So close to running racks...

Caromsoft

Caromsoft

"Your Break...Big Brain!"
Silver Member
Today was my weekly game with a friend playing 8 ball on his 7 foot table. I ran 6 balls three times, and 7 balls once (scratched on a severe cut shot). Only one of the racks was wide open, the others I had to make positions happen. I have only run a rack once before, so as you can guess, this was a bit frustrating! I guess the pool gods are mad at me for some reason. :confused:

Just wanted to share with people who would understand my pain! :)
 
I feel your pain, bc I'm pretty much at the same stage. Actually, maybe two weeks of hard practice behind you.
 
close...

If pool were easy and the balls just fell into the pockets 'we' wouldn't appreciate the game. And, the effort it takes to gain the skills to make the balls. Remember, it's the journey not the destination. Sounds like you're on the right track. Keep at it!
 
It was like I was reading my own playing level! I 2 have just started running racks in leauge nite. 3 in row now. I 'm scared to let it go to my head, but I so badly want to know I,m getting better and not just lucky. like mentioned earlier its the jurney not the destination... Thinking about that realy makes it easier to enjoy these high's in my progression. Good Luck to you Eric
 
Caromsoft said:
Today was my weekly game with a friend playing 8 ball on his 7 foot table. I ran 6 balls three times, and 7 balls once (scratched on a severe cut shot). Only one of the racks was wide open, the others I had to make positions happen. I have only run a rack once before, so as you can guess, this was a bit frustrating! I guess the pool gods are mad at me for some reason. :confused:

Just wanted to share with people who would understand my pain! :)
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it gets worse actually. the better you get the higher your expectations of yourself. My blood pressure shoots up when i miss a ball or get bad position and if i let it out of hand its all down hill from there. I know its unrealistic but I feel I should run out almost every rack. good luck.

out of topic, i noticed you have a break cue. i played over 10 yrs before i got a seperate break cue.
 
I played a monthly room tournament last night, and ended up taking 4th because I put too much pressure on myself. I dogged a straight in shot on the 5, leaving an easy shot for the 8 ball next. Wasnt that I couldnt make the shot..... Ive made it literally thousands of times..... I didnt make the shot cause in my head I was thinking "whatever you do.... dont miss this ball". Instead I should have been thinking, "Make the ball, just like you have the last 10000 times you have made this ball"
I am a believer in this..... if you can run 7 balls, you can run 100. The difference is in your mind. You have the physical ability.... but the mind isnt telling the body the correct instructions somewhere down the line. Small errors in judgement and confidence either one.... miss more balls/positions than anything else out there.
Chuck
 
Caromsoft said:
Today was my weekly game with a friend playing 8 ball on his 7 foot table. I ran 6 balls three times, and 7 balls once (scratched on a severe cut shot). Only one of the racks was wide open, the others I had to make positions happen. I have only run a rack once before, so as you can guess, this was a bit frustrating! I guess the pool gods are mad at me for some reason. :confused:

Just wanted to share with people who would understand my pain! :)
Click to expand...

You're on the path. Many people will tell you that you're committing the cardinal sin of 8-ball by running most of your balls and then missing, and they're correct, in that it means you will generally lose that game to a decent player. But if I were you (and I was in the same situation as you about a year ago), I wouldn't let that change the way you shoot. Running out is the best way to ensure a win in a game of 8-ball. Safeties mean your opponent gets to have a safety battle with you for the rack; but I'd rather battle someone who's sitting defenseless in their chair every time.

If you run most of the way out and miss, it doesn't necessarily mean you shouldn't have tried to run out, but it always means you shouldn't have missed! The way to become a really good 8-ball player, in my view, is to keep trying those outs, at least when you're not in an important match, until you can execute them fully a high percentage of the time. Playing safe because you know you probably won't get out may be the best strategy to win that game, but you won't learn to get out that way. Just some food for thought.

-Andrew
 
I lead my league in table runs. I sit and watch every game, unlike some that shoot the bull etc. Not that I have anything against socializing it's just that I enjoy watching what is going on in the game.

If you are consistently running 5 or 6 balls that tells me that your shot making ability is good enough to complete a table run. There are a few common mistakes made during attempts to run the table in 8 ball. When I go for the run and fail I look back and usually see which one of these things I goofed up.

Assuming that you have made the decision to go for the run knowing full well that if you screw it up you will probably lose the game.

1. Most importantly!!! Realize what your problem ball(s) are and do something about them within the first 2 (can be stretched to 3) shots. Remembering that this same ball(s) are probably the same ones that are a problem for your opponent so when you start messing with them, you have to finish.

2. After taking care of your obvious problem ball(s) then start looking for less obvious problems. A ball can look like it is out in the open and still only have one pocket or few choices of where the cue ball can go when shooting that ball. (that last little ditty of 'few choices...' can be over looked very easily.)

3. Only the pros can count on exact position. After 1 and 2 above I try to pick the order that has the most margin for error. (I pride myself about being able to do this pretty well) I think to many players make a plan and say 'that will work' and start shooting. Then a ball or two later they realize that for this plan to work they are going to have to get EXACT position on one of the balls. They miss the position by an inch and they are dead in the water.

4. Remember that the 8 ball is part of the run. (It only took me 10 or 12 years to get this through my thick skull) It is a pretty good idea to know ahead of time what ball you are going to use to play position on the 8 ball.


In short, THERE MUST BE A REASON FOR EVERY SHOT. Not just because you can make the shot or you see that there is a ball you can make after it.

I could go on but I think this should get you started.

JR
 
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Congrats on being close to running racks!

That being said, running racks will not always win the match or tournament for you (although it certainly helps!!). Being consistent and having great confidence will. I can play OK pool and have for a while, but I just recently gained more confidence and have been winning or placing much higher in tournaments because of it.

Have great confidence and expect good things to happen........you'll be amazed at the difference.

Again, Congrats!!!!!!

Russ.
 
CaptainJR said:
I lead my league in table runs. I sit and watch every game, unlike some that shoot the bull etc. Not that I have anything against socializing it's just that I enjoy watching what is going on in the game.

If you are consistently running 5 or 6 balls that tells me that your shot making ability is good enough to complete a table run. There are a few common mistakes made during attempts to run the table in 8 ball. When I go for the run and fail I look back and usually see which one of these things I goofed up.

Assuming that you have made the decision to go for the run knowing full well that if you screw it up you will probably lose the game.

1. Most importantly!!! Realize what your problem ball(s) are and do something about them within the first 2 (can be stretched to 3) shots. Remembering that this same ball(s) are probably the same ones that are a problem for your opponent so when you start messing with them, you have to finish.

2. After taking care of your obvious problem ball(s) then start looking for less obvious problems. A ball can look like it is out in the open and still only have one pocket or few choices of where the cue ball can go when shooting that ball. (that last little ditty of 'few choices? can be over looked very easily.)

3. Only the pros can count on exact position. After 1 and 2 above I try to pick the order that has the most margin for error. (I pride myself about being able to do this pretty well) I think to many players make a plan and say 'that will work' and start shooting. Then a ball or two later they realize that for this plan to work they are going to have to get EXACT position on one of the balls. They miss the position by an inch and they are dead in the water.

4. Remember that the 8 ball is part of the run. (It only took me 10 or 12 years to get this through my thick skull) It is a pretty good idea to know ahead of time what ball you are going to use to play position on the 8 ball.


In short, THERE MUST BE A REASON FOR EVERY SHOT. Not just because you can make the shot or you see that there is a ball you can make after it.

I could go on but I think this should get you started.

JR
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Very good advice. I especially like the phrase in all caps. I'm constantly amazed by how many (bad) players will pocket a ball, and the reason why they shot at it was apparently "because it was there."

-Andrew
 
CaptainJR said:
1. Most importantly!!! Realize what your problem ball(s) are and do something about them within the first 2 (can be stretched to 3) shots. Remembering that this same ball(s) are probably the same ones that are a problem for your opponent so when you start messing with them, you have to finish.
JR
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This is probably my biggest problem. I reach the end of the run only to find that ball that is impossible to shoot staring me in the face. Most of the time I get on one of these runs it develops naturally. I don't look at the table and say to myself "I am going to try and run this rack". Of course I can see those balls that are going to be trouble, but I never think that I am going to run 6 balls and then be left with the impossible shot. I can run 5 balls with regularity now, but this is a recent jump in my skill level. I practice playing Straight Pool on 9 foot tables and I think this has helped me a lot.

And of course I did end up losing a couple of those games because my friend, who is very close to my speed, had a wide open table to work with!
 
Lazy Shooting...

What messes me up the most from not being able to run out, is either not thinking the full 3 shots ahead....OR....thinking three shots ahead....but not going over to look at where EXACTLY I need to leave the CB after the first shot....to get a leave on the 2nd ball....so that I can get the proper leave on the 3rd ball (and then repeating this process for each and every shot).

To me....once your shotmaking is good enough and consistent....it's all about not getting lazy and taking your time mapping out your CB positioning at least 3 shots ahead for every shot.
 
Get_A_Grip said:
What messes me up the most from not being able to run out, is either not thinking the full 3 shots ahead....OR....thinking three shots ahead....but not going over to look at where EXACTLY I need to leave the CB after the first shot....to get a leave on the 2nd ball....so that I can get the proper leave on the 3rd ball (and then repeating this process for each and every shot).

To me....once your shotmaking is good enough and consistent....it's all about not getting lazy and taking your time mapping out your CB positioning at least 3 shots ahead for every shot.
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I agree. One of the things that has suddenly "clicked" in my game is the ability to play position. I am now better able to place the ball in the general area I want it (most of the time :) ) But I sometimes forget to think at least 3 shots ahead.
 
My first break and run in 9 ball was one of the most refreshing feelings. I had struggled for a long time with what you are going though. For the longest time no matter how close I came to running a rack, I would fail. Ive been sitting with a 9ball that I can make 99999 out of 100000 and I would miss because I was telling myself that Im finally going to run out. But after i finally did it, a lot of wieght was lifted and it became a regular thing.

just keep at it, take your time and stay calm, it will happen.
 
My advice to you is to practice specific shots, Yes, the dirty D word, drills. It is amazing to me how many pool players think that practicing means "rack em up and let's play." A professional level athlete in any sport would not just show up and begin the game. They practice the plays, shoot free-throughs, hit the sand shot, through the 10 yd down and out, take batting practice, etc. For some reason, pool players don't think they need to practice.

My challenge to you is to diagram a shot which is difficult for you. Not a 91 degree cut, but just a normal makable shot that frequently comes up, but makes you cringe. Shoot that shot 15 times (1 rack) to the right and to the left each time before you play pool for the next month. You will quickly find that you have turned a negative into a positive and given yourself a new tool to continue your run and get better position on your way to running out. Good luck!
 
When I discuss methods on how to run a rack I sort put the assumption in that the person can make the shots so I'm not really sure what Mr Hoppe is talking about. Of course you have to be able to make the shot.

But since he has brought up practice, if you want to practice things that would help you complete a run then you might take some common shots and practice getting the cue ball to different spots on the table from the same shot.

JR
 
CaptainJR said:
When I discuss methods on how to run a rack I sort put the assumption in that the person can make the shots so I'm not really sure what Mr Hoppe is talking about. Of course you have to be able to make the shot.

But since he has brought up practice, if you want to practice things that would help you complete a run then you might take some common shots and practice getting the cue ball to different spots on the table from the same shot.

JR
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I am actually a pretty fearless shotmaker, and can often make crazy shots. My problem of course is that my poor position play in the past has forced me to HAVE to come up with the crazy stuff. So that is what I have practicing lately, studying where the CB will go after contact with the OB and the rail, and what effect english has on that path. In one practice session I set up some white hole re-enforcers on the table and shot the same cut shot over and over with different types of english.

I think my biggest problem right now is thinking 3 balls ahead correctly. I can visualize shooting ball 1, then 2, etc., but I don't stop to consider which SIDE of ball 1 I need to be on to get natural position to get to ball 2. It seems to me that ending up 12 inches off the mark on the right side of the ball is better than hitting a pinpoint on the wrong side.
 
Caromsoft said:
I am actually a pretty fearless shotmaker, and can often make crazy shots. My problem of course is that my poor position play in the past has forced me to HAVE to come up with the crazy stuff. So that is what I have practicing lately, studying where the CB will go after contact with the OB and the rail, and what effect english has on that path. In one practice session I set up some white hole re-enforcers on the table and shot the same cut shot over and over with different types of english.

I think my biggest problem right now is thinking 3 balls ahead correctly. I can visualize shooting ball 1, then 2, etc., but I don't stop to consider which SIDE of ball 1 I need to be on to get natural position to get to ball 2. It seems to me that ending up 12 inches off the mark on the right side of the ball is better than hitting a pinpoint on the wrong side.
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Your thinking the right way. As I had mentioned, since we are not pros, we can't expect perfect position. But we can be mindful of which direction or distance we can afford to error on.
 
Caromsoft said:
This is probably my biggest problem. I reach the end of the run only to find that ball that is impossible to shoot staring me in the face. Most of the time I get on one of these runs it develops naturally. I don't look at the table and say to myself "I am going to try and run this rack". Of course I can see those balls that are going to be trouble, but I never think that I am going to run 6 balls and then be left with the impossible shot. I can run 5 balls with regularity now, but this is a recent jump in my skill level. I practice playing Straight Pool on 9 foot tables and I think this has helped me a lot.

And of course I did end up losing a couple of those games because my friend, who is very close to my speed, had a wide open table to work with!
Click to expand...

When I'm playing with my less experienced friends, I constantly remind them that they need to take care of the problem balls and the most difficult to reach balls FIRST. I.E. if you get ball in hand, do not just set the CB down and shoot the easiest shot. Shoot the TOUGHEST shots in the runout first, break out your problem balls first, and you will be well on your way to running out more racks. (not only will this make the runout far easier, but if you take the tougher shots early then you will be more likely to miss at a time where your opponent will be left with more balls on the table, and thus a tougher runout)

Another thing to keep in mind is when you are breaking out balls, try to pay attention to where all of the balls in the cluster (including the CB) will be going. This will help you to avoid clustering more balls together and creating other problems for yourself.

A good strategy for planning a runout, in general, is also to try to clear the table in sections (i.e. like left to right) rather than going back and forth across the table. I also heard that Buddy Hall said to play a 7" bar table like there are no side pockets.

Hope this helps!
 
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