Road Trip Report - John Schmidt's Pool Hall in WV

[Williebetmore]

Well, just spent 4 days in Wheeling, West by God Virginia. Travelled with elvicash and another friend. Basically spent 3 days on straight pool and one pocket lessons. Two very tight 9 foot Diamonds (one with fabulous new cloth, just for straight pool and one pocket), and I forget how many well kept Diamond bar tables. A large full service bar, and kitchen serving locally famous ribeye sandwiches.

John was an excellent host and we had a fabulous time with good meals, good company, and GREAT pool. As you should know, John is a very top player, excelling in straight pool, one pocket, and 9-Ball. What sets him apart from the average pro player is his intelligence and communication skills. He has obviously spent years working on his game and studying the game. It was a pleasure to be around such an analytical player; and he was really funny...the time just flew by.

While you might think that pro players primarily stick to strategy/pool "physics"/gambling issues; I received some excellent stroke advice from John (who follows many of the orthodox principles of noted stroke instructors, though he has some unorthodox elements). I was very impressed, and it made a big improvement in my game.

I also was privileged to see the Wednesday night Jeanette Lee exhibiton. VERY impressive. She spoke to a standing room only packed house of her battles with scoliosis and the multiple major surgeries throughout the years. Very well spoken, very inspirational, and very entertaining. Anyone who hasn't seen the show is really missing a class act.

I hope that all AZB'ers travelling through, or living in, the Wheeling area will look up John for some pool, or lessons, or both.

 

[JoeyA]

I guess we'll have to wait for that place freezes over before you share some of those stroke secrets you learned with the rest of us peons.

JoeyA

 

[Williebetmore]

I guess we'll have to wait for that place freezes over before you share some of those stroke secrets you learned with the rest of us peons.

JoeyA

JA,
If you are talking about Louisiana....button up.

If you watch John on video, he seems to have a fairly short, fairly rapid, and fairly tense sequence of practice strokes; unorthodox. I always thought that he must necessarily have a fairly tight, tense foreswing....wrong. What he DOES actually have is a very relaxed grip hand, with the cue resting as lightly as possible - which I did not appreciate on video; but was obvious in person. There is ABSOLUTELY no tension, clenching, or gripping in his right hand.

Even though I thought I was working on a "loose" grip, when compared to his mine was a bit tense - John noticed it immediately even though I thought it was quite loose to begin with. With even more relaxation, the straightness of my stroke was much improved.

He also attempts a real pendulum motion and feeling so that there is no tension of any kind in the arm which could be transmitted to the stick. Even very, very slight tremors or changes in grip tension during the foreswing can cause the cue tip to strike slightly away from the intended target. To play high level pool and be capable of running 400 balls; your accuracy must be supreme.

In addition, playing on this super tight equipment John's speed control is SUPERIOR. He embraces and emphasizes the use of "pocket speed", hit the ball ONLY the bare minimum necessary to get the object ball barely to the pocket, and the cue ball to its target. Time after time the object ball would creep toward those tight pockets, move point to point and then barely topple into the pocket. Those are shots that would be misses if he had hit them even the SLIGHTEST bit harder.
Such speed control is very rare in my experience.

You are welcome...when may I expect my jelly???????

 

[JoeyA]

The King Maker

JA,
If you are talking about Louisiana....button up.

If you watch John on video, he seems to have a fairly short, fairly rapid, and fairly tense sequence of practice strokes; unorthodox. I always thought that he must necessarily have a fairly tight, tense foreswing....wrong. What he DOES actually have is a very relaxed grip hand, with the cue resting as lightly as possible - which I did not appreciate on video; but was obvious in person. There is ABSOLUTELY no tension, clenching, or gripping in his right hand.

Even though I thought I was working on a "loose" grip, when compared to his mine was a bit tense - John noticed it immediately even though I thought it was quite loose to begin with. With even more relaxation, the straightness of my stroke was much improved.

He also attempts a real pendulum motion and feeling so that there is no tension of any kind in the arm which could be transmitted to the stick. Even very, very slight tremors or changes in grip tension during the foreswing can cause the cue tip to strike slightly away from the intended target. To play high level pool and be capable of running 400 balls; your accuracy must be supreme.

In addition, playing on this super tight equipment John's speed control is SUPERIOR. He embraces and emphasizes the use of "pocket speed", hit the ball ONLY the bare minimum necessary to get the object ball barely to the pocket, and the cue ball to its target. Time after time the object ball would creep toward those tight pockets, move point to point and then barely topple into the pocket. Those are shots that would be misses if he had hit them even the SLIGHTEST bit harder.
Such speed control is very rare in my experience.

You are welcome...when may I expect my jelly???????

I don't think the Filipinos have a looser grip than John.I guess you deserve something. But JELLY?

Thanks! I'll sleep on the jelly business.....and think some more.

I would just like to remind you that it was me who gave you the opportunity to increase your popularity even more than it already is. Now, besides having the legends of pool as your best friends, you have the minions of AZ Billiards fawning over your every shared word. (You're welcome.) I think a "CAP" from the Strip Steak Restaurant at Mandalay Bay would be a nice way for you to show your appreciation). I'll be there May 11- 16th if you are interested in showing your gratitude. Is that the shiznitz or what?

JoeyA

 

[Williebetmore]

I don't think the Filipinos have a looser grip than John.I guess you deserve something. But JELLY?

Thanks! I'll sleep on the jelly business.....and think some more.

I would just like to remind you that it was me who gave you the opportunity to increase your popularity even more than it already is. Now, besides having the legends of pool as your best friends, you have the minions of AZ Billiards fawning over your every shared word. (You're welcome.) I think a "CAP" from the Strip Steak Restaurant at Mandalay Bay would be a nice way for you to show your appreciation). I'll be there May 11- 16th if you are interested in showing your gratitude. Is that the shiznitz or what?

JoeyA

JA,
Well, I see your point. Your reward should really be commensurate with the true value of my actual fame....I've got it...I owe you a beer at DCC next year.

 

[mikepage]

Well, just spent 4 days in Wheeling, West by God Virginia. Travelled with elvicash and another friend. Basically spent 3 days on straight pool and one pocket lessons. Two very tight 9 foot Diamonds (one with fabulous new cloth, just for straight pool and one pocket), and I forget how many well kept Diamond bar tables. A large full service bar, and kitchen serving locally famous ribeye sandwiches.

John was an excellent host and we had a fabulous time with good meals, good company, and GREAT pool. As you should know, John is a very top player, excelling in straight pool, one pocket, and 9-Ball. What sets him apart from the average pro player is his intelligence and communication skills. He has obviously spent years working on his game and studying the game. It was a pleasure to be around such an analytical player; and he was really funny...the time just flew by.

While you might think that pro players primarily stick to strategy/pool "physics"/gambling issues; I received some excellent stroke advice from John (who follows many of the orthodox principles of noted stroke instructors, though he has some unorthodox elements). I was very impressed, and it made a big improvement in my game.

I also was privileged to see the Wednesday night Jeanette Lee exhibiton. VERY impressive. She spoke to a standing room only packed house of her battles with scoliosis and the multiple major surgeries throughout the years. Very well spoken, very inspirational, and very entertaining. Anyone who hasn't seen the show is really missing a class act.

I hope that all AZB'ers travelling through, or living in, the Wheeling area will look up John for some pool, or lessons, or both.

All very nice to hear. Thanks for the report.

I hope to get there someday.

 

[wigglybridge]

i've also noticed John's short, choppy practice strokes, and found them distracting at first. but then on closer inspection, his stroke during the actual _hit_ is not at all tense. it's like 2 different people. i'll bet it sharks the hell out of some players!

and you sure can't argue with the results, plus his patterns and articulate thinking are unsurpassed.

thanks for the report!

 

[SKILLZELITE]

Yea I met him at the Shane vs Earl race to 100 match, hes cool and down to earth, the pool hall he owns is about a hour drive from me , ive yet to check it out, but do have intentions to..

 

[RogerChambers]

John Schmidt

Willie,

Sorry I missed you at John's place. Something came up at the last minute and I did not get a chance to get down there.

John is really a nice guy who is an inspiration to all of us. Likes to golf and ride his motorcycle..

I was in a poolhall in Weirton, WV and John stopped in to say Hi. Two young players were shooting straight pool and John gave them some advice. The young players did not know who he was and I let them know a little about John after he left. The next day, one of the two players told me, "I looked him up on YouTube. Dude, he's an awsome player." Not too many World Class Players and Champion would take the time to show complete strangers some ins and outs of pool. John definitely showed class.

I played John straight pool one time. It was then I discovered I was the Ohio Valley's Pool Ball Racking Champion. No one could rack the balls like me...lol. He kept running and running.... I think he ran something like 184 before he missed. It was a treat to watch.

 

[HollyWood]

Sounds like a great road trip !

I thought it was kool to listen to the sparing matches between Danny and John. John is a great Representative for the sport. I'm sure he will bring tournaments to his room. Glad to see him running a business and have good Sponsors. John- Art is my friend. Thanks for all you are giving back to Pool !! Keep flipping those burgers all the way to the bank. mark

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

How many times did you see Schmitty miscue?

 

[john schmidt]

thanks

Well, just spent 4 days in Wheeling, West by God Virginia. Travelled with elvicash and another friend. Basically spent 3 days on straight pool and one pocket lessons. Two very tight 9 foot Diamonds (one with fabulous new cloth, just for straight pool and one pocket), and I forget how many well kept Diamond bar tables. A large full service bar, and kitchen serving locally famous ribeye sandwiches.

John was an excellent host and we had a fabulous time with good meals, good company, and GREAT pool. As you should know, John is a very top player, excelling in straight pool, one pocket, and 9-Ball. What sets him apart from the average pro player is his intelligence and communication skills. He has obviously spent years working on his game and studying the game. It was a pleasure to be around such an analytical player; and he was really funny...the time just flew by.

While you might think that pro players primarily stick to strategy/pool "physics"/gambling issues; I received some excellent stroke advice from John (who follows many of the orthodox principles of noted stroke instructors, though he has some unorthodox elements). I was very impressed, and it made a big improvement in my game.

I also was privileged to see the Wednesday night Jeanette Lee exhibiton. VERY impressive. She spoke to a standing room only packed house of her battles with scoliosis and the multiple major surgeries throughout the years. Very well spoken, very inspirational, and very entertaining. Anyone who hasn't seen the show is really missing a class act.

I hope that all AZB'ers travelling through, or living in, the Wheeling area will look up John for some pool, or lessons, or both.

thanks for the kind words don.it was great having u guys all there.
you and i would get along great.u like pool and motorcycles.jeanette was awesome and i enjoyed hanging with u and dana also.take care guys u r welcome back anytime.

 

[TX Poolnut]

if i'm ever in WV, i'm there.

 

[Kickin' Chicken]

Thanks for your great report.

JS is definitely a wonderful representative for our sport.

And he sure is a funny sonofagun!

Best,
Brian kc

 

[TX Poolnut]

Thanks for your great report.

JS is definitely a wonderful representative for our sport.

And he sure is a funny sonofagun!

Best,
Brian kc

plus he like dirt bikes. That's an automatic win in my book.

 

[Williebetmore]

plus he like dirt bikes. That's an automatic win in my book.

TXP,
You are wrong. I got the definite impression that he LOVES dirt bikes and road bikes. "Like" seems a bit mild.

 

[Williebetmore]

How many times did you see Schmitty miscue?

DPP,
Not sure of the purpose of your question; other than that on his straight pool commentary with Mark Wilson from last years DCC, he states that one of his principles of advanced 14.1 is to avoid any miscues (if possible). In other words, try to favor shots that require hitting nearer center ball than farther away (hard to argue with that, but if you don't think about it....).

He miscued once that I saw during a game of one pocket; but he did have some kind of funky tip on his cue that he was trying out.

Now tell us why you ask???

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

DPP,
Not sure of the purpose of your question; other than that on his straight pool commentary with Mark Wilson from last years DCC, he states that one of his principles of advanced 14.1 is to avoid any miscues (if possible). In other words, try to favor shots that require hitting nearer center ball than farther away (hard to argue with that, but if you don't think about it....).

He miscued once that I saw during a game of one pocket; but he did have some kind of funky tip on his cue that he was trying out.

Now tell us why you ask???

A few weeks back John was in the booth at a streamed event right around the time the Kamui chalk came out. Him and Justin (I think it was TAR) were talking about the "controversy" and John made the comment that if it helped him miscue 4 times less a tournament it was worth the asking price. I thought it was a rather odd comment because it suggests that he miscues so much that it would be worth the money to miscue 4 fewer times in the course of a single event. I rarely see more than 1 or 2 miscues in the entire field over the course of tournament, even if the field includes guys like Rafael who like to go around the world for position just for the sport of it. :grin-square:

 

[justadub]

I had a feeling that's where you were going with that... :0

And I was curious, as well.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

I had a feeling that's where you were going with that... :0

And I was curious, as well.

Glad I'm not the only one that remembers that comment. I imagine John was just trying to make the point that from the perspective of a professional in competition if a better chalk eliminates even the one miscue at an inopportune time it could more than pay for itself, which of course is true. :wink:

But the way he put it caught my attention.