You do have to mix in some fun in there or you'll burn out. It can't be all work and no play. It sounds good but I don't think that's sustainable.
 
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couldnthinkof01 said:
I agree with almost all of this.
Shoot 1000s of shots..strait, back cuts, etc(those are drills)

Also 680-720s can definitely help you learn good decision making (shooting the right shots and when, pattern play)
I think your saying to get the fundamentals of stroke, stance, and p.s.r. first...I agree with that.

You do have to mix in some fun in there or you'll burn out. It can't be all work and no play. It sounds good but I don't think that's sustainable.
Click to expand...

Good point about adding some fun. Whenever I had a training session I would always end it with about 30 minutes of just banging balls, trying new things, etc.
 
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