If there was a magic bullet, would you trade becoming extremely slow to improve?
At five minutes per ball, it would only take you a little over two days to run 627 balls.:boring:Now, that might depend on the degree of improvement. If the improvement was just a little, or even quite a bit, say up to a good pro level -- no. I would not be willing to aggravate opponents, other players in the event, tournament directors, room owners, room employees, fans, sponsors, etc. just to reach that level of play.
But what if the improvement was huge? Suppose it was all the way up to world champion level? Suppose I could become the reincarnation of Frank "The Inexorable Snail" Taberski? Nah, not even then, ........... er ............ let me think about that.
At five minutes per ball, it would only take you a little over two days to run 627 balls.:boring:
Right after I finish watching my recently acquired Peter Ebdon complete video anthology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIyfLTFrN_USo ....... you going to watch the video?
If there was a magic bullet, would you trade becoming extremely slow to improve?
I don't mind if my one pocket opponent takes five minutes to play a shot from my safety -- he is probably in deep trouble. One minute to figure out how to get from the 7 to the 8 at nine ball? Not acceptable.... Taking more time to plan is OK, but once the decision is made, get on with it. At least that's my philosophy.
Right after I finish watching my recently acquired Peter Ebdon complete video anthology. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIyfLTFrN_U
Peter scored 12 points in over five minutes while taking only 5 shots. Red, brown, red, pink, red (missed). You have to include the time for the 17 times he asked the ref to clean a ball.:shocked2:Hey, that averaged less than half a minute per shot for Ebdon -- a speedster.
I don't mind if my one pocket opponent takes five minutes to play a shot from my safety -- he is probably in deep trouble. One minute to figure out how to get from the 7 to the 8 at nine ball? Not acceptable.
Peter scored 12 points in over five minutes while taking only 5 shots. Red, brown, red, pink, red (missed). You have to include the time for the 17 times he asked the ref to clean a ball.:shocked2:
No.... Now will you watch?
If there was a magic bullet, would you trade becoming extremely slow to improve?
Great post.I'm going to dissent here and say yes, but with some qualification.
There are three types of slow:
Slow Conceptualization
There are those who spend a long time on choosing their shot. These players take too long to analyze the table. To write them off as overthinking is silly, for many of them are just a bit deficient in the process of organizing their thoughts in evaluating the table. Many such players have gone on to be great players, with the great Ralf Souquet a good example.
Slow Pre-Shot Routine
Some, once they have made their shot choice, waste a lot of time before they get over the cue ball. Some of them go on to be great players, with the great Jeremy Jones a good example.
Slow Shot Execution
Others get over the cue ball and seem to take forever before they fire. These players usually pay a price for this habit, which often evidences uncertainty about the choice they have made.
I think a player should be willing to become a slower player if they need more time in their conceptualization. Over time, their ability to evaluate the table will speed up again as their table assessment skills improve.
I do not think a player should be willing to embrace a lethargic pre-shot routine or become super slow over the cue ball, because this, far too often, will prove an unbreakable habit that will alienate both fans and opponents.
Taking more time to plan is OK, but once the decision is made, get on with it. At least that's my philosophy.
No way, Jose.
Table time = $$$