Play One Pocket to improve in every game

[philly]

Out of curiosity (due to this thear): Just tonight I've tried one pocket. But either we did not understand the rules completely or we are just bad players (hint: yes, we are).

Somehow it degenerated into a ball showeling thing, too many balls on the very oposite rail (of our pockets) and we somehow did not understand why you would every sink a ball into a neutral pocket...
My partner thought it was fun (he likes banking and kicking) while I did not like it at all and did loose points quite regularly due to insane shots to make balls (which I made, but I scratched).

It definately sounds easier than it is :frown: Need to watch a few videos, maybe the confusion clears

Cheers, keep writing.

You need to play one pocket with one pocket players. Simple as that. The way you are playing a good one pocket player will keep you in your chair. Heck, a decent one pocket player will keep you in your chair.

 

[l0ngtaithien]

practice ALL the games to be a well rounded (ie better) player.

playing only 1P, makes you good at..........1P!
playing only 9 ball, makes you good at.................9 ball !


in basketball, practicing your 3 point shot doesn't help your free throw very much. If you need help with free throws, practice more free throws!.......the best basketball players practice BOTH shots, because they both are needed to be a great player.

Well put and one of the guys I played against told me that that this 1p game is not decided for every player. It will sure helps your other games in some aspects but also will hurt your game as well like couldnt get your stroke back for your 9b and 10b if you're playing too much of one hole. .

 

[TRWpool]

If you are bunting the balls alot, you aren't playing the game properly. Relocate the balls that are dangerous to you either into areas that help you or into areas that are more neutral. Protect the balls that are now helpful to your cause by sticking the cue ball behind balls that block your opponent from getting to them. Try to locate a ball down low and along your side rail, and another near your hole on the foot rail, and hide the cue ball. This helps to set traps for your foe.

The game is all about common sense, like a chess game, but the difference is you must literally move the pieces with a skill which needs practice, finesse, and a firm understanding of your own abilities and those of your opponent.

Sure, it takes years to develop this skill but then you have your whole life to work on it, don't you? It's not like you're going somewhere and haven't got the time. That's one of the beauties of the game, don't you think? There is always something new to learn every time you play the game. What an adventure! I've been on that adventure for over forty years and find new things every time I look for them. Your pool playing imagination can be expanded with this game.

What could be better with your clothes on.

Tom

 

[GoldCrown]

I have won several lower level one pocket tournaments and one major event, beating Cliff Joyner in the semis and Jose Parica in the finals. I've won the Md. state nineball championships, and the Va open nine ball championships. I've come in the top ten in the One pocket division several times at the DCC. All while maintaining a steady job. And I'm not a bad billiard player either. Maybe a .700 average if I play regularly. Each of these games helps me to understand the others that much better.

You can do the same.

Tom

To know you is to love/enjoy OnePocket. I heard stories about people traveling a distance to watch you play. Just to watch. You play like no one else can. You're a bit of a living legend.

Well here goes. That's why you see a lot of older players playing one pocket. I am in my mid 60's so I feel I can get away with that statement.

Watch it sucker:nanner:

Philly, One Pocket used to be the old man's game but no more.
No, One pocket requires far more shot making skills than any other pool game. At least that is my opinion for what it is Wirth.

Tom

Wirth a lot. Wirth a lot.....
And PHILLY....inside of you is a 1Pocket player trying to get out. And when you decide to jump in you'll be a force. You'll be a strong competitor.

 

[GoldCrown]

Out of curiosity (due to this thear): Just tonight I've tried one pocket. But either we did not understand the rules completely or we are just bad players (hint: yes, we are).

Somehow it degenerated into a ball showeling thing, too many balls on the very oposite rail (of our pockets) and we somehow did not understand why you would every sink a ball into a neutral pocket...
My partner thought it was fun (he likes banking and kicking) while I did not like it at all and did loose points quite regularly due to insane shots to make balls (which I made, but I scratched).

It definately sounds easier than it is :frown: Need to watch a few videos, maybe the confusion clears

Cheers, keep writing.

I like the game but had no idea what I was doing. I connected with local instructor Tom Wirth that started me from square one...take outs and drills. He would explain the game, rules, concept, do's , don't and so on. Currently it is the only game I enjoy. As I got to understand the moves I like the game more and more. It does not get old. Try to find a qualified sincere one pocket instructor. Go onto www.onepocket.org
Also consider purchasing Tom Wirth's book Controlled Aggression. Learn one thing at time and have fun putting the pieces together.

 

[M.G.]

If you are bunting the balls alot, you aren't playing the game properly

Hehe, yes we weren't
And to be clear, I wasn't trying to talk bad about 1p, just that I found it very very hard to successfully execute and have fun doing so. But I might try again.

With your explanations I get a better picture and yes, I do like the adventure and learning you describe. That's why I play Carom or 5 ball from time to time.

Cheers, have fun!

 

[nataddrho]

Very good. .