HAMB in the long run

duckie · 2011-10-05T18:29:19+00:00

I'm a big fan of the concept of the HAMB form of practice and the use of all 15 balls for drill for the majority of practice time. For my tourney play, I use a training practice where I will play in tourneys or 14.1 leagues for a bit, and cut back on practice time somewhat. Then, I will stop doing both for a bit and go into hard time practice mode, HAMB. Sorta on and off seasons. I use my performance in competition to gauge how well I practice and what I need to practice. It is during the HAMB training that I work on these areas. I've been doing this for about 2 years now. Last night was the season opener for me. I played the most comfortable I ever have. From the hours of hitting all types of shots from all sorts of positions on the table, for the first time ever did not ever question my skill. If I missed a shot, it was from poor execution and not lack of skill. There is a big difference. If I miss, I knew why and not wondered why. From the hours of hitting banks, I was able to hit my balls during safety battles and not have to wonder what to do, I knew what to do. From the hours of hitting balls in clusters, I was able to break out my balls in clusters and place my opponents balls where I wanted. From the hours of using nothing but pocket speed, I was able to keep CB movement to the minimum which make getting positions alot easier than you think. From the hours of using inside spin, I was able to put the CB anywhere I wanted. I've been having a urge/hunger in me lately about my pool playing. Last night, I understood. FWIW