How to Use the Masse' Shot to Curve Around Obstructing Balls

[ENGLISH!]

Some of their knowledge was passed down from other players and helped shorten their learning time. A top player can impart valuable information that may accelerate a person's understanding in position play, stroke technique, mental focus and many other areas.

My game jumped after hanging with several better players simply through the osmosis of what they were doing. Their tempo, patterns, stroke quality, and consistency lifted my game and showed me things I may never have learned by playing lesser opponents.

Best,
Mike

Hi Mike,

I don't know if I would have kept playing if it weren't for an older gentleman that really knew the game. He got my attention but he would not teach me anything. But I watched him... & I 'stole' all I could from that Old Man.

I probably would have learned quicker if he'd helped.

Best 2 Ya...& All,
Rick

 

[Mikjary]

Hi Mike,

I don't know if I would have keep playing if it weren't for an older gentleman that really knew the game. He got my attention but he would not teach me anything. But I watched him... & I 'stole' all I could from that Old Man.

I probably would have learned quicker if he'd helped.

Best 2 Ya...& All,
Rick

I was lucky enough to be around a lot of top players and a few pool sages in the pool rooms I played. I matched up with them when I could and became friends with many others. A few offered tips and others talked about some of the stuff we talk about here. The internet is the new poolroom.

Best,
Mike

 

[Tony_in_MD]

They also have ice-water in their veins, and have the ability to come with it while under pressure.

As a student of the game, I am more interested in their mental state and their ability to focus while under pressure.

Ducky I have to ask, have you ever spent any length of time around pro players?

I guess I was lucky, as I was starting this game I had those opportunities.

There is a assumption that someone that earns money playing pool has special knowledge that lets them make money playing pool.

The thing about pool is that this is not true. Anyone can play what some consider the professional level.

There is no formal training or education needed to play pool at a high level. Anyone can achieve the skills to play pool at a high level.

Do not assume that just because someone makes a living playing pool that they have the knowledge or the understanding of what is really going on as seen in this thread.

DTL is really just wasting his time since there are some many that have bought into this fallacy that pro pool players actually know what is truly is happening.

CJ is truly a good example of this.

 

[CJ Wiley]

I had absorbed what he did well, refined it, and used it against him.

Some of their knowledge was passed down from other players and helped shorten their learning time. A top player can impart valuable information that may accelerate a person's understanding in position play, stroke technique, mental focus and many other areas.

My game jumped after hanging with several better players simply through the osmosis of what they were doing. Their tempo, patterns, stroke quality, and consistency lifted my game and showed me things I may never have learned by playing lesser opponents.

Best,
Mike

You are exactly right about the "osmosis" type of learning, it's a highly effective way to learn. I blend the two together in my training sessions, explaining techniques, fundamentals and strategic systems....also demonstrating them in several different ways, encouraging as many questions as needed - then playing games that bring out these specific situations so the student can experience it for themselves.

I first went on the road with a player from St. Joseph Mo named Rick Thompson. He was an advanced "road player" and started out spotting me "The Last 4" and I couldn't win (at age 16) - then we traveled all over Mo and parts of Illinois and Kansas....within 15 months I played him even for a dollar a game (after an argument over who was the best player) and I beat him 60 games ahead at his dad's bar in St. Joseph.

Basically, I had absorbed what he did well, refined it, and used it against him. My knowledge of tennis and golf helped me do this at an unusually high level. The process is called "NLP Modeling," and it's the quickest way to learn, especially if the skill is demonstrated and explained in the student's natural "channel".

'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[ENGLISH!]

It seems like the 3 of you were rather fortunate to have had the opportunity to be around so many top level & Pro Players.

We were all not so fortunate.

Just think what AZB could be like if it had a dozen or so such Pro Players from which to have access & maybe even just listen to them 'talk' about different subjects.

But I doubt that that will ever happen as there are too many on here that just do not seem to want any Pro Players on here & will do whatever they can to chase them away.

I'm rather glad you're personally strong enough CJ, but...You're not my hero.

My 'Hero' died a long time ago.

Best 2 All,
Rick

 

[CJ Wiley]

heroes are those that are willing to risk and/or give their life for other's lives

It seems like the 3 of you were rather fortunate to have had the opportunity to be around so many top level & Pro Players.

We were all not so fortunate.

Just think what AZB could be like if it had a dozen or so such Pro Players from which to have access & maybe even just listen to them 'talk' about different subjects.

But I doubt that that will ever happen as there are too many on here that just do not seem to want any Pro Players on here & will do whatever they can to chase them away.

I'm rather glad you're personally strong enough CJ, but...You're not my hero.

My 'Hero' died a long time ago.

Best 2 All,
Rick

I know that, Rick, don't pay any attention to the arrogant accusations of the chronically insecure. The only true heroes are those that are willing to risk and/or give their life for the lives of others. imho

 

[DTL]

...................

 

[mr3cushion]

It seems like the 3 of you were rather fortunate to have had the opportunity to be around so many top level & Pro Players.

We were all not so fortunate.

Just think what AZB could be like if it had a dozen or so such Pro Players from which to have access & maybe even just listen to them 'talk' about different subjects.

But I doubt that that will ever happen as there are too many on here that just do not seem to want any Pro Players on here & will do whatever they can to chase them away.

I'm rather glad you're personally strong enough CJ, but...You're not my hero.

My 'Hero' died a long time ago.

Best 2 All,
Rick

Players of the last 20 years or so have one the greatest tools ever to learn and improve their games, the Internet! I came out of one of, if not the BEST pool room in the country, 'Bensingers!' We had MANY top players of the first half and of that present time of the century as regulars. One of the problems back then was, the TOP players were so competitive they guarded their info like it was gold. I too was guilty for many years before the internet existed of this, 'Old School' mind set!

 

[Mikjary]

OK, Rick. You got me here. You frequently mention your father on here and I assume that you're talking about him as your hero. So I'm publicly apologizing to you for using that word.

I understand well the father/son relationship and how special it can be. If anybody knows me well, they know that I have a son and until he left home we were essentially tied at the hip ever chance we got. We were always seen together at the poolroom, US Opens, DCC, SBE, etc.

He's now out in the real world making a living and doing well. Now that I'm usually solo at these places, countless people come up and ask "how is Junior doing" and say "he's a good boy". I love that boy!

Again, I'm apologize.

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DTL

Tap, Tap, Tap! Nice post, DTL. :thumbup: I've got one in the Infantry.

Best,
Mike

 

[DTL]

.................

 

[CJ Wiley]

an example of something you would be willing to share now

Players of the last 20 years or so have one the greatest tools ever to learn and improve their games, the Internet! I came out of one of, if not the BEST pool room in the country, 'Bensingers!' We had MANY top players of the first half and of that present time of the century as regulars. One of the problems back then was, the TOP players were so competitive they guarded their info like it was gold. I too was guilty for many years before the internet existed of this, 'Old School' mind set!

Can you give an example of something you would be willing to share now, that you would not have {shared} years ago?

 

[mr3cushion]

Can you give an example of something you would be willing to share now, that you would not have {shared} years ago?

CJ; I can surely do that!

Here's something that is essential in 'Aiming' for 'Half Ball' shots! I devised this around 1983!

I hope it will be as beneficial for others as it has been for me and the hundreds of students I've instructed.



I omitted the diagram of the 3C shot in Diagram 2, the MAIN info is in the above explanation and Diagram1.

 

[ENGLISH!]

I know that, Rick, don't pay any attention to the arrogant accusations of the chronically insecure. The only true heroes are those that are willing to risk and/or give their life for the lives of others. imho

Thanks for the advice CJ.

I don't usually give much if any credence to the mistakes those individuals make. I realise the stress that they are under even if they do not. I do however value honesty, truth, & a sincere effort for accuracy of statements. But we all make mistakes of one form or another from time to time. It's about the sincerity of intention that's important.

You're correct about 'True Heroes'.

"Greater Love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

Best 2 YOU & All,
Rick

 

[ENGLISH!]

OK, Rick. You got me here. You frequently mention your father on here and I assume that you're talking about him as your hero. So I'm publicly apologizing to you for using that word.

I understand well the father/son relationship and how special it can be. If anybody knows me well, they know that I have a son and until he left home we were essentially tied at the hip ever chance we got. We were always seen together at the poolroom, US Opens, DCC, SBE, etc.

He's now out in the real world making a living and doing well. Now that I'm usually solo at these places, countless people come up and ask "how is Junior doing" and say "he's a good boy". I love that boy!

Again, I'm apologize.

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View attachment 377718View attachment 377742

DTL

Duke,

I can certainly accept your apology & hope we can come to a civil meeting of the minds & do away with any hurtful vengeful retaliation that is probably due to miscommunication, misinterpretation, or whatever. It's a waste of energy that can certainly be put to much better use.

Open minded discussions can certainly be good. We're all really on the same side in one way or another. The specifics that we agree or disagree on are really just side items.

There is more than one way to stroke the ball, more than one way to play the game, & more than one way to aim or target the ball, just as there is more than one way to Live One's Life.

That said... I was not thinking about my Dad when I made that post. I admire, respect, & Love my Dad just as I Love my Wife, my 'Children', my Grandson, Other Family Members, my Friends, my Acquaintances, ETC.

Yes, my Dad gave me much but the word 'Hero' holds a different meaning to different individuals. Dads & Moms all over the world are 'heroes' when they give up of themselves for the sake of their children or for one another.

Sacrifice denotes hero. "Greater Love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

It's not so much the words one uses that matters but instead the intention behind the words that one uses.

I certainly can accept your apology.

I appreciate & thank ALL military personnel as I know the True Sacrifice that so many many of them make for the rest of us. So so many of them truly belong to the Family of Heroes as CJ implied.

It seems you've had a great relationship with your son & from the comments you relay from others it would seem that you did a very good job in raising him. You've both been very Blessed.

There was another 'Son' that had a very good & special relationship with
His 'Father' & when asked by His 'Father', He laid down not only His physical life for others, but His Spiritual Life too. His last words spoken as a living human being were, 'Father'...into Your Hands, I commend My SPIRIT.

Sorry for the retrospect, etc. & the long way round to letting you know of Whom I was thinking when I referred to 'my Hero'. But... the topic here was not really pool related.

Sincerely, All of the Best 2 You & Yours,
Rick

 

[CJ Wiley]

Half Ball Shots

CJ; I can surely do that!

Here's something that is essential in 'Aiming' for 'Half Ball' shots! I devised this around 1983!

I hope it will be as beneficial for others as it has been for me and the hundreds of students I've instructed.

View attachment 377755

I omitted the diagram of the 3C shot in Diagram 2, the MAIN info is in the above explanation and Diagram1.

This is very interesting, thanks for the input...I also favor the "Half Ball Shots," and use them as reference for many other angles.

 

[mr3cushion]

This is very interesting, thanks for the input...I also favor the "Half Ball Shots," and use them as reference for many other angles.

Thanks, glad to be of help! Everyone should remember, 'A half-ball carom or hit is the purest Hit or Carom and rebound angle you can create, it's the MOST predicable!'

 

[Tony_in_MD]

And it is the first shot that should be learned for safety play.

Thanks, glad to be of help! Everyone should remember, 'A half-ball carom or hit is the purest Hit or Carom and rebound angle you can create, it's the MOST predicable!'

 

[Mikjary]

Army Strong........"Strength Starts Here". I thank him for his service.

DTL

I will tell him and the same thanks from us to you.

With your background in the medical field, it would be interesting to hear about what it takes from start to finish to complete a traditional stroke. If you were interested, that is.

There are so many variations of players' strokes that it would be a tough call to actually name a traditional stroke's components. :grin: We could probably list a half dozen main themes and several variations to each theme. We'd go from Hoppe and Keith, to Gabe, Scott, and Mike Davis. Then, after the dust settled, we could argue...errrr discuss which is the best stroke to use. Just a thought.

I think pool needs to move in the direction that all the big sports have by analyzing the makeup of a good pool stroke in more than a hands on emulation of top players. I learned how to hit the baseball further by learning about the body rather than trying to copy someone else's swing.

With this knowledge, we could see what points the pros are trying to get us to see in what they are feeling and doing. They can validate what they show us with a little help from the biomechanical community. We can even make "coiling" the first word we use to describe a technique or movement...or not! It could happen.

Best,
Mike

 

[Mikjary]

CJ; I can surely do that!

Here's something that is essential in 'Aiming' for 'Half Ball' shots! I devised this around 1983!

I hope it will be as beneficial for others as it has been for me and the hundreds of students I've instructed.

View attachment 377755

I omitted the diagram of the 3C shot in Diagram 2, the MAIN info is in the above explanation and Diagram1.

Thanks Bill,

This is really great stuff to put out to da fishes. :grin: I'm from Chicago, too.

Is this taken from a book you authored? If so, what subjects does it cover?

Best,
Mike

 

[mr3cushion]

Thanks Bill,

This is really great stuff to put out to da fishes. :grin: I'm from Chicago, too.

Is this taken from a book you authored? If so, what subjects does it cover?

Best,
Mike

Thanks Mike, It is from my Book/DVD, 'The Concise Book of Position Play.' It's a 270 page book with accompanying 80 minute DVD.



Here's the Contents page:

Forward 3
Author’s Statement 4
Set in My Ways 4
Time to Let Go 4
It’s Always Been a Difficult Game 5
Improvement is Eminent 5
The Concise Approach 5
One day you won’t be The Big Dog…You’ll be The Old Dog! 5
The Foundation basic fundamentals 7
The Importance of Proper Fundamentals 9
The world’s best player’s have it 9
The Pre-Shot Routine 10
Doing it the same every time 10
The Stance 11
The correct approach to your shooting position at the table 11
The correct placement of the head and body facing the target line 12
The proper way to position your feet at the table 12
The Bridge 14
The correct position of the bridge hand 14
The proper length bridge for most shots in 3 cushion billiards 14
The Grip 18
The proper full hand grip 18
The proper position of the elbow and arm at address 19
The simple move 20
Aiming 22
What ball to look at last 22
The initial lining up of a shot 22
What are you aiming with? 22
Deflection or no deflection, that’s the question? 23
The Stroke and Follow Through 23
The past and present strokes in 3 Cushion Billiards 23
The start of the proper stroke 24
The five basic strokes to simpler billiards 24
My Theory on Position Play 28
The High Percentage Table 29
Big Ball Position Shots 31
The 3 Slate System 33
The Extended 3 Slate System 38
Small Ball Position Shots 49
Playing Small Ball Position Shots 51
Short-angle Position Shots 55
Some Problematic Short-angle Position Shots 57
Playing Short-Table, Short-angle Position Shots 62
Playing Mid-Table, Short-angle Shots 66
Long Table Short Angle Aiming System 70
Playing Long-Table,Short-angle Position Shots 74
Thin-Ball Position Shots 79
Playing Thin-Ball Position Shots 81
Half-Ball Position Shots 89
The Half-Ball Aiming System 91
Playing Half-Ball Position Shots 92
Four and Five Cushion Position Shots 99
Playing Four and Five Cushion Position Shots 101
End-Rail Position Shots 109
Playing end-rail position shots 111
The Outside-of-the-Ball Aiming System 116
Playing the Outside-of-the-Ball, End-Rail Position Shots 125
The End-Rail System 130
Playing the Inside-of-the-Ball, End-Rail Position Shots 136
Across the Table Position Shots 143
The Across the Table Aiming System 145
The Base Angle Table 146
The Minus 1 Angle Table 148
The Plus 1 Angle Table 150
Playing Across the Table Position Shots 152
Playing Unique Across the Table Position Shots 158
Playing Up and Down the Table Position Shots 163
Reverse-English Position Shots 167
The Reverse-English Aiming System 169
Playing Reverse-English Position Shots 174
Two-Cushion-First Position Shots 181
The Two-Cushion-First Aiming System 183
Diagonal-Corner Position Shots 189
The Six O’clock System 191
The Diagonal Natural 197
The Diagonal Natural 199
Some Unique Specialty Position Shots 205
Playing Frozen Cue Ball Position Shots 207
Playing Invisible Position Shots 212
Trick Shots or Position Shots 219
Playing trick-shot-position shots 221
Simple Effective Number Systems 227
The Six x System 229
The Extended Six x System 233
The 50% System 235
The Short Cushion first 236
The Long Cushion first 239
The Two-Thirds System 241
Shot Making Vs Position Play 245
When and when not to play position 247
Safety Vs Position Play 249
Old school versus modern-day billiards 251
Strategy and Winning Moves 253
Secrets of a 3 Cushion Billiard Hustler 255
Some Final Thoughts 257
After 45 years, I’m still learning! 259

Sorry, that when you 'Copy' the bullets and spacing is NOT the same, but you get the idea of what's contained in the book.

You can view more info at my website: http://mrcushion.com