Setting Goals (Stretch vs. Realistic)

[BeiberLvr]

When it comes to high run goals, what's better?

For example, my high run is 36. If I set my goal at 50, that would be a realistic goal. If I set it for 100, that would be a stretch goal.

Does it make a difference?

 

[sparkle84]

I think the goal should be to improve your skills and decision making, higher and more consistent runs will automatically follow. Would be good if you could put up another video with a better camera position. Up high at the foot end seems to work best. Kind of impossible to give any feedback on the 28 run. Don't have to wait for another decent run, a 1/2 hr. practice session with a better angle will give people an idea of where you're at and what's needed for improvement.
From what I could see it seems there's some good and not so good. Stroke seems fairly smooth and the way you address the CB is very nice. On the other hand, you're all over the place with the CB and running into a lot of balls unnecessarily. That will kill you in this game.
As far as your question goes, 100 is unrealistic at this point and 50 is going to be tough without changing a few things. Primarily better CB control and better rack management. Get more video up and there's plenty of people here willing and able to help out.
I know it's tough but if you can find a really good 14.1 player in your area who would be willing to show you some things it would speed your progress immensely.

 

[Cameron Smith]

When it comes to high run goals, what's better?

For example, my high run is 36. If I set my goal at 50, that would be a realistic goal. If I set it for 100, that would be a stretch goal.

Does it make a difference?

There are short term goals and long term goals. I think that's a better way of putting it. You're goal of 100 balls is only unrealistic in the short term.

For any student in any vocation, you are looking at setting short term goals with the aim to achieve a long term goal.

If we look at the example of student in school, if I am looking to take a D student and improve them to an A or a B student, I'm not going to expect an A or B necessarily on their very next essay. I'll address issues and concerns one at a time and build them up to where they need to be. And it depends on the student, it could be research or study habits. Writing is generally an issue, but even there we need to break down their skills at writing and figure exactly where they are having trouble.

For you, I would want to see you place that 100 ball run as your long term goal and keep it in the back of your mind, but for now focus on 50 balls which is very achievable.

I think it is easier to adress whatever issues that are keeping you from running 50 balls than it is from running 100 balls. But keeping that long term goal in mind pushes you forward but should also keep you from saying "good enough" in particular area. For example, you don't want to say that your cue ball, patterns, stroke etc. are "good enough". There is always room for improvement for everyone, and that is what will get you to 100 balls. Finally the short term goals help chart progress and are less daunting when your goal is 50 then 75, 90 and eventually 100.

 

[stevekur1]

When it comes to high run goals, what's better?

For example, my high run is 36. If I set my goal at 50, that would be a realistic goal. If I set it for 100, that would be a stretch goal.

Does it make a difference?

I have my HighRun goal set at one higher than my highrun, because i know its within my grasp because i have been there before. of course this doesnt mean that i will stop once i get there....lol

my real goal is to get that one on video, now all i have to do is allocate some time where i can work on this

good luck
-Steve

 

[sjm]

I think the goal should be to improve your skills and decision making, higher and more consistent runs will automatically follow.

Perfect advice here. It's about developing your methods and decision making. If you do that, you'll run more balls.

Why even have a high run goal? When you play 14.1, your goal should be winning, and you'll do that if you develop your skills, your methods and your handling of the percentages.

 

[rikdee]

Perfect advice here. It's about developing your methods and decision making. If you do that, you'll run more balls.

Why even have a high run goal? When you play 14.1, your goal should be winning, and you'll do that if you develop your skills, your methods and your handling of the percentages.

agree 100%. Too much emphasis on high runs where, as Stu points out, consistent play in all aspects of the game should be the "goal". How many games have you won with your high run?

 

[poolmouse]

I think the goal should be to improve your skills and decision making, higher and more consistent runs will automatically follow.

I see a lot of 14.1 players practicing by themselves, making the same mistakes over and over, so they're never going to get higher runs, since all they're doing is practicing their shot making. So I agree with the above, learning how to manage things is at least as important as sinking balls (although the former would be moot if you ain't got the later). I've seen some not so great shot makers run many balls, and I've also seen some great shot makers never getting a decent run.

The best way to improve your 14.1 game is to hang out with better 14.1 players, ask questions, learn.

 

[Chrisw83]

I keep notes of how many I run at a time and work on improving my averages. Running 60 once is impressive but running a constant 20 is much more impressive imho. (60 and 20 are just numbers I put in place)