Pool shots - Less is more

[Tin Man]

I think my run out try would be exactly same as Tin Man on that. I think it would be exactly same on 95% of pros too. Nice example.
Anyways good theory on topic. Next step is hardest. How to implement concept to part of practice/play.
Get more precise position from easy balls to keep it easy is what we all strive for. There is just so much on that to learn that it sounds easy to do but it is a lot of work.
I still agree most of the thoughts that less is more.
Especially that our high expectations are our worst enemy. We put ourselves to high pressure when we expect to always perform top gear. That is not gonna happen and we will crack more easily under pressure then. Also joy from game disappears and that can lead even quitting game totally. We should do our best. Some days it is not gonna be much, but keep trying and don´t shark yourself out from game with expectations.

Thank you Poolmanis!

Yes, expectations are poisonous. They lead to result oriented thinking and controlling and fearful play. This is where the exhaustion and misery comes from. I was going to say there should be a new thread for dealing with ego and expectation, but frankly it should be it's own book, or multiple books from different authors. It is almost a life's journey to navigate through all of the traps you can fall into.

As for working on implementing this concept, that also is a deeper conversation. I'm sure we'll both be talking about that as we both believe in it. I have some ideas but for now just wanted to talk about the change in direction that occurs once we've developed a full tool set.

Take care!

 

[dr_dave]

Nice example.
Anyways good theory on topic. Next step is hardest. How to implement concept to part of practice/play.

One way to learn and practice pattern play knowledge and execution skills is with a large number of run-out examples that cover a wide range of situations. All the 9-ball and 8-ball patterns in the Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate versions of BU Exam II are a good collection. There already are lots of videos available showing how top players approach the Doctorate run-outs on the BU Alumni page and on the AZB BU sticky thread. Also, all of the patterns (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate) are demonstrated and discussed in detail on Vol. III of the BU Instructional Video series.

Good thread,
Dave

 

[Tin Man]

One way to learn and practice pattern play knowledge and execution skills is with a large number of run-out examples that cover a wide range of situations. All the 9-ball and 8-ball patterns in the Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate versions of BU Exam II are a good collection. There already are lots of videos available showing how top players approach the Doctorate run-outs on the BU Alumni page and on the AZB BU sticky thread. Also, all of the patterns (Bachelor, Master, Doctorate) are demonstrated and discussed in detail on Vol. III of the BU Instructional Video series.

Good thread,
Dave

Thank you Dave! We're lucky to have leaders like you paving the way for great pool!

 

[sparkle84]

You couldn't have watched the video. I ran this out the same way 9/10 time and my only mistake was snubbing the cue ball once. I also took a student who was 5/10 here and got him to 8/10.

Curious about a couple things. What approx. fargo number was he and did he choose the correct position paths to start with or did you have to show him?

 

[Tin Man]

Curious about a couple things. What approx. fargo number was he and did he choose the correct position paths to start with or did you have to show him?

He isn't in Fargo yet. I would put him around 580. No, previously he was playing to the middle of the table off of the 6, shooting the 6, then coming off the end rail from the 7 to try to get up table for the 8 ball.

What allowed him to get to 8/10 was a good understanding of the high outside two railer from the 6 to the 7. To be fair, if you don't have that tool on lock this might not be the best pattern. I tell my students this: Whenever a pattern isn't working it is one of two things. Either it isn't the right shot, or they need to develop their skills at that shot.

In this case the high outside two railer demands some understanding to gain a high level of consistency. There is some nuance to it. But once the skills have been developed you can achieve a high degree of accuracy.

 

[boogieman]

I've been thinking about this a bit today. I'm sure it describes a lot of players. The thing is, I feel you kind of have to get to a certain level for all of this to work. The key is to figure out when that point is and switch to the right mindset you talked about in the OP. For example, it would be futile to try to play the "easy" shots if you didn't understand how to move the CB and how to kill it or spin it with some proficiency. I'd also imagine some of the "hero" shots also give your "billiards computer" data that provides good reference points to extrapolate from. It's pretty interesting to think about really and I'd imagine it's a pretty personal thing for when we are ready for the change.

 

[The_JV]

I'd also imagine some of the "hero" shots also give your "billiards computer" data that provides good reference points to extrapolate from. It's pretty interesting to think about really and I'd imagine it's a pretty personal thing for when we are ready for the change.

I never shy away from the "hero shots". Unless of course something major is riding on it and I have a better option. Day in Day out, I'll swing at those odd ones. Like you say, it's great data for use at some other time when the "better option" isn't there.

Usually never a smart thing to do when playing micro, but I found it's made me more dangerous on the macro

 

[Tin Man]

I've been thinking about this a bit today. I'm sure it describes a lot of players. The thing is, I feel you kind of have to get to a certain level for all of this to work. The key is to figure out when that point is and switch to the right mindset you talked about in the OP. For example, it would be futile to try to play the "easy" shots if you didn't understand how to move the CB and how to kill it or spin it with some proficiency. I'd also imagine some of the "hero" shots also give your "billiards computer" data that provides good reference points to extrapolate from. It's pretty interesting to think about really and I'd imagine it's a pretty personal thing for when we are ready for the change.

Absolutely! Also, some of the shots I consider routine most players don't know (haven't learned them yet) or they consider them trick shots (haven't developed their skills).

For example, the high outside two railer from the 6 to the 7 I used in my example earlier. I was able to execute that 9/9 so I don't think I'm out of line for me to call that a 90%+ positional play. But it wouldn't be for everyone if they didn't understand some of the nuances of that shot and put in some time with it.

 

[Tin Man]

I never shy away from the "hero shots". Unless of course something major is riding on it and I have a better option. Day in Day out, I'll swing at those odd ones. Like you say, it's great data for use at some other time when the "better option" isn't there.

Usually never a smart thing to do when playing micro, but I found it's made me more dangerous on the macro

Practice is a whole different ball of wax! I definitely believe you should practice hard shots, then compete with easy shots. At least that's what I do. But I don't need to work on my patterns and cue ball, that's just not where I break down in competition, so for me that formula makes the most sense. For others who need to learn what I'm talking about I think it would behoove them to fine tune their cue ball and patterns for a reasonable amount of their available time.

 

[The_JV]

Practice is a whole different ball of wax! I definitely believe you should practice hard shots, then compete with easy shots. At least that's what I do. But I don't need to work on my patterns and cue ball, that's just not where I break down in competition, so for me that formula makes the most sense. For others who need to learn what I'm talking about I think it would behoove them to fine tune their cue ball and patterns for a reasonable amount of their available time.

Agreed.... I just tend to think of every opportunity as a time to practice, until of course it's not...lol. That attitude has served me well when matches tighten up and most other players tend to alter their game in fear of selling out. If the need be I'll shoot the same shots I did in the opening game, when hill / hill.

I'll agree again though.... The game is best played with easy shots. Rolling transitional pattern play regardless of the amount of CB movement and/or rail contacts is the best way to play this game imo.

I found the hardess thing about posting here on AZB is the vast skill levels of the members. What I do, and how I practice, is not the best course of action for most. ...or for me for that matter...lol