New progress video (month 7) - Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated

[SamLambert]

Hello AZB,

Here is my progress video for month 7.

I play 10 racks of 9 ball. Unfortunately, due to a memory card format problem, the last rack has been cut out. I fixed the problem and thus it should work as expected for future videos.

- Pocketing a ball counts for 1 point
- The 9 ball counts for 2 points, so max of 10 points per rack
- Ball in hand after the break
- If you scratch on the break, you spot pocketed balls

Watching this video is very helpful for me. It is easy to notice that most of my misses could have been avoided. Most of them seem to come from me hitting too hard or simply not achieving the right position. I feel I will improve quickly in the next few months. I have a bunch of new tools at my disposal and they should certainly help.

0:13 Rack 1, 10 points (sorry about that 9, wanted to be 100% sure )
5:50 Rack 2, 3 points
8:17 Rack 3, 5 points
11:30 Rack 4, 2 points
13:15 Rack 5, 3 points
15:50 Rack 6, 6 points
21:35 Rack 7, 4 points
26:30 Rack 8, 1 points
29:20 Rack 9, 5 points
--:-- Rack 10, 5 points
-------------------------------------
Total of 44 points

44 points is average for me in the last 2ish months, so this was neither a good or bad set, pretty much the standard. I'd consider it bad still because I know I could have done much better.

Things I know to work on based on the video :

• My stroke is wonky again, hand is crooked to the inside and elbow to the outside, gotta straighten that out
• Some shots still hit too hard for no good reason
• Break was bad, but I think that is somewhat justified by me trying a new way of breaking and pretty much failing at it, should stay with what works
• Bridge too long sometimes
• I tend to come up a bit fast after the shot and sometimes even before the shot is completed
• Bad follow through most of the time
• Lack of some sort of tempo on my stroke

If you notice something else, constructive criticism is welcome!

Here is the link to the video: https://youtu.be/qjofa_FUI7I

 

[Icon of Sin]

Just watched the first rack and wanted to put this down before I forgot about it or came across something else I wanted to mention.

First, you have improved a lot. I still think you will not hit pro speed in 5 years though. You progression is going to be insane now as you are still new to the game and there is a ton to absorb and learn. At the rate you are going, you will probably plateau hard at about 1 year and a half.

Just observations from watching the first rack. Will add more if I see any as I watch more of the video.

You still look very mechanical in an uncomfortable way. It's hard to explain what I mean there. I'm not talking about your actual stroke but just how you look when you are down on the shot. If it's comfortable for you so be it.

Your break was pretty much ideal and left the cueball in a spot that would have made the run out very easy if you shot it from where it was because the path of the ball was natural to play the 4ball in the side pocket opposite of the one you shot it in. That is also the shot you should have played for with ball in hand. Yes the 5 ball was close to the hole but playing shape on the correct side of the 5 ball to get you to the next ball would have been easier to control if you shot the 4 ball into that side as well.

So what I'm saying is,the correct shot is to play the 2 and go 1 or 2 rails around the 9 and try to leave yourself straight in to shoot the 4 in the opposite side pocket, and just roll up for the 5 or pull back a little to get on the side you want to of the 5 ball.

Also, what the hell are you doing with your arm before you shot the 9ball? It looks like you were looking for the tangent to avoid the scratch. Centerball or Follow and that cueball will not scratch there.

I will edit this post and add more after watching mroe of the video.

In Rack 2:

Shot selection after the break again. Instead of the follow into the side pocket, I would have used a touch of draw at a bit of an angle and shot the ball into the corner it was closest too. Draw a bit too far and you can follow to rails and come into the path of the ball after that.

Rack 3:

The shot from the 2 to the 3 was of course not that great, causing the 3 to the 4 to not be great as well, but that wone still could have been left closer with less power and more stroke. You didnt have to go the length of the table there. You made up for it though because the 4 to the 5 was pretty much perfect. After that you did the arm thing again when the shot sat well to fire the 5 ball into the corner with draw to stay under the 6 ball which is the way you shot it, but you needed a bit more stroke to stay under the 6 instead of colliding with it. I think analyzing the tangent the way you do is taking you out of stroke. You could have also followed 2 rails around 6 the ball for position on it as well.

Rack 4:

You did what I would do. Including missing the 2 ball . I think you were on the right path. In that rack The late rack cluster with nothing around it makes getting out difficult there, but it makes a safe pretty easy, which is what I would do in competition.

Rack 5:

You did well with the 3 ball, could have gotten a bit closer I think but I would have probably done similar to you and played it safe instead of screwing it up trying to get perfect. Great shot on the 3 and left yourself long on the 4 ball. Not sure if I would have rolled up to take a thinner cut or left it where you did. Im leaning more toward leaving the ceuball where you did on the 4 ball. I would have shot the 4ball easier with more stroke (low right) to try to keep it on the same side of the 5 ball. Bring it back more rather then going across the table. Thats what it looks like I would do from the video at least.

Rack 6:

I would have done the same thing you did if I was playing to run out. Play for the bank on the 3 ball and the break out and hope for a good roll. That was the best shot to run in this rack I think. The 4 ball I would have shot with left to completely avoid the 6 ball and leave more more in the middle of the table. From where you were on the 5 ball I think you had the right idea for the 6. That gave you the most options. Roll up under the 6 and shoot it either in the side off the 7 or in the corner. Roll past and you still have the opposite side or corner. The mistake on the 7 ball. I dont think you needed to jack up. Looks like you could have hit the ball more full and still made it in the side. Maybe would have shot it with left and came off the bottom rail into the path of the 8 ball.

Rack 7:

Shot selection again for the 1 ball. I would have shot it in the closest corner and stunned it off the side rail back out to the middle of the table. That would have made the shot on the 4 easier and position on the 5 easier as well.

Rack 8:

You needed to be on the other side of the 2. That would have let you play position into the path of the 3 without having to play a touchy shot with the bridge. Other side of the 2 and you wouldnt have need the bridge at all.

Rack 9:

No idea what you were going for with the shot on the 2 ball. The break out? Looks like the 3 goes down in the corner if you would have stay in the middle of the table kinda near the 6ball you could have played it all the way down I think. Thats what it looks like from the video angle.

Rack 10:

Not in video

Overall:

I have no idea what I wrote all this out and analyzed it like I did. I'm not an instructor and just an OK player. I must be bored. These are just the things I saw and would have done. Some of them are probably the wrong strategy, but they are what I would have done.

One thing you need to look at in the video is your break. Sure most of us dont have perfect cueball control off the snap but you have a ton of movement going on with your break. I like to stand up on my break too, so as much as everyones going to want to tell you to not do that, Im not. Im just going to say not to come up as much. Just slightly less. I do recommend keeping your cue down though and through the break, not pulling it up like you do.

And of course shot selection, that is where most of your mistakes are coming into play. Im not just talking about ball in hand, but how you play other shots as well.

 

[SamLambert]

Also, what the hell are you doing with your arm before you shot the 9ball? It looks like you were looking for the tangent to avoid the scratch. Centerball or Follow and that cueball will not scratch there.

That is what I was doing, I had some doubt in my mind that it might scratch and wanted to be 100% sure. I still have some difficulty seeing easily the tangent line and where the cueball is gonna go so I have to use little "tricks" like this to make sure until it becomes more natural.

Also, I will look at the pattern you suggested. Choosing the right pattern is also an area where I have a lot of difficulty.

 

[Icon of Sin]

That is what I was doing, I had some doubt in my mind that it might scratch and wanted to be 100% sure. I still have some difficulty seeing easily the tangent line and where the cueball is gonna go so I have to use little "tricks" like this to make sure until it becomes more natural.

Also, I will look at the pattern you suggested. Choosing the right pattern is also an area where I have a lot of difficulty.

Im sure the natural paths of the balls are still going to cause you some issues as you are still so new, hence not knowing where the cueball would go on that 9ball shot. This could also be a part of the difficulty with patterns you are having. It was natural (with a bit of follow) to just flow around the 9ball and have the 4 in the opposite side pocket which would have made it natural again for the 5 ball after that.

Also with the patterns is looking multiple balls ahead. After that break and layout I would expect a break and run from myself and kick my own ass if I screwed it up somehow. If you shot the 2 ball without taking ball in hand, that would have been the hardest shot in that rack with the 8 to the 9 being the second hardest.

But you still got out, which is good also because you are able to adapt when you are out of line.

 

[GoldenFlash]

Looking good

I think you look very studious and sincere.
You seem to have a good work ethic as well.
It's time to start playing against others who will give you some seasoning and control on your nerves. Performing in public can be tough at first, but that stage fright will go away completely once you understand that it doesn't matter what "Mister Pool Room Detective" and the big shot thinks about anything.
Start entering every local tournament you can find (of course avoiding hell holes where the losers will beat you up).
You look pretty good to me. Keep on keeping on! :thumbup:
Regards,
Flash

 

[strmanglr scott]

I watched till the first miss.

What I see...
When you break you stand up then swing. Imo a power break, the standing up is a result of the stroke and happens as the stroke happens.

Your head comes up on every shot rt after contact w the cb. Ironically the one time I saw you stay down is when you missed.

Your back arm is pointed straight down but your cue tip is still 4-5" off the ball, so when you do make contact your backhand is forward n not straight down.

The one in the side was a bad choice.
--
Work on better shape after the shot.

Work on drawing the ball w as little ball speed as you can. You'll learn that you can get a lot of movement on the ball w little force n the cb will be more predictable.

 

[TATE]

First of all, I think you're doing great.

Icon is right on and I will add something to it. Experienced players have a very good idea of where the path of the cue ball is going after impact and we know what parameters we can do to change it. That only comes with many hours of doing what you're doing - playing pool.

I'm going to just suggest a few things as I watch the video. I think your bridge (for a newer player) tends to be too long. A long bridge is more difficult to control. Yes, pros bridge long because it gives them more options. Starting out you will probably have more tip control with a shorter bridge. As you develop precision, then you might want to consider lengthening it. On rack two there was no reason to bridge on the rail on the 2 ball.

Rack number three (about 9:15 in the video) the natural shot is to go around the 6 ball 2 rails with follow. Suggest setting that shot up and practice it until you know precisely what path the cue ball is going to take , until you can execute it almost all of the time. That sort of shot comes up every day in 9 ball. It was the perfect position to set up 6 in the corner with two rail shape to get to the 8.

 

[Drop The Rock]

https://youtu.be/qjofa_FUI7I?t=391

There are a few things during the second rack to look at. 1) The 1 to the 2 could have been much easier with a stun shot leading away for the 2. You get ideal angle and can bridge off the rail with a 16" bridge. 2) The 16" bridge you used to shoot the 2 and your bridge length in general is too long. I mean there is long which a fair number of players have and there is too long and between the 9 from the previous rack and these few shots you could stand to lose 4"-6" at least. 3) Follow through is fairly non existent which means your bridge is too long and you aren't pulling the cue back far enough.

Next section

https://youtu.be/qjofa_FUI7I?t=445

1) Distance from tip to cue ball is quite far
2) Bridge length is too long
3) Tempo could stand to be slow (This will help you a ton)
4) Its easier to align on shots like this when you step into it the opposite way i.e. cutting a ball to the left means stepping left to right into or cutting a ball to the right means stepping right to left. This allows you to see the angle correlation between cueball and object bal as you line up and get down into the shot. Doing it the way you did here makes it much more difficult.
5)Follow through
6) Smoother stroking action

I don't recommend pausing like a snooker player because I'm not a snooker play but I do recommend everything else they do because since I started adapting more snooker aspects to my game its gone up a a couple balls.

Next

https://youtu.be/qjofa_FUI7I?t=557

1) a soft draw shot would have been better
2) You either hit that too hard or too soft depending on what you were trying to do
3) fortunately you were on the right side of the 4 so it turned out okay
4) No follow through

Next

https://youtu.be/qjofa_FUI7I?t=611

1) Bridge length and tempo
2) any easier way to find the tangent line and look less goofy is to place the joint of the cue over the shot line and the shaft will be perpendicular.
3) If you shot the shot with follow you had 3-4 pocket options depend on where you end up on the 6. In other words going around it, which would have been easier with the bridge length etc. If you were going to shoot it with draw and you had draw it enough, at that speed you would have either scratched in the side of ended up with more angle than you wanted. A soft draw shot would have been more ideal. More draw less speed.

 

[WillyCornbread]

https://youtu.be/qjofa_FUI7I?t=391


4) Its easier to align on shots like this when you step into it the opposite way i.e. cutting a ball to the left means stepping left to right into or cutting a ball to the right means stepping right to left. This allows you to see the angle correlation between cueball and object bal as you line up and get down into the shot. Doing it the way you did here makes it much more difficult.

Can you elaborate on this, or point me to something that explains more? This is the first time I've heard this advice and I can't visualize it.

 

[Icon of Sin]

Updated my first post with things I saw in each rack.

 

[Scott Lee]

Sam Lambert...I have not really followed your discovery very closely. That said, some feel you have progressed quite well. IMO, either you couldn't make 2 balls when you started, or you really still have very limited knowledge about a) what a stroke is or isn't (you poke most shots); b) you have no repeatable process/preshot routine...extremely inconsistent; c) very limited understanding of tangent line physics, and how to change how the CB behaves; d) you need to learn that the break is about speed, timing, and accuracy...not just blasting away at the rack; e) poor decision-making skills on the table. From what I have read, you eschew professional instruction, choosing rather to "go figure it out for yourself". Given that you have a timeline for your goal, getting some good instruction, including video analysis, will shave a lot of time off your learning curve. Not trying to be mean or condescending...just honest!

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

 

[SamLambert]

Sam Lambert...I have not really followed your discovery very closely. That said, some feel you have progressed quite well. IMO, either you couldn't make 2 balls when you started, or you really still have very limited knowledge about a) what a stroke is or isn't (you poke most shots); b) you have no repeatable process/preshot routine...extremely inconsistent; c) very limited understanding of tangent line physics, and how to change how the CB behaves; d) you need to learn that the break is about speed, timing, and accuracy...not just blasting away at the rack; e) poor decision-making skills on the table. From what I have read, you eschew professional instruction, choosing rather to "go figure it out for yourself". Given that you have a timeline for your goal, getting some good instruction, including video analysis, will shave a lot of time off your learning curve. Not trying to be mean or condescending...just honest!

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Thanks Scott.

I indeed couldn't make 2 balls when I started I started off as a complete beginner who would only occasionally play with friends at the bar.

Most of the points you enumerated are things that I am aware of and am trying to work on.

My breaks indeed had poor control in this video.

Decision making skills I am doing my best to improve, but I think this is the area that is the most difficult to work on, as I don't really know how to practice this the way you can practice having a good stroke.

I also have a profesionnal who gives me lessons. About a week ago I had an evaluation match, kind of like an exam. The match was recorded and he gave me a list of points to work on and he told me that we would be working on those in my next lessons. I think this will greatly help me.

 

[Drop The Rock]

Can you elaborate on this, or point me to something that explains more? This is the first time I've heard this advice and I can't visualize it.

Take a ball and put it just off the right side rail on the second diamond in the kitchen. Basically to shoot it all the way down the rail. Now put the cue ball at 45 deg about a diamond and a half away. Is it easier to step into the shot from inside the angle than from outside. Not only that but it allows your non dominant eye to assess the cueball the entire alignment process. If you go from outside to in you have to step over the shot line. If you step into the shot line you can see the cue ball, angle and contact point line up. If you step over the shot line your vision breaks.

This might only work for me but on awkward cut angles it helps a lot to access the shot this way.

 

[Drop The Rock]

Now Sam

I was going to add more but I don't have time. At 7 months of playing time with the amount of resources you have had, you could have improved more if you focused on different things. For example you don't need to work on pattern play because you don't have the foundation to actually play a pattern. i.e. tangent line knowledge, speed and spin control. That bridge length is going to hold you back a ton. It just will. You can say I'm wrong or pick out a player who recommends it and I'll give you 10 who recommend the opposite. Snooker players stay between 8-11." Most pool players are between 6-10" depending on the shot.

I'd encourage you watch this for a good explanation of grip and speed control. The easiest way for me to explain it is that your grip at the end of the pull back acts like a spring and on shots that require more spin and speed, you want that spring to build tension slowly and then release.

In terms of player ratings here in Houston (one of the toughest pool scenes to play in North America) you'd probably be a D if the scale is F/D/C/B/A/AA/AAA/Short stop/Pro/World beater. Or based on Apa ratings you'd be a solid 3, maybe a 4 but most likely a 3 in 9 ball. I'm a mid B.

I say this because the game changes significantly on tighter tables and when you are playing against someone. When I was playing for around the same time as you I didn't have AZ because I didn't know about it. I didn't know much of anything about different shafts or deflection or anything like that, I just played a lot against a lot of different people. I ran my first 2 pack about 6 months ago maybe before I hit the 2 year mark. If I had to guess you'll probably be in the same boat. I have progressed pretty consistently over the last 2+ years and have played One Pocket, 9 ball, 10 Ball, and 8 ball. I suggest you try different games and learn from and play better players. 3 pros play out of my pool hall. Manny Chau, Alex Calderon, and Richie Richeson. Ruben Batista comes in fairly often and Josh Roberts has been around for the last couple of days. There are 5-6 short stops that play out of here as well and handfuls of A/AA/AAA players. I have learned a lot from all of them, but by far the pros had the best advice, Manny Chau especially. He'd probably tell you what he told me and that was to work on my stroke. Then learn where your cue ball is going.

 

[SamLambert]

Now Sam

I was going to add more but I don't have time. At 7 months of playing time with the amount of resources you have had, you could have improved more if you focused on different things. For example you don't need to work on pattern play because you don't have the foundation to actually play a pattern. i.e. tangent line knowledge, speed and spin control. That bridge length is going to hold you back a ton. It just will. You can say I'm wrong or pick out a player who recommends it and I'll give you 10 who recommend the opposite. Snooker players stay between 8-11." Most pool players are between 6-10" depending on the shot.

I'd encourage you watch this for a good explanation of grip and speed control. The easiest way for me to explain it is that your grip at the end of the pull back acts like a spring and on shots that require more spin and speed, you want that spring to build tension slowly and then release.

In terms of player ratings here in Houston (one of the toughest pool scenes to play in North America) you'd probably be a D if the scale is F/D/C/B/A/AA/AAA/Short stop/Pro/World beater. Or based on Apa ratings you'd be a solid 3, maybe a 4 but most likely a 3 in 9 ball. I'm a mid B.

I say this because the game changes significantly on tighter tables and when you are playing against someone. When I was playing for around the same time as you I didn't have AZ because I didn't know about it. I didn't know much of anything about different shafts or deflection or anything like that, I just played a lot against a lot of different people. I ran my first 2 pack about 6 months ago maybe before I hit the 2 year mark. If I had to guess you'll probably be in the same boat. I have progressed pretty consistently over the last 2+ years and have played One Pocket, 9 ball, 10 Ball, and 8 ball. I suggest you try different games and learn from and play better players. 3 pros play out of my pool hall. Manny Chau, Alex Calderon, and Richie Richeson. Ruben Batista comes in fairly often and Josh Roberts has been around for the last couple of days. There are 5-6 short stops that play out of here as well and handfuls of A/AA/AAA players. I have learned a lot from all of them, but by far the pros had the best advice, Manny Chau especially. He'd probably tell you what he told me and that was to work on my stroke. Then learn where your cue ball is going.

Thanks.

I'll spend a good amount of time in the next few weeks working on my stroke. Most people told me that I was lacking in that department, so I'll make sure to fix that.

 

[Drop The Rock]

Thanks.

I'll spend a good amount of time in the next few weeks working on my stroke. Most people told me that I was lacking in that department, so I'll make sure to fix that.

Shortening your bridge length and half table draw shots down the rail will help immensely.

 

[7forlife]

Sam Lambert...I have not really followed your discovery very closely. That said, some feel you have progressed quite well. IMO, either you couldn't make 2 balls when you started, or you really still have very limited knowledge about a) what a stroke is or isn't (you poke most shots); b) you have no repeatable process/preshot routine...extremely inconsistent; c) very limited understanding of tangent line physics, and how to change how the CB behaves; d) you need to learn that the break is about speed, timing, and accuracy...not just blasting away at the rack; e) poor decision-making skills on the table. From what I have read, you eschew professional instruction, choosing rather to "go figure it out for yourself". Given that you have a timeline for your goal, getting some good instruction, including video analysis, will shave a lot of time off your learning curve. Not trying to be mean or condescending...just honest!

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Well i'm sure glad someone else said it and kinda glad it's you.

Sam I know that shooting racks for evaluation is cool and all and I do agree with other on commending you for putting yourself out there but what I would like to see you do "because for some reason i don't feel that you do it or not much) is video yourself doing actually drills. Progressive drills, speed control, wagon wheel with stun.

I'm totally on your side do don't get me wrong but based on all the hype that you're getting based on the time it sounds like you put in if you were truly working on the finer things of the game then you should have a sweet ass follow through by now, a clear PSR and thing that just show that you're working on form and technic over ball pocketing, right now it looks like ball pocketing is where your heart lies like that league player who refuses advice because they run a rack from time to time all the while never really making it look easy.

I will watch the rest of the video just to see what a few things but two rack was enough IMO to make this post.

keep hitting that table cause i'm really eager to see you "one year later" video. All the best bud and I wish i could get to put in some time like you do, unfortunately 1 day seems to be the average for me right now.

 

[SamLambert]

Well i'm sure glad someone else said it and kinda glad it's you.

Sam I know that shooting racks for evaluation is cool and all and I do agree with other on commending you for putting yourself out there but what I would like to see you do "because for some reason i don't feel that you do it or not much) is video yourself doing actually drills. Progressive drills, speed control, wagon wheel with stun.

I'm totally on your side do don't get me wrong but based on all the hype that you're getting based on the time it sounds like you put in if you were truly working on the finer things of the game then you should have a sweet ass follow through by now, a clear PSR and thing that just show that you're working on form and technic over ball pocketing, right now it looks like ball pocketing is where your heart lies like that league player who refuses advice because they run a rack from time to time all the while never really making it look easy.

I will watch the rest of the video just to see what a few things but two rack was enough IMO to make this post.

keep hitting that table cause i'm really eager to see you "one year later" video. All the best bud and I wish i could get to put in some time like you do, unfortunately 1 day seems to be the average for me right now.

Informative post, thanks. I have a lot to work on, especially my stroke (and PSR). I think everyone said it in this thread.

I tried to do the Billiard University exams again this month, but unfortunately I find myself not having fun anymore doing them. I might try them again in the future.

I do stream my practice sessions now though, which is were you could see me doing drills such as the wagon wheel drill and stuff like that.

Again, thanks for the info, every little piece of info helps.

 

[Spimp13]

Or based on Apa ratings you'd be a solid 3, maybe a 4 but most likely a 3 in 9 ball. I'm a mid B.

I'd maybe go a little higher in 9 ball. The shot making (while it appears uncomfortable and I'm not a big fan of the poke practice stroke), is decent enough to be closer to a 5 range I think. Every state is different though so a 5 in 9 ball in my state could very well be a 4 or even a 6 in a different state.

Matt <--- apa 8 in 9 ball way overdue to shoot some balls and shoot a regression video from lack of playing lol

 

[Spimp13]

Using the arm to see the tangent line bugs me lol.

You should do a practice drill or two solely testing tangent lines so you can visually start to see what happens when you hit balls differently from different angles and spins. Of course if you aren't comfortable with your actual stroke that would be something from a fundamental aspect to work on before diving too deep into tangent lines.

Also make sure you understand what variables when shooting change the tangent line, as well as what variables do not change the tangent line when shooting (some miss-conceptions here). Good luck.