Keep records of your practice - Yes/No?

[Billy_Bob]

I've read in several different billiard books that you should keep records of your practice shots.

I have run pool tournaments and kept score as well as kept score for league matches. If you ask me, keeping score distracts me from my shooting.

I did win 1st place in a money tournament once while also keeping score, but generally I feel I don't play as well when bothered with paper work.

Anyone here keep records of their practice? Is it *really* worth the hassle?

Someone else mentioned that competition was a "test" of what you have learned.

How about instead of keeping records of each and every practice session, only record shots once a month? Would be a "monthly test" to see where I am at, what I need to work on, if I am improving in certain areas, etc.

 

[deadstroke7]

I keep record of my practice sessions, with emphasis on several drills that are progressive and how far I get each time. It seems to help, as I have identified several items to work on because I saw them reappear several times in a row.

Last year, I kept a 'diary' of pool matches both league and tourny with notes on the matches. It was, again, a good reference after about a week, when I couldn't recall some specifics. It also helped me identify some patterns that were occuring. I think it has helped some.

I used to coach and watching game and match tapes is a great way to identify areas for improvement. A good way to learn also. So I guess I think some of that same philosopy applies.

I like the idea of competition being the 'game situation', just like other sports. I guess keeping records of your practice sessions depends on how you feel about the process. Some people love to keep details and some people are more 'big picture' types. Whichever you think works. I am a little of both and lately it has been more 'big picture', but I need to get back to the daily part.

FWIW

 

[excessknowledge]

I do not keep records of my practice but I follow a pratice record????????

I just follow a chart I have to practice and do it so many times I think I have broke my own record a few times

Lets try this again

I follow a chart that is a record of practice

Ok last time
I dont know what you should do but if your makeing a goal and to fufill that goal you need a record of practice then yes to a point but dont majorly over do it to where it distracts you. errrrrrrrrr

I tried but I am the wrong one to ask just enjoy your practice and if you want keep a record but dont let it distract you

 

[excessknowledge]

I keep record of my practice sessions, with emphasis on several drills that are progressive and how far I get each time. It seems to help, as I have identified several items to work on because I saw them reappear several times in a row.

Last year, I kept a 'diary' of pool matches both league and tourny with notes on the matches. It was, again, a good reference after about a week, when I couldn't recall some specifics. It also helped me identify some patterns that were occuring. I think it has helped some.

I used to coach and watching game and match tapes is a great way to identify areas for improvement. A good way to learn also. So I guess I think some of that same philosopy applies.

I like the idea of competition being the 'game situation', just like other sports. I guess keeping records of your practice sessions depends on how you feel about the process. Some people love to keep details and some people are more 'big picture' types. Whichever you think works. I am a little of both and lately it has been more 'big picture', but I need to get back to the daily part.

FWIW

What he said

 

[DaveK]

I've read in several different billiard books that you should keep records of your practice shots.
.....
Anyone here keep records of their practice? Is it *really* worth the hassle?

Not every session, that's for sure, but now and then is a good idea for me. While learning a new shot I keep track. After the shot becomes familiar and I have an idea about it's difficulty (like 30%, 50%, 90% etc) I do not track it anymore. That said, if I start to think differently about a shot, for example 'boy I've been missing that shot a lot lately', I will practice it and make notes to adjust my percentages. I also play that 3-ball-type golf game as practice and keep score there, a little more detailed than just the score. Last, but not least, I measure myself occasionally using an 'equal offense' or 'drivermaker invitational' type game. In a typical month I'll practice 20-30 times and keep track of things perhaps 2 or 3 of those sessions.

Dave

 

[Bruce S. de Lis]

No it would discourage me too much

 

[Chilifide]

I keep a daily journal

For the last 3 years or so I have kept detailed records of my practice sessions tournament, league, and gambling results. Next month I'm going to Vegas so I'm currently reviewing my journal from 2002-present. I've found several drills and specific shots that I diagrammed and had forgotten about. I also keep track of my playing time and set hourly goals each year. For me it is well worth the time and effort, I just put the date on a blank piece of computer paper and write down what I did that day and how long I played, probably takes less than 5 minutes a day. At the end of the day I just throw the paper in a manila folder, right now I've got three folders stuffed full.

Steve <--works for me, but probably isn't for everyone

 

[Cane]

BillyBob, I do keep records, but not meticulous records, of my practice. The most important thing for me is that I structure my practice sessions on paper so that I have a particular set of goals to accomplish. Kind of a Practice Itenerary, I guess. Those goals constantly change, depending on what I'm having an issue with. I do this so I won't waste time practicing something that I don't need to screw with. In other words, if I can make a 45° cut in the corner pocket 50 times straight, then, IMO, there's no need to work on a drill that's targetted for 45° cuts.

I have several drills that I use, and they're all in my big black book, so when I have problems, I go to that book, pull out the sheets for the particular drills I need to do and pin them to the wall at the foot end of my table. I have certain drills that I do every day, but I also add to the list, those drills that are specific to certain tasks.

Later,
Bob