I was just trying to make the point that not every shot is under ideal conditions. We get too close to the rail. We don’t always navigate around the balls and hook ourselves or create cueing problems. The best players also face those problems but most of the time regroup and make the shot. The same with position. Getting dead straight by under or over cueing can turn an otherwise simple run out into a problem.
I’m trying to mine the minds of players trying to get better for a sense of what they feel would take them to the next level. The finer and finer distinctions is just one idea. A skier could make finer distinctions between the different feel of the air on his face with different turns but you can bet he won’t get better from getting in touch with those differences. The differences that make a difference was the discussion I was hoping would occur. Instead I got platitudes Instead of something thoughtful. Thanks for your response it shows that you gave a part some thought.
I’m beginning to think that most players have no idea what they need to do to get better. They think hitting more balls is the answer. There is nothing specific that they can build a plan around. This platform seems an ideal place for them to share ideas and help find the nuggets that help players. I personally think that what players need is usually different at different times. The development of a players game benefits from what is most relevant for them at the stage they are at. This forum should help connect players with what resonates with their current game. Teaching a beginner the intricacies of massè is an example of a mismatch.
There is no right or wrong answer only twist and turn on the journey to a better game.
Few want to share. I will continue to share, but I’d like to find kindred travelers on the same road.
hey, you're the one that said "never divulge everything you know"
for real, I admire that you're reaching, digging for more..
I think there is a lot of both magic and science in hitting more balls, much we learn conscious and subconsciously.
and then of course, we can parse that down to drills, targeting strengths and weaknesses,
putting ourselves in positions to be challenged, giving ourselves opportunities to fail, and succeed.
I think before we consider efficacy, we should think first about priorities.
everybody says they want to improve, be better than they were the day before,
but this is a relative statement.
do you want to beat your bar, beat your city, beat your country?
do you just want to get to a place where you "feel good" about your game?
how "serious" are you about improving? how dedicated? how disciplined?
tcc had a point above, to the effect of "just put the balls in the hole"- there is wisdom there.
"keep it simple" can be a valuable approach, and if you want it bad enough,
and put a little work in, I think things are more likely to go your way,
things you might not even realize or have thought about..
those little things you allude to. they're there, but there's a lot to be said for doubling down on one's strengths,
spending time on what comes naturally, what we find easy to control,
and letting the rest fall into place.
the mind is crucial, but we must let it breathe. we must breathe.
time and space are also important..what if you don't have a table? too far to the bar?
what if you do have a table, but are up to your neck in it?
can you get better at pool without hitting a ball?
yes, yes you can...
