Help needed!

[PickPocket]

I have a problem with getting really good shape on my run for next ball, but miss my initial "easier" shot (usually something I can make with no problem). any drills I can do? maybe stupid, but since I do this I give away a lot of games. Focus harder? what can I do?

 

[SPINDOKTOR]

I have a problem with getting really good shape on my run for next ball, but miss my initial "easier" shot (usually something I can make with no problem). any drills I can do? maybe stupid, but since I do this I give away a lot of games. Focus harder? what can I do?

Your missing trying to play position, Right? Well, missing easy shots for positions sake isnt good. I suggest this, figure if you need stop follow or draw for position, once you know what part of the cue ball you need forgetabout position and execute the shot..Once you have done this for awhile you start to get a feel for the speed, so I suggest you practice this.. also stay away from side english, at least until your pocketing balls using top center and follow.. GL!

SPINDOKTOR

 

[daphish1]

I have a tendency to do this myself, i think it is caused more of just getting ahead of yourself. You know what you need to do to get shape for your next shot but you don't give the first shot the attention that you should, especially on easy (what should be) shots. I don't know if it would be focusing more or just making sure you focus on the right thing, the ball you are shooting.

Can't tell ya how many times i've started walking around the table for the next shot and then realizing that i missed the easy shot.

 

[hang-the-9]

From my own experience, the only good way to stop giving up the shot for position is to practice a ton, then when you play, forget to think. I don't mean play like an idiot, but I mean don't over-analize what you need to do, don't think what will happen if you miss, or if you don't miss, or if your gut is showing too much and that sexy thing may notice. I read somewhere about a good player explaing why someone did not play as well as they can all the time. "too much mind", your mind on the other player, your mind on the coffee that's getting cold, your mind on the fact that you need to hit at 32% of your full speed into 1/4 of the ball using .4 tip low and 1 tip right while adjusting for deflection 1/2 tip to the left of your aiming point. Get comfy with your playing, then when in a match do your best to avoid "too much mind". JMHO from someone who is not close to mastering that himself

 

[SPINDOKTOR]

Position is "automatic"..... Practice some position shots, draw, follow whatever... Now if your still missing try this, when you line up, only line up with center ball. Now move the tip high or low, but center ball. if its a high ball, pinpoint the location on the cue ball your going to strike to attain "top" Now this is your target when you look at the cue ball, (IE: EYE Pattern) By doing this already you have increased your focous. If you want to know more about EYE Patterns, Please visit my site, under eye patterns..


SPINDOKTOR

From my own experience, the only good way to stop giving up the shot for position is to practice a ton, then when you play, forget to think. I don't mean play like an idiot, but I mean don't over-analize what you need to do, don't think what will happen if you miss, or if you don't miss, or if your gut is showing too much and that sexy thing may notice. I read somewhere about a good player explaing why someone did not play as well as they can all the time. "too much mind", your mind on the other player, your mind on the coffee that's getting cold, your mind on the fact that you need to hit at 32% of your full speed into 1/4 of the ball using .4 tip low and 1 tip right while adjusting for deflection 1/2 tip to the left of your aiming point. Get comfy with your playing, then when in a match do your best to avoid "too much mind". JMHO from someone who is not close to mastering that himself

 

[Scott Lee]

PickPocket...Two words...Pool School!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I have a problem with getting really good shape on my run for next ball, but miss my initial "easier" shot (usually something I can make with no problem). any drills I can do? maybe stupid, but since I do this I give away a lot of games. Focus harder? what can I do?

 

[pooltchr]

Scott is absolutely correct. 3 days of pool school will teach you how to go through the entire process of approaching the shot, thinking through every aspect of the shot, and executing the shot. You need to learn to make all of your decisions before you get down on the shot, and then accept those decisions and make the shot.

"Think before shooting, then shoot without thinking!"

Steve

 

[PickPocket]

Thanx!

Thanx to all!!!

 

[Darth]

Always decide what you are going to do while you are standing up looking over the shot at hand. Make a plan and stick to it. Visualize the shot happening a few times in your head before you get into your stance. Once you assume your stance, nothing should be in your mind except the execution of the shot. After getting into this rythem, everything else will fall into place. As far as shot execution goes, nothing beats repetition. You have to build muscle memory as to how every shot feels to you. If you want help on position play, go to propoolvideos.com and watch all the pro matches. It's free and will help you understand how to move the cue ball. A great majority of poolplayers don't realize that you don't need english on the CB to get great position. If you leave the proper angle you can get anywhere on the table with center ball. If your fundamentals are lacking, I recommend seeking out an instructor in your area. Sometimes you can find a knowledgable player in your local pool hall that would be willing to help you for free or paying for his pool time. There are several such players in my local area. Stay the course, it's a great sport.

 

[Thunderball]

This is pretty common as players progress from just "playing em off and hoping" to "playing em off and planning".

It happens more often on easy shots played because you feel you have more options considering the shot aint nothing.Next thing ya know you its the next guys shot.On harder shots it still happens,but you don't blame it on the "shape hunt" because well, sometimes you missed those anyway.

None the less,learning to shape the table will mean missed shots until you get the feel for it and you must keep trying and practice practice practice.

I still miss shots over shape,but one change I made a long while back brought the occuance down from often,to not so much so and here is that advice as simple as it is:

Make the last thing you think about just before the shot "make the shot" Or "play the ball".

It gets me back on point after I have considered approach,speed,english stroke ect.

After all,if I miss and get the rest of it right, I still miss.