Every time I've ever had an extensive conversation with Mike Sigel he always expands my knowledge, which leads to deeper understandings. Now that he's retired from competition he's even more generous with communicating his "inside specialties". He shared some techniques that I looked forward to trying out on the table, and today I did.
This morning I set up a break shot and ran 82 balls playing straight pool without even warming up - I could have easily ran over 100 but had to leave for a lunch meeting. I've always known it's essential to line up the cue to the hand and body, and now I have one more "tool" to make sure everything's systematically connected to the "shot line".
The most satisfying thing about it was not running the balls, it was how much fun it was to learn a new technique that is immediately effective. I forgot what it was like {when I was young} being influenced by the likes of Buddy Hall, Nick Varner, Efren Reyes, and Mike Sigel - sometimes it takes one sentence from a champion to increase my awareness two or three levels....it's happened to on several occasions.
Mike was in rare form {last night} sharing many of his own competitive experiences and "the Key" he learned from Irving Crane that he used as a mantra to win many tournament titles. Mike is 60 years old and can still run 300 balls any time he sets his mind to it - now I understand more about how he does it utilizing the "31 Degree Rule".
I've played and watched many champion players through the years and I still believe Mike was the toughest to beat in the big matches. Not only has he mastered all games "inside" and out, he also understands the deep level of competition. Most champion players will agree that they would rather face anyone in the finals other than Sigel!
Mike will be doing an exhibition tonight (7PM) at the FOX & HOUND on Campbell RD - just west of HWY 75 tonight in Dallas Texas. Mary Avina and I will also be there to check out his show and enjoy the always entertaining "Captain Hook".
We hope to see you there if you live in the DFW Texas area.
This morning I set up a break shot and ran 82 balls playing straight pool without even warming up - I could have easily ran over 100 but had to leave for a lunch meeting. I've always known it's essential to line up the cue to the hand and body, and now I have one more "tool" to make sure everything's systematically connected to the "shot line".
The most satisfying thing about it was not running the balls, it was how much fun it was to learn a new technique that is immediately effective. I forgot what it was like {when I was young} being influenced by the likes of Buddy Hall, Nick Varner, Efren Reyes, and Mike Sigel - sometimes it takes one sentence from a champion to increase my awareness two or three levels....it's happened to on several occasions.
Mike was in rare form {last night} sharing many of his own competitive experiences and "the Key" he learned from Irving Crane that he used as a mantra to win many tournament titles. Mike is 60 years old and can still run 300 balls any time he sets his mind to it - now I understand more about how he does it utilizing the "31 Degree Rule".
I've played and watched many champion players through the years and I still believe Mike was the toughest to beat in the big matches. Not only has he mastered all games "inside" and out, he also understands the deep level of competition. Most champion players will agree that they would rather face anyone in the finals other than Sigel!
Mike will be doing an exhibition tonight (7PM) at the FOX & HOUND on Campbell RD - just west of HWY 75 tonight in Dallas Texas. Mary Avina and I will also be there to check out his show and enjoy the always entertaining "Captain Hook".
We hope to see you there if you live in the DFW Texas area.
