I wanted to start a positive thread for the new year for tips that have helped us on our journey to become better players. Please contribute anything to this thread that you feel has helped you improve.
I want to start the thread off with thinking at least three shots ahead and staying in line.
When I was growing up watching late night pool on ESPN I would hear MIZ and Rempe say things like "he got on the wrong side of that ball and once that happens it could take a few shots to get back in line". I would hear this but it didn't really register how important this very simple concept is. It wasn't until I started playing the ghost in 9 ball that the light bulb finally lit. I had played for many years shooting one hard shot after another. I thought I was playing great pool. I'm going to write a step by step detail of the three ball concept. Most people if you ask them if they understand this concept will say they understand, but I'm guessing they either don't or they no longer focus in and make sure they are thinking ahead.
Start out by first figuring out which pocket you will be playing your first three balls. I draw a mental image from the OB contact point back to the rail. The more distance you have between the CB and OB the bigger area you have for position. I usually prefer to roll into position as opposed to going across the line when possible. I always practice this drill using one rail for position after potting the OB. In most instances there are multiple choices on how to run out. You have to play to your strengths and against your weaknesses.
In the example here I want to be on the right side of the line and make sure I can stop my CB on side A. Getting on side A after shooting the 1 ball will allow me to get to the three.
After pocketing the one you must stop and go through the mental exercise again. Make sure you stay on the side of the line that will allow you to string sets together.
When balls are frozen to the rail I like to split the position area in thirds.
I'm sure most people on the forum already understand this concept. Hopefully, the ones that don't will find this useful.
Best of luck in 2012
Eric
I want to start the thread off with thinking at least three shots ahead and staying in line.
When I was growing up watching late night pool on ESPN I would hear MIZ and Rempe say things like "he got on the wrong side of that ball and once that happens it could take a few shots to get back in line". I would hear this but it didn't really register how important this very simple concept is. It wasn't until I started playing the ghost in 9 ball that the light bulb finally lit. I had played for many years shooting one hard shot after another. I thought I was playing great pool. I'm going to write a step by step detail of the three ball concept. Most people if you ask them if they understand this concept will say they understand, but I'm guessing they either don't or they no longer focus in and make sure they are thinking ahead.
Start out by first figuring out which pocket you will be playing your first three balls. I draw a mental image from the OB contact point back to the rail. The more distance you have between the CB and OB the bigger area you have for position. I usually prefer to roll into position as opposed to going across the line when possible. I always practice this drill using one rail for position after potting the OB. In most instances there are multiple choices on how to run out. You have to play to your strengths and against your weaknesses.
In the example here I want to be on the right side of the line and make sure I can stop my CB on side A. Getting on side A after shooting the 1 ball will allow me to get to the three.
After pocketing the one you must stop and go through the mental exercise again. Make sure you stay on the side of the line that will allow you to string sets together.
When balls are frozen to the rail I like to split the position area in thirds.
I'm sure most people on the forum already understand this concept. Hopefully, the ones that don't will find this useful.
Best of luck in 2012
Eric
