So, I want to be great at pool...

B

BraveNerd

Registered
I know the first step is to practice, which I do - everyday, but it seems like their is something else I'm missing.

I've read a few pool books, nothing amazing there..

I've noticed their are a lot of pool schools, but they appeared expensive and ineffective - what is everyone else's opinion?

I've noticed a few online pool schools, but haven't looked into them really...

My question is - if I want to be a great pool player - and I mean great, where should I go from here? I have two nice cues and a table so I'm set there, I just need to know where I should go to learn more about the game?

Thanks,
Alex
 
BraveNerd said:
I know the first step is to practice, which I do - everyday, but it seems like their is something else I'm missing.

I've read a few pool books, nothing amazing there..

I've noticed their are a lot of pool schools, but they appeared expensive and ineffective - what is everyone else's opinion?

I've noticed a few online pool schools, but haven't looked into them really...

My question is - if I want to be a great pool player - and I mean great, where should I go from here? I have two nice cues and a table so I'm set there, I just need to know where I should go to learn more about the game?

Thanks,
Alex
Click to expand...

Bro...you gotta get out of your house. Hit the bars and pool halls. I don't care how good your equipment at home is. You don't have the great players there to teach you a thing or two. Depending on how much table time runs where you are, you'll need enough money for time and 20 bucks extra. DON'T EXPECT TO SEE THIS CASH EVER AGAIN!! If someone wants to play with you for free, great. If the only guys who want to play want to gamble, that's fine too. That's what your 20 is for. Soon you'll have the best of both worlds: gaining knowledge and experience at the pool hall, and having your table at home to practice 24/7 night and day.

Start keeping a journal of who you beat, and who you can't. Log in your tournaments and money games. Figure out what you did wrong when you lose and what you did right when you win. Play the ghost, there's no better opponent. The ghost always runs out. Make some friends that share your interest in the game. These guys will drive you to keep getting better. You will do the same for them. Most importantly, do not expect to become a champ overnight. These things take time.
 
How odd, we have the same dream! Now for input...

What I've found is, to improve in your game, you need to devote time, and brain power to pool and pool only. When you sit down to practice, work on your weak areas with drills (of which I could certainly help you with) and also with a practice partner if you can find one. One of the best additions to your practice schedule is work with someone who can give an outside opinion. Sometimes you won't see where your stroke is a bit off, or that you're hitting too hard cus sometimes we get tired and we lose our edge, it happens.

Take in every bit of information you see about pool and log it away. Try and watch games on TV in your spare time and see how the pros play, and take notes. Every veteran of the game is your professor, and although not all of them may stroke like they used to, their guidance and experience is invaluable, whether it be the best piece of advice or maybe a poor exampe that you can steer yourself away from.

That being said, pool schools are around for a reason... because the instructors know the game and have developed a tried and true method of delivering that information to you in a manner in which you can absorb it. Ineffective?... maybe on a case by case basis. Because you don't have the same skill level as other people, you would improve differently than other people. I honestly doubt it would be ineffective, or they wouldn't be around.

There is everything to learn about the game, so step one is to take it all in. I don't know you're skill level is but every little bit helps. So if you want to improve, make pool a large part of your life and above all HAVE FUN DOING IT. Play as many people as you can and learn from every win or loss.

Good luck to you,
-Stew
 
Play, A LOT, with better players whenever you can. And NOT at home. Playing at home is ok for practice, but it won't give you the experience you need playing other serious players. Drew must have posted as I was writing this and he offered good advice. IT IS NOT EASY!!!! I can't stress this enough. Pool is one of, if not THE, hardest game to learn well. Bet a bit more than you can afford to lose, play in tournaments, IMHO, ignore leagues. There are some pretty good books and videos out now, and some instructors are good. I'd suggest Jerry Brieseth {sp?} in, I think, Madison, Wisconsin.
 
The first question for you to answer for yourself is: "Do I REALLY have the innate skill required to be great?"

If you can answer, "Hell Yeah!" to that, you must ask this question of yourself: "Do I have the fortitude to live a meager life whilst pursuing my dream?"

If you can answer, "Hell Yeah!" to that, you have a 0.01% chance to be great.

Since you are looking for books for the "secrets", you have less than a 0.0001% chance.

Sorry to be harsh, but those that go on to greatness know it the moment they grasp a cue. The rest of us are happy toiling away in our local, weekly tourneys where we hope to win the top prize of $50-100.

Many a life has been wasted trying to be the next Archer/Reyes/Strickland/etc. Be honest with yourself with respect to your goals and you will be OK.
 
BraveNerd said:
I've read a few pool books, nothing amazing there.
Click to expand...
There is literally a wealth of knowledge in pool books. I personally like Phil Capelle's. Practice every shot and every layout you see in Play Your Best Pool and practice them to efficiency... and you'll be well on your way. ;)
 
BraveNerd said:
I know the first step is to practice, which I do - everyday, but it seems like their is something else I'm missing.
Click to expand...

An openmind is a black hole for knowledge. A closed mind is a brick wall for knowledge.

BraveNerd said:
I've read a few pool books, nothing amazing there..
Click to expand...

Read them over and over until you are able to see the amazing stuff.

BraveNerd said:
I've noticed their are a lot of pool schools, but they appeared expensive and ineffective - what is everyone else's opinion?
Click to expand...
You will get out of it what you put into it.

BraveNerd said:
I've noticed a few online pool schools, but haven't looked into them really...
Click to expand...
Quit looking in all of these places and look into your heart.
BraveNerd said:
My question is - if I want to be a great pool player - and I mean great, where should I go from here? I have two nice cues and a table so I'm set there, I just need to know where I should go to learn more about the game?
Thanks,
Alex
Click to expand...

Surround yourself with winners. Find players that are getting the results that you want and ask a lot of questions. Stay away from the arrogant people that will exploit your lack of knowledge and experience to humor themselves. There are a lot of people on this forum that would be willing to share their knowledge and experience with you, including me. Keep an open mind and stay hungry for knowledge and you will start to see some major changes in your attitude and your abilities at the table.
 
I forgot to ask: Are you old enough to go to bars/pool rooms? If not, it's gonna be a LONG haul, unless you can find a teacher/mentor to help you out.
 
If you can somehow come up with the money, get lessons from a bca cert. instructor. This is the best way to get taught what you really need to know to play well. If you have one of these instructors help you build excellent fundamentals, good foundation leads to good technique. You'll be well on your way...save up. good luck
 
mosconiac said:
Sorry to be harsh, but those that go on to greatness know it the moment they grasp a cue.
Click to expand...

I believe this. To the triumphant, its not a question of whether you will be great or not, but how fast.

Personally, I can't hear people telling me that I can't do it because I'm too busy knockin' em down. Pool is Life... simple as that.
 
BraveNerd said:
I know the first step is to practice, which I do - everyday, but it seems like their is something else I'm missing.

I've read a few pool books, nothing amazing there..

I've noticed their are a lot of pool schools, but they appeared expensive and ineffective - what is everyone else's opinion?

I've noticed a few online pool schools, but haven't looked into them really...

My question is - if I want to be a great pool player - and I mean great, where should I go from here? I have two nice cues and a table so I'm set there, I just need to know where I should go to learn more about the game?

Thanks,
Alex
Click to expand...

I hope I haven't echoed anyone as I didn't read all of the posts.

First of all, the best beginners book I know of is The Idiots Guide to Pool and Billiards by Ewa Mataya Lawrence. A large portion of the book is dedicated to teaching (in great detail) the fundamentals of the game.

Second, play anybody you can find, play for money, play for fun and if possible play in tournaments. Play on a variety of different tables too, not just your own.

Get some lessons, it's a bad idea to try and learn this game on your own. You can get very good but there will probably some nagging inconsistencies, I experienced this and I know a very good semi-pro player who feels the same way.

Finally be careful about taking advice from someone who is less than an A player, it could just serve to set you back a bit.
 
mosconiac said:
The first question for you to answer for yourself is: "Do I REALLY have the innate skill required to be great?"

If you can answer, "Hell Yeah!" to that, you must ask this question of yourself: "Do I have the fortitude to live a meager life whilst pursuing my dream?"

If you can answer, "Hell Yeah!" to that, you have a 0.01% chance to be great.

Since you are looking for books for the "secrets", you have less than a 0.0001% chance.

Sorry to be harsh, but those that go on to greatness know it the moment they grasp a cue. The rest of us are happy toiling away in our local, weekly tourneys where we hope to win the top prize of $50-100.

Many a life has been wasted trying to be the next Archer/Reyes/Strickland/etc. Be honest with yourself with respect to your goals and you will be OK.
Click to expand...

What a load of crap! You can always improve and become great. Its a matter of desire, and committing to your goal. Whatever you do, disregard posts like this guys and stay focused on what you want to accomplish. Remember, Champions aren't born, they are bred.
 
BraveNerd said:
I've noticed their are a lot of pool schools, but they appeared expensive and ineffective - what is everyone else's opinion?

My question is - if I want to be a great pool player - and I mean great, where should I go from here? I have two nice cues and a table so I'm set there, I just need to know where I should go to learn more about the game?

Thanks,
Alex
Click to expand...

Alex...You said you have two nice cues, AND your own table...a sizeable (likely several thousand dollars) investment already. Yet, for a few hundred dollars, and THREE FULL DAYS of personalized instruction, you think it's too expensive and ineffective? :eek: :rolleyes: Apparently you haven't read about Cue Tech, in Dallas TX, or Randyg, or myself. In addition to private lessons, we also do 3-day road show pool schools all over the country. There are MANY posters here who have raved about our road show poolschools, as well as instruction in the Dallas school. Yes, there are several pool schools to choose from. This one has plenty of positive referrals right here on AzB. There are several excellent instructors who post here, not the least of which posted above me...Dave Sapolis aka Blackjack! Wherever you live, we can help direct you to someone who can point you in the direction to find what you're looking for! :D

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
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Inzombiac said:
I believe this. To the triumphant, its not a question of whether you will be great or not, but how fast.

Personally, I can't hear people telling me that I can't do it because I'm too busy knockin' em down. Pool is Life... simple as that.
Click to expand...

I used to be the kid in school, who wouldn't show up except on test days, and somehow pull out a 3.7 at the end of the semester. I spent my high school days everywhere but in school. Smoking out and playing frisbee in the park. I never worked hard for anything back then. Everything just came so easily. But natural ability only goes so far. When I got to college, it was the same story. I never made it to class and still came out with a 3.2 my first semester. Second semester I busted out a 1.4. It's not like anything happened to me. I just didn't know what hard work was. I had never before spent more than an hour studying. I couldn't put in the necessary work.

When I first picked up a cue, somehow I could just see the shots. I don't know how, but I saw exactly what was going to happen. I've never had to ask, "why does the cb do that?" I already knew, and what's more, I already knew how to do it. But that wasn't the first time something like that has happened to me. I had done so many things before that I "already" knew. Unfortunately, pool is the one I fell in love with. This is where I found ambition. If only I felt motivated in physics, writing, or music, I'd be well on my way to a great career. But I found love in a bar room game. I had never felt that way before. A year ago I dreamed of being the best in the room. I've hit that point; now I want to be the best in the world. What's more, I'm willing to put in the work. I'm ready to dedicate my life to it. If there is one thing I regret in my life, it is that I started playing less than two years ago. I wish I knew this game existed when I was 13 or 14. I wish I knew there was something called a billiard room when I was younger. God knows I'd be a killer by now.
 
BraveNerd said:
I know the first step is to practice, which I do - everyday, but it seems like their is something else I'm missing.

I've read a few pool books, nothing amazing there..

I've noticed their are a lot of pool schools, but they appeared expensive and ineffective - what is everyone else's opinion?

I've noticed a few online pool schools, but haven't looked into them really...

My question is - if I want to be a great pool player - and I mean great, where should I go from here? I have two nice cues and a table so I'm set there, I just need to know where I should go to learn more about the game?

Thanks,
Alex
Click to expand...


First, you have to become a student of the game and study it very intensly.

Watch everyone and question everything. Donn't be afraid to approach those you admire.

Then you have to work on your game. Anything about the game which scare you, attack it with a vengance until it becomes second nature. Then you won't fear it.

Pocket balls over and over. Only those who pocket balls easily become great.
The rest will come in time. Safety and position play are important, but, nothing in pool is more important than pocketing balls.. Many will argue this, but they are not the great ones or even very good.

Master a 9 ft table and the rest will be easy and adjusted to very quickly.

The Miz once told me, " I never saw a good player who didn't do two basic things: He always watches the ball hit the pocket and he stays down and follows through on every single shot".

Pool can be taught to most in about 20-30 minutes. You may spend the next 50 years trying to perfect it. You don't have to be perfect though in order to get perfect results.

If this doesn't work, take up golf. There you only have to focus on one ball.

Only you know if you have the talent and the ability and only your opinion matters. Once you have determined you have it and no matter how badly the day goes, don't ever doubt your ability. EVER!
 
Pleasures of Small Motions is a book if read properly and applied patiently can make a significant impact on anyones game.

One thing you need to ask yourself is "how am I practicing".

Are knocking balls around? Are you running quality drills?

When I got started on my "I want to be the best I can be" kick I took my 10 most difficult shots and turned them into position drills. I did 5 of them 20 times a day for 6 days and charted it. Then did the other 5 the following week and then back to the first 5. I did this for 4 months and saw significant impact in my progression. Since they were real situations that consistantly gave me trouble I also saw a difference on the table.

I change my drills quarterly to address different needs.

I never practiced more than a hour and 15 minutes either. I knew my concentration limits and maximized it.

Like stated previously getting good table time with players better than you should help motivate you to be a better player. Lots of good advice in this thread.
 
20-30 minutes??? Not possible for most people...

ironman said:
Pool can be taught to most in about 20-30 minutes. You may spend the next 50 years trying to perfect it. You don't have to be perfect though in order to get perfect results.
Click to expand...

ironman...I'd have to seriously disagree with your first statement. You cannot even scratch the surface of decent fundamentals and mechanics in 20-30 minutes. For me, as an instructor, two hours is the absolute minimum to get any real working knowledge, and most students spend far more time with their instructors. Our poolschools spend three 8-hr days working on the same kind of information, but in much greater detail. The second and third sentences are quite accurate.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
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