Creating a high run target

C

Cameron Smith

is kind of hungry...
Silver Member
I've been playing with this concept as a teaching tool for a little while. Most players tend to look down on throwing balls on the table and running them, but I tend to feel there is a certain usefulness to the routine.

When a player states they want to run a certain number, 50 for example, my first question is "Can you do it while just spreading balls on the table?" In other words, does one have the basic shotmaking ability and consistency to do so without having to worry about clusters and breakshots. If the answer is no, then it's obvious the player needs to fine tune their stroke, alignment etc. However if they can in fact run their target number in this manner with a reasonable degree of regularity, then I would prescribe a higher focus on patterns, break shots, key balls, end patterns etc. etc.

I feel this works well up to a certain point however. If you can run 200-300 throwing balls out on the table, I don't think that necessarily translates into the potential to run over 300 balls (but who knows). But within the 0-100 region it's a good diagnostic tool if used correctly.
 
Honestly, I don't quite agree. I am sure your principle is rather precise. If you cannot run 50 balls thrown out on the table you surely cannot run 50 balls with breaks and clusters. But it depends on how many balls you throw out. Lets say you only throw out five balls at a time and they all get stuck against railes or lands on tricky places, then I'm quite certain that running 50 throught that demand is harder then running 50 with clusters & breaks cos' you then have several options durring play. But I guess thats only me thinking, your theory is probably very accurate. And as you say; within the 0-100 intervall its probably useful as a diagnostic tool if used correctly (without my example of five balls thrown into trouble).
 
Norrbacka said:
Honestly, I don't quite agree. I am sure your principle is rather precise. If you cannot run 50 balls thrown out on the table you surely cannot run 50 balls with breaks and clusters. But it depends on how many balls you throw out. Lets say you only throw out five balls at a time and they all get stuck against railes or lands on tricky places, then I'm quite certain that running 50 throught that demand is harder then running 50 with clusters & breaks cos' you then have several options durring play. But I guess thats only me thinking, your theory is probably very accurate. And as you say; within the 0-100 intervall its probably useful as a diagnostic tool if used correctly (without my example of five balls thrown into trouble).
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I meant 15 spread out no clusters. If someone is only putting 3-5 balls on the table they're only kidding themselves, lol.

Similar in concept would be to perform an open break each rack, but for this excercise I'm more concerned whether or not they possess the fundamentals required to hit whatever target they want. I currently know of someone who has a 30 ball run targeted, but can very rarely run 20 by spreading them out and has never hit 30 in any way. From what I could tell, he has the pocketing ability to hit 20 in 14.1 but not the control.
 
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Cameron Smith said:
I've been playing with this concept as a teaching tool for a little while. Most players tend to look down on throwing balls on the table and running them, but I tend to feel there is a certain usefulness to the routine.
Click to expand...

I think the greatest value of this idea is to serve as a wake up call. Most people don't realize all the skills you need to have in order to run lots of balls.
 
Cameron Smith said:
I've been playing with this concept as a teaching tool for a little while. Most players tend to look down on throwing balls on the table and running them, but I tend to feel there is a certain usefulness to the routine.

When a player states they want to run a certain number, 50 for example, my first question is "Can you do it while just spreading balls on the table?" In other words, does one have the basic shotmaking ability and consistency to do so without having to worry about clusters and breakshots. If the answer is no, then it's obvious the player needs to fine tune their stroke, alignment etc. However if they can in fact run their target number in this manner with a reasonable degree of regularity, then I would prescribe a higher focus on patterns, break shots, key balls, end patterns etc. etc.

I feel this works well up to a certain point however. If you can run 200-300 throwing balls out on the table, I don't think that necessarily translates into the potential to run over 300 balls (but who knows). But within the 0-100 region it's a good diagnostic tool if used correctly.
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Maybe the best post of the year. I totally agree.
 
This a GREAT idea !
For some of us, it's enough just to worry about planning a sequence for 15 open balls...LOL.
I've been doing it since you posted it and it's very sobering. Thanks!!
 
I use this method to get myself in stroke after not being on the table for a while. I also use this method with my son, so he can start understanding patterns better.

I agree, great post!!

Mike
 
Talked with Maropulos about this the other day and again today. Decided to try it.

as Michael Fedak said, what a wake up call!

The first five or six times, The most I could do was 1 rack. Always screwed up somewhere.

What did I expect!? Most of my runs end on easy shots being missed.

Need to concentrate and not let up.

Best I did was 3 in a row.

I think I will keep it up. Who knows!? I may develop some good habits.
 
I'm happy you all have taken an interest in this concept. I find my level of play is tied to how well I'm running them with the balls spread out. It's a great way to train concentration and get used to simply running balls for a long time.

It's as good a routine as one puts into it. If a player simply shoots balls at random, then yes it has little worth. But if you pick your patterns it's a great warm up.
 
You hit the nail Cameron!

That s why i swear also on the brainwash-drill. The biggest problem in my opinion is, that many players are not serious to themselves.
To be serious with yourself and your abilities is the first step to improve- Next hard step is: No Excuses- for nothing!.
I recommend players, if they re doing drills, patterns, or *freestyle drills* like the brainwash (or yours) drill, to write down EACH mistake! No matter if it s just a missed shot, or it is just a hardly failed position-play with the CB.

Table-time, thousands of balls, being serious for yourself, and accepting that you have to work on your abilities (no matter what)- it s a big step for some players they ll never reach if they re not able to notice that they haven t got the fundamentals to increase their level!

Great posting Cameron !!!:thumbup:

lg from overseas,

Ingo
 
Cameron Smith said:
I'm happy you all have taken an interest in this concept. I find my level of play is tied to how well I'm running them with the balls spread out. It's a great way to train concentration and get used to simply running balls for a long time.

It's as good a routine as one puts into it. If a player simply shoots balls at random, then yes it has little worth. But if you pick your patterns it's a great warm up.
Click to expand...

I've done this for years. The last several years, however, I've had trouble keeping my concentration alive. I've gone to the table to relax and find myself thinking about what ever more than my patterns, position play, pocketing, the whole works.
When playing Fargo I would simply concentrate on running balls like in Straight Pool and for get about switching to rotation mode. I also found the game Six Pocket to be similar but just throwing all the balls out and running them helps a lot if I can keep my concentration focused.
 
Number Six,
Leading instructor Mark Wilson agrees with you. He does not think there is any chance of running 100 balls in straight pool until you get fairly proficient at running 100 with the balls just spread out (power break, ball in hand for the first shot, clear the table, repeat for at least 7 racks IN A ROW).

This drill helps develop the intense concentration necessary to pocket balls for longer periods of time, encouraging the player to groove his fundamentals so that each stroke is the same, and each stroke is delivered with care.

It is actually quite a difficult accomplishment even for decent amateur players....I wish I didn't know this....still can't do it (though have been quite close).
 
Williebetmore said:
Number Six,
Leading instructor Mark Wilson agrees with you. He does not think there is any chance of running 100 balls in straight pool until you get fairly proficient at running 100 with the balls just spread out (power break, ball in hand for the first shot, clear the table, repeat for at least 7 racks IN A ROW).

This drill helps develop the intense concentration necessary to pocket balls for longer periods of time, encouraging the player to groove his fundamentals so that each stroke is the same, and each stroke is delivered with care.

It is actually quite a difficult accomplishment even for decent amateur players....I wish I didn't know this....still can't do it (though have been quite close).
Click to expand...

I had forgotten about it, but Sailor had me doing the same thing a few years back. Just make balls. Concentrate on where you are going to put the cue ball for the next shot. I'm sure Mark must have heard it from Sailor.
 
Williebetmore said:
Number Six,
Leading instructor Mark Wilson agrees with you. He does not think there is any chance of running 100 balls in straight pool until you get fairly proficient at running 100 with the balls just spread out (power break, ball in hand for the first shot, clear the table, repeat for at least 7 racks IN A ROW).

This drill helps develop the intense concentration necessary to pocket balls for longer periods of time, encouraging the player to groove his fundamentals so that each stroke is the same, and each stroke is delivered with care.

It is actually quite a difficult accomplishment even for decent amateur players....I wish I didn't know this....still can't do it (though have been quite close).
Click to expand...

My trick has always been to start at the bottom (or top) and work my way up. Otherwise, I get lost in the patterns because I don't have to worry about break balls or key balls in the same way.

I also find this is a great way to train new mechanics. I find it's better to work on perfect fundamentals whilst making easy shots as those are the ones we tend to get lazy with (which ultimately slows the process of ingraining said new mechanic). Not to say you shouldn't practice it on tough pots as well though.

Ultimately, no matter how one practices the thing that really matters is what happening between the ears. Like Ratta said, you can't just let your misses and mistakes go, you need to address these and correct them. I've seen players only practice drill setups and still not improve at all. I feel this has more to do with the player focusing too much on the overall goal, (completing the drill) and not correcting mistakes (which is what improves your game). As a result, many amateurs make the same positional errors game after game and miss the same shots day after day. The best example I can think of comes from snooker, where a player tries to be too cute playing position on the black and the always always leave themselves a tough cut from the top rail. All they need to do is hit it harder and bounce off it. This is one of the most common positional shots in snooker but it's very rarely played properly.
 
Great idea I have often commented that I am just not used to running
balls. This is a great way to accomplish the experiance.
A additional benefit to the concentration aspect,learning to stay focused
when the table appears simple.
The insanity drill is great,but I am mentally drained after about 3 runs.I
plan to try this open rack drill in between insanity drill tables!
Thanks for the great practice plan,Jack
 
never thought of trying that, though I have heard of Fargo game long ago. Now when I think my pocketing lets me down (well, it really does, most of my runs end due to a missed shot I'm able to make) I decided to give it a try. A day before I decided to start my practice with brainwash drill (no touching rails) and guess what, I made it on the very first try.
So next day I'm out to run balls after an open break, only that, and see how far I can go. Two racks, mistake, then I ran 3 racks and 13 balls. I needed a stun draw to play position on the last ball, and I kinda dogged it, the ball rattled. So I suppose with higher level of concentration I could run the magic seven Williebetmore mentioned, and probably even more.
For me it indicates I need to work on proper planning and shape precision rather than shotmaking. Overall, that was a fine tune-up, it seems easy with balls spread all over the table, but playing proper pattern is vital. And if there is a cluster or two, you need to be a decent 14.1 player to deal with them. That was painful to miss that second to last ball for me, because in that rack I had to break three clusters and play controlled shots, and it worked.
 
This drill was sobering for me in an unexpected way. After just a few tries I ran 9 and 14 racks. So why do I have so much trouble running 50 in straight pool?????

My theory is that the drill puts me in a mode of execution without too much thinking. There are just so many ways to get out - just don't miss whatever you shoot at. Maybe I spend too much time thinking/analyzing in straight pool and not enough focus when switching to shot execution.

I'm playing the Maryland Straight Pool qualifier tournament tomorrow. I plan on limiting my thinking and just focus on shot execution. If I run out of good shots, I'll play whatever safe I can.

Andy
 
alinco said:
This drill was sobering for me in an unexpected way. After just a few tries I ran 9 and 14 racks. So why do I have so much trouble running 50 in straight pool?????

Andy
Click to expand...

I'm certainly not the expert on this topic, but there is a huge difference between running balls off the table, and running balls off the table AND getting a break shot. Maybe you should try the same drill except add the requirement that you get on a break ball. So then you could rack the other 14 balls and if you are unable to open the balls with your break then your run ends. Otherwise, after you make the break shot and open a few balls up, then you can spread them out again and keep going.

Just a thought.
 
alinco said:
This drill was sobering for me in an unexpected way. After just a few tries I ran 9 and 14 racks. So why do I have so much trouble running 50 in straight pool?????

My theory is that the drill puts me in a mode of execution without too much thinking. There are just so many ways to get out - just don't miss whatever you shoot at. Maybe I spend too much time thinking/analyzing in straight pool and not enough focus when switching to shot execution.

I'm playing the Maryland Straight Pool qualifier tournament tomorrow. I plan on limiting my thinking and just focus on shot execution. If I run out of good shots, I'll play whatever safe I can.

Andy
Click to expand...

Shotmaking or losing concentration do not seem like they are a problem to you. The most I have done is 4 racks with this drill. My runs usually end on a missed easy shot, so this drill is good for me.

Good luck at your tournament. Let us know how it goes.
 
alinco said:
This drill was sobering for me in an unexpected way. After just a few tries I ran 9 and 14 racks. So why do I have so much trouble running 50 in straight pool?????

My theory is that the drill puts me in a mode of execution without too much thinking. There are just so many ways to get out - just don't miss whatever you shoot at. Maybe I spend too much time thinking/analyzing in straight pool and not enough focus when switching to shot execution.

I'm playing the Maryland Straight Pool qualifier tournament tomorrow. I plan on limiting my thinking and just focus on shot execution. If I run out of good shots, I'll play whatever safe I can.

Andy
Click to expand...

This says to me that you need to work on other areas of the game. Perhaps cluster managment? Setting up for/creating break balls? Break shots in general? End patterns?

All of the above complicate running racks considerably if not learned properly (I'm still working on it when I can). But at least you know for a fact that you can point your cue in the right direction 100 times in a row.
 
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