Setting A High Run Goal

I went up to see WBM yesterday. Had a good time, always do.

Started out with a warmup drill basically straight in with power draw missed alot of balls, action not so good, tip finishing left. Hit a few good ones but low percentage.

Played a game of 14.1, did not do so well. I was focusing in on staying level and shooting softer. I miss a lot of balls when I try to shoot soft I do not understand it so I guess it means I need to hit more balls soft until they start going. Don wins 100 to mid 50 something. Not to self - Hit more balls Elvī.

After the game we played some taking turns a shot at a time and I see now why Don wins with me 70% of the time or more. He thinks about the game alot better. WBM thanks I got alot out of that and I hope we do more of it, if I can start making some better decisions the game will open up for me.

I will try to start posting some run numbers, I guess a ran a 7 yesterday, wow that did not feel so bad to admit that, not so good either. Now I got to go hit some more balls I know I have an 11 in me.
 
........................Played a game of 14.1, did not do so well. I was focusing in on staying level and shooting softer. I miss a lot of balls when I try to shoot soft I do not understand it so I guess it means I need to hit more balls soft until they start going. ......................................................


Just an FYI, in case you aren't aware. If you already know this, don't be offended, as I don't know what your knowledge base is. Shooting soft allows many factors into the shot that aren't nearly as important when you shoot harder, like.... ball skid, friction from dirty balls, throw, etc. Those factors can make a shot miss, where the exact same shot done with more speed will go in. Hope that helps. If you already know this, maybe others that don't can take note. Good luck.

td
 
J ... Shooting soft allows many factors into the shot that aren't nearly as important when you shoot harder, like.... ball skid, friction from dirty balls, throw, etc. Those factors can make a shot miss, ...
I partly agree with this, but we have the counter example from carom billiards of large runs at balk line where nearly all shots are soft and the positions of all three balls are typically controlled to within an inch (by champions such as Caudron).

I think the problem of shooting softly is much larger with bad equipment. Keep the balls and cloth clean, and have the table leveled properly. And get a table that can remain level.
 
I respect your knowledge Bob..

and enjoy having you here posting, but I was just trying to help someone out. I'm not sure why it needs to go beyond that, but to each their own.

Do you think that somehow I was misleading or providing false information?
Just curious, or I would let it go w/out response.

Best wishes.

td
 
Thanks td and Bob both for the tips. td I know Bob and I think he is just trying to help me improve, he is familiar with my tendancy to shoot firm when soft would be better.

Bob I am mostly playing at WBM's, local rooms and my house all of the locations we play on Gold Crowns usually with Simonis 860 balls are Super Aramith or Centineals, WBM and I both have ball cleaners ballstars the local rooms do not really have ball cleaners to speak of so the equipment I believe is pretty good.

I tend to not hitthe object ball thick enough, usually I roll too far and miss the ball. I have pretty good ball speed when shooting a Scott Lee 3 speed or higher if you know what I am talking about. I will definitely have pretty good ball speed firm going 2 or more rails I have good general knowledge of landing and line when shooting firm.

When I am cutting a ball 5-15 deg have any distance to the cue ball and want to kill the rock while shooting soft I lose my touch.

I am going to do some drills and set up situations to get past this but for now I have a weak spot in shooting soft and not being level. I will work on these and they will become stronger areas for me.

As far as how I play I td I CANNOT beat anybody that is a real pool player but I can give the rest a pretty good game more some times than others. So I can play a little, I won my straight pool league last year with a zero handicap most of our players get 20 plus balls going to a hundred some as many as 60 only a couple of player have a negative handicap. I was on a Valley team and we got 2nd place in our league, I was second strongest player on the team and played pretty welll most of the year. I have ran 2 packs of 8 ball before and put together 2 or 3 racks of 9 ball now and again on a bar table. Years back when I played a little more (I quit for 10 years) I ran a 5 pack on an 8 ft table so that is my high run in those games. I am trying to run my current age of 43 in straight pool. I make the balls pretty good but I do not manage the game very well.

Thanks for following the thread.....
 
Thanks td and Bob both for the tips. td I know Bob and I think he is just trying to help me improve, he is familiar with my tendancy to shoot firm when soft would be better........

..............................
Sounds like you are well on your way! :thumbup: I am not anywhere near Bob's knowledge base, but can play a little. I was only trying to offer up that info. as I had never really been aware of much of that when I played while I was younger. Now that I have a few years under my belt, I've tended to notice all those little tidbits that can help me miss (as if I need help). One of the major ones is the slow rolling cut shot, and how often it skids, and/or overthrows, undercuts. Watch any pro match, and count how many times they slow roll a cut on the 9 ball, or game ball (almost never). There is a real reason for that. JMO

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When I am cutting a ball 5-15 deg have any distance to the cue ball and want to kill the rock while shooting soft I lose my touch.

......................................

Drag / follow shot may be a good solution here.

........................................................

I am going to do some drills and set up situations to get past this but for now I have a weak spot in shooting soft and not being level. I will work on these and they will become stronger areas for me.

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tap tap... Can't hurt to experiment a little. Good luck

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As far as how I play I td I CANNOT beat anybody that is a real pool player but I can give the rest a pretty good game more some times than others. So I can play a little, I won my straight pool league last year with a zero handicap most of our players get 20 plus balls going to a hundred some as many as 60 only a couple of player have a negative handicap. I was on a Valley team and we got 2nd place in our league, I was second strongest player on the team and played pretty welll most of the year. I have ran 2 packs of 8 ball before and put together 2 or 3 racks of 9 ball now and again on a bar table. Years back when I played a little more (I quit for 10 years) I ran a 5 pack on an 8 ft table so that is my high run in those games. I am trying to run my current age of 43 in straight pool. I make the balls pretty good but I do not manage the game very well.

Thanks for following the thread.....

.................................................

Sounds like you have some game!! :thumbup: Keep up the good results. We ALL have our own little rough spots.... I have more than my share :wink: Hope you hit your goal! I only posted after I saw your first post in this LONG thread, and it reminded me of my past goals... so I thought I'd try and help. Time for me to work on mine!! LOL

td
 
Just a general note: I'm very hopeful that the equipment in Betmore's Basement will allow me to hit the cue ball whatever speed the shot at hand requires (ultra-soft, medium, or warp speed). Complaints about the equipment are rare (2 in 6 years, duly noted and corrected as well as possible).

I believe that almost all old school 14.1 players are correct in saying that you definitely want to hit the balls as slowly as possible to still accomplish your positioning goals. As grindz points out correctly; if equipment is poor, then a firm stroke is definitely necessary to pocket the ball; but achieving position will be more difficult on many shots if you must always shoot firmly to allow pocketing - I DON'T REALLY WANT TO SPEND MUCH TIME PLAYING ON SUCH EQUIPMENT. I believe elvicash is often guilty of hitting the ball at more than "pocket speed" when position does not require it (just like me and many other amateur players - it is not something we have incorporated into our game so that it is automatic).

Straight pool is a game that DEMANDS precise positioning if it is to be played at a high level. On many shots a "slow roll" is the only way to achieve position, and on many more shots the slow roll is a far superior option to a hard "stun forward" or "stun backward" shot. One pocket afficionado's will also confirm the vital necessity of mastering the "slow roll", it is a mandatory weapon in the great player's arsenal. If a shot must be struck firmly to obtain position, then by all means strike it firmly (but play for angles on break shots and secondary break shots that have decent angles so you do not HAVE to strike it so firmly).

A lesson with Danny D. or Grady Mathews or Jeanette Lee or sjm (and I suspect with Bob Jewett as well) will confirm that this shot must be available as it is often the only option or the preferred option for obtaining position.

My last bit of observation is that elvicash can become a great player. I have an instructor that believes I can eventually run 100 balls. My opinion is that if I can, then elvicash can too; he has the desire and the commitment to focused practice that can get him there if he can find enough time to pursue it (that danged day job continues to interfere with his pool addiction). He has firepower.
 
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Okay....

you guys have me renewing my goal for the year. Unfortunately my equipment penalizes slow rolling cut shots.... so I'll have to do things the hard way. :wink:

Good luck on all your goals!

td
 
you guys have me renewing my goal for the year. Unfortunately my equipment penalizes slow rolling cut shots.... so I'll have to do things the hard way. :wink:

Good luck on all your goals!

td

G-man,
You have our sympathy. Playing on well-maintained, high quality, regularly cleaned equipment is one of life's great pleasures for the true fanatic.

Playing on bad equipment is not a total waste, however (I am going to assume you are regularly subjected to bar table play on something less than a Diamond). You will soon master those very difficult "stun forward" and "stun backward" shots (or perhaps you have already; but even pro's have difficulty with them).

In case you haven't achieved total mastery yet; this is the way a prominent professional practices them: Set up a table length, straight in shot with the object ball just past the side pocket, and the cue ball a few inches off the near rail (shooting towards the far corner). Now make the object ball with a very firm stroke and have the cue ball replace the object ball (ie. one balls width further than a stop shot - requires a hit very slightly above center). Then shoot the same shot and have the cue ball move forward one more balls width past the object ball, then 2 balls width past, then 3 balls width (each requiring a very slightly higher strike on the vertical axis of the cue ball).

Such control of speed and such command of the cue tip (allowing you to repeatedly hit the exact spot on the vertical axis of the cue ball with a very firm stroke) is a very advanced skill; one that will stand you in good stead no matter the type of equipment on which you play. On better equipment, you will see that those shots; 2, 3, 4 ball widths past the object ball are much easier to achieve correct position with a slower roll; but it is great to be able to do it both ways (it's just that slower is better - better percentage of achieving exact position, better pocketing percentage with the object ball moving slower).

Anyway, if you are ever in Indy; you should stop by Betmore's Basement, it is hopefully a step up from the equipment on which you are playing.
 
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Betmore thanks for the post. Show me the stun forward you speak of next time we play, but I am truly trying to shoot a little more soft and level and of course to think a little better.

Warning to all who enter Betmores basement, beware conditions are very good. Modern Goldcrown, new Pro balls, month old broken in Simonis 860 cloth. Equipment is clean. Excellent tunes if you like a range of quality rock songs (not much country though) some other music might be found as well.

Here is the bad news not much in the way of sugar based pop and you have to serve youreself. Of course the second item is the extremely high security precations currently in place, this is due to the fact that the Betmore Cup is currently residing there and has been for a while. Not to brag but I have seen the Betmore cup personally and it is quite the trophy.

All in all Betmore's basement give mine 40 balls going to 100. And his wife is a fine cook too.
 
.... Warning to all who enter Betmores basement, beware conditions are very good. Modern Goldcrown, new Pro balls, month old broken in Simonis 860 cloth. Equipment is clean ......

.... which stinks, because when you dog it, you can't blame the equipment.
 
Not to brag but I have seen the Betmore cup personally and it is quite the trophy.

All in all Betmore's basement give mine 40 balls going to 100. .

ec,
I'm very disappointed that you've seen fit to divulge information about the location and security precautions surrounding "the Cup". I suppose I am now obligated to hire another full-time security guard/goon or two to protect this priceless trophy....oh well.

I would say that your pool room is superior in several ways to mine - better stereo system, better pool library (I have almost every book written about pool, you have EVERY book I think), better cooking (my wife's cooking is always interesting and often edible, you guys offer gourmet quality everything), better service (I am too damn lazy to have anything other than self-service; deal with it), unshimmed pockets.

Having said all of that, I wouldn't trade my poolroom for anyone else's (including our professional friend's somewhat gaudy pool room) - it suits my needs.

P.S. - I did buy a 12-pack of regular Coke on Thursday (I couldn't remember if you were the one that likes Dr. Pepper). Hope you can make it over next week for Mark Wilson's visit.
 
Elvi will be going to Burning man 2009

Now I do not know much about Burning Man but I was invited so I am going. it is supposed to be a different way of life or mindset. I am trying to make this more of an event than 7 or 8 days in the desert. I did have a side kick but reality got in the way and they backed out so now I can go visit friends and family across the nation.

I am taking a long drive cross country for this event. I have not selected the exact route yet. I will probably stop to hit balls a time or two. Anybody have any suggestions on must stop pool halls or whatever let me know.

Curr route is Indy leave Thurs AM go through Denver and arrive Reno by Sat PM. This could be 2 days but the extra day should give me time to do a thing or two on the way.

Sun Reno prep for Burning Man primarily groceries.

Mon - Mon Burning Man probably not going to be offering out any cues or cases might have some used chalk I could give out to any who needs some drilled out cubes. (elvi does not like drilled out chalk) I guess I should share something good but that is what i have to share in the way of pool equipment.

From BM probably head out to Vacaville CA then down to SF check out a person or two including hopefully Bob J himself, then down through Death Valley to Vegas maybe try to look in on Fatboy.

From Vegas to Pheonix hopefully check out Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam and some Pheonix rooms.

then drive on to Lubbock TX, my Dad has a club called Jakes, coldest beer in Lubbock so I will be there a day or two.

Then on home maybe the long way Dallas, Shreveport, Memphis, Nashville, Bowling Green and Russell Springs, KY back to Indy.

This route is subject to change. I will be taking an old laptop, digital camera and video equipment, George case with a Scruggs bar stick and OB2 shaft (I like OB2) and Mike G breeak stick. I will try to hit a local tourney or two along the way.

Post up if I should stop anywhere along the way. I want to hits some pool balls in most states I drive through. I will be taking a GPS.

Yet again if there is a table on the playa I want to hit some balls. If i like BM and I find no table this year I might have to take a table in the future at least a Valley Bar Box.


Trip Route is open and subject to change at first whim
 
I'm 83 and my high run, about 35 years ago playing my son on my 8 ft. Brunswick VIP is 29. I would like to run my age before I turn 84, but I'd be happy with a 30. My best on a 9 ft. table is 24 about a year ago and I had a 27 on the 8 ft. a couple of months ago. My goal for today is just to beat Half-fast Larry. He beat me 100 to 75 yesterday and I'm p.o.ed

Dave(Chickory Slim)Nelson

P.S. Actually, I had a 33 about 65 years ago but that was in line-up.
 
I'm 83 and my high run, about 35 years ago playing my son on my 8 ft. Brunswick VIP is 29. I would like to run my age before I turn 84, but I'd be happy with a 30. My best on a 9 ft. table is 24 about a year ago and I had a 27 on the 8 ft. a couple of months ago. My goal for today is just to beat Half-fast Larry. He beat me 100 to 75 yesterday and I'm p.o.ed

Dave(Chickory Slim)Nelson

P.S. Actually, I had a 33 about 65 years ago but that was in line-up.

Keep stroking I am glad to hear you are still hitting the balls. BTW - I have been up to Racine a couple of times. Maybe we can hit some balls if and when I get back up there.
 
Elvicash

That would be fantastic. I live 5 minutes from Break and Run and 15 minutes from Boomers and Claws in Kenosha is not very far.

Dave Nelson

dnelson26@wi.rr.com

262-554-8092

Oh, and revenge is sweet. I beat Half-Fast Larry today 100 to 71. My high run was only 12 but then I kept running 8s 9s an 10s.
 
Dave if and when i get that way I would like to play.

As far as the runs you mention that is what I been doing to more short runs than anything to really talk about, I just have to keep working on the discipline and work my way through it.....

Dana
 
Burning Man update, I might have a replacement partner but i do not expect he is up for the entire cross country long trip so I might be cutting some of that out remain to be seen. Oh yeah he is a pool nut too you will be hearing more out of him I believe.

I hit some balls ran a 18 could have been at least a 28 missed a ball breaking up last cluster played about 30 or 40 minutes no other good runs.
 
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Tom H and I are enroute to Burning Man.

I just played some tonight in Des Moines at the Big Dog. Nice room, I did not like the tunes much. The balls were mismatched, we played on a GC 9'

I had a great time, the bear was cold, the rate was not bad at all.

The results, I played bad early and could not overcome Tom's lead. He beat me 100 to 88. I did not feel comfortable initially. No run for me over 9 or 10, Tom ran a 19.

We played bank pool short rack and I won 3 out of 4, quit for the night.

Tommorow we might play some in Cheyenne WY. Thinking about trying out Mingles.
 
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