Putting the pieces together

SoundWaves

SoundWaves

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
So you spend years of practice to improve the elements of your game. What is the best approach to make them work as a team. Over the last 5 years I have improved the elements of my game by 100 times. I can complete small tasks far better than ever, and continue to improve. When it comes to break and runs and hard runs over say 5 balls I think I don't always get out when I should. I am not complaining and I feel as I play competitively but I need new things to practice.

Any ideas, Thanks.
 
Lets start with the three Major Checklists. Have you got them together?.....randyg
 
I'm in the same boat Waves, but I decided to get my game evaluated by a BCA instructor as I'm sure Randy is leading towards. I chose Stan Shuffett, father of Landon Shuffett, the 12 yr old pool prodigy. It was eye opening to say the least. Stan is very reasonable compared to many others, and really dedicates himself to your success. He's in Kentucky, and I'm sure that you have some certified instructors closer to you in CT, but based on time spent for dollar invested, it may be worth your while to drive to Stan. He's a great instructor with a passion for your success !

Just a few of the things I learned. I had a very slight arc in my stroke which led me to accidentally apply a little right english on most shots. My bridge was too long. I was slightly out of alignment. My cue wasn't level. Last but not least, while I had a "pro" stroke, it was a little lackluster going through the cue ball, as opposed to an accelerating stroke.

I'm working the 16 key shots (and their variations) in Bob Hennings "Pro Book", which alone will take months and probably result in a big improvement. Stan gave me numerous drills to work, and an agenda to pursue. I can't say enough good about him. Call him, you'll thank me...Tom

www.justcueit.com
 
What works for me is occasionally just playing a few games by myself. A buddy of mine used to take an spread out a 9-ball rack like it was a perfect spread on a break. He took ball in hand on the 1 and tried to run out, if he missed he pulled all the balls that were made out of the pockets and tried again. I started doing the same thing. If others ask if you want to play a game just decline and go back to doing your thing.

Focus on all the little details of your game, if you misplay a shot, set it back up and do it again. Focus on your stroke and focus on ball position. Set small goals for you to accomplish such as;
4 ball - corner pocket
Cue ball - one rail, stops in imaginary square.

Not only is it relaxing because it's just you, the balls and the table but it lets you really focus into what you're doing right and what you need to work on. For me, and my buddy this works very well for us. My buddy had been doing this for years and he has one of the best strokes I've seen, he(as well as myself) are also very intuned to what we do right and what we need to work on. This is a good thing because when it's decision time in a game we know what the better choice is based on our abilities. I hope this helps! :)
 
In my opinion practicing alone will only take you so far. You need to get in the box and play better players. Of course, in my opinion, gambling will increase your play the fastest. If you are putting heat on yourself with gambling, then you will be forced to put the elements together or you will go bust. But, gambling is not for everyone. Get yourself some games against the best players you can find. Watch what they do, emulate what they do, and ask their advice...pick their brain. Doing drills alone is not enough to raise your game. When you plateau...then find a new mountain to climb...that mountain is normally stiffer competition.
 
Last edited:
Tournaments, Just practice without a goal isnt ideal IMHO. I find when I am peparing for a tourney I tend to stay at the practice table longer with more focous. If you ask me I think its far too easy to get sidetracked during practice so I also suggest a serious sparring partener. I say this because I believe great Players always come in 2's. One pushing the other over those Moutainous obstacles to achieve greater strength in the game. Otherwise you can drill your self to death but the true achievements and goals may never be fully realized. IMO that is.



SPINDOKTOR
 
Well, so far so good. I agree, practice without a point is useless for sure. I have tried over the last year to keep score of alot of things in my practice. Being a family man it can be tough to get out sometimes and most of my play is at home. Need a flexible mentor.
 
SoundWaves said:
Well, so far so good. I agree, practice without a point is useless for sure. I have tried over the last year to keep score of alot of things in my practice. Being a family man it can be tough to get out sometimes and most of my play is at home. Need a flexible mentor.
Click to expand...
I think Joe Tucker is in your area. You should try him.

As for drills for lots of specific problems and shots, see http://www.sfbilliards.com/basics.pdf and the various articles in http://www.sfbilliards.com/articles/BD_articles.html and at http://www.onthebreaknews.com/JewettIndex.htm

A checklist for your fundamentals as well as drills for them is in the "basics.pdf" above. It also contains an explanation of "progressive practice" which allows you to easily score nearly any kind of drill very simply and without much paperwork. A couple of articles in On The Break News (above) will show you how to develop your own drills for your own problems

I think the best video for practice drills is Byrne's "Power Pool Workout."

Good luck with your learning.
 
Bob, I like those simple progressive drills on the basics... you would think after seeing your name mentioned in half the pool books I have read that I would have investigated some of your material... great stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top