Good Books to Learn From

hclopez13

hclopez13

Member
Howdy folks.

In my quest to become a decent player again after many years of not playing or competing, I find myself struggling with shotmaking. I used one of the old tricks, recorded myself practicing, and lo and behold, I am struggling with shotmaking mechanics. Everything from pre-shot routine to cue alignment, stroke, etc was not looking very good. In the last 3 days I have managed to improve quite a bit, both shotmaking and cue ball position, but I would like to have some printed material to read, commit to memory and use as a practice aid.

What instructional books would you all fine folks recommend?

Hoping I can make it to a regional 9 ball tournament in the next few months and play well enough to be happy even if I loose. Not nice to loose knowing one is not playing to our full potential.

Thanks!

(Not so) Fast Eddie 🤣
 
You need Play Great Pool by Mark Wilson. It's a book that will teach you how to teach yourself to play pool, and if you fully commit he has an in depth training program for you to try and complete. You will learn exactly how to stand, how to grip the cue, where your eyes should be looking during your practice strokes, etc. Video feedback is very important when teaching yourself, and it sounds like you've got that down already. Good luck.

Here's a preview of what you will learn:

 
DrCue'sProtege said:
DO NOT let anybody tell you that the book "Pleasures Of Small Motions" will help you in your pool game.

That book is a waste of time.
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For you it is a waste of time.

I am reading it now and have found it quite insightful. It is about the mental side of the game and adds a perspective to my mental arsenal. I have found that all of the trouble I have with any game or sport has been mainly between my ears, once I ingrained the mechanics.

There are plenty of books and videos on drills and mechanics but if you negate the mental aspects of the game, your game is not complete.

But as you expressed your opinion, this is merely mine.
 
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DrCue'sProtege said:
DO NOT let anybody tell you that the book "Pleasures Of Small Motions" will help you in your pool game.

That book is a waste of time.

Check out Capelle's books, Ray Martin's book on the Critical 99 Shots, and books/DVDs from Robert Byrne.

r/DCP
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While it has some decent points, it is very confusing and strange. People need to relate to what they read and that book is really difficult to do that with. I have the book, and was disappointed, and would not recommend it to anybody.
 
My on hand library consists of:
Willie Mosconi on Pocket Billiards
Steve Mizerak's Pocket Billiards Tips and Trick Shots
Banking With The Beard by Freddy Bentivegna
The 99 Critical Shots in Pool by Ray Martin
Billiards As It Should Be Played by Willie Hoppe
Anything by Byrne is recommended as well.
My copy of
McGoorty: A Billiard Hustler's Life was loaned and never returned. It is great reading.
 
The Hal Mix book is the best overall book I've come across for learning pool correctly IMO. Hal Mix was Nick Varner's personal coach throughout the 90's and has helped Robin Bell, CJ and other past greats. If you ever come across this book don't hesitate to pick it up as it's been out of print for some time now.
 

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hclopez13 said:
Howdy folks.

In my quest to become a decent player again after many years of not playing or competing, I find myself struggling with shotmaking. I used one of the old tricks, recorded myself practicing, and lo and behold, I am struggling with shotmaking mechanics. Everything from pre-shot routine to cue alignment, stroke, etc was not looking very good. In the last 3 days I have managed to improve quite a bit, both shotmaking and cue ball position, but I would like to have some printed material to read, commit to memory and use as a practice aid.

What instructional books would you all fine folks recommend?

Hoping I can make it to a regional 9 ball tournament in the next few months and play well enough to be happy even if I loose. Not nice to loose knowing one is not playing to our full potential.

Thanks!

(Not so) Fast Eddie 🤣
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Congratulations on the way you're approaching all this. I admire your discipline and I believe you'll get some good results.
 
I just purchased this audiobook and wondering if anybody has read it? I haven't started yet but plan on it soon.
 

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7stud said:
You need Play Great Pool by Mark Wilson. It's a book that will teach you how to teach yourself to play pool, and if you fully commit he has an in depth training program for you to try and complete. You will learn exactly how to stand, how to grip the cue, where your eyes should be looking during your practice strokes, etc. Video feedback is very important when teaching yourself, and it sounds like you've got that down already. Good luck.

Here's a preview of what you will learn:

Click to expand...
I've read a fair number of the books mentioned and I think that Mark Wilson's stands alone. However, if Mark were to produce a revised edition, I would ask him to include more guidance for older players, perhaps related to: position of the feet in his recommended stance; distance of the head from the cue; how to get a good pendulum stroke if you're not low on the cue with your elbow high. When I was younger, I could have followed his guidance on these and other issues to a "T." Now at 75 I, can't and have to tweak things, frequently awkwardly/unsuccessfully. Additional age-related perspective from the author might be useful.
 
IMO, Byrne is the best, to learn the basic physics surrounding pool. His books are, without a doubt, where I learned the “secrets” of pool. Capelle, Wilson and others offer great information, if you already understand what the Byrne books teach.

I also think books like “The Inner Game of Tennis”, “Pleasures of Small Movements” and “Some Archery Zen . . . “ books are a waste of time, if you already know how to compete. If you struggle with the mental game, they can help. However, Byrne books will teach you most of what you need to know, to be a very good player.


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hclopez13 said:
... I am struggling with shotmaking mechanics. Everything from pre-shot routine to cue alignment, stroke, etc was not looking very good. In the last 3 days I have managed to improve quite a bit, both shotmaking and cue ball position, but I would like to have some printed material to read, commit to memory and use as a practice aid. ...
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I think it is really hard to perfect your mechanics by working from books. Part of the problem is that it's hard to see your own mechanical errors. Another part is knowing what to do if you do see something wrong. Some authors say you must put your feet, head, arms and hands EXACTLY LIKE THIS! There needs to be adjustments for each individual, especially if that student has played for a long time and has lots of ingrained habits. You may want to leave some things alone.

While the books mentioned will fill in any gaps in your knowledge, I've found that many students read but do not understand the material or are not ready to use an idea.
 
I appreciate all the input. Needless to say, I now have an extensive list of books to read.

I found 3 of Robert Byrne books on Thriftbooks for less than $25 and went ahead and ordered them. I am at the end of my spending "allowance" for this month, so I will search for more of the suggested titles next month.

Thanks all!

Eddie
 
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