Some people think playing is practicing, IMHO it is not. Practicing what you do poor, and working to improve it practicing. Can not draw Cue Ball, that is something to practice.
Hours, weeks, months, years, and I’m still lousy
- Thread starter judochoke
- Start date
skiergd011013
Well-known member
ive been playing 18 years and still feel the same way you do sometimes. My local pool hall, the only one within an hour of me, closed down several years ago, and my pool playing has taken a hit. I practiced several nights a week there, and now my only option is crappy bar tables. Im working on getting a home with my own table. I dont think you ever stop learning in this game, and the ups and downs almost keep you going back for more. It helps to know someone equal to or a bit better than you, who can point out things that you are doing that you may not notice. For example, a decent player told me i hold my bridge hand too far from the cueball and have too long of a bridge. This will introduce more cue swaying and error. So i need to try a shorter bridge and stroke.
As is the case in any human endeavor you either got it or you don't. Future Formula 1 drivers are identified before they're 12 years old. Just because you own a guitar doesn't mean you're ever going to be Eric Clapton. Talent trumps everything. If your blind in one eye and can't see out of the other you're never going to beat Filler no mater how much you practice.
3.5 years of playing. Plays at home. Give it another several years and play other players, tournaments, etc.. before you think you are not getting anywhere. I've been playing 30 years and still finding areas to improve in, and improving but slowly. Running out a 9 ball rack, with ball in hand with an easy layout is still not what I would call easy. If you are waiting to do that 90% of the time before you play in a tournament, there is a chance you will be dead before you start playing.
tomatoshooter
Well-known member
Exactly! And almost no one wants to practice, they want to play. You might see a particular troublesome shot once every 2 racks, if your pattern play is on point, you might be able to avoid it more than that. But if you set it up and shoot it a dozen times a day for a week it won't be a problem shot much longer. The next time you see it you can deal with it, maybe even be able to play position on it to connect the rest of the run.
F1 drivers need some mysterious advanced physiology; well into genetic exclusivity. Eric Clapton - not so much. I think much of this argument is comparing giants with veterans only a few hours into their training and perhaps even less times actually advancing.
Practicing is work, the harder & longer you will build mussel memory.
You started pool very late...and you're 65. You are probably asking way too much of yourself...but sounds like you play pretty good! You might be past the "running racks" phase of life. And that is ok. Take up ONE POCKET. It's the best game anyway! Get out of the house....find a pool room with competition and go COMPETE. My probably growing up was I never practiced...from early on I just got right into action and learned as I competed...from experience, victory and lots of defeat...with a little practice on the side. Pool is not a solo sport. You might get to where you can break and run or beat the ghost at home, alone....then the first time you get into a real match you dog your damn brains out and forget how to play. You need to get into battle. Best of luck!
Well 65 is young we got two guys 90+, playing.
Ironically what you practice is the operative factor.
You do need to face competition or you will just break apart in a match with nerves and shaking if you are not used to that environment with facing an opponent and people watching you. You also need better players to observe and give advice on how to adjust things that are not working. You can't fix what you don't know is the issue, and it's not always easy to see what the issue is without experience and outside observation from experts.
If you’re solely playing at home and your exposure to the pool community is what you see on-line, your opinion of what “average” pool looks like will be very skewed. AZBilliards, r/billiards, etc..skew very heavily toward higher skilled players. Nobody is posting YouTube videos of themselves breaking in 9-ball, making the 1-3 balls, and then missing the 4-ball by 1/2 Diamond.
If you honestly can chuck 9 balls out there and run them in rotation “most” of the time, that’s damn near shortstop level play which is obscene at 3.5 years experience.
For reference: I’m an APA SL-5 which is trash on this board (maybe a lowest 10%-er). I have maybe a dozen break and runs in my career (including practice in both 8 and 9 ball). However in leagues I’m in the upper 25% (granted - it’s APA) and in the wild I can easily hang onto a bar table for an hour until I get bored. I have cashed and I’m a threat to cash in local tournaments on a good day.
If you honestly can chuck 9 balls out there and run them in rotation “most” of the time, that’s damn near shortstop level play which is obscene at 3.5 years experience.
For reference: I’m an APA SL-5 which is trash on this board (maybe a lowest 10%-er). I have maybe a dozen break and runs in my career (including practice in both 8 and 9 ball). However in leagues I’m in the upper 25% (granted - it’s APA) and in the wild I can easily hang onto a bar table for an hour until I get bored. I have cashed and I’m a threat to cash in local tournaments on a good day.
Are you starting with 1 ball?
To the OP, you self diagnosed a big issue if you are having movement before the final hit swing. I would take a lesson or two on the fundamentals with a good instructor. Develop a consistent Pre Shot Routine. Playing better players does have its advantages. Go back and watch the video of the Asian man and ask yourself what was he doing that I'm not? Create drills that address those weak areas such as speed control, etc. above all, have fun! If you aren't enjoying the journey then don't do it. I have a secret none of us are going to be the next SVB but we can all be the best that we can be. Now hit the practice table!
tomatoshooter
Well-known member
If you think about it, even for the pros, I am more likely to be watching finals and semifinals of noteworthy players so I am watching the best pros at their best.
Well 65 is young we got two guys 90+, playing. One guy is 94 still one of better locals in area, the other guy is 96 still plays 5 days a week.
Like I said 65 is a flipping kid.
Like I said 65 is a flipping kid.
If you start with too many balls, the number of balls goes down until you reach your ghost-ability.
If you start with too few balls, the number of balls goes up until you reach your ghost-ability.
It is a self correcting problem (much like class-D amplifiers.)
Pain is no fun cept the oxys maybe...
But seriously, ingredients like healthy pool environment (there might be no such thing) with real pros and champs to observe is the shit for novices. Gotta get your share of inspiration.
But seriously, ingredients like healthy pool environment (there might be no such thing) with real pros and champs to observe is the shit for novices. Gotta get your share of inspiration.
To practice is not to perfect. It must be perfect practice.
I've been staying home for about 2 years. Covid was my reason for staying away. One of my buddies called me over to his home , for Dinner & some Pool.... In about 5 minutes after beginning, it was like I never quit. IO ran the 2nd & 3rd rack... I ran a lot of racks that evening & my Break Shot was still there too. Not bad for an almost 80 years old geezer... been playing for about 66 years... I got a great start, my Uncle & my Dad were already great players... My Uncle was a Snooker Champion. Drills are great look at Bert Kinister's drills, on You Tube.... they will dial you in....