Sam is using his real name, his real picture in an avatar, and a real video of himself on this website, and gets called out for being a troll. Then there are people like Ron Swanson and myself who are roaming the lands of AzB freely. :thumbup: 
My first progress video; feedback and advice is welcome
- Thread starter SamLambert
- Start date
wow 7 pages what hasn't been said.
Well I didn't read all the pages and don't want to comment on your game as i'm sure it's been covered. What I would like to say is that I see both things in you, someone who has been playing for a while and someone who has been playing for 3 months. If you have been playing for 3 months then this is good, I guess you can have that kind of improvement with steady practice and a little of natural talent BUT, I mostly seen the person who has been playing for 3 months and not someone who has been practicing hard for three months, I say this because that person would of been playing a lot slower, with a slower practice stroke and not hitting balls as hard cause form and technic would trump that.
My honest opinion, I don't feel that you picked up the stick 3 months ago, you may of decided to start playing serious 3 months ago but that's not when you discovered pool, that bridge and that draw i've never seen it. Hey, maybe that's why i'm saying this cause i've never seen it.
Keep practicing, keep reaching for higher heights, hope you get there.
Well I didn't read all the pages and don't want to comment on your game as i'm sure it's been covered. What I would like to say is that I see both things in you, someone who has been playing for a while and someone who has been playing for 3 months. If you have been playing for 3 months then this is good, I guess you can have that kind of improvement with steady practice and a little of natural talent BUT, I mostly seen the person who has been playing for 3 months and not someone who has been practicing hard for three months, I say this because that person would of been playing a lot slower, with a slower practice stroke and not hitting balls as hard cause form and technic would trump that.
My honest opinion, I don't feel that you picked up the stick 3 months ago, you may of decided to start playing serious 3 months ago but that's not when you discovered pool, that bridge and that draw i've never seen it. Hey, maybe that's why i'm saying this cause i've never seen it.
Keep practicing, keep reaching for higher heights, hope you get there.
Ron Swanson
Banned
Sam is using his real name, his real picture in an avatar, and a real video of himself on this website, and gets called out for being a troll. Then there are people like Ron Swanson and myself who are roaming the lands of AzB freely. :thumbup:
Lol. Vive la difference!
Not bad, for someone that has been playing for...*3 months*...
If you played this speed after putting in 5+ years into the game, then you might have to consider going pro in a different hobby, though...
Eric
If you played this speed after putting in 5+ years into the game, then you might have to consider going pro in a different hobby, though...
Eric
I watched most of the video and this is what I'll say:
-Something about your pre-shot routine, or when you're down on a shot feels "off" to me. I can't quite place my finger on it but something is inconsistent.
-You draw the ball very well - I did the same thing when I started out because it was pretty easy to power through the CB and watch it go but, you have to learn to eliminate it as much as possible from your game. Only use it when you need to, or when you can use it to come into a very large position window.
- Shot choice and position. From your first shot in the video, you seemed to only be focused on pocketing the balls and having a look at another one. Again, it's a natural thing to do but the sooner you're aware of it the sooner you can get passed it.
-Keep your head still when stroking.
-Don't power the ball. Pocket speed is almost all you need on any shot. Pros and top players move around the table with ease using a light stroke; you can absolutely do the same thing.
-Something about your pre-shot routine, or when you're down on a shot feels "off" to me. I can't quite place my finger on it but something is inconsistent.
-You draw the ball very well - I did the same thing when I started out because it was pretty easy to power through the CB and watch it go but, you have to learn to eliminate it as much as possible from your game. Only use it when you need to, or when you can use it to come into a very large position window.
- Shot choice and position. From your first shot in the video, you seemed to only be focused on pocketing the balls and having a look at another one. Again, it's a natural thing to do but the sooner you're aware of it the sooner you can get passed it.
-Keep your head still when stroking.
-Don't power the ball. Pocket speed is almost all you need on any shot. Pros and top players move around the table with ease using a light stroke; you can absolutely do the same thing.
★ Lot of S's......................... ★
Sam,
For 3 1/2 months, you play GREAT!
You shoot very similar to the way my son shoots. He shoots harder than necessary but pockets a lot of balls despite that. He lines up well and I think, so do you. He doesn't practice but he has been playing with me in tournaments for about 2 years. He has only won one and it was handicapped, 64 man field, and a race to 1, DE.
You shoot a little straighter than he does but that perception might be because you are playing on slightly larger pocketed tables.
I may be in the minority but I think you must thoroughly understand the following terms before you go forward and are able to at least engage them to the point where you have some control over them or better yet, master them.:
★ STAY STILL
★ Stun
★ Tangent line
★ How to change the tangent line
★ Squirt
★ Swerve
★ Squerve
★ Spin-induced throw
★ Collision-induced throw
★ Killing your cue ball (reducing the roll of the cue ball after contacting the object ball)
★ SLOW-backswing
★ Speed Control (cue ball)
★ Spin-to-speed Ratio (cue ball)
★ Pocket speed on the object balls
★ Understanding the importance of getting on the correct side of the object ball.
★ Shape and how to get it, using the rails.
★ Shape and how to get it using follow.
★ Systems/DRILLS, learn a few, like Buddy Hall CLOCK SYSTEM.
Some people don't understand all of the above terms but have mastered them but I think it wouldn't hurt for you to thoroughly understand exactly what they are and how they work, if you don't already.
Good luck,
JoeyA
Sam,
For 3 1/2 months, you play GREAT!
You shoot very similar to the way my son shoots. He shoots harder than necessary but pockets a lot of balls despite that. He lines up well and I think, so do you. He doesn't practice but he has been playing with me in tournaments for about 2 years. He has only won one and it was handicapped, 64 man field, and a race to 1, DE.
You shoot a little straighter than he does but that perception might be because you are playing on slightly larger pocketed tables.I may be in the minority but I think you must thoroughly understand the following terms before you go forward and are able to at least engage them to the point where you have some control over them or better yet, master them.:
★ STAY STILL
★ Stun
★ Tangent line
★ How to change the tangent line
★ Squirt
★ Swerve
★ Squerve
★ Spin-induced throw
★ Collision-induced throw
★ Killing your cue ball (reducing the roll of the cue ball after contacting the object ball)
★ SLOW-backswing
★ Speed Control (cue ball)
★ Spin-to-speed Ratio (cue ball)
★ Pocket speed on the object balls
★ Understanding the importance of getting on the correct side of the object ball.
★ Shape and how to get it, using the rails.
★ Shape and how to get it using follow.
★ Systems/DRILLS, learn a few, like Buddy Hall CLOCK SYSTEM.
Some people don't understand all of the above terms but have mastered them but I think it wouldn't hurt for you to thoroughly understand exactly what they are and how they work, if you don't already.
Good luck,
JoeyA
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You're right, Sam is stepping up to the plate and he's got my respect.
JoeyA
JoeyA
Sam is using his real name, his real picture in an avatar, and a real video of himself on this website, and gets called out for being a troll. Then there are people like Ron Swanson and myself who are roaming the lands of AzB freely. :thumbup:
4-ball ghost video incoming in about an hour! I tried to incorporate what was told on the previous replies about my stroke and shot selection. I included some breaks at the end too because those during my set of 4 ball were terrible.
Also, thanks for the great advice JoeyA and Zphix!
Also, thanks for the great advice JoeyA and Zphix!
So I said I would make a 4-ball ghost video yesterday or today after it was suggested in this thread. So here it is! 4-ball ghost, race to 9, with a few breaks at the end because I was very disappointed with those during my set, lost control of whitey on pretty much all of them.
I tried to incorporate what was said in this thread about my stance and stroke and others, I think that I forgot about it a few times though, but in general I think it's better. Once again feedback and advice is welcome!
The video will be available as soon as it's done processing at the following link : https://youtu.be/vYbclLrGBAI
I tried to incorporate what was said in this thread about my stance and stroke and others, I think that I forgot about it a few times though, but in general I think it's better. Once again feedback and advice is welcome!
The video will be available as soon as it's done processing at the following link : https://youtu.be/vYbclLrGBAI
This is one of those times where I'm able to give advice and still maintain the understanding of your perspective right now. It wasn't long ago that I was doing what you're doing now so I understand how you're thinking and I know what will help you.
You have to think about all four balls before you shoot the one ball. In nearly every game you were taking BIH and immediately shooting the one ball, pocketing it, and then taking whatever you were given after that.
A lot of the time you could have set up for a slight angle from the one ball and used a rolling CB or a tangent line to get good shape on your next ball. What will help you immensely right now is being aware of what Tor Lowry calls the pocket line; the line from the center of the OB to the middle of the pocket. You have to be aware of what side of the line you need to be on to make moving to the next ball easy.
i.e., if you're on the left side of the line, then your CB will go to the right after contact with the OB. If you're on the right side of the line then the CB will go to the left after contact with the OB, etc. Being aware of these lines, and the CB after contact will help you immensely.
If you can purchase Tor Lowry's Pattern Play stuff (and even better if you can get his entire collection for $30) then I highly recommend it. There are a lot of nuggets in there that will help your rotational game thinking, planning, and execution.
All in all, keep up the fantastic work!
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Thanks for the advice! I tried to get good position for the 2 ball with my 1 most of the time (it might not seem like it though! I guess I'm just bad at it), but didn't think much about the pocket line, that would definitely have helped, gotta keep that in mind!
I know you were playing the 1 with the 2 in mind, but, you didn't seem to be thinking about where you would like to be on the 2 to easily get to the 3. It's tough to think about at first because there are a plethora of ways to run 4 balls but inevitably you will start to see routes that are better, simpler, and have a larger margin of error.
I think you'll pick this up pretty fast though. I'd say your natural talent is in pocketing balls (same as me :thumbup2
. Just stuff for you to be aware of because as the number of balls on the table goes up the forgiveness in taking the wrong shot, or playing the wrong position goes down. Again though, I think you'll pick this up pretty fast.
I know you were playing the 1 with the 2 in mind, but, you didn't seem to be thinking about where you would like to be on the 2 to easily get to the 3. It's tough to think about at first because there are a plethora of ways to run 4 balls but inevitably you will start to see routes that are better, simpler, and have a larger margin of error.
I think you'll pick this up pretty fast though. I'd say your natural talent is in pocketing balls (same as me :thumbup2
Just stuff for you to be aware of because as the number of balls on the table goes up the forgiveness in taking the wrong shot, or playing the wrong position goes down. Again though, I think you'll pick this up pretty fast.
Indeed, didn't think much about the 3!
Although the very best players including 4x US Open player Shane Van Boeing do use systematic ways of aiming.
Still, I don't see someone who is working on the things that they have been working on for 3 months unless you were just doing stroke drills. Shooting straight yeah you've got that over people who have been playing longer, my opinion, drop your coach "unless he's the one who's got you shooting that straight" got get the Zero X and hammer away at it. I guarantee that you will advance at a much better level with better understanding like AL mentioned, hold off on the videos, come back in a month and blow everyone's minds.
If not, I see you plateauing as you seem to be relying on shoot making rather that CB control as someone else mentioned.
If not, I see you plateauing as you seem to be relying on shoot making rather that CB control as someone else mentioned.
I know some would disagree with my advice but here it is:
Learn center ball, and the use of High and Low on the CB. Do not use side english on these drills. You need to study the placement of the balls and look for natural short paths to position zones and stop shot patterns. We all crawl before we walk as children, IMHO learning the game is a progression, build a strong foundation first.
As was mentioned early Tor's material on this is some of the finest I have seen produced.
From what I saw, your problems are caused by poor patterns, and excessive CB movement.
Learn center ball, and the use of High and Low on the CB. Do not use side english on these drills. You need to study the placement of the balls and look for natural short paths to position zones and stop shot patterns. We all crawl before we walk as children, IMHO learning the game is a progression, build a strong foundation first.
As was mentioned early Tor's material on this is some of the finest I have seen produced.
From what I saw, your problems are caused by poor patterns, and excessive CB movement.
Most of my time was spent on stroke drills actually! A (very) considerable amount playing and breaking over and over (way too much actually)
Sylvain (my coach) actually showed me another very helpful drill for cueball placement a few days ago, I’m gonna start heavily practicing that. He has been very helpful and there is no way I’m gonna drop him, it is me that has been practicing incorrectly and on the wrong things.
About your break:
Start with the cuetip 1/4 to 1/2 inches to the ball. It looks like yours is around 4 inches away.
Back off on the speed, concentrate on a solid hit, using just your arm, keep your body out of it for now, until you start controlling the break shot better.
You are only breaking 4 balls, you don't have to break them at 30 mph to be effective. Try to break and control the CB. The biggest issue I have with playing the ghost the way most do, is you can take BIH after the break. Because of that you don't learn the importance of breaking with control.
Practicing the right things the wrong way is worse then not practicing at all. -- AJM
Start with the cuetip 1/4 to 1/2 inches to the ball. It looks like yours is around 4 inches away.
Back off on the speed, concentrate on a solid hit, using just your arm, keep your body out of it for now, until you start controlling the break shot better.
You are only breaking 4 balls, you don't have to break them at 30 mph to be effective. Try to break and control the CB. The biggest issue I have with playing the ghost the way most do, is you can take BIH after the break. Because of that you don't learn the importance of breaking with control.
Practicing the right things the wrong way is worse then not practicing at all. -- AJM
About your break:
Start with the cuetip 1/4 to 1/2 inches to the ball. It looks like yours is around 4 inches away.
Back off on the speed, concentrate on a solid hit, using just your arm, keep your body out of it for now, until you start controlling the break shot better.
You are only breaking 4 balls, you don't have to break them at 30 mph to be effective. Try to break and control the CB. The biggest issue I have with playing the ghost the way most do, is you can take BIH after the break. Because of that you don't learn the importance of breaking with control.
Practicing the right things the wrong way is worse then not practicing at all. -- AJM
Thanks for the advice Tony! Actually, I already spent a lot of time on that exact progression. If I drop down the power, I can actually get pretty accurate breaks using only my arm.
Unfortunately I was breaking pretty bad in the video. Eventually after practicing arm only for a while, I added body weight transfer to add some speed and it works pretty well when I don't overdo it. It's very inconsistent though. Some days I break very well, no problem leaving it at the center of the table with a solid fast hit and some days I could pretty much kill someone with how the cueball flies off the table.
I'll keep that in mind, I will try to lower the power again and go back to arm only, make sure it's accurate. Maybe stay at that if it's good enough!
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Take it from an old time wrestler and coach, the professional break shot is an athletic move, that you have to develop it in stages. Practice the movements slower, then progressively faster. You will find out what your limit is. Everybody has one.
Also, it is not wise to spend a lot of time on the break-shot, if you cannot run-out. The breakshot practice should be last on your list for now.
Also, it is not wise to spend a lot of time on the break-shot, if you cannot run-out. The breakshot practice should be last on your list for now.