A friend (C player 8 ball) asked for help in reading the table and running out if the table is open. I said set up a new rack and break, remove two balls of each category of his choosing then take ball in hand. He still can't run out yet but for him, it's perfect. Anyone have anything similar?
Ghost variation
- Thread starter Razor37
- Start date
That's an excellent kind of drill, tailored to the student. You can make this into a progressive practice so that he can measure and see improvement. If he can get through three out of five racks, he should take off one fewer balls. If he can't, he should take off one more ball.
There are lots of variations for eight ball. The easiest is to remove all of your opponent's balls (your choice of stripes/solids) and then some number (2?) of your own that you determine. The next harder is to remove your two lowest balls so you can't remove clustered balls and clear paths.
In general a "progressive practice" exercise is set up so that you can modify the drill to make it harder. With a single-ball practice, it is usually to make the shot longer or more cut. Then, after each try you make the shot harder if you made the shot and easier if you missed it. This can be adapted to nearly any problem or situation you have on the table.
Here is a google search that will give you lots of info on progressive practice including some videos:
https://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en#hl=en&q=progressive+practice+drills+pool
Identifying and handling four kinds of balls in an Eight Ball game.
My two-parter on pro thoughts about running a rack.
My two-parter on pro thoughts about running a rack.
Short Rack 8 ball
The player can try Short Rack 8 ball. 4 solids and 4 strips and the 8 ball. Break and take ball in hand to see if they can run the rack.
Or a Variation on playing the ghost I like to challenge people to is rack and break 3 balls. With ball in hand run them in order. If you succeed you add a ball. If you fail to run out you get to rack and try one more time. If you fail 2 times in a row you remove a ball. If you succeed on your 2nd attempt you add a ball. Keep repeating until you find how many balls you run on average.
The player can try Short Rack 8 ball. 4 solids and 4 strips and the 8 ball. Break and take ball in hand to see if they can run the rack.
Or a Variation on playing the ghost I like to challenge people to is rack and break 3 balls. With ball in hand run them in order. If you succeed you add a ball. If you fail to run out you get to rack and try one more time. If you fail 2 times in a row you remove a ball. If you succeed on your 2nd attempt you add a ball. Keep repeating until you find how many balls you run on average.