14.1 trials

[alphadog]

30 years ago I played 14.1 with out all the help available today. I
had no players to teach me,no AZ! I did have Fels on the
table and Dallas running a 100 in the vcr. I managed to run 47 after
probably 2 years of sporadic play.
About 3 years ago I began to play 14.1 again. I play maybe 10 hours
of 14.1,as a average,per week. I have ran 45-55 balls 8 or more times this
year.The game is very frustrating and I feel as though I get more then MY
share of cold rolls!I do love the game and want to thank everyone on
this forum for all they do to futher 14.1!To those who are not able to
go from rack to rack,hang in there you will be able to if you take
advantage of all the help out there,and continue to practice.
No I am not satisfied with my high run #,and yes I strive to be better.
Thanks again, Jack

 

[Cameron Smith]

I know how you feel about the bad rolls, I tend to feel that way too especially when I'm having a rough time too. However bad rolls typically come from the way we play position, breaking clusters without insurance and not trying to hit a specific ball in the cluster. Pros seem to get fewer bad rolls during their runs due to the choices they make.

Congrats on the multiple 50's!:thumbup:

 

[GoldCrown]

To those who are not able to
go from rack to rack,hang in there you will be able to if you take
advantage of all the help out there,and continue to practice.
No I am not satisfied with my high run #,and yes I strive to be better.
Thanks again, Jack

My goal is to run 2 racks ....if I can run 2... I can run X. Good thread thanks

 

[Ratta]

@Jack,

it is a big key to ENJOY what you re doing my friend. Everytime you re doing something- do it with all you have. To have goals if you re practicing is very important. But some players have a much bigger problem- They re not able to enjoy what they re doing! To enjoy and love playing billiards is as important as practicing a lot. Both you have to learn

Really enjoying that you still love the game-

 

[RogerChambers]

Same here A-Dog. I just started up again after a 20 hiatus. Boy, have times changed.

In my area, you cannot find a 14.1 player who doesn't have an AARP Card and most of them want to play One Pocket. The local Pool Hall is 9 Ball, 9Ball, and more 9 Ball. Did I mention all they want to play is 9 Ball?

This doesn't mean I don't practice 14.1 once in a while. I do, but until recently my sessions were conducted haphazardly, usually waiting to play... you guessed it: 9 Ball. My runs... well, they sucked! I would usually run less than a rack and sometimes go into the 20's. That was until recently.

Due to downsizing, I lost my job and have lots of free time on my hands (when the Mrs. will let me, of course) and have tried to get somewhat serious. Through the help of some, even from this site, I have found some information and drills that have taken my game up a level. I would like to share them with you.

Our own, Blackjack has some excellent videos on cue ball control that has helped me immensely. One is the Crucifix Drill and the other is the Add A Ball Drill. At first, I just took them for granted -- another drill; however, after some playing, I started to see the patterns and reap the rewards of better practice sessions.

If you are interested, here are some URL's:
Crucifix Drill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYH2DoKX3W8&playnext=1&list=PL69C14AB6E032D25D.

Add A Ball Drill: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5CsXHyYTBo&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL.

A very good website with a fountain of information is:
http://billiards.colostate.edu/index.html
Most notably, sections under Normal Video Clips:
NV 3.4 - 90° rule with various cut angles
NV 3.5 - Using your hand to visualize the 90° rule impact and tangent lines
NV 3.8 - Using your hand to visualize the 30° rule

I am lucky enough to be relatively close to John Schmidt's Billiards and More in Wheeling, WV and he has given me a few pointers. You cannot imagine how well he plays 14.1 until you see him shoot in person. Great teacher, World Class Player, and truly, a Professional. Now, I am not no Irving Crane by a long-shot, but my runs are relatively consistent in the higher 20's to low 30's with a few moments of brilliance (and bullsh*t).

Check the above URL out. Great to hear you game is coming along! :grin:

 

[alphadog]

Thanks to all who have replied. I know the importance of drills and proper
practice. I know the importance of having a plan and executing the shot.I
know that many bad rolls are the consequence of either failing to plan,or
failure to execute.I also know that Fast Eddie said "the balls roll funny
for everybody kid"! He was/is right!
I enjoy the game.I enjoy getting better,and I really enjoy playing with
others and seeing them improve.
Planning to keep playing as long as I can,Jack