I would like to know how all the AZB fans and members pool game is going in 2011?

After finding a new way to site some of my shots, my game's been a bit better this year. Also, making myself check the alignment of side-pocket shots has definitely been helping miss many fewer of the cuts from closer to center of the table. Have been running racks a little more often in 8 and 9 and even stringing a couple of racks here and there. Hopefully will soon bump my 3-pack up to a 4 or 5 soon.

Also, in using a different sighting method, I'm forcing myself to adjust my judgement of the angles so that I no longer use a separate aiming and will instead see the angles for what they are on my initial sighting. Most of that has to do with underestimating the english and overestimating the cut.

Last, but not least, working much harder on practicing banking playing short-rack alone(not exactly a popular game out this way). Came close to getting some 5-and-outs the other night, but couldn't quite finish the job. Had some good 3 and 4 runs, even with some banks I didn't expect to make. Still taking a slew of mental notes on the best applications of english for different shots, trying to keep to center ball a bit more on what I can.. spending much more time going over the gearing and affects of top/bottom/side and the resulting OB spin and its affect off the bank (ie- what kind of reaction is had from a half-ball draw bank as opposed to a half-ball topspin bank - effectiveness on angle-killing, etc). After trying the short-rack on a made:miss basis, I'm running about 50%, but expect that to go up a bit after settling on a better break opening and spending more time concentrating on banks. Goal is to get a 3-pack by year's end, or 2 at minimum to feel that I'm on the right track.
 
Banks, you are doing Great! In 2011... Banks Lock!

Banks said:
After finding a new way to site some of my shots, my game's been a bit better this year. Also, making myself check the alignment of side-pocket shots has definitely been helping miss many fewer of the cuts from closer to center of the table. Have been running racks a little more often in 8 and 9 and even stringing a couple of racks here and there. Hopefully will soon bump my 3-pack up to a 4 or 5 soon.

Also, in using a different sighting method, I'm forcing myself to adjust my judgement of the angles so that I no longer use a separate aiming and will instead see the angles for what they are on my initial sighting. Most of that has to do with underestimating the english and overestimating the cut.

Last, but not least, working much harder on practicing banking playing short-rack alone(not exactly a popular game out this way). Came close to getting some 5-and-outs the other night, but couldn't quite finish the job. Had some good 3 and 4 runs, even with some banks I didn't expect to make. Still taking a slew of mental notes on the best applications of english for different shots, trying to keep to center ball a bit more on what I can.. spending much more time going over the gearing and affects of top/bottom/side and the resulting OB spin and its affect off the bank (ie- what kind of reaction is had from a half-ball draw bank as opposed to a half-ball topspin bank - effectiveness on angle-killing, etc). After trying the short-rack on a made:miss basis, I'm running about 50%, but expect that to go up a bit after settling on a better break opening and spending more time concentrating on banks. Goal is to get a 3-pack by year's end, or 2 at minimum to feel that I'm on the right track.
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Hello Banks,
Are you sure you are not a pool teacher? You are doing exactly what I have been telling people for years. Banks the only thing I can add to your already great goals, and accomplishments is the word, Focus. Banks Focus will help you even more with your game. I like the goal of running a 6 pack too. that is wonderful on your part. One other thing that may help you just a little bit is your stroke, if you are stroking 5 times now, try adding 2 or 3 more strokes to it. When you stroke, do shoot while you are stroking as well. If you stroke your cue 20 times and then stop and shoot, you have not stroked at all! You want to shoot while you are in your stroke.
I love banks and kicks. That is what I practice all of the time. Cuts and straight in shorts are not real hard. Make sure your bridge arm is extended fully and solid, for your bridge to work properly! I am going to stay away for Portland if you are up there. I have to steer clear of you on the pool table! He, He, He.... You shoot to good! I appreciate your response. I like your game plan and goals for 2011. Keep me informed! I want to know how you are doing!
Regards,
Lock N Load.
Coast to Coast.
 
Lock N Load said:
Hello Banks,
Are you sure you are not a pool teacher? You are doing exactly what I have been telling people for years. Banks the only thing I can add to your already great goals, and accomplishments is the word, Focus. Banks Focus will help you even more with your game. I like the goal of running a 6 pack too. that is wonderful on your part. One other thing that may help you just a little bit is your stroke, if you are stroking 5 times now, try adding 2 or 3 more strokes to it. When you stroke, do shoot while you are stroking as well. If you stroke your cue 20 times and then stop and shoot, you have not stroked at all! You want to shoot while you are in your stroke.
I love banks and kicks. That is what I practice all of the time. Cuts and straight in shorts are not real hard. Make sure your bridge arm is extended fully and solid, for your bridge to work properly! I am going to stay away for Portland if you are up there. I have to steer clear of you on the pool table! He, He, He.... You shoot to good! I appreciate your response. I like your game plan and goals for 2011. Keep me informed! I want to know how you are doing!
Regards,
Lock N Load.
Coast to Coast.
Click to expand...

I think that you overestimate my game! :embarrassed2: I'm more of a 'feel' and 'bar' shooter rolled into one.. I don't have a consistent preshot routine, I need to chalk more often (been getting better at that), I'll shoot anywhere from almost on the stick to almost standing straight up depending on the shot, my intensity and just my general feeling. I've been trying to stick with beer(moderating) while I'm practicing.. I noticed my game sometimes just falls down with 2 or 3 shots of whiskey. :confused: I figure I haven't done terribly bad for a 6-year player with no lessons and learning on their own in a bar. Luckily, my strategy play has helped overcome some of my problems (like shot consistency).

I'll have a better idea of how I'm doing in about a week when I have to play some good local masters and others in our APA regionals.
 
Spent a lot of time practicing routines for position and long potting but was struggling for a while, think it was just not focusing or maybe something to do with the new rubbers and the 3-1/8" pockets :p
However had a break through and managed to bang in 2 tons this week so were back on track and probably playing the best Iv'e played in some time. It definately platueas and if you think your practice is not paying off stick with it it does in the end.
Thanks for asking :thumbup:
 
Banks, I was going by what you told me!

Banks said:
I think that you overestimate my game! :embarrassed2: I'm more of a 'feel' and 'bar' shooter rolled into one.. I don't have a consistent preshot routine, I need to chalk more often (been getting better at that), I'll shoot anywhere from almost on the stick to almost standing straight up depending on the shot, my intensity and just my general feeling. I've been trying to stick with beer(moderating) while I'm practicing.. I noticed my game sometimes just falls down with 2 or 3 shots of whiskey. :confused: I figure I haven't done terribly bad for a 6-year player with no lessons and learning on their own in a bar. Luckily, my strategy play has helped overcome some of my problems (like shot consistency).

I'll have a better idea of how I'm doing in about a week when I have to play some good local masters and others in our APA regionals.
Click to expand...

Maybe you should not drink anything at all and try that for a while! And be sure you let me know how you make out in the APA Regionals? From what you told me in your first response, is what I based my thoughts on about your game! I still think you can do it!! Thanks.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Philthepockets, You sound like you got it on track1!

Philthepockets said:
Spent a lot of time practicing routines for position and long potting but was struggling for a while, think it was just not focusing or maybe something to do with the new rubbers and the 3-1/8" pockets :p
However had a break through and managed to bang in 2 tons this week so were back on track and probably playing the best Iv'e played in some time. It definately platueas and if you think your practice is not paying off stick with it it does in the end.
Thanks for asking :thumbup:
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Focus, is the number one answer from everywhere. On improving your pool game. Two tons this week is very good! You can work on your banks and kicks now. Try running 5 or 6 balls at a time with just that amount on the table. Run them in proper order. That will improve your game as well! Now how about your goals for 2011? I appreciate your response. Thanks. You are welcome for me asking you about your game and goals in 2011. Ok, Pocket Lock hang in there!
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
SoniDJ, Sounds like you're on track in 2011.

SoniDJ said:
I think I'm playing an A speed right now, game took a jump last month.
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It seems as though last month's jump in your pool game helped you out very much. Now you are an A player. You got a going on now! Keep up the great work! Let me know about your pool goals for 2011? I appreciate your response. Thanks.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Junkbond, are you OK?

junkbond said:
Well, a couple of weeks ago, I broke a few small bones in my right foot. Now, I'm limping around the pool table in leather-bottom slippers - on carpet. When I touch a pocket casting on the Gold Crown, I zap myself with static electricity. That should tell you how my game's going so far this year.
smiley-scared002.gif
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How is that foot recovering? Let me know how you are doing?
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Is this all of the AZB family members and fans response?

I was looking to hear from a lot more AZB members than this!!! Thanks goes out the the AZB family members that did respond! I appreciate hearing from you. About your game progress and game goals for 2011.
Lock N Load.
 
Im finding myself getting a little better at actually pocketing balls. Ive been focusing on my stroke a little more showing slight improvements. However i have little concept of positional play. Which i realized i need to learn if i will get any better. I often seen practicing an some of the Pool Hall Junkies think i can play when they see( unbeknownst that im been watched) to play a game or two. I reply i dont know how to play an it be a waste of your time. Ive seen you make....Yea it comes an go an thats about all i can do....:D
 
Just saw this thread. Great idea!
My game is vastly improved this year, probably because I had to quit in 1999. My knees had gotten so bad, they would sometimes buckle, as I was standing at the table. In 2004, I got knee replacements, and got better physically. Last year my goal was to get back in shape and so I dropped 52 pounds, and 6" off of my waist. This year renewing my pool game is my goal. After 11 years of not playing, I wasn't sure where to start, so I joined an APA league to force me out there. It turns out that the absolute killer, was a combo of lack of confidence and concentration. I was amazed to be able to make difficult shots, including banks, kicks, and combos, and then miss simple cuts. I started practicing 2-3 hours a day, again, like I used to when I was serious about learning. Progress was still spotty. I went though all the mechanics of my stance, strokes, and even the stability of my bridge. It made it a lot worse, since my mind would race over everything I had to concentrate on, as I took my stance at the table. Finally, the light bulb went off. I relearned to trust myself again, and let the shots take themselves. Now my practice is actually accomplishing something, and I am enjoying the game again. I am playing 8-Ball in the league, but my future will be getting back to 14.1. I'm taking time to write down what is happening now, in a "pool journal". I still remember some painful slumps, from when I started learning in the 70's. I am hoping the journal will help in getting my focus back more quickly, if/when I slump again.
 
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Practice, all of your weak points in your game!

offaxis said:
Im finding myself getting a little better at actually pocketing balls. Ive been focusing on my stroke a little more showing slight improvements. However i have little concept of positional play. Which i realized i need to learn if i will get any better. I often seen practicing an some of the Pool Hall Junkies think i can play when they see( unbeknownst that im been watched) to play a game or two. I reply i dont know how to play an it be a waste of your time. Ive seen you make....Yea it comes an go an thats about all i can do....:D
Click to expand...

Offaxis, Do a lot of watching good pool players playing position. That will help some with your whole game. Put 5 balls on the table anywhere and shoot them in the proper order! Study the layout of the balls when you put them on the table. When you shoot a ball try to get the cue to go to the next ball in order, 1 through 5 or however you lay the balls out on the table. Just take 5 balls and let them go on the table where they may go. As you get better all around on playing these 5 balls increase it to 6 and play until you can run the 6 pack! You need to hit balls as often as you can.
Thanks for your response. I appreciate it. Let me know how you make out?
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Highmiles, you are doing all the right things already!

Highmiles said:
Just saw this thread. Great idea!
My game is vastly improved this year, probably because I had to quit in 1999. My knees had gotten so bad, they would sometimes buckle, as I was standing at the table. In 2004, I got knee replacements, and got better physically. Last year my goal was to get back in shape and so I dropped 52 pounds, and 6" off of my waist. This year renewing my pool game is my goal. After 11 years of not playing, I wasn't sure where to start, so I joined an APA league to force me out there. It turns out that the absolute killer, was a combo of lack of confidence and concentration. I was amazed to be able to make difficult shots, including banks, kicks, and combos, and then miss simple cuts. I started practicing 2-3 hours a day, again, like I used to when I was serious about learning. Progress was still spotty. I went though all the mechanics of my stance, strokes, and even the stability of my bridge. It made it a lot worse, since my mind would race over everything I had to concentrate on, as I took my stance at the table. Finally, the light bulb went off. I relearned to trust myself again, and let the shots take themselves. Now my practice is actually accomplishing something, and I am enjoying the game again. I am playing 8-Ball in the league, but my future will be getting back to 14.1. I'm taking time to write down what is happening now, in a "pool journal". I still remember some painful slumps, from when I started learning in the 70's. I am hoping the journal will help in getting my focus back more quickly, if/when I slump again.
Click to expand...

Hello Highmiles and thanks for the compliment on the thread.
I would be hard pressed to add anything to your game plan at this point! Because you are doing all of the right things already. I am glad you had your knees taken care of. Be sure to keep up with the good work!
Your goals are in order as well. You are on your way to making a great come back. Congrats are in order for you! I am proud to meet you.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Lock an Load thanks im trying to do what you said but with four ball where i just scatter them an try it from there crossin my fingers...lol....Thanks for the input..
 
Offaxis, keep trying until you do it severals times in a row!

offaxis said:
Lock an Load thanks im trying to do what you said but with four ball where i just scatter them an try it from there crossin my fingers...lol....Thanks for the input..
Click to expand...

It can be 2 balls put on the table, just try to run them and get position on each ball. Your goal is to run a 6 pack all the time. No matter how they are put on the table. When you get to a 6 pack that will be great! Then just do it over and over, until you can do it all the time! You are on the right track now! Thanks for sharing your problem area with me! I appreciate it. Keep me informed!
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
actice, your stroke, and stay focused on your position.

offaxis said:
Lock an Load thanks im trying to do what you said but with four ball where i just scatter them an try it from there crossin my fingers...lol....Thanks for the input..
Click to expand...

Offaxis, Make sure you stay focused on your position and practice your stroke while you are running the balls. Pay attention to your stroke when you are shooting the cue! You make need to add a couple of strokes to what you are doing now! Anytime you need help just ask and I will do my best to help you get your game on the top shelf!!! Thanks for your response.
Regards,
Lock N Load.
 
Traveling for work has left me with little time to play since January. My stroke is OK, but it takes me a full 30-40 minutes to get it going, and I tire quickly. I used to shoot around for 10 hours on some night, and now I only make about 2 on my rare chance to play.

Hopefully, work slows down in a month or so.
 
Well, my game is goin gpretty good so far. I took a hard look at my game, and myself, at the beginning of the year and decided where I wanted to be and how much time/effort I was willing to put in to getting there.

I've increased my table time and am practicing a minimum of 10 hrs. a week. About 75-80% of that time is drills, exercises, etc... In the last month my game has really stepped up. It shows in my league match scores, too :)

I actually just made a short video of my shooting stroke and posted it in the ask the instructor forum. A link to it is in my signature. Feel free to have a look. I'm going to play to shoot another shooting stroke video in a month or so and compare them.

Video has become a part of my practice regiment. I video practice times then review then after and make any needed mental notes for future corrections.

Good thread. I meant to comment on it weeks ago!

Thanks,

J.
 
My game is going OK

11 tournaments
- 1st place in 5
- 2nd place in 2
- 4th in 1
Still frustrated at times with my inconsistency. But it’s nice to be able to support my drinking… I mean pool hobby by placing in the money.
 
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