New guy intro and question about good book possibly.

mikepage said:
There's a lot of good stuff in that book to be sure...

But...

this guy wants to get the fundamentals right first.

So, imo, first study some of the other stuff mentioned long enough that you won't be thrown off by,

-- the picture showing as "wrong" a player getting low on the cue as virtually every player right now at the DCC does

--the picture showing lots of elbow drop in the follow through

--the suggestions that sidespin makes a ball curve

--the direction to hit a ball and rail at the same time to run a ball down the rail

--the claim that with an elevated cue and right sidespin, the ball first swerves left and then swerves right

Those are just a few off the top of my head

with all due respect..

yes .. the fundamentals and physics.. are inaccurate.. but it's 30 year old data...

the book did not have the benefit of the Jacksonville Experiments.. but it was the best available theory for the time..

the first 25 pages. represent they best they had 30 years ago..and most of it is still relevant....

the remaining 195 pages however.. are spot on ...

its not the few details they had wrong .. its the vast majority they got right that is impressive...

name another 30 year old technical manual.. that is still 90% relevant...

good lasts today... great lasts forever...

99 critical shots is a GREAT book... IMO
 
mikepage said:
There's a lot of good stuff in that book to be sure...

But...

this guy wants to get the fundamentals right first.

So, imo, first study some of the other stuff mentioned long enough that you won't be thrown off by,

-- the picture showing as "wrong" a player getting low on the cue as virtually every player right now at the DCC does

--the picture showing lots of elbow drop in the follow through

--the suggestions that sidespin makes a ball curve

--the direction to hit a ball and rail at the same time to run a ball down the rail

--the claim that with an elevated cue and right sidespin, the ball first swerves left and then swerves right

Those are just a few off the top of my head
I do agree with you,but like Softshot said it was what they new back then to be correct. I look down the cue like looking down the barrel of a gun like I learned from Ewa Laurance when she was on that video in 1987ish with Steve Mizerak,chin on the cue. I just incorporated into my game what I thought was my weak points and new shots I never knew about. Other than a couple of outdated segments the book is still my favorite. Your videos on Youtube are also great and very helpfull,where is the part 2 of progressive practice in your videos?? Ron
 
slide13 said:
Hello, I've been browsing around for a while now waiting for my membership to get activated and I'm quite excited to be able to post and contribute now. I've learned a lot already.

I used to play somewhat regularly years ago and then took a few years off and am just starting to get back into it. Back when I was playing regularly I picked up a base model Viking and have played with that ever since. I've decided to get a new cue and turn the Viking into my break cue (thinking I'll get a break only shaft made for it...I live right outside Madison, WI so Viking is very conveniently located for me). In my search to find a new cue I originally thought something like Meucci or other brand name cue. Then I started learning a little about all the custom makers out there. Turns out my dad works with Pat Diveney and I guess he's a pretty good cuemaker from what I've read. Also I heard about Jeff Olney who lives very close to Ames, IA where I went to school. I emailed him and it turned out he had a couple Plain Jane cues he was just finishing up. I put my name on one and it should be here tomorrow I think. (I'll put some pictures and thoughts in the cue review forum when it arrives). I was very excited to learn I could get a nice plain cue from someone like Jeff rather then a more mass produced name brand cue for the same price.

So, rambling aside, I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion for a good book. I need to polish up my skills and would love a good basic book that covers everything from stance and stroke to specific drills and tips on improving your game. The small amount skill I once had is now long gone and I know it's going to take a lot of work to get it back again. Thankfully that type of work is fun :)

If you want a book that will cover ALL the basics of pool and still be a good read, I suggest the "Complete idiots guide to pool and billiards, second edition".

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Pool-Billiards/dp/1592572871

Written by Ewa Lawrence and broken down into sections that can help you learn everything from how to hold a cue to how to bank to drills. Also somewhere around $15.
 
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