Position Drills for 9 Ball
- Thread starter lstevedus
- Start date
This Kinister video, unlike others, is probably worth having. I would focus on these shots, and then maybe play a few racks and when you miss a shot set it up and shoot it over and over. I mean shoot it until you cannot miss it.
Unless, of course, its a really hard shot or one that rarely comes up in actual competition.
Thats my recommendation. I know some will tell you to go and roll balls down the table and somehow, someway, magically, mystically, supernaturally, get a whole lot better. Its up to you as to what you want to practice.
DCP
I use Joe Tucker's Guaranteed Improvement. Its an $11 book that has about 10 or so drills in it, that you keep score to see how you progress. I recommend it highly.
I also just started doing what DrCue posted above... playing 3 or 4 ball run outs, and any missed shots, setting them up over and over again. This is a guaranteed way to work on your weaknesses.
I also just started doing what DrCue posted above... playing 3 or 4 ball run outs, and any missed shots, setting them up over and over again. This is a guaranteed way to work on your weaknesses.
You're welcome. If you end up getting the book, it comes as book only, video only, or combo. Make sure you get the book, as it has places for your score keeping and writing notes/diagrams about the shots. I personally found it much more useful than the video.
*Edit: What I mean is you can do a lot more with a book and paper on the table when it comes to practice time, than a video. Not saying the video is bad at all.
*Edit: What I mean is you can do a lot more with a book and paper on the table when it comes to practice time, than a video. Not saying the video is bad at all.
Also, there's a bunch of iPAT 9-ball layouts that are great for position drills and runouts. If you're not ready for a full rack of 9-ball, there are plenty of single-shot position drills included as well. I have the Level 1 book and it keeps me plenty busy; though there are lots of good drills in the other levels (2 and 3) as well. you can find layouts of the drills online, as well as youtube. Check out ForceFollow's videos for a whole bunch of great drills. Also, FastMikie.
In addition to the PAT material which I firmly believe in to help improve, I would also recommend Phil Capelle's 9-ball book. That will give you plenty of material, shots & paterns, to practice. I would also recommend that you keep a log of your success & failures on each shot or patern that you choose to drill on so that can see how you are progressing.
Here's one you can try:http://www.mediafire.com/?vfm6wacl8y1b9bz
It's in a pdf file that I uploaded, too large to post, apparently.
It's in a pdf file that I uploaded, too large to post, apparently.
I learned 9ball by throwing out 3 balls with the cueball and running them off. When I could do this with ease I added another ball....etc.
then you need to put in some time on the break....start by hitting it 1/2 speed working on CB control only! don't concern yourself with making balls....just squat the CB in the center of the table.......as you learn CB control, only then ramp up the speed.
then....kicking/safety play. throw 9balls out and play yourself safe....then try to kick safe.....you win when you get yourself on 3 fouls!
then go play straight pool for an hour! seriously it will help your game a ton!!
good luck!
G.
then you need to put in some time on the break....start by hitting it 1/2 speed working on CB control only! don't concern yourself with making balls....just squat the CB in the center of the table.......as you learn CB control, only then ramp up the speed.
then....kicking/safety play. throw 9balls out and play yourself safe....then try to kick safe.....you win when you get yourself on 3 fouls!
then go play straight pool for an hour! seriously it will help your game a ton!!
good luck!
G.
All of the above suggestions are great.
Me personally, I have written down on diagrams a combination of shotmaking and positional drills from various sources like Kinister, Joe Tucker, Pro Skills Drills, PAT, Bob Henning, etc. and will cycle through them occasionally.
I also like the 4 ball dril (3 if starting out, more if you are a better player). Throw 'em out, run them in order, any mistakes shoot over until you firmly fix the mistake, whether it was a missed ball or missed position. It's a great drill, I do it with 6 balls, sometime 7, and can do it for hours, it really gives you confidence in those late game situations where the table is clearing and you just have to play good position on the last few balls without messing up...
Scott
Me personally, I have written down on diagrams a combination of shotmaking and positional drills from various sources like Kinister, Joe Tucker, Pro Skills Drills, PAT, Bob Henning, etc. and will cycle through them occasionally.
I also like the 4 ball dril (3 if starting out, more if you are a better player). Throw 'em out, run them in order, any mistakes shoot over until you firmly fix the mistake, whether it was a missed ball or missed position. It's a great drill, I do it with 6 balls, sometime 7, and can do it for hours, it really gives you confidence in those late game situations where the table is clearing and you just have to play good position on the last few balls without messing up...
Scott
Nobody plays position anymore they all use CTE!