Can you boost your game just by watching pros play?

brechbt

brechbt

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Yesterday someone posted a Vimeo clip of Corey Dueul running 194 balls on someone's home table. I watched it; even though it wasn't in competition, there's something compelling about watching a pro string a run together with no apparent effort. In particular, when you see someone shooting like that, you observe that they expect the balls to go in; you, the watcher, come to expect it too.

Yesterday evening, then, I played in my weekly BCA 8-ball league. I played exceptionally well for me--didn't lose a game, stayed in line, ran out from everywhere, ridiculous shot-making. I didn't think about having watched that video clip earlier in the day, but later when I thought back on my play that evening, I realized that, as I was at the table, I expected every shot to go in. I didn't engage in the second-guessing that often occurs as I addressed the shots. I found my line, decided where to strike the CB, settled myself, released my stroke, and in they went.

So my question for you is: can your performance be temporarily enhanced by the experience of seeing higher-level play? Obviously you can't acquire skills you don't already have by doing this, but can your mental outlook and confidence be improved simply by observation of what you'd like to do yourself?
 
i don't really know, but

i like to watch one pocket matches, and before the player shoots i try to figure out what i would do with the shot to see if i am playing the game the same as the pros. does this improve my game? maybe not but at least i know i am shooting the correct shot.
chuck
 
Yes you can raise your game by watching top players.
Back in the early 60's I lived in NJ. There were a ton of great players there that I got to watch. I think it helped my game a lot.
 
brechbt; So my question for you is: can your performance be temporarily enhanced by the experience of seeing higher-level play? Obviously you can't acquire skills you don't already have by doing this said:
Yes you can, that's how I learned the game as a kid, before most of my tournaments I watch tapes of Buddy Hall and other Pros ,..ect. running racks of pool and it puts me in runout mode for the day!


David Harcrow
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That's how I learned to play in the 60s. No one to teach you back then.

It's amazing how many people can watch good pool players and learn NOTHING. I believe that they are too right brained, not that this is a bad thing.
 
images
 
brechbt said:
Yesterday someone posted a Vimeo clip of Corey Dueul running 194 balls on someone's home table. I watched it; even though it wasn't in competition, there's something compelling about watching a pro string a run together with no apparent effort. In particular, when you see someone shooting like that, you observe that they expect the balls to go in; you, the watcher, come to expect it too.

Yesterday evening, then, I played in my weekly BCA 8-ball league. I played exceptionally well for me--didn't lose a game, stayed in line, ran out from everywhere, ridiculous shot-making. I didn't think about having watched that video clip earlier in the day, but later when I thought back on my play that evening, I realized that, as I was at the table, I expected every shot to go in. I didn't engage in the second-guessing that often occurs as I addressed the shots. I found my line, decided where to strike the CB, settled myself, released my stroke, and in they went.

So my question for you is: can your performance be temporarily enhanced by the experience of seeing higher-level play? Obviously you can't acquire skills you don't already have by doing this, but can your mental outlook and confidence be improved simply by observation of what you'd like to do yourself?
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Yes, forsure:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Yes.

Watching how they play shots and choose shots will help you.
 
Each week before my league, I try to watch a lot of SVB or Bustamante... it serves as a great refresher for when I get to the table. The days I don't watch pool then go play I never play nearly as well as the days when I do. There's absolutely something about watching how "it's supposed to be done" that your brains then tries to emulate that helps your game. :)
 
Yes you can but I believe it's much better in person not on the computer.

I went to many tournaments just to spectate. I'd come back with a much cleaner stroke and much better ideas on how to go about running out. You can't pay enough to sit there and watch great players hour after hour.

If it doesn't rub off on you, you'll never get it.

__________________________________________

http://tommcgonaglerightoncue.com
 
I find that subconsciously I start playing and stroking a lot like the people I watch or play with for a while - sometimes to my detriment. I blame it one mirror neurons.

I like watching this CJ wiley clip someone posted. His style of play and patterns in this video seem to match mine much better than the other pros.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJSGHDC1wXA

edit: If you're going to watch it turn the sound off first and I'll think you'll feel very different about the game than the announcers.
 
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I think a definite yes. I watch pool on the computer then shoot games in between matches on my home table. I can tell its noticeably better than when I just go play somewhere. I get used to seeing good people stroking nice and easy and playing position well and that just translates into my mind when I'm playin. When I don't watch and start shooting I realize I shoot way too hard and don't take enough time on my PSR.
 
watching the pro's or any better player, I learn stuff all the time...they try shots that I didn't think of on a regular basis.........OTB
 
brechbt said:
Yesterday someone posted a Vimeo clip of Corey Dueul running 194 balls on someone's home table. I watched it; even though it wasn't in competition, there's something compelling about watching a pro string a run together with no apparent effort. In particular, when you see someone shooting like that, you observe that they expect the balls to go in; you, the watcher, come to expect it too.

Yesterday evening, then, I played in my weekly BCA 8-ball league. I played exceptionally well for me--didn't lose a game, stayed in line, ran out from everywhere, ridiculous shot-making. I didn't think about having watched that video clip earlier in the day, but later when I thought back on my play that evening, I realized that, as I was at the table, I expected every shot to go in. I didn't engage in the second-guessing that often occurs as I addressed the shots. I found my line, decided where to strike the CB, settled myself, released my stroke, and in they went.

So my question for you is: can your performance be temporarily enhanced by the experience of seeing higher-level play? Obviously you can't acquire skills you don't already have by doing this, but can your mental outlook and confidence be improved simply by observation of what you'd like to do yourself?
Click to expand...

Definitely. And not just temporarily either, although much of the effect is temporary I think a small bit of that improvement can stick with you forever. Anyway, that's why I like to watch the pros play when I can. Each time is like a "booster shot".
 
Helps me for sure. I seem to be able to get in stroke just by watching some players. And by watching them perform well it gets me pumped up to play. My current fav's to watch especially for this purpose is Dennis Hatch and Corey Deuel, and Buddy Hall.
 
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