Some Ideas for Power One Pocket V2 - Looking for Input

[Fast Lenny]

The road stories are great, fun bonus content, but as far as training materials go, they don't really "add value" to the product.

I like the idea of Scott doing player reviews, he's good at that. I also liked the part in the first disc about running out patterns; maybe expand on that some more? Also, maybe bring up more common in-game situations, not just after the break, but the middle game. Like when it's worth taking a risky shot, based on the layout of the balls above the stack, when is a good time to break into the stack. Also - some of the most common end-game scenarios, when it's safe to bank at a ball - and how to do it the right way. Maybe talk about 2 or 3 inning patterns that force your opponent to make a mistake when dealing with the last 2 balls?

I know, for me, those are the things that cost me the most games. haha

Can't wait to get this one, I really enjoyed the first one (so much so I bought it twice after a friend disappeared with it, lol).

I think the road and shot stories add value for sure and some people told me the road stories was worth the price alone, I can say it does not add much instructional value but that depends on how you look at it. I think addressing the mid game is a good idea along with running out the balls.

 

[Fast Lenny]

Some examples of getting out of the break would be great.

We will be doing some more of those situations. Maybe just having me break and Scott going over his return thoughts and then shooting it.

 

[Fast Lenny]

Scott's player review sounds great. Also interested in what he's looking for from the break and in his reply to the break as these are are both critical. Up table strategies and reasons for his choices would also be good because that's where many games are won or lost. Finally, a little covered but important area is removing balls from your opponents pocket - what you're seeking to accomplish and why.
Thanks, looking forward to the new DVD. Tom

I think removing balls is key and a chapter dedicated to that would be good.

 

[Fast Lenny]

Lenny,
As I mentioned when we met V1 was outstanding. As a bonus for V2 you could have a match with Scott and somebody else and then you can go back and let Scott talk about it like he's a commentator and he can talk about what he's thinking about and his decisions etc.

Not that tough to do and I think your buyers would really appreciate it.

Nick

We are going to do a player review taking a rack or shots from certain matches and having Scott talk about what he is doing. Glad you liked the first one. :smile:

 

[Fast Lenny]

It would be nice to see a chapter about weight and matching up. What does he look for in people's game that makes him decide whether he can give them 1,2,3,4 balls etc. etc. In the last dvd he mentions giving someone 9-6, the break, and scratches don't count. What kind of strategies are involved in managing that kind of game. What does he take into account when deciding to give someone 10-6,12-6, or 18-4. How does he apply someones speed, heart, and bankroll/potential score into making a game.

This might be interesting. Maybe I can do a Q & A and add it into the DVD with questions like this, could call it Inside the Mind of the Freezer. haha :smile:

 

[Fast Lenny]

Lenny...I think that most of the people interested in this kind of training tape are mid-level players. Most likely B players looking to improve their mental 1Pocket game. So I feel like it would be very valuable to those players to see Scott playing someone at that level and then before each shot asking the B player what he is thinking of shooting and why...then having Scott comment on the shot he as a champion would take. I would bet that sometimes the shot Scott would take is outside the current ability of the B player and thus interesting to have Scott explain why the B player might be better off shooting a different shot that is within his level of play. Obviously this would have to be a highly edited game video because not every shot would have several interesting choices. I have played Scott many times and I know I play different shots...much more careful...against him than I might play against players at my own level...and...Scott plays different...more aggressive...shots against me than he would against players at his level. I think his commentary about these kinds of things would help his target audience. I'm more interested in his insight into the game that his ability to make difficult shots. Some of us will never be able to shoot as straight as Scott...but we may be able to learn the nuances and strategies of the game and thus improve our game. I think that should be the point of the video.

Kiwi

Hi bud. We are going to do a chapter called Playing Percentages which will be about knowing your ability level because we all know certain players have strengths and weaknesses in their game. The right shot for Frost or Efren might not be the right shot for us mere mortals. :grin:

 

[Fast Lenny]

As mentioned previously, some info on giving and getting weight would be good, and also the B level player info.

Also on somewhat of a sidenote... I think you (Lenny) should get involved also. You are an easily accessible opponent to have Scott play in the DVD, and work out some shot selection throughout a few racks. It is just my assumption, but once the camera is up and rolling, it doesn't require any "attention", so you could then jump in and participate as his "assistant". Most of your work is done on the editing and post-production side anyway, if I'm not mistaken.

We are most likely going to do this, not much fun being the whipping post but certainly a great experience. I was playing Scott last night, it was humbling to say the least. :embarrassed2:

 

[Fast Lenny]

Lenny,

I feel like on one pocket.org you posted a thread like this and there was talk about recreating some shots from Shots, Moves and Strategies. Am I wrong? I think that is a great idea.

Some of the ideas here are good too: 1) Common End-Game Scenarios 2) Matching up strategies 3) Shot decisions for mid-level players vs. pro-level, etc.

I am always interested in trying to learn from pros about how they made a move from accomplished amateur to pro-level. On some level, I think Scott may have addressed this before, as I think his answer may be that he followed Cliff around and he continued to make games where gradually Cliff was forced to move Scott's weight progressively down. However, maybe Scott could try and express how this helped him, and if any other thing help him in moving his game from good amateur to elite pro.

Thanks,

kollegedave

I thought it was a great idea too but we decided to use DVDs and a player review of stuff instead. I think covering the right shot for ones ability level is key and we will do that. I will see if Scott wants to go into it about the matching up part of it too.

 

[Kiwis11]

A couple more thoughts...

I believe that in 1Pocket you play the player. IE...If you observe his strengths and weaknesses and then try to adjust and take advantage in the way you play him. If you always play the same way...to your obvious strengths or preferred style of play...other players will learn your game and take advantage of you. It would be interesting to hear if Scott does this...I'm sure he does...in fact I know he does on the betting side of the game. I've seen him pass up shots I know he can make just to set up a trap...by planting the seed that he won't take that shot...then in a later game he shoots it when it gives him a bigger advantage...or when the bet gets higher.

Also would be an interesting discussion to have about playing matches...unlimited games... vs playing tournaments...limited to races of 2 to 5. Has to be different strategies for each...would love to hear Scott's take on this.

Not interested at all paying to see fabulous shots...other than maybe in opening credits...that I will seldom if ever play in a real game. I already know that champions can shoot shots that I can't and it doesn't teach me anything.

Kiwi

 

[backplaying]

Lenny,
As I mentioned when we met V1 was outstanding. As a bonus for V2 you could have a match with Scott and somebody else and then you can go back and let Scott talk about it like he's a commentator and he can talk about what he's thinking about and his decisions etc.

Not that tough to do and I think your buyers would really appreciate it.

Nick

I was also thinking the same thing. Getting to know his thought process could be very helpful for others.

 

[backplaying]

I thought it was a great idea too but we decided to use DVDs and a player review of stuff instead. I think covering the right shot for ones ability level is key and we will do that. I will see if Scott wants to go into it about the matching up part of it too.

I would like to hear Scotts thoughts on giving up weight. Like which is a bigger spot, 8-4 or 11-5? I personally think 11-5 is a smaller spot than 8-4. Am I right? I know I heard a good player offer someone 11-5, but wouldn't give 8-4, a few weeks ago.