Best Traiing Aid, Device, Book, or VHS-DVD-CD that help your game

Best thing anyone can do is get a coach. $500 spent on lessons is better than thousands spent on fancy cues, gimicks and myths.

Books, books and more books. Given all the DVDs available today, I still love nothing more than reading a book about the game. Particularly ones on how to play the game. Tactical views, strategy and the mental side are things that are best learned via text IMO.

Lastly Dr. Daves website. I've had well over 300 hours worth of snooker lessons and yet when I first discovered Dr. Daves website I was learning new things. His videos go into detail and he explains the physics side excellently. All free of charge, too.
 
some movements in the pre shot routine that most won't just "figure out".....

Learning the most effective techniques in pocket billiards won't necessarily be comfortable or natural - we were not put on this earth to play pool so it's not natural for the human body. One thing in particular that most players don't do right is clearing their hips as they bet down on ever shot.....this is rarely seen except in champion players.

Therefore there's some training that has to be done and some movements in the pre shot routine that most won't just "figure out".....they have to be shown, and this was true in my case and many other champion players.

There's one motion in particular that, when learned, alleviates the concern for "aiming systems" because it puts you in the ideal position to see the "shot connection/line"....this technique takes about 3 weeks to master, and once it's accomplished the entire game(s) opens up and becomes much, much easier to play. 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
CJ Wiley said:
Learning the most effective techniques in pocket billiards won't necessarily be comfortable or natural - we were not put on this earth to play pool so it's not natural for the human body. One thing in particular that most players don't do right is clearing their hips as they bet down on ever shot.....this is rarely seen except in champion players.

Therefore there's some training that has to be done and some movements in the pre shot routine that most won't just "figure out".....they have to be shown, and this was true in my case and many other champion players.

There's one motion in particular that, when learned, alleviates the concern for "aiming systems" because it puts you in the ideal position to see the "shot connection/line"....this technique takes about 3 weeks to master, and once it's accomplished the entire game(s) opens up and becomes much, much easier to play. 'The Game is the Teacher'
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What does it mean to "clear" the hips, C.J.?

And re: OP, my recommendation is and always will be the book that has helped me more with billiards than any other -- Zen in the Art of Archery. :)
 
I completely understand why he made no attempt to teach this technique

RedEyeJedi said:
What does it mean to "clear" the hips, C.J.?

And re: OP, my recommendation is and always will be the book that has helped me more with billiards than any other -- Zen in the Art of Archery. :)
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I agree that 'Zen in the Art of Archery' is one of the best books I've ever read for pool too.

"Clearing the Hips" is something that comes up in golf, tennis and pool. In golf if you don't clear the hips at the top of the back swing you club won't fall into the correct slot and you'll "hit from the top"....or they call it "casting".....the effect is a slice in most cases. The hips are a great power source, however, because of how our body's are shaped they also get in the way....professional athletes learn ways to alleviate this issue, but it does take time and specific training to achieve....it's not "natural" for sure.

In pool you must have a system to "Clear the Hips" or you can't get into the right position to see the shot properly (so you have to tilt your head to the left and it distorts your natural line of sight). If you use the side of the right hip to match up the line of the shot visually it doesn't work and you have to make unnecessary adjustments....that cause more adjustments...this takes up valuable "mental horsepower" on each shot and although a player may learn to still play well, they will never reach their full potential.

Willie Mosconi is the first one I saw that taught this (in one of his original videos), but left out the crucial part of the movement, the part that's the most difficult to teach. He, like most champion players either learned it, or stumbled on it from playing thousands of hours with other champions......we do learn things unconsciously when competing regularly for money ;)

I completely understand why he made no attempt to teach this, and quite frankly it's the most difficult part to learn (and teach).....I watch to see how players execute this part of the pre shot routine and if they don't do it correctly I immediately know they're limited in how well they can play......it's about the feet (foundation) and it's also about the clearing of the hips at the right moment, in the correct way. 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
CJ Wiley said:
I agree that 'Zen in the Art of Archery' is one of the best books I've ever read for pool too.

"Clearing the Hips" is something that comes up in golf, tennis and pool. In golf if you don't clear the hips at the top of the back swing you club won't fall into the correct slot and you'll "hit from the top"....or they call it "casting".....the effect is a slice in most cases. The hips are a great power source, however, because of how our body's are shaped they also get in the way....professional athletes learn ways to alleviate this issue, but it does take time and specific training to achieve....it's not "natural" for sure.

In pool you must have a system to "Clear the Hips" or you can't get into the right position to see the shot properly (so you have to tilt your head to the left and it distorts your natural line of sight). If you use the side of the right hip to match up the line of the shot visually it doesn't work and you have to make unnecessary adjustments....that cause more adjustments...this takes up valuable "mental horsepower" on each shot and although a player may learn to still play well, they will never reach their full potential.

Willie Mosconi is the first one I saw that taught this (in one of his original videos), but left out the crucial part of the movement, the part that's the most difficult to teach. He, like most champion players either learned it, or stumbled on it from playing thousands of hours with other champions......we do learn things unconsciously when competing regularly for money ;)

I completely understand why he made no attempt to teach this, and quite frankly it's the most difficult part to learn (and teach).....I watch to see how players execute this part of the pre shot routine and if they don't do it correctly I immediately know they're limited in how well they can play......it's about the feet (foundation) and it's also about the clearing of the hips at the right moment, in the correct way. 'The Game is the Teacher'
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*Mind-blown.* Thanks for the tip, C.J.! I'm off to the table to study this thought.
 
Buddy Hall on 9 ball is one I remember the most. He runs 9 racks and he shows exactly where the cue ball is going and why. He plans 3 shots ahead tells you how and why.
 
For me it was:

My first lesson with Scott Lee

Pool School with Scott and Randy G

George Fels book - the title escapes me at the moment but it has to do with playing great pool and focuses mostly on 14.1. Most of it applies to other games as well but it got me looking at the table in a different way.

Brian in VA
 
To put it all in place you must first take it apart and refine all the moving parts.

RedEyeJedi said:
*Mind-blown.* Thanks for the tip, C.J.! I'm off to the table to study this thought.
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I may put together a video at some point to show how this process works (clearing the hips to get the ideal visual perspective of every shot), as far as I know it's never been shown in detail. The only reason I can show it is from teaching the martial arts for 22 years has given me a keen insight on how the body functions, and how to train others to accomplish these type movements.

Most people seem to be unaware of their body holistically, so they isolate parts that really have no direct influence on their game. The foundation of the feet, then the center of the body (the hips) are the places that are most neglected in instruction and arguably the most critical areas of potential improvement.

To put it all in place you must first take it apart and refine all the moving parts. I show most of this on my 'Ultimate Pool Secrets' DVD, but it's challenging to show everything at once.....it usually takes a 3 week process. Watching any DVD once or taking a couple hour lesson won't do much good with out the dedication to open you mind and make the effort to incorporate new techniques that work under pressure and competition. 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
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CJ Wiley said:
I may put together a video at some point to show how this process works (clearing the hips to get the ideal visual perspective of every shot), as far as I know it's never been shown in detail. The only reason I can show it is from teaching the martial arts for 22 years has given me a keen insight on how the body functions, and how to train others to accomplish these type movements.

Most people seem to be unaware of their body holistically, so they isolate parts that really have no direct influence on their game. The foundation of the feet, then the center of the body (the hips) are the places that are most neglected in instruction and arguably the most critical areas of potential improvement.

To put it all in place you must first take it apart and refine all the moving parts. I show most of this on my 'Ultimate Pool Secrets' DVD, but it's challenging to show everything at once.....it usually takes a 3 week process. Watching any DVD once or taking a couple hour lesson won't do much good with out the dedication to open you mind and make the effort to incorporate new techniques that work under pressure and competition. 'The Game is the Teacher'
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Hey CJ,

I agree on this. I teach this to everyone i teach about placing your feet in the correct position and making sure your hips are open and not in the way of the shot.

I wrote an article a while ago now on aiming with the feet. Mike H has is but has not posted it yet.

I will ask him if i can post it on here, or if he is going to publish it on the main page.

Keep up the good work.

Lee
 
Most devices end up being fairly useless. The Break Rak on the other hand is a great training aid device.

Dr. Dave's VEPS series of DVDs are great as is Jerry Brieseth's. Far and away the best I've viewed. Of course, I'm a fan of Stan's CTE/Pro One DVD.

After that, personal lessons.
 
"BIILIARDS
as it should be played"

By Willie Hoppe...........Copyright 1941....... The Reilly & Lee Co. , Chicago, Illinois

IMO.......this book is the masterpiece publication of all time on billiards (3 cushion), It was written more than 70 years ago and it still rates #1.
 
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the feet must be placed properly and consistently to gain the full advantage.

lee brett said:
Hey CJ,

I agree on this. I teach this to everyone i teach about placing your feet in the correct position and making sure your hips are open and not in the way of the shot.

I wrote an article a while ago now on aiming with the feet. Mike H has is but has not posted it yet.

I will ask him if i can post it on here, or if he is going to publish it on the main page.

Keep up the good work.

Lee
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Yes, this the advanced reason for setting the left foot parallel to the line of the shot....it allows you to slightly adjust your aim using the foot, while keeping the upper body angles consistent. You have a snooker background so you understand the advantages to an open stance and a square look at the shot.....it's superior to the normal pool stance that's taught, however, as you noted, the feet must be placed properly and consistently to gain the full advantage.
 
CJ Wiley said:
I may put together a video at some point to show how this process works (clearing the hips to get the ideal visual perspective of every shot), as far as I know it's never been shown in detail. The only reason I can show it is from teaching the martial arts for 22 years has given me a keen insight on how the body functions, and how to train others to accomplish these type movements.

Most people seem to be unaware of their body holistically, so they isolate parts that really have no direct influence on their game. The foundation of the feet, then the center of the body (the hips) are the places that are most neglected in instruction and arguably the most critical areas of potential improvement.

To put it all in place you must first take it apart and refine all the moving parts. I show most of this on my 'Ultimate Pool Secrets' DVD, but it's challenging to show everything at once.....it usually takes a 3 week process. Watching any DVD once or taking a couple hour lesson won't do much good with out the dedication to open you mind and make the effort to incorporate new techniques that work under pressure and competition. 'The Game is the Teacher'
Click to expand...

I've seen these sorts of things casually mentioned before, and usually with emphasis on how incredibly important and overlooked it is. I've never thought much about it because, as you say, much of this does feel quite unnatural to the human body, and I worry that I'm making bad changes to my form. I would certainly love to see a video explaining it a little better, you can only do so much through text. I'll keep my eyes open for it! The Game certainly is the Teacher.

Also looking forward to that article from Mr. Brett!
 
Like Surfing you can learn to surf sitting on the beach, or in some surfing school studing theory. After you read, or what ever you learn from. You got to play, and hit thousands of ball, after basic are mastered, if that is possible.
 
#1 Pool School with Randy G. Set me on the right path.

#2 and #3 of equal importance. The internet and other postings of Bob Jewett and Dr. Dave. Contain more useful information than I can ever master.

#4 Internet videos of pros playing
 
"easy to teach" techniques are "common knowledge".

RedEyeJedi said:
I've seen these sorts of things casually mentioned before, and usually with emphasis on how incredibly important and overlooked it is. I've never thought much about it because, as you say, much of this does feel quite unnatural to the human body, and I worry that I'm making bad changes to my form. I would certainly love to see a video explaining it a little better, you can only do so much through text. I'll keep my eyes open for it! The Game certainly is the Teacher.

Also looking forward to that article from Mr. Brett!
Click to expand...

Yes, the fact of the matter is, "either you do it correct or your subconscious will always have to go through a series of RE adjustments to get the right perception of the shot" - this is what players will struggle with all their life, then label the re adjustments as part of their pre shot routine and teach it ...... this has been going on for the last 30 years, and passed down until the "easy to teach" techniques are "common knowledge".

That's what I saw when I started reading some of this forum info. - it was simply heading people down a dead end street. Once you're shown the truth it will set you free to differentiate the effective way to play from the way that's commonly taught.....there's a recognizable difference. 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
CJ Wiley said:
Yes, the fact of the matter is, "either you do it correct or your subconscious will always have to go through a series of RE adjustments to get the right perception of the shot" - this is what players will struggle with all their life, then label the re adjustments as part of their pre shot routine and teach it ...... this has been going on for the last 30 years, and passed down until the "easy to teach" techniques are "common knowledge".

That's what I saw when I started reading some of this forum info. - it was simply heading people down a dead end street. Once you're shown the truth it will set you free to differentiate the effective way to play from the way that's commonly taught.....there's a recognizable difference. 'The Game is the Teacher'
Click to expand...

Went to your Facebook page. Your head needs a tan. Looks cool though.

If you could dogleg thru St. Louis that would be cool. Could meet you at Cue & Cushion in Overland MO. on a Friday thru Monday during the day.

Take care and travel safely.

John :)
 
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