Improvement - Hard to Quantify

[Eagleshot]

In the past few weeks I have won or placed in a number of local mini tournaments. During this, I have also lost long sessions while gambling cheap. (losing 40 - 50 @ 5 a game after 10 hrs - Just motivated practice.) I seem to lose focus during these long sessions. I will jump out 8 or 10 games ahead and then wear down.

I guess the above is just background information for the following. How can I tell if or to what extent I am improving? I feel like my "A" game is increasing (from 1 or two packs - to - 3 or 4 packs) but I still never know who is standing at the table "A" Eagleshot (running racks) or "D" Eagleshot (Missing ball in hand)

Is time the only factor to improving consistency?

Are you better off increasing your "A" game or reducing the gap between "A" game and "D" game?

 

[GADawg]

I don't ever stray into the A territory but occasionally get somewhere near a low B, I guess. The thing that holds me back is not my ability to make hard shots, but the all too common "brain fart" where I miss an easy shot or easy position. Those are what cost me more games than anything else.

I think it comes from loss of concentration and failure to execute fundamentals on the "easy" shots. I am working on that part of my play in practice and in game situations as well as trying to learn new things.

From my perspective the answer to your question would be to work to reduce the A to D gap as first priority while continuing to improve your knowledge also.

 

[Gerry]

You have some good questions there Eagle. I remember going through some of the same thoughts while trying to reach the next level of consistently. I like what Grady says about it. Make sure above all else, you make intelligent, well thought out shots EVERY time at the table. It sounds basic, but sometimes during loooooong sessions a few poor shots can turn the tide to your opponent.

I am not a marathon player, it's just how I'm built. I don't like playing by the rack because there is no definite end, and without a finish line it's hard for me to stay focused. Try playing a 5 ahead for cheap $ instead of $5 a game. I also come out of the box swinging and can lose focus long haul (more than 3 hours). It's not a bad thing actually. Being a quick starter is perfect for short race tourneys. I wouldn't try to change how you are, just change your strategy while making a game.

On the "am I bringing my A game" question. While your playing try to look at it from the outside looking in theory. take note how you act while playing great, and while playing a little off. remember, usually we are somewhere in between dead stroke, and I suck, so if you see yourself slipping a little during a match, keep some notes in your case that can get you thinking a little better, and back on track.

good luck!, Gerry

 

[Snorks]

I am not a marathon player, it's just how I'm built. I don't like playing by the rack because there is no definite end, and without a finish line it's hard for me to stay focused. Try playing a 5 ahead for cheap $ instead of $5 a game.
good luck!, Gerry

Can someone tell me what a '5 ahead' is? Does that just mean that you keep playing someone until someone gets 5 games ahead of the other person? A wins (+1), B wins (back to 0), etc until A or B get to +5?

 

[GADawg]

Can someone tell me what a '5 ahead' is? Does that just mean that you keep playing someone until someone gets 5 games ahead of the other person? A wins (+1), B wins (back to 0), etc until A or B get to +5?

Right. Play until someone is 5 games ahead.

 

[laser2507]

I think every shot should be focused on 100%. Even seemingly easy shots. Remember if you land the wrong side of your next ball it could stuff up your run-out. Most of us dont run out because we miss a shot we can make over 90% of the time.

 

[Dhakala]

... I seem to lose focus during these long sessions. I will jump out 8 or 10 games ahead and then wear down.

Set a specific time at which you will quit.

How can I tell if or to what extent I am improving?

By keeping track of your statistics.

I feel like my "A" game is increasing (from 1 or two packs - to - 3 or 4 packs) but I still never know who is standing at the table "A" Eagleshot (running racks) or "D" Eagleshot (Missing ball in hand)

What are you talking about - the other guy? Ignore him.

Is time the only factor to improving consistency?

Of course not.

Are you better off increasing your "A" game or reducing the gap between "A" game and "D" game?

The latter if you gamble. The former if you just want something to brag about.

 

[DaveK]

Quantification implies some form of measurement. There are many ways to measure ones pool skills, however in my opinion these are best done without an opponent. If you practice set shots, then record your pots/misses (you want lots of pots, few misses ... duh) along with the error in position (number of inches from the precise point you tried for). Then there are measurement games like Internet Equal Offense, the Q-Skills thing (or look up the Drivermaker Invitation here in AZ as an alternative), and I will sometimes also use the "18 Holes of Golf on a Pool Table" (a set of 3-ball like frames, 18 of them in fact !). Based on these measurements, over time you should see your improvement quantified. You will also see the cycle of your peaks and valleys a lot better.

A word of warning : there is a lot of ego deflating information in these measurements.

Dave