How much do you practice vs. play?

[MuchoBurrito]

I'm trying to stay about 60/40 on practice vs. shooting racks.

By 'practice' I mean:

- Drills
- Kicks / Jumps / Banks / Breaks
- Specific shots / techniques
- etc...

By 'play' I mean playing games with someone else, or just shooting racks by yourself.

?

 

[PocketSpeed11]

I answered 20% practice, but it's actually 33%. Probably should have rounded it up to 40%. Oh well.

The more of a novice one is, the more they should practice.

 

[MuchoBurrito]

I answered 20% practice, but it's actually 33%. Probably should have rounded it up to 40%. Oh well.

The more of a novice one is, the more they should practice.

Yes I would agree with that.

I'm actually surprised (and encouraged) by the number of people who are practicing more than they are playing. That makes me think I'm on the right track.

Most people at the halls I play in do nothing but shoot racks. I'm kind of the odd man out doing so many drills and such. Glad to see I'm not the only one.

 

[PocketSpeed11]

Yes I would agree with that.

I'm actually surprised (and encouraged) by the number of people who are practicing more than they are playing. That makes me think I'm on the right track.

Most people at the halls I play in do nothing but shoot racks. I'm kind of the odd man out doing so many drills and such. Glad to see I'm not the only one.

Jack Koehler, who wrote the Science of Pocket Billiards as well as a good book on One-Pocket, stated that beginners should practice 80% of the time. It is a shame I didn't do that when I first began playing...could have gotten me to where I am now quicker (or be better than I am now, for that matter). He says that professionals should spend 20% of their time at the table practicing. Of course, this is just one man's opinion, but it makes sense.

 

[PocketSpeed11]

I'm surprised how many people voted 80% practice. It makes me think they didn't read your post fully and considered shooting racks alone as practice. If not, all the power to them. That's a lot of discipline right there. It's hard for me to dedicate just a third of my time at the table to practice.

 

[Skratch]

Yeah, I dont get to "practice" too often. Usually I'm either in a match, simulated match, or just a pickup game. Doesn't take too long for someone to come by me and ask for a game.

 

[MuchoBurrito]

Yeah, I dont get to "practice" too often. Usually I'm either in a match, simulated match, or just a pickup game. Doesn't take too long for someone to come by me and ask for a game.

I actually find this to be annoying sometimes. I've been forcing myself to play more games with random(ish) people, especially if they're a little better than me, but if I'm clearly doing a drill or working on a particular shot, it's because I want to be practicing that particular thing.

If I wanted to be shooting racks, I'd be shooting racks.

I dunno if it's just me, but I really, really like to drill stuff (maybe it's because I'm still learning the game), but often times I end up cutting a real practice sessions short because I don't want to be rude.

Then again, there is such a thing as too much practice, not enough play...

 

[Skratch]

I actually find this to be annoying sometimes. I've been forcing myself to play more games with random(ish) people, especially if they're a little better than me, but if I'm clearly doing a drill or working on a particular shot, it's because I want to be practicing that particular thing.

If I wanted to be shooting racks, I'd be shooting racks.

I dunno if it's just me, but I really, really like to drill stuff (maybe it's because I'm still learning the game), but often times I end up cutting a real practice sessions short because I don't want to be rude.

Then again, there is such a thing as too much practice, not enough play...

I dont mind it so much. You want to temper your practice with some pressure situations like in a random pickup match. Esp. with people you dont know. If they shoot better, you have to pick up your game. If they shoot weaker, you have to learn to keep the pressure on them. This way, when you go into a more valued game, like in tournaments or even an important league match, you can be more confident that you'll play like you do in practice. Which, in my opinion, is the point of practice. Yeah there's that muscle memory stuff and all, but I think the most important thing you can get out of practice is that you've seen particular shots often becuase of practice. This way, when the pressure is on, you can be more confident about what you're trying to do at the table.

 

[Jimbojim]

its currently 20/80 but that has changed since monday to 60/40

 

[Physiqz]

I answered 20 practice 80 play but in all actuality its more of 100% practice on every shot. As long as you have a plan and not just hitting to hit then you are building a database in your memory. I no longer do drills or practice certain shots, I will run a rack or play with someone, if it is not gambling or tournament i use it as a practice and focus on particular shots, if I miss a shot, i sometimes set it back up multiple times until i make it 10 in a row.

Its hard for me to practice, every time someone sees me they ask for a game or to practice with me so they can also learn. Which i do not mind, it gets boring by yourself and we can split table time.

 

[fastone371]

Yeah, I am one of those who did not read the instructions. I mostly shoot racks but when I miss a shot or position I will set that shot back up and work on it. I suppose I dont do a lot of drills because #1-they are just plain old boring and #2-Patterns are what I need the most help on right now, I dont get that so much from drills. I know how to get the cue ball in the area I would like it to be, I need to start pin pointing that area and learn to get thru racks as efficiently as possible. One drill I do frequently is long straight in ball pocketing, just to keep my stroke honest, I only do this one on my 9' table, I dont waste time doing it on my bar box.

 

[MuchoBurrito]

Yeah, I am one of those who did not read the instructions. I mostly shoot racks but when I miss a shot or position I will set that shot back up and work on it. I suppose I dont do a lot of drills because #1-they are just plain old boring and #2-Patterns are what I need the most help on right now, I dont get that so much from drills. I know how to get the cue ball in the area I would like it to be, I need to start pin pointing that area and learn to get thru racks as efficiently as possible. One drill I do frequently is long straight in ball pocketing, just to keep my stroke honest, I only do this one on my 9' table, I dont waste time doing it on my bar box.

Patterns are my biggest issue right now too. And you're right, there's not a ton of drills you can do for that. One thing I've started to do though is to just spread 7 balls and the 8b out on the table and try to run out without using any English. Really forces me to choose the pattern wisely, as well as focus much more on speed control and keeping the correct angle. I'm finding it very helpful.

And I also shoot long straight in balls on the 9' almost every practice session Just like 20 or 30 balls, sometimes more if I'm missing, to keep my stroke honest.