I've been playing pool for the past 40 years (I have my own table), and I'm not any better then I was after the first ten years. But I have more time to spend shooting now, and am interested in getting better. I strictly shoot straight pool. I have read all the books available, and pay particular attention to the pages that describe drills. But I'm like everyone else, drills are boring. But I know there are others on this site that have probably made their own drills, which may not be as boring as some that I've been using. I would enjoy any drills that you may be willing to share. Especially any that may be related to improving my straight pool shooting, if there is such a thing. I'm convinced I can do better then I am. Simple or complicated, I'll try them all.
Drill help...
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Most times, the drills stare you right in the face, especially the ones you miss during normal play. Try and remember those, and set them up, and make them a progressive drill.
I'm going to go work on some Wei table layouts to help explain further.
Straight pool is all about reading clusters, billiards, and power.
I'll focus on your request... 'cause I'm in the mood )
I'm going to go work on some Wei table layouts to help explain further.
Straight pool is all about reading clusters, billiards, and power.
I'll focus on your request... 'cause I'm in the mood )
Here's a straight pool drill that Jim Rempe advocates.
Spread all 15 balls out(fairly) evenly on the pool table,with no clusters. At first leave the balls at least 8" of the rail.Now take ball in hand and try to run out all 15 balls without touching a rail. This drill apparently will help you see patterns.The idea is to make as many balls as possible with stop shots.You will have to use delicate throw shots at times to keep on line,or get back on line.
If you want more challenge, move some of the balls closer than 8" to the rail.
I think he recommends doing this drill at least 3 times per session and it will improve your straight pool playing.
RJ
Spread all 15 balls out(fairly) evenly on the pool table,with no clusters. At first leave the balls at least 8" of the rail.Now take ball in hand and try to run out all 15 balls without touching a rail. This drill apparently will help you see patterns.The idea is to make as many balls as possible with stop shots.You will have to use delicate throw shots at times to keep on line,or get back on line.
If you want more challenge, move some of the balls closer than 8" to the rail.
I think he recommends doing this drill at least 3 times per session and it will improve your straight pool playing.
RJ
For example:
Calling the [one] (route "A") to the side, with the high probability of the [five] (route "B") going to the corner is a basic drill you can try. Basic in the terms that the only balls you need to adjust (in this example) are the 5 and the 10 ball. Reading that angle of incidence is what can make or break this shot.
Another cluster I remember always working on was:
How often do you see this? I'm sure, more times than you can remember.
Well, the only thing is to pocket a ball, and leave a better safe. There's that drill I mentioned earlier. Stares you right in the face, yet can't see it.
Remove the other balls, and practice the kick.
I think you're getting the jist of what I'm saying. When practicing 14.1, the shot that you miss is usually the one that's the most simple (when the balls are not there). Work on the shot without obstacles, then slowly apply obstacles. Each time you set it back up, not only work on the accuracy, but also the speed (power).
Another one:
I hope you know a good friend that won't mind you "testing" his felt for this one.
English of the cue ball is from the perspective of "almost" stright down from an over head view. In this shot, the 6 could go in either pocket, depending on your attack angle, and how much snot you can transfer to the cue ball (depending on table circumstances).
Else, work on the "boring" (yet profitable) simple drills. The more you know, the easier things become.
--------------------------
I think the hardest thing to overcome is understanding how much inertia will travel through the rest of the balls, and seeing the table layout after the hit, Before the strike.
_______________________
I'm just glad you're trying
Calling the [one] (route "A") to the side, with the high probability of the [five] (route "B") going to the corner is a basic drill you can try. Basic in the terms that the only balls you need to adjust (in this example) are the 5 and the 10 ball. Reading that angle of incidence is what can make or break this shot.
Another cluster I remember always working on was:
How often do you see this? I'm sure, more times than you can remember.
Well, the only thing is to pocket a ball, and leave a better safe. There's that drill I mentioned earlier. Stares you right in the face, yet can't see it.
Remove the other balls, and practice the kick.
I think you're getting the jist of what I'm saying. When practicing 14.1, the shot that you miss is usually the one that's the most simple (when the balls are not there). Work on the shot without obstacles, then slowly apply obstacles. Each time you set it back up, not only work on the accuracy, but also the speed (power).
Another one:
I hope you know a good friend that won't mind you "testing" his felt for this one.
English of the cue ball is from the perspective of "almost" stright down from an over head view. In this shot, the 6 could go in either pocket, depending on your attack angle, and how much snot you can transfer to the cue ball (depending on table circumstances).
Else, work on the "boring" (yet profitable) simple drills. The more you know, the easier things become.
--------------------------
I think the hardest thing to overcome is understanding how much inertia will travel through the rest of the balls, and seeing the table layout after the hit, Before the strike.
_______________________
I'm just glad you're trying
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Which drills are you using now?quest said:
I recommend that you find out which shots you're having trouble with and make drills to work specifically on those shots. The general style of drill for such work is called "progressive practice." Two articles describe how to make your own drills in the on-line material from "On the Break News" at
http://www.onthebreaknews.com/JewettIndex.htm
See the September and October 2004 articles.
Practicing your weaknesses is a main point in Babe Cranfield's book, "The Straight Pool Bible."
How are your fundamentals? Would you be willing to work on them?
Drills...
So yes, I'm willing to pay attention, and get better, and maybe invite him back in a few months. I'm sure he'll still win, but I'll have him playing more safeties then he did the first time.
The fundamentals I have been working on for several months now, and I have a faiirly good grasp of the ones that still need a little work. My biggest problem is that I don't have anyone to play against that would cause me to focus sharply. The ones I play, neighbors and friends, can't test me because they are poor players. Some of them only play 5 or 6 times a year, and I'm forced to break things up to make the game more enjoyable to them, or they'll never come back. During the past 5 or six months that I have been really practicing, my average run is about 9 to 10. Although 2 weeks ago I had a run of 31. I've been practicing playing 1 pocket, which I felt was challenging. I'm willing to learn. About a month ago a friend at work who shoots in a league invited himself over for a few games. I knew he shot in a league, but had no idea how good he was. He's not the kind to brag. He is mostly a 1 pocket player, who dabbles in 9 ball. He agreed to shoot straight, and he beat me 150 to 71. And he thought the game was a challenge. I didn't. He caught on fast, and thought the safeties were interesting. He stated that he thought to game was tiresome. He said he doesn't ever remember ever having to look so far ahead to keep ahead, and he didn't like dealing with the clusters.Bob Jewett said:
So yes, I'm willing to pay attention, and get better, and maybe invite him back in a few months. I'm sure he'll still win, but I'll have him playing more safeties then he did the first time.
I will say two things..the user who said take the shots you miss during high pressure shooting such as playing a better player and or tournaments is a really good post. I am gona us that one..but i will say it time and time again..BERT KININSTER's 60 MINUTE POOL WORKOUT is something else. I challenge anyone..anyone.. to master that work out..not just look at it and say..ohh the video work could have been better or it fuzzy or to exspensive for what you get. Master the workout ....memorize the shot # and i promise..no i swear to you ..you will start waxing people..I made myself focus past the "it no fun to practice" and really sat down with his cd and took a note book and drew up all his shots and numbered them..i took it to the pool room and ordered a sweet tea and did nothing but practice..and i was amazed..Give it a try.
I like to spread all fifteen balls over one half of the table, and run them into one pocket. One pocket practice, if you will.
I think this is kind of fun, makes plan your position and it's not repetitive. Furthermore it teaches you to move the cue ball with precision in short distances and it gets you comfortable with side spin.
I think this is kind of fun, makes plan your position and it's not repetitive. Furthermore it teaches you to move the cue ball with precision in short distances and it gets you comfortable with side spin.
If your not doing any better after this amount of time than you indicate, step back and work on your fundamentals. Get some lessons from a BCA instructor. You almost assuradly have flaws that cannot be fixed with drills, they just reinforce them. Bob Jewett or Mark Wilson could point you to someone in your area. It will surprise you what you will learn and how fast you will improve.