Advice for the stubborn player

We have the same situation where we play.One of the guys is a very solid player and actual did some instructing. He has definately helped my game. But he continues to try to improve some of the players with no obvious effect. I'm actually thinking it's about time I talked to him about it, if they don't want the advice there is no sense in continuing to give it.
 
I used to be run out at all costs, until I got involved in BCA leauge. My team mates tried to convince me "safeties win games". I didn't believe them, until, when we practiced, they would safe me every single chance they got and let me kick. To say I got frustrated is an understatement. After a lot of ass kickings and frustration I figured out they were right. Even though I was a much better player (at pocketing balls and pulling shape) than they were, they beat me into submission. All that ball pocketing skill doesn't do you much good when you are locked on a ball with no real shot.

Another example is a current team member. His head is harder than a block of concrete. I noticed after several months that he had "adjusted" his style of play and commented to a mutual friend. He stated "yeah, he got tired of you guys beating the crap out of him ever time you practiced". We would "punish" him with safes, especially if he got down to only having one or two balls on the table.

I would suggest you do the same to your team mate. Pain is a great motivator, the pain of getting your ass handed to you almost every game.
 
4onthebreak said:
Does he look to you for advice?

It sounds like he believes he's past your help. He sounds like the kind of guy who only takes help from someone whom he believes is a better player. If that's the case there isn't anything you can do.

More to the point:

Why do you have to?

Maybe he'll come around in time but then again maybe he won't. I play on 2 teams and while I'm not the best shooter on the team I'm a good pool player. I've helped some people on my teams to become better players and others simply aren't interested. It took me some time to really realize:

It isn't my job to perfect every pool player's game that I come across (even if I can't help but want to help)
and more importantly
Not everyone wants help (all the time or some of the time from me or from anyone)

Try to focus on your game and let him figure his way through it. You don't want to become a nag who looks to argue if someone isn't playing "your way". Worse then that: Someone who just looks like it.
Click to expand...

great post...It took me awhile to come to this point myself.
 
You and the rest of your teammates should meet up for a few practie sessions. Do shofter breaking and beat him over and over with your safes. After a few sessions with him not winning if he doesn't run out in one inning (maybe two), try to explain to him why he isn't winning.

He may then see it, oh, and when you guys are playing against each other do the safties as well.

He needs to know that they only way to win a game of 8 ball, is to pocket it. Doesn't really matter how many balls someone gets in if they they loose 2 - 9 but pocket all their balls minus the 8...

Pete
 
I always tell our lower rated players (APA 8 and 9 Ball) that if you can get 7 ball in hand during the game you're pretty likely to win, they don't play much safe either, but in their case they aren't experienced enough to consider it. I agree whole heartedly that gambling with him might be a part of the answer. You just safe him until he cries or quits, or smashes his cue, or something like that. In our area there are players that people hate to paly because of the safety game they have a reputation for playing, these are players that don't take any unnecessary chances, if the shot doesn't have a 90% of falling and getting shape they will play a safe, playing these guys is like flying with Iceman, but they never lose by making a stupid decision.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top