Apologies up front for long post.
Am very inconsistent in my recent play. Started playing again about 4.5 years ago after having not really played for over 50 years. Age 77.5.
Our clubhouse has been closed since early this year (2 9’ tables), but a neighbor has an 8.5 x 4.25 table at home and we have been playing twice per week over the past couple of months. With clubhouse closed, no place to practice. We normally play for 2 to 2.5 hours. 1 game of straight pool to 50, race to 3 in 8 ball and race to 3 in 9 ball. If time permits, we may play another set of 8 ball or 9 ball.
My neighbor beats me more time than not, but when I’m on, I am probably his equal. In recent weeks, I have a couple of decent runs in straight pool – ran rack of 14 after his opening break, missed position on break ball so run ended. Also a 15 ball run – 8 in one rack and 7 in the subsequent rack. My runs usually end with a miss on fairly easy shot or poor position leaving a tough shot.
Last session, I played poorly most games, but did run a full 8 ball rack after he came up dry on his break. Lots of times I will run only 2 or 3 balls and then miss a fairly easy shot. Have not figured out if I am aiming poorly or stroke is off. Some of the misses are not even close. I do not use any particular “aiming system”. I just “see” the angle and aim the cue ball down that line. I do look at OB last except on breaks. I understand “throw” both cut induced and English induced, but seem to misjudge squirt/swerve on longer shots. Try to stay on center axis as much as possible. I seem to have more success when aiming is sub conscious and less success when “thinking” about aiming.
When playing well, I handle position play fairly well. My neighbor is a nice guy, but a little cocky about his game which makes me want to beat him all the more. Probably “trying” a little too hard to beat him instead of just relaxing and enjoying the experience.
Had been playing with a McDermott G core until recently when I got a new Mezz with a WX700 shaft about 3 weeks ago. Maybe some of the inconsistency is getting used to the new cue.
I have a background as a professional athlete in highly competitive environment. Played on the Senior PGA Tour for 6 years in the 1990’s.
Any comments or suggestions greatly appreciated. Need to get out of this pattern of poor play.
Bruce
Am very inconsistent in my recent play. Started playing again about 4.5 years ago after having not really played for over 50 years. Age 77.5.
Our clubhouse has been closed since early this year (2 9’ tables), but a neighbor has an 8.5 x 4.25 table at home and we have been playing twice per week over the past couple of months. With clubhouse closed, no place to practice. We normally play for 2 to 2.5 hours. 1 game of straight pool to 50, race to 3 in 8 ball and race to 3 in 9 ball. If time permits, we may play another set of 8 ball or 9 ball.
My neighbor beats me more time than not, but when I’m on, I am probably his equal. In recent weeks, I have a couple of decent runs in straight pool – ran rack of 14 after his opening break, missed position on break ball so run ended. Also a 15 ball run – 8 in one rack and 7 in the subsequent rack. My runs usually end with a miss on fairly easy shot or poor position leaving a tough shot.
Last session, I played poorly most games, but did run a full 8 ball rack after he came up dry on his break. Lots of times I will run only 2 or 3 balls and then miss a fairly easy shot. Have not figured out if I am aiming poorly or stroke is off. Some of the misses are not even close. I do not use any particular “aiming system”. I just “see” the angle and aim the cue ball down that line. I do look at OB last except on breaks. I understand “throw” both cut induced and English induced, but seem to misjudge squirt/swerve on longer shots. Try to stay on center axis as much as possible. I seem to have more success when aiming is sub conscious and less success when “thinking” about aiming.
When playing well, I handle position play fairly well. My neighbor is a nice guy, but a little cocky about his game which makes me want to beat him all the more. Probably “trying” a little too hard to beat him instead of just relaxing and enjoying the experience.
Had been playing with a McDermott G core until recently when I got a new Mezz with a WX700 shaft about 3 weeks ago. Maybe some of the inconsistency is getting used to the new cue.
I have a background as a professional athlete in highly competitive environment. Played on the Senior PGA Tour for 6 years in the 1990’s.
Any comments or suggestions greatly appreciated. Need to get out of this pattern of poor play.
Bruce