Pacticing On Tighter Pockets Worked For Me

Johnnyt

Johnnyt

Burn all jump cues
Silver Member
I sure am no pool instructor, so I have no idea if this works for everyone, some, or just me. I bought a set of extended rails to make all 6 pockets 4” on my table about 3 months ago replacing the tight 4 ½” rails/pockets. I took them back off about 2 weeks after I put them on because I was so frustrated trying to beat the 10-ball ghost. After 2 days I felt guilty about not sticking with them until I could pocket as well on the 4’s as the 4 ½” ones. So I put the 4’s back on.

I finally put the 4 ½” back on last weekend. I couldn’t believe my game with the 4 ½’s back on. I mean I never miss a make able shot now. My position is just about perfect and I shoot just about everything at pocket speed with a lot smoother stroke than I’ve had for many years. Practicing on tight pockets really helped my game and I know why. The 2 ½ months I had the 4’s on I had to have perfect fundamentals. My PSR had to be exact each time, my stroke had to be straight and smooth. I believe the main reason is that I had to consternate on every shot and position until it became natural for me. Johnnyt
 
Johnnyt said:
I sure am no pool instructor, so I have no idea if this works for everyone, some, or just me. I bought a set of extended rails to make all 6 pockets 4” on my table about 3 months ago replacing the tight 4 ½” rails/pockets. I took them back off about 2 weeks after I put them on because I was so frustrated trying to beat the 10-ball ghost. After 2 days I felt guilty about not sticking with them until I could pocket as well on the 4’s as the 4 ½” ones. So I put the 4’s back on.

I finally put the 4 ½” back on last weekend. I couldn’t believe my game with the 4 ½’s back on. I mean I never miss a make able shot now. My position is just about perfect and I shoot just about everything at pocket speed with a lot smoother stroke than I’ve had for many years. Practicing on tight pockets really helped my game and I know why. The 2 ½ months I had the 4’s on I had to have perfect fundamentals. My PSR had to be exact each time, my stroke had to be straight and smooth. I believe the main reason is that I had to consternate on every shot and position until it became natural for me. Johnnyt
Click to expand...

The pockets on my new home table are 4.5-inches, and they've definitely improved my game over the past six months. I played on a Diamond Smart Table the other day in a Denver bar -- pockets were 5 inches, minimum -- and it seemed loosey goosey.

I thinking my table outfitted with Simonis 760 and Artemis rails with tough pockets plays as tough as anything I could have bought. RKC will probably chime in here and upbraid me, but he's welcome to check it out.
 
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:yikes::yikes:
Johnnyt said:
I sure am no pool instructor, so I have no idea if this works for everyone, some, or just me. I bought a set of extended rails to make all 6 pockets 4” on my table about 3 months ago replacing the tight 4 ½” rails/pockets. I took them back off about 2 weeks after I put them on because I was so frustrated trying to beat the 10-ball ghost. After 2 days I felt guilty about not sticking with them until I could pocket as well on the 4’s as the 4 ½” ones. So I put the 4’s back on.

I finally put the 4 ½” back on last weekend. I couldn’t believe my game with the 4 ½’s back on. I mean I never miss a make able shot now. My position is just about perfect and I shoot just about everything at pocket speed with a lot smoother stroke than I’ve had for many years. Practicing on tight pockets really helped my game and I know why. The 2 ½ months I had the 4’s on I had to have perfect fundamentals. My PSR had to be exact each time, my stroke had to be straight and smooth. I believe the main reason is that I had to consternate on every shot and position until it became natural for me. Johnnyt
Click to expand...

Same here, you are not alone on this. :) It can be challenging at times but once you really get used to the tight equipment you rock on "normal" tables. Also from what I have heard taiwanese players practice on REALLY tight equipment which require absolutely flawless funamentals (and apparently that is exactly what they have..) You wouldnt believe what kind of practice regime they undergo to get those fundamentals.... :sorry:
 
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