Daily Ghost Results.. Races to 9 + video

[TATE]

The definition of easy DEFINITELY becomes looser as the skill of the player improves.

I love that statement. It's so true. I bet all those amazing shots that Efren pulls off seem like a cake walk in to him, otherwise he would miss more.

In 9 ball I like to allow myself some working distance on the shots if I can. The reason is just because I am more concerned about angles and lines, even if I have to take longer shots. When you have more distance from the object ball, there is greater room for error on position as far as getting the right angle. What I mean is, when you're close, two or three inches can put you on the wrong side of the ball as far as angle, but a few feet away, a few inches isn't usually going to affect your angle too much. The thing I do like about being close is it gives you better cue ball options and controllability, especially on draw shots.

I also agree with Cameron that the idea of using only as much spin as needed gives you reliable shot making. Straight pool is all about simple things. I'll never forget what Popcorn once said "simple to the point of genius". That stuck in my mind as being at the very heart of straight pool -simple to the point of genius. Well, it sounds like Doug's (Williebetmore) drills are made to develop those skills.

Chris

 

[Rod]

Hi Rod,

Thanks man. Some day I do want to get together with you and shoot a little straight pool. My game has gone over to 9 ball so I don't play straight pool like I used to, but I think I am going to start practicing straight pool again.

Here's the link to the other thread. I had never really seen myself playing before and it was a lot of fun doing the commentary. The video clips are low quality but I have better software now, so in a while I might just put up some better ones.

I had Scott help me when I was getting back into the game, so I was pretty rusty at the time. His drills and input helped a lot. He didn't really change anything in my game, just my routine, and that helped a lot.

Here you go:

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=42970

Chris

Chris,

I've not played any 14-1 for some time either. Well, fact is I've played little pool at all. To me straight pool is a much different mentality. It takes time for me to adapt, that is the thinking process and better c/b control.

If I play mostly 9 ball my game gets a little loose or lax for straight pool, something that is not at all desirable. When I was younger and played all games switching around wasn't so difficult. Now I play mostly 9 ball along with some one hole on occasions. One big reason (this may sound like a cop out) is finding good and clean equipment. I tried a few racks of straight pool last week but the conditions was so bad the balls just wouldn't separate. When everything sticks together it just isn't fun.

At any rate, if your ever out my way let me know. Love to play some sometime.

Rod