Practice Time

[dareads]

How much pratice time do you think is necessary to improve your game? If I was to practice give or take 5 hours a week, would that be enough to improve my game or just enough to keep it from falling back? I know it is somewhat dependent on the persons learning curve and the type of practice, drills, playing the ghost etc.

I have reached a point where I feel like I can see the shape I need to get on the following shot, but just have problems making the initial shot. Are there any drills you would recommend purely for shotmaking? Thanks.

 

[StormHotRod300]

Think Quality not Quantity.

Just because you practice 10hrs a week doesnt mean your going to jump up leaps n bounds in your game, expecially if nobody is showing you what you can do to improve.

Ask the pool hall you frequent if they have any training books to learn how to improve your shooting skills. Also ask if they have the: 60minute WorkOut"

Which will help you with your position play and shooting skills too.

Now heres one way to learn how to run more balls. Take the 1-4 balls and rack them up, 1 on the spot, 4 in the back. And then break and run all 4 balls out.

Now do this till you can do it 10times without missing. Then add the 5ball and so on.

Another thing you can do is set up position shots and and learn how to get to where you want.

Also check out the Bert Kinister books they are well worth the $$$

dave

 

[PoolSleuth]

About 90% of my time at the Pool Room is SPENT ON PRACTICE, as there are so many thing to learn, and not enough time. Playing with your buddies is not Practicing.

 

[TheBook]

Think Quality not Quantity.

Ask the pool hall you frequent if they have any training books to learn how to improve your shooting skills. Also ask if they have the: 60minute WorkOut"

Which will help you with your position play and shooting skills too.

Also check out the Bert Kinister books they are well worth the $$$

dave

Dave

I have about 54 of Berts tapes. I agree they are excellent to help you improve if you have the basic skills down. I didn't know that he has books out. Where do you get them?

I see Bert has a new site and guess he relocated to Dallas

http://home.insightbb.com/~nenenews/kinister/index.html

Thanks
Ed

 

[Andrew Manning]

How much pratice time do you think is necessary to improve your game? If I was to practice give or take 5 hours a week, would that be enough to improve my game or just enough to keep it from falling back? I know it is somewhat dependent on the persons learning curve and the type of practice, drills, playing the ghost etc.

I have reached a point where I feel like I can see the shape I need to get on the following shot, but just have problems making the initial shot. Are there any drills you would recommend purely for shotmaking? Thanks.

To give you a direct answer to your question, I think the answer is yes, with some ifs:

IF you've learned a set of solid fundamentals and pre-shot routine that fit your body and your playing style/rhythm (preferably from an instructor, but at least from an accomplished player, NOT just from reading books/online articles or watching videos);

IF you practice carefully, really paying attention to using your proper fundamentals and pre-shot routine on all shots, and stopping to focus in on specific weaknesses as you learn what your specific weaknesses are;

IF you practice a variety of shots/drills/games instead of always doing the exact same thing;

IF you combine your practice with competitive play under some sort of pressure (tournaments, playing for money, league matches if you take them seriously);

Then yes, I think 5 hours a week will not only be enough to maintain your game, but should definitely improve it.

However, if you don't have an established stance, stroke, and routine, or if you just hit balls haphazardly when you practice, or always practice the same thing and never change it up, or if you only practice and don't learn to really compete, then all the practice in the world won't get you too far.

For your second question about shot-making drills, throw 15 balls on the table and try to sink them all using center ball. Repeat with outside english on every shot (if you're cutting the ball to your right, this is left english). Then with inside (if you're cutting the ball to your right, this is right english). Then with follow, then draw. Don't try to control where the cue-ball goes, just try to make the shots, and pay attention to where the cue ball goes. Shoot with varying speeds. You're practicing sinking balls, and because you're using different english and different speeds, you're learning how these variables change what you have to do to pocket the ball. You'll notice things like "I usually undercut shots down the rail with outside english", and that's your cue to set up that shot and shoot it repeatedly until it becomes your friend.

-Andrew

 

[Brian in VA]

New Drill for me

For your second question about shot-making drills, throw 15 balls on the table and try to sink them all using center ball. Repeat with outside english on every shot (if you're cutting the ball to your right, this is left english). Then with inside (if you're cutting the ball to your right, this is right english). Then with follow, then draw. Don't try to control where the cue-ball goes, just try to make the shots, and pay attention to where the cue ball goes. Shoot with varying speeds. You're practicing sinking balls, and because you're using different english and different speeds, you're learning how these variables change what you have to do to pocket the ball. You'll notice things like "I usually undercut shots down the rail with outside english", and that's your cue to set up that shot and shoot it repeatedly until it becomes your friend.

-Andrew

I've never heard of that drill before and I like it! I'm going to add it to my practice routines. Thanks!

Brian in Va

 

[5ballcharlie]

How much pratice time do you think is necessary to improve your game? If I was to practice give or take 5 hours a week, would that be enough to improve my game or just enough to keep it from falling back? I know it is somewhat dependent on the persons learning curve and the type of practice, drills, playing the ghost etc.

I have reached a point where I feel like I can see the shape I need to get on the following shot, but just have problems making the initial shot. Are there any drills you would recommend purely for shotmaking? Thanks.

It just depends on what level of desire you intend on competing at. If you want to knock off local tournaments practicing what has already been mentioned I would say most defenitly. If it is your desire to compete on a pro level then NO you must play atleast 5 hours a day to gain speed...

 

[G-UP]

I own approximately 46 of Bert Kinister's tapes and don't think I will buy another one. There are a lot of instructional books out there as well as other tapes or DVD's that you can buy that if you utilize the information within, I feel will improve your game more than Berts. Jack kohler has got a great 9-ball book out there. Phil Capelle also has some good reads. The Pro Book by Bob Henning is pretty good too.
Nevertheless, no matter how much you "practice" it won’t help your game very much unless you work on specific shots and work to understand all the physics that occur in every shot. Spin, deflection, friction of the balls just to name a few. That is why I can't say don't buy any of Bert's tapes because if you do buy some of them and you practice what he teaches then of course you will improve. That goes for anything though. If you are like most pool players you go to your local room, met up with some friends and play in a league or play in a tournament or even just shoot them around maybe do doing races to 5 or 7. You catch a gear from time to time and even some times play flawless. Then other days you just can't seem to see the angles accurately and have a difficult time potting two balls in a row. Does that sound familiar to you? If so, you must work on drills and also work on your preshot routine.
As for me, I am always looking for informative books on pool. So, if anyone else knows of some good instructional books or videos that they feel have really helped them improve their game, please post it here. Who knows, I might end up buying some more of Bert's tapes just to have them in my collection. One more thing, Bert's tapes are not exceptional in picture quality so don't get your hopes up to much as far as that’s concerned.
Now I got to go play some pool.

 

[CaptainHook]

I own approximately 46 of Bert Kinister's tapes and don't think I will buy another one. There are a lot of instructional books out there as well as other tapes or DVD's that you can buy that if you utilize the information within, I feel will improve your game more than Berts. Jack kohler has got a great 9-ball book out there. Phil Capelle also has some good reads. The Pro Book by Bob Henning is pretty good too.
Nevertheless, no matter how much you "practice" it won’t help your game very much unless you work on specific shots and work to understand all the physics that occur in every shot. Spin, deflection, friction of the balls just to name a few. That is why I can't say don't buy any of Bert's tapes because if you do buy some of them and you practice what he teaches then of course you will improve. That goes for anything though. If you are like most pool players you go to your local room, met up with some friends and play in a league or play in a tournament or even just shoot them around maybe do doing races to 5 or 7. You catch a gear from time to time and even some times play flawless. Then other days you just can't seem to see the angles accurately and have a difficult time potting two balls in a row. Does that sound familiar to you? If so, you must work on drills and also work on your preshot routine.
As for me, I am always looking for informative books on pool. So, if anyone else knows of some good instructional books or videos that they feel have really helped them improve their game, please post it here. Who knows, I might end up buying some more of Bert's tapes just to have them in my collection. One more thing, Bert's tapes are not exceptional in picture quality so don't get your hopes up to much as far as that’s concerned.
Now I got to go play some pool.

Check you PM

 

[BillYards]

About 90% of my time at the Pool Room is SPENT ON PRACTICE, as there are so many thing to learn, and not enough time. Playing with your buddies is not Practicing.

I have to disagree with Slueth on his statement about buddies... or at least clarify what he is saying. He means that you can't expect to benefit from banging the balls around with friends that are not serious about the game.

Some of the best practice I ever got was when a friend of mine would match-up with me for about 6 hours straight at a local Eagles club which was always empty. We bashed eachothers brains out until we were mentally exhausted, each playing very serious and tough pool. So it is possible to get better playing with a buddy, it just has to be the correct person.

 

[uwate]

I think the key is practicing with intensity. If you are hoping to get better from the time spent on the table, it will have to be time spent with you under pressure, focusing with intensity and trying to get into dead stroke.

One of the major problems I see with the B and C players is that they fail to recognize that casually beating the balls around the table is a leisurely pastime and not a path towards growth in their game. Unless you play with conditions that put you under pressure your game will suffer when you are faced with pressure. Its a learned response for the human body to handle situations of pressure and throwing balls on the table and smacking them around rarely helps in this area. The ball toss out and shoot helps if you still dont understand how to cut a ball or the angle to shoot on a bank, but even under those circumstances the mental frame of mind to remember how a ball went in and what happened when it didnt is easier to get to when you are focusing like the game is worth something.

This is one of the major flaws of playing for fun, you let your intensity down and you fail to generate any imprinting on the brain as to what you are trying to achieve.

 

[uwate]

I forgot to add that accustats are one of the best ways to improve. Watching and analyzing the pro player's games are part of the mental conditioning you need to get to a higher level. Watching pattern play from the pros is invaluable for the amateur player but there is alot more than just that. In particular watch their composure and rhythm that the top players have. Their preshot routines are very consistent, and its one of the elements that separates pros from amateurs.

 

[5ballcharlie]

I forgot to add that accustats are one of the best ways to improve. Watching and analyzing the pro player's games are part of the mental conditioning you need to get to a higher level. Watching pattern play from the pros is invaluable for the amateur player but there is alot more than just that. In particular watch their composure and rhythm that the top players have. Their preshot routines are very consistent, and its one of the elements that separates pros from amateurs.

Your right. If you are having a hard time judging what is the correct route to the next ball then you will definately learn by watching accu-stats. If I was you I would learn straight pool before I started playing 9ball I wish I would have..... PLAY all game though..

charlie

 

[5ballcharlie]

I have to disagree with Slueth on his statement about buddies... or at least clarify what he is saying. He means that you can't expect to benefit from banging the balls around with friends that are not serious about the game.

Some of the best practice I ever got was when a friend of mine would match-up with me for about 6 hours straight at a local Eagles club which was always empty. We bashed eachothers brains out until we were mentally exhausted, each playing very serious and tough pool. So it is possible to get better playing with a buddy, it just has to be the correct person.

If it is a partner equall in skill or close to it. If you are not banging balls and are trying then you should improve...

 

[uwate]

Play all games is an excellent suggestion, one that I wish I had done more of as a beginner. I especially wish I had played more one pocket much earlier in life. I still think about how I could have played lots of cheap one pocket with Steve Cook when he was houseman down at TR's pool hall in Tampa. Should have , could have, would have....

 

[Gregg]

"Practice won't make you a champion, but without it, you won't stand a chance."

I read that in one of my pool books. Forget where.

 

[Gage]

According to Dr. Fancher in his book Pleasures of Small Motions, research shows that the best approach is to practice one thing (shooting one shot or one drill) for a solid hour and then not work too hard (playing, running racks) for at least 6 hours. I try to use this method as much as possible, but sticking with the same shot for an hour is not easy. The book has way more information about how to practice than I could put here, so I would recommend reading it.

 

[dareads]

To give you a direct answer to your question, I think the answer is yes, with some ifs:

IF you've learned a set of solid fundamentals and pre-shot routine that fit your body and your playing style/rhythm (preferably from an instructor, but at least from an accomplished player, NOT just from reading books/online articles or watching videos);

IF you practice carefully, really paying attention to using your proper fundamentals and pre-shot routine on all shots, and stopping to focus in on specific weaknesses as you learn what your specific weaknesses are;

IF you practice a variety of shots/drills/games instead of always doing the exact same thing;

IF you combine your practice with competitive play under some sort of pressure (tournaments, playing for money, league matches if you take them seriously);

Then yes, I think 5 hours a week will not only be enough to maintain your game, but should definitely improve it.

However, if you don't have an established stance, stroke, and routine, or if you just hit balls haphazardly when you practice, or always practice the same thing and never change it up, or if you only practice and don't learn to really compete, then all the practice in the world won't get you too far.

For your second question about shot-making drills, throw 15 balls on the table and try to sink them all using center ball. Repeat with outside english on every shot (if you're cutting the ball to your right, this is left english). Then with inside (if you're cutting the ball to your right, this is right english). Then with follow, then draw. Don't try to control where the cue-ball goes, just try to make the shots, and pay attention to where the cue ball goes. Shoot with varying speeds. You're practicing sinking balls, and because you're using different english and different speeds, you're learning how these variables change what you have to do to pocket the ball. You'll notice things like "I usually undercut shots down the rail with outside english", and that's your cue to set up that shot and shoot it repeatedly until it becomes your friend.

-Andrew

I think you hit it right on for me Andrew. I actually spent a couple hours with Bob Jewett about a month ago and he helped me develop a correct stroke, bridge and pre shot routine to work on and I have honestly seen my game take a step up since then. I am just glad that I know that what I am practicing is more fundamentally sound than it was before. I was playing in a local tournament last night and would miss easy shots when I would try to play to fast and not stick to my p.s.r. I really like your idea about the drill. I am going to spend some time working on that today.

There have been so many great replies and I can't thank you all enough. To the couple of you that mentioned watching accu stats, I will definitely spend some more time watching the pros play. I actually felt like I played the best I have since I started playing again last night and I really think it is at least partially attributed to watching Archer, Orcullo, Parica and all the great players at the Bar Table Championship this past weekend. Thanks again for all the wonderful advice.

 

[ridingthenine21]

In my opinion, practice seperates ok from great. There are guys in every pool hall that play every day for hours and never get an ounce of improvement. There is always something to work on, but it has to be purposeful, methodical practice. If you can play great position, but miss a shot every rack, that should tell you something. Find YOUR weaknesses and improve on them. After a while fixing little weaknesses will equal a jump in your game, based on my experience.

 

[CaptainHook]

Play all games is an excellent suggestion, one that I wish I had done more of as a beginner. I especially wish I had played more one pocket much earlier in life. I still think about how I could have played lots of cheap one pocket with Steve Cook when he was houseman down at TR's pool hall in Tampa. Should have , could have, would have....

That's Ok. I got you covered on that one. When he was at Bakers, i used to meet him there early on Sunday mornings, he would cook us up some breakfast, then we would play for a few hours before he had to open up.
I originaly wanted him to help me with my 9 Ball game, but he wound up
teaching me how to play 1P.