I am 41 and have played pool on and off for about 25 years. I would rate myself as a high beginner/low intermediate player. I got my first table in February and have been working hard on my game since then. I work full time and put about 13 hours a week into practice. (One hour a day during the week and four on the weekend days) My question is what game should I play to get the maximum enjoyment out of the game compared to the work I put in. I currently play 14:1 exclusively and I have made little improvements at it despite the hard work. It is becoming a bit disheartening. My usual run is in the single digits and my high run is 17. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. Charles
As far as a more fun practice then 14:1 you might like this version we do here:
1. Full hard break - try to develop a break that "squats the rock" so you have a shot and don't scratch at the same time making a ball. Keep track of how often you make a ball, as a side issue. This works on your break for games like 8 or 9 ball.
2. If you scratch you get one re-break focus and don't scratch again!!
3. One point for each ball
4. If you run out all 15 you get to go again. (Surprisingly this simulates match pressure. Missing the last couple of balls blows your chance at a multiple rack runs and high scoring.)
5. On the second rack you must not scratch or your run is over.
6. A match is 10 innings. Track your high runs and your high and low total scores.
7. Go for consistency. Pretty soon you start to recognize ways you get into trouble and your overall scores will show improvement.
I learned I get trapped on the foot rail by getting too straight in. I also learned I am crappy with the bridge. I also learned I am bad at seeing if I have clearance. My runs get ended by nicking a ball going by. I learned to avoid it if it is any where near close. I get more angles on the rail and learned a crazy cool new way to use the bridge from a video by Shavari on Utube. I have since seen some world class snooker players do it. If you have never seen it, you use the bridge for your left hand, attach an extension to your cue and bend into the shot and cue under hand like normal. Too great, at least for a guy who just can't get that overhand stroke right.
It is hard to practice and to get better if you aren't enjoying what you are doing.