boogieman
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that ping.
The Pleasure of Small Motions. It helps develop a great attitude for learning the game.
Best book for beginner
- Thread starter NathanDetroit
- Start date
Dr. Dave on Utube.
As good as it gets.
Book 99 Critical shots Ray Martin.
64 Cue Action - the hand that delivers it. Is 9 minutes by Barry Stark that is pure gold.
Second that, I love the Standard Book of Pool and Billiards. Well written with enough info and tips for any level really. I did not look at Mark Wilson's book but it seems that is also a good one to go to if it was the only book to be had.
Great book, but in what way does it address the OPs question?
The problem with books and videos is the complete lack of feedback. You can read or watch what you should be doing, but you actually have no idea if you're actually doing it. Which, for the mechanical issues the OP is asking about, a competent in-person instructor is really the only choice. You need someone with a practiced eye watching you and giving you feedback and guidance.
One of the best lessons had to do with the bars on the window of the men's room. When I am in deep do do, I just remember that a person can perform beyond and above when forced to. Playing on your nerve can be dangerous.
middleofnowhere
Registered
I'm afraid most of the books out there even the ones that are often touted are pretty much more just collectibles. They can't possibly compete with what's current and on video and youtube. "A picture is worth a thousand words" as they say.
NathanDetroit, Howdy;
I'd get my hands on Phil Capelle's "Practiceing Pool". Very nice section on the fundamentals
and tons of practice diagrams to work through the mechanics of various types of shots.
I found it to be very helpful. Best thing is it helps teach speed control.
hank
I'd get my hands on Phil Capelle's "Practiceing Pool". Very nice section on the fundamentals
and tons of practice diagrams to work through the mechanics of various types of shots.
I found it to be very helpful. Best thing is it helps teach speed control.
hank
99 Critical shots is good but graphic's are not anywhere near more recent book's. Surprised there hasn't been a revised edition put out.
L.S. Dennis
Well-known member
There are tons of instructional books out there but if I had to have just one it would be ‘Hal Mix’s Pocket Billiard Secrets‘. I’m not sure if it’s still availbe, possibly on e-Bay..
Testimonials, well for starters he was Nick Varner’s coach, C.J. Wiley said, “Hal Mix has a warehouse of knowledge of the game of pool.I’ve always said if he ever writes a book about pool I’ll be the first line to buy a copy!’
No book better for addressing fundamentals and address the correct way to strike the cue ball. If you can find a copy get it you won’t be disappointed!
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xX-Wizard-Xx
Well-known member
Robert Byrne should definitely be a first read for beginners ... some of Phil Capelle's stuff are good as well.
Hands Down- definitely start with Mark's book- Every other book will not capture the essence of your stroke, which is, at minimum, half the battle in learning the game. " Play Great Pool". - don't let the price scare you away- it is worth 10 of the other books, IMO.
However, you simply must invest in a small tripod to mount your I phone camera and record your sessions to monitor your progress- just reading stuff will never be enough to change/correct inconsistencies and flaws in your stance, stroke etc. You need to read, record yourself playing, review the films, go back and re read, continue filming, look for flaws and improvements - it is a process that will improve in small increments; if you do this at least a few times every week - minimum three sessions per week.
if you do not want to record and review yourself then save the money, do not buy books, and instead, seek out a good instructor. it has to be one or the other- just reading alone is next to useless when it comes to gaining a consistently effective cue address and stroke.
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Marks book is great
my biggest problem with it is mark shoots very sideways
his advice for your foot on the shot line is not where the majority of instructors will tell you
jmho
icbw
the rest of the book is terrific
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GentlemanJames
Well-known member
While it is true that the balls illustrated in the shot diagrams are the size of softballs relative to the play field and pockets, I am really happy to see all the high-praise and recommendations for Ray Martin's, 99 Critical Shots in Pool.
Back in the day, I broke my cherry with Ray's book as an unschooled teenager and, 99 Critical Shots will always hold a very special place in my billiard library for putting me on the endless quest for pool excellence, knowledge, and self-mastery. The narrative writing-style in Ray's book (imho) is a superior blend/balance of instructing and informing, encouraging, motivating, and philosophical - all which are "critical" for a beginner. So, if you specifically want "a book" (as the OP asked for), which has a detailed beginners' study on stance, grip, bridge hand, cueing and stroke studies, you will find this section in 99 Critical Shots very clear and complete. If I had to point to the one thing in my life which taught me to really love being a life-long student of the game, it was Ray's book.
Back in the day, I broke my cherry with Ray's book as an unschooled teenager and, 99 Critical Shots will always hold a very special place in my billiard library for putting me on the endless quest for pool excellence, knowledge, and self-mastery. The narrative writing-style in Ray's book (imho) is a superior blend/balance of instructing and informing, encouraging, motivating, and philosophical - all which are "critical" for a beginner. So, if you specifically want "a book" (as the OP asked for), which has a detailed beginners' study on stance, grip, bridge hand, cueing and stroke studies, you will find this section in 99 Critical Shots very clear and complete. If I had to point to the one thing in my life which taught me to really love being a life-long student of the game, it was Ray's book.
I like U-tube v/s books. Easier to understand, can not go wrong with Dr. Dave.