From time to time people ask me for advice on their game..

[Straightpool_99]

But when they get it, they often do not follow it. Sometimes I just don't understand people very well at all. If people COME TO ME with a question, they want to know my answer, don't they? I've been having a lot of pointless conversations lately and I'm just about to give up on ever giving advice again:angry:. It's not like I'm some pool nerd who can't execute either. Often I demonstrate the shots right in front of them.

Some guy asked me how to play a really delicate spin shot the other day. I've come to the point now where I'm really hesitant to give any advice to anyone, but he seemed like maybe he was serious and he did bug me a bit. This is a typical conversation nowadays.

Him: That shot you just played, how did you do it?
Me: What do you mean, this? (executing shot)
Him: Yes,that, how did you do that?
Me: Relax your grip a bit, then cue the ball here (showing cue impact point)
Him: (Death grips the cue, slams the ball in 2x too hard and does not hit proper contact point)
Me: Try to relax your hand and wrist a bit. It's a delicate shot. Try it too softly first, then build speed til you get it.
Him: (Does the exact same thing as last time)
Me: Hmm..Maybe you can try a little bit softer?
Him: No, I can't do it.
Me: Sure you can, just relax, hit it softly, really focusing on where the cue strikes the cueball.
Him: No, I think I have to hit it like this. (Hits shot even worse)
Me: I think you can do it if you just..
Him: No, that doesn't work.
Me: Eh? I haven't said it yet?
Him: Nevermind, I'm going to do it my way.

(Notice: No thank you for your time or even a polite ending to the conversation). Pool players...:shakehead:

 

[michael4]

But when they get it, they often do not follow it. Sometimes I just don't understand people very well at all.

You've got to lower your expectations, just assume that most people wont have the sense to follow your advice, but when they do, be pleasantly surprised :grin-square:

 

[GoldCrown]

I am still trying to get to that point. I would feel better talking to a fire plug or stop sign.
I have a few guys in the room keep missing a hanger and say ... What am I doing wrong. I might say stop jumping up or slow down or blah blah and nothing changes. Has been going on on for years. I have another guy that asks a question and then says I know I know and asks the same question down the line. Know what....I should have stayed in school.

 

[Black-Balled]

You've got to lower your expectations, just assume that most people wont have the sense to follow your advice, but when they do, be pleasantly surprised :grin-square:

You aren't joking...

And obviously, the op is doing it wrong. So wrong in fact, the other people don't want to hurt his feelings.

:wink:

 

[lfigueroa]

But when they get it, they often do not follow it. Sometimes I just don't understand people very well at all. If people COME TO ME with a question, they want to know my answer, don't they? I've been having a lot of pointless conversations lately and I'm just about to give up on ever giving advice again:angry:. It's not like I'm some pool nerd who can't execute either. Often I demonstrate the shots right in front of them.

Some guy asked me how to play a really delicate spin shot the other day. I've come to the point now where I'm really hesitant to give any advice to anyone, but he seemed like maybe he was serious and he did bug me a bit. This is a typical conversation nowadays.

Him: That shot you just played, how did you do it?
Me: What do you mean, this? (executing shot)
Him: Yes,that, how did you do that?
Me: Relax your grip a bit, then cue the ball here (showing cue impact point)
Him: (Death grips the cue, slams the ball in 2x too hard and does not hit proper contact point)
Me: Try to relax your hand and wrist a bit. It's a delicate shot. Try it too softly first, then build speed til you get it.
Him: (Does the exact same thing as last time)
Me: Hmm..Maybe you can try a little bit softer?
Him: No, I can't do it.
Me: Sure you can, just relax, hit it softly, really focusing on where the cue strikes the cueball.
Him: No, I think I have to hit it like this. (Hits shot even worse)
Me: I think you can do it if you just..
Him: No, that doesn't work.
Me: Eh? I haven't said it yet?
Him: Nevermind, I'm going to do it my way.

(Notice: No thank you for your time or even a polite ending to the conversation). Pool players...:shakehead:

I have given people advice.

For free and charged. Knowledge that I know is rooted in stone cold fact. And yet.. a few days later... the player will be doing the same old, same old.

I don't give out much advice any more.

Lou Figueroa

 

[Island Drive]

But when they get it, they often do not follow it. Sometimes I just don't understand people very well at all. If people COME TO ME with a question, they want to know my answer, don't they? I've been having a lot of pointless conversations lately and I'm just about to give up on ever giving advice again:angry:. It's not like I'm some pool nerd who can't execute either. Often I demonstrate the shots right in front of them.

Some guy asked me how to play a really delicate spin shot the other day. I've come to the point now where I'm really hesitant to give any advice to anyone, but he seemed like maybe he was serious and he did bug me a bit. This is a typical conversation nowadays.

Him: That shot you just played, how did you do it?
Me: What do you mean, this? (executing shot)
Him: Yes,that, how did you do that?
Me: Relax your grip a bit, then cue the ball here (showing cue impact point)
Him: (Death grips the cue, slams the ball in 2x too hard and does not hit proper contact point)
Me: Try to relax your hand and wrist a bit. It's a delicate shot. Try it too softly first, then build speed til you get it.
Him: (Does the exact same thing as last time)
Me: Hmm..Maybe you can try a little bit softer?
Him: No, I can't do it.
Me: Sure you can, just relax, hit it softly, really focusing on where the cue strikes the cueball.
Him: No, I think I have to hit it like this. (Hits shot even worse)
Me: I think you can do it if you just..
Him: No, that doesn't work.
Me: Eh? I haven't said it yet?
Him: Nevermind, I'm going to do it my way.

(Notice: No thank you for your time or even a polite ending to the conversation). Pool players...:shakehead:

What I've found to be true in every state:

Pool Players NEVER remember free advice....

Just watch em hit a few balls, and at the right moment say.... ''nice shot'' that'll get it going (the conversation) in your direction. :thumbup:

 

[grindz]

Jmho....

You were talking WAY over his head.

Sometimes just a little 'jargon' or unfamiliar concepts
can cause miscommunication.

Maybe his 'thinking' brain couldn't communicate with his
'subconscious' brain...... "Inner Tennis" kind of thing.

td

 

[Agent 99]

When ever asked for advice, or how did you make that shot? I now always reply the same to everyone.

I say I have no idea, I have never been able to think and play pool at the same time.

 

[objekt404]

But when they get it, they often do not follow it. Sometimes I just don't understand people very well at all. If people COME TO ME with a question, they want to know my answer, don't they? I've been having a lot of pointless conversations lately and I'm just about to give up on ever giving advice again:angry:. It's not like I'm some pool nerd who can't execute either. Often I demonstrate the shots right in front of them.

:: SNIP::

(Notice: No thank you for your time or even a polite ending to the conversation). Pool players...:shakehead:

I am kinda that guy, in questions but I listen too. It takes a bit, but I'm willing to pay $20+/hour to learn (& a shot every 4 racks). I *am willing* to know & will learn, no matter how much $ or shots as long as I trust you as a teacher,

That said, I just shot down my teacherr 5-2, 5-2, 5-1 this weekend. Still a student b/c he will go 3 or 4 rails when I think I've safed out. Losses were 2 scratches & 1 a hanging 8, then luck

 

[greyghost]

But when they get it, they often do not follow it. Sometimes I just don't understand people very well at all. If people COME TO ME with a question, they want to know my answer, don't they? I've been having a lot of pointless conversations lately and I'm just about to give up on ever giving advice again:angry:. It's not like I'm some pool nerd who can't execute either. Often I demonstrate the shots right in front of them.



Some guy asked me how to play a really delicate spin shot the other day. I've come to the point now where I'm really hesitant to give any advice to anyone, but he seemed like maybe he was serious and he did bug me a bit. This is a typical conversation nowadays.



Him: That shot you just played, how did you do it?

Me: What do you mean, this? (executing shot)

Him: Yes,that, how did you do that?

Me: Relax your grip a bit, then cue the ball here (showing cue impact point)

Him: (Death grips the cue, slams the ball in 2x too hard and does not hit proper contact point)

Me: Try to relax your hand and wrist a bit. It's a delicate shot. Try it too softly first, then build speed til you get it.

Him: (Does the exact same thing as last time)

Me: Hmm..Maybe you can try a little bit softer?

Him: No, I can't do it.

Me: Sure you can, just relax, hit it softly, really focusing on where the cue strikes the cueball.

Him: No, I think I have to hit it like this. (Hits shot even worse)

Me: I think you can do it if you just..

Him: No, that doesn't work.

Me: Eh? I haven't said it yet?

Him: Nevermind, I'm going to do it my way.



(Notice: No thank you for your time or even a polite ending to the conversation). Pool players...:shakehead:

It's all good bro...just remember the ghost loves ya and screw the unwilling lol

-greyghost

Ps.....nothing ventured nothing gained...the "student" is putting nothing into gaining said technique....your giving it to them....why should they care to try?

Like here...the ones that know, know. And apply. The nits who won't try diff, they can hit the door, turn the knob and click the back or next button....it's not for them.

Some of us are here or out there just to spread it....if they don't eat the jam...oh well.

Like I don't sweat people crying for more info about some of my stuff....you want it call me or book me....but I ain't got time to write a book on it....or a dvd ...one day stuff like that will come in sure in many ways but I don't get driven by people complaining about wanting more...I love the nice kudos but that only give me more reason to continue anything not to drop everything else and end all be all it.....

Without doubt I've grown as a player and instructor over the past ten years. That is not only due to my own work and dedication but others as well, some board members some not.

Hell if I hadn't done along with what others did then the greyghost would just be another random user...and he's beyond my grasp or manipulation now...y'all gave that life as much as I did....we all put out.

Quality in quality out.

If ya don't try...bye bye!
-greyghost


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tonythetiger583]

But when they get it, they often do not follow it. Sometimes I just don't understand people very well at all. If people COME TO ME with a question, they want to know my answer, don't they? I've been having a lot of pointless conversations lately and I'm just about to give up on ever giving advice again:angry:. It's not like I'm some pool nerd who can't execute either. Often I demonstrate the shots right in front of them.

Some guy asked me how to play a really delicate spin shot the other day. I've come to the point now where I'm really hesitant to give any advice to anyone, but he seemed like maybe he was serious and he did bug me a bit. This is a typical conversation nowadays.

Him: That shot you just played, how did you do it?
Me: What do you mean, this? (executing shot)
Him: Yes,that, how did you do that?
Me: Relax your grip a bit, then cue the ball here (showing cue impact point)
Him: (Death grips the cue, slams the ball in 2x too hard and does not hit proper contact point)
Me: Try to relax your hand and wrist a bit. It's a delicate shot. Try it too softly first, then build speed til you get it.
Him: (Does the exact same thing as last time)
Me: Hmm..Maybe you can try a little bit softer?
Him: No, I can't do it.
Me: Sure you can, just relax, hit it softly, really focusing on where the cue strikes the cueball.
Him: No, I think I have to hit it like this. (Hits shot even worse)
Me: I think you can do it if you just..
Him: No, that doesn't work.
Me: Eh? I haven't said it yet?
Him: Nevermind, I'm going to do it my way.

(Notice: No thank you for your time or even a polite ending to the conversation). Pool players...:shakehead:

I feel like if a person is asking that kind of question, if they couldn't figure it out by just watching or asking what type of spin you put on the ball, you wouldn't be able to teach them how to shoot it anyways.

I think once the person knows that say it's draw with outside, it's up to them to figure out how much draw and how much outside, where to aim and what speed with regards to their stroke and their cue.

I also don't like telling people to do things that they don't do with their normal stroke. It's not like the person is going to remember to specifically loosen his hand only when that shot comes up. If they can't do it with their normal stroke, they can't do it and really it's part of a bigger issue.

If they're willing to address the more fundamental issue, I'm more than happy to stand their setting up shots, but it's a waste of time to try and teach them a shot they aren't capable of doing. Just tell them bottom outside and send them on their way.

 

[Rockin' Robin]

I have had hundreds if not thousands come into my pro shop asking me for advice on how to become a better player. I always respond with this statement first......

Let me give you the best info you are ever going to hear in life......See those doors at the front of the building?......they answer...Sure. Then I tell them.....Walk out those doors and never set foot into another pool hall.

I can't tell you how many people who came back later....and either thanked me....or told me that they should have listened to what I said.

If they continue quizzing me on the game....I relate to them anything that I think will work with their situation.....as I know they are going to listen and have a genuine interest in improving their play.

I have found this to work the best....to differentiate between the above mentioned kind of players and those that truly want to learn.

 

[jay helfert]

I have given people advice.

For free and charged. Knowledge that I know is rooted in stone cold fact. And yet.. a few days later... the player will be doing the same old, same old.

I don't give out much advice any more.

Lou Figueroa

You don't give out much advice anymore? That's the best news I've heard in a long time.

 

[lfigueroa]

You don't give out much advice anymore? That's the best news I've heard in a long time.

If that is "the best news" you've heard in a long time, you have my sympathy for what must be a very sad life.

Lou Figueroa

 

[worktheknight]

Back in the day, Willie came to our area, guess the brochure says 1990 of March.

While Willie was giving his demo, he shot a ball with some extreme spin that had the cue ball go a direction that I would not have imagined that a person would do and I asked him about it.

Well, Willie set the same shot up and basically got the cue ball to end up at about the same spot shooting the cue ball about 5 different ways.

I have had many people ask me about how to hit shots and I show them what is comfortable the way I shoot it, but, since Willie's performance, I always add the
statement. Do what's comfortable for you, this is just how I am comfortable with
the shot.

It was a great day and after the demo, Willie spoke to me and he was gracious enough to sit with me and my team mates for a photo. Looking at the photo, I am
in the bottom right.
I will always have that day as a great memory as Willie treated me like I was the only one in the room, LOL.
Thanks Willie.

But, for the reason I am adding this to your post, Willie showed me, what he could do getting shape five different ways to my one. I simply can not do or feel good about attempting what Willie done.

The people who ask you these questions simply can't do what you are doing ( at least comfortably ), show them your comfort shot and clearly state, here's an option.

 

[Island Drive]

If that is "the best news" you've heard in a long time, you have my sympathy for what must be a very sad life.

Lou Figueroa

I think it was meant to be rhetorical....HNY.:thumbup:

 

[lfigueroa]

I think it was meant to be rhetorical....HNY.:thumbup:

Regardless.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

Back in the day, Willie came to our area, guess the brochure says 1990 of March.

While Willie was giving his demo, he shot a ball with some extreme spin that had the cue ball go a direction that I would not have imagined that a person would do and I asked him about it.

Well, Willie set the same shot up and basically got the cue ball to end up at about the same spot shooting the cue ball about 5 different ways.

I have had many people ask me about how to hit shots and I show them what is comfortable the way I shoot it, but, since Willie's performance, I always add the
statement. Do what's comfortable for you, this is just how I am comfortable with
the shot.

It was a great day and after the demo, Willie spoke to me and he was gracious enough to sit with me and my team mates for a photo. Looking at the photo, I am
in the bottom right.
I will always have that day as a great memory as Willie treated me like I was the only one in the room, LOL.
Thanks Willie.

But, for the reason I am adding this to your post, Willie showed me, what he could do getting shape five different ways to my one. I simply can not do or feel good about attempting what Willie done.

The people who ask you these questions simply can't do what you are doing ( at least comfortably ), show them your comfort shot and clearly state, here's an option.

Very cool story.

Lou Figueroa

 

[Island Drive]

I also enjoyed your story, and the young man/YOU at the bottom, I must of seen you before. I'm from the WI/IL area, and Willie got around allot during the 60's, and maybe before. Brunswick was still the leader at that time, and in that part of the country, every college had 10-20 GCI's in their student union, and every bowling alley had pre Gold Crown tables.

 

[TheBook]

I have been asked about executing some shots. Many have said thanks and really apreciated me sharing it with them. Then there are those that will say thanks but that is not how or the way that they want to do it.

Either way you never know in advance what the response will be. I always try to help someone if I can.