Practice question
- Thread starter WGCP
- Start date
The drill I like is to set up a standard break shot and see how many balls you can run. I do sets of 10 innings. Here is a log sheet:WGCP said:I am brand new to 14.1. So in my ignorance if you had to name the most important practice drill that you do to improve, it would be appreciated...
Thanks
http://www.sfbilliards.com/log_14_1.pdf
When you find you have trouble repeatedly with a particular shot, practice that shot. A general technique for practicing shots that automatically adjusts the difficulty of the shot to your ability is called "progressive practice." See
http://www.sfbilliards.com/articles/1992-12.pdf
for an explanation, and
http://www.sfbilliards.com/basics.pdf
for some basic drills.
I've always liked setting up a variety of four or five ball break patterns and try to stay in them to the breakball. I then complete the shot on the breakball and set up again.
I also like to set up ball to ball billiards in and around the rack area and practice nudging balls into break position both directly and off the back cushion.
I also like to set up ball to ball billiards in and around the rack area and practice nudging balls into break position both directly and off the back cushion.
Great thread so far!
I do versions of everything already mentioned, plus I practice specific types of break shots. I also practice secondary break shots (opening up the balls) as well as manufacturing break balls. I believe that these are some of the more important parts of the games, along with following making balls, reading patterns, and designating your break ball, key ball, and set up shot.
I do versions of everything already mentioned, plus I practice specific types of break shots. I also practice secondary break shots (opening up the balls) as well as manufacturing break balls. I believe that these are some of the more important parts of the games, along with following making balls, reading patterns, and designating your break ball, key ball, and set up shot.
This is the most interesting piece for me (a C player at best). I find that I have a set of about 4 or 5 break ball contenders, and in order to ensure I have the most options available to me, I tend to go for other shots which end up being harder, so that the 4 or 5 stay preserved. As a result, I end up missing, thereby ending any hopes of a long run and stringing together a few racks. This is the balance I'm looking to refine in my own game -- i.e., choosing the right time to whittle down those 4 or 5 balls to 1 or 2 contenders.
I do almost exactly what Bob Jewett recommends above. For a single shot I like to practice straight in stop shots. Start with a shot short enough that you can make it 100% and work out from there. I also am a C player at best.
Dave Nelson
Dave Nelson
Add to the above:See how softly you can hit it and still get a stop. It's fun.