Can't Wrap My Head....

S

Six Shooter

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Around 9 Ball.

It doesn't matter if I play APA 9 ball or world standard 9 ball recreationally, I just can't seem to get into this game. I struggle badly with it and can't seem to figure out why.

I like to be diverse and play all different types of games but my stronger suits are 8 ball, cribbage, and 6 pocket. I love one pocket but not many on my side of town play it so I'm not exposed to it much. 14.1 doesn't even exist in my neck of the woods so there's no exposure whatsoever.

I have a lesson scheduled with Chris Niksch here in ATL in mid-September (the only time that his schedule and my schedule has a window). Chris has done a couple of lessons in the past with me and they have went well and I've seen some improvement.

I'm not looking for free instruction as I know all instructors need their students to provide for their family but what I am asking is that if I am the only one that constantly struggles with 9 ball or perhaps I keep overlooking a key factor that just hasn't kicked back in yet.

I welcome any and all responses except for the ones that are going to brand me as an idiot.
 
What sort of situations do you have problems with? Are there any that give you trouble all the time?

I can think of several possible hurdles:

Compared to other games, the shots at nine ball are generally harder. Can you make the hard shots? Can you, for example, make a spot shot much more than half the time?

Can you play pretty good position? If so, many of the shots will be easier. Can you draw the cue ball the length of the table if the cue ball is close to the object ball, and can you get it in more or less the right direction?

Do you often get good position on a ball but with no way to get to the next shot? If so, you actually got the wrong position. Do you get position on the correct side of each ball? Do you leave yourself enough angle to move the ball, or do you struggle with too many straight-ins?
 
I dont care for 9 ball either, but I play the game to help me with my 1P game. Same goes for 3 cushion billiards, I dont really care about playing 3 cushion billiards but it helps with the 9 ball and 1P games.

John
 
Sounds like you are very analytical.
The 3 games you listed are all thinking games. 9-Ball is a see & shoot game. Many people struggle just like you.

A great PSR will help.
randyg
 
Long reply

Bob Jewett said:
What sort of situations do you have problems with? Are there any that give you trouble all the time?

I can think of several possible hurdles:

Compared to other games, the shots at nine ball are generally harder. Can you make the hard shots? Can you, for example, make a spot shot much more than half the time?

Can you play pretty good position? If so, many of the shots will be easier. Can you draw the cue ball the length of the table if the cue ball is close to the object ball, and can you get it in more or less the right direction?

Do you often get good position on a ball but with no way to get to the next shot? If so, you actually got the wrong position. Do you get position on the correct side of each ball? Do you leave yourself enough angle to move the ball, or do you struggle with too many straight-ins?
Click to expand...

Mr. Jewett,

The hardness of the shots except for just a few really don't seem to be much of an issue. Spot shots typically range about 70-80% for me if I'm in decent stroke.
Cribbage requires a smaller area for position on the crib ball but I do seem to struggle with the 9 ball aspect of position. I know what I need to do and just blow it. Position is fantastic if I miss the shot. LOL. I'm really good at defense against myself if I make the shot. LOL
Straight in shots, although seemingly hard, usually do not bother me as I tend to use SPF on these a lot more than any other shot.
As far as angle goes, when I'm capable of making the shot and getting position, my angle is usually fair to good.

One Pocket John,

I'm pretty much the same way. I really don't care much for the game but I play it anyway just to add to the arsenal. But, this weakness in my arsenal just irritates me to no end.

Randy,

I think you may have hit on something here in that 9 ball is definitely a see and shoot game and I really trend to the more analytical thinking games and prefer to think my way around the table and I'm probably trying to think far too much when playing 9 ball.

My own overall assessment is that I have zero respect for 9 ball in its current format. It may be a different monster if the original 9 ball rules were still played which would allow me to analyze the table but no one plays the original format anymore so with the "if you can't beat them, join them" mentality, I need to find a way to join them.

I greatly appreciate everyone's responses and perhaps I will find that one golden nugget that will enlighten me.

What I'm faced with now as an APA player after returning from a 2 year hiatus from 9 ball is that my current APA ranking is 6 which tells me I have the ability and knowledge to play at that level but my own assessment is that I'm playing like a 3 and just can't get it together.
 
Six Shooter...Just another suggestion...Ray Born is another BCA/SPF Certified Instructor in Atlanta. He is also a high level 9-ball player, who might be able to help you with the problems you're experiencing. After you see Chris, you may wish to talk to Ray, about the "ins and outs" of 9-ball, from a very good 9-ball player's perspective. PM me for his information, if you're interested.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Six Shooter said:
Around 9 Ball.

It doesn't matter if I play APA 9 ball or world standard 9 ball recreationally, I just can't seem to get into this game. I struggle badly with it and can't seem to figure out why.

I like to be diverse and play all different types of games but my stronger suits are 8 ball, cribbage, and 6 pocket. I love one pocket but not many on my side of town play it so I'm not exposed to it much. 14.1 doesn't even exist in my neck of the woods so there's no exposure whatsoever.

I have a lesson scheduled with Chris Niksch here in ATL in mid-September (the only time that his schedule and my schedule has a window). Chris has done a couple of lessons in the past with me and they have went well and I've seen some improvement.

I'm not looking for free instruction as I know all instructors need their students to provide for their family but what I am asking is that if I am the only one that constantly struggles with 9 ball or perhaps I keep overlooking a key factor that just hasn't kicked back in yet.

I welcome any and all responses except for the ones that are going to brand me as an idiot.
Click to expand...
 
Mr. Lee,

Your PM box is full and I am unable to send you one.


Scott Lee said:
Six Shooter...Just another suggestion...Ray Born is another BCA/SPF Certified Instructor in Atlanta. He is also a high level 9-ball player, who might be able to help you with the problems you're experiencing. After you see Chris, you may wish to talk to Ray, about the "ins and outs" of 9-ball, from a very good 9-ball player's perspective. PM me for his information, if you're interested.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Click to expand...
 
Six Shooter said:
Mr. Jewett,
*** edit ***

What I'm faced with now as an APA player after returning from a 2 year hiatus from 9 ball is that my current APA ranking is 6 which tells me I have the ability and knowledge to play at that level but my own assessment is that I'm playing like a 3 and just can't get it together.
Click to expand...

I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum (a real beginner, just less than two years playing 8-ball, recently started 9-ball) from our instructors here, Six Shooter, but here's my take.

I believe you've already answered your own question. I believe you are over-thinking it. You know how to make the shots, and how to leave yourself for the next one. 9-ball is the most basic form of that that I've seen. Look at the table, plan your attack, and just relax and do it. Re-formulate your plan as needed.

I know that when I start over-thinking things, it messes up everything. At least for me. In APA-9-ball in particular, the goal isn't necessarily to get to the 9-ball first, but to get there because you made most of the rest of the balls. Take your time, and make the shot in front of you. It is a different mindset.

Just some thoughts from someone who is trying to improve his game, too...

I wish you luck.
 
justadub said:
I'm at the opposite end of the spectrum (a real beginner, just less than two years playing 8-ball, recently started 9-ball) from our instructors here, Six Shooter, but here's my take.

I believe you've already answered your own question. I believe you are over-thinking it. You know how to make the shots, and how to leave yourself for the next one. 9-ball is the most basic form of that that I've seen. Look at the table, plan your attack, and just relax and do it. Re-formulate your plan as needed.

I know that when I start over-thinking things, it messes up everything. At least for me. In APA-9-ball in particular, the goal isn't necessarily to get to the 9-ball first, but to get there because you made most of the rest of the balls. Take your time, and make the shot in front of you. It is a different mindset.

Just some thoughts from someone who is trying to improve his game, too...

I wish you luck.
Click to expand...

I'll acknowledge that over thinking it is part of the problem but I don't know how to under think it. I've tried and tried to eliminate any and all thought process and just stay fast and loose. So far, that's been unsuccessful.

I know that when I play World Standard that I can run 8 and still lose. In APA, I know it a points system but it's still a major hump for me to accomplish.

Even the rare times I get to play 10 ball, that's just adding 1 more ball and I don't seem to have an issue with that since it has become a call pocket game and the 10 spots if it goes on the break.

About the only thing I have left is just to secretly play call pocket 9 in my head and see how that goes.

Good luck to you as well Justadub and thanks for your input. Every little bit helps....ya know? Someday, I need to ask you a question about that avatar you have...LOL
 
I think playing "call-pocket in your head" is an excellent idea! That's where the game is won, anyway, in your head.

Good luck, to us both!
 
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