Straight Game Has Fallen to Crap...

[poolplayer1988]

Straight pool used to be one of my best games. I used to play with several of the older gentlemen at the local pool rooms years ago, and they really taught me alot. I used to be able to spot other players 15 or 20 in a race to 50 and still smoke 'em like it was nothing. Now, 15 years and a divorce later, I can't even run a simple rack. Sickly, huh? I had to quit playing several times, my ex hated pool with a passion (which I didn't know when I married her). This destroyed my game, but not my passion for the game. I am still struggling, but the frustration is maddening sometimes, especially when I'm playing someone and they miss and the rack is just sitting there spread, waiting to be ran, and I can barely run half a dozen balls. I think the most I've ran in months is probably about 8 to 10 balls. Regularly it's only 5 or 6. Talk about impotent...Geez...What can I do to get back on track?

 

[Cameron Smith]

Straight pool used to be one of my best games. I used to play with several of the older gentlemen at the local pool rooms years ago, and they really taught me alot. I used to be able to spot other players 15 or 20 in a race to 50 and still smoke 'em like it was nothing. Now, 15 years and a divorce later, I can't even run a simple rack. Sickly, huh? I had to quit playing several times, my ex hated pool with a passion (which I didn't know when I married her). This destroyed my game, but not my passion for the game. I am still struggling, but the frustration is maddening sometimes, especially when I'm playing someone and they miss and the rack is just sitting there spread, waiting to be ran, and I can barely run half a dozen balls. I think the most I've ran in months is probably about 8 to 10 balls. Regularly it's only 5 or 6. Talk about impotent...Geez...What can I do to get back on track?

With out knowing what level you are at it's tough for me to ascertain the problem. It could be an issue with your fundamentals, I dunno.

But if your only running 6-10 balls on an open table the issue would definitely be pattern play. Take the rack 3-5 balls at a time, plan your outs and focus on every ball (that's the toughest part).

 

[Bob Jewett]

... ..What can I do to get back on track?

There are many threads that discuss self-help.

Have you considered having someone check your fundamentals? I can pretty much guarantee that you have some major flaw in them.

 

[mosconiac]

I can provide some insight that you may find useful. I've undergone the same decline in 14.1 in recent years. Although I know exactly what is wrong with my game...I just can't put enough time into the game to fix the problem.

Because my time "on the felt" is limited now, I concentrate more on the quick & flashy games...9B & 10B. This has lead to a distinct lack of ability to punch & stun (or soft-draw) the CB. My stroke has transformed into a longer, english-laden style.

This stroke is OK for my 9B/10B banger game (where I need to move the CB several feet on every shot), but it has destroyed my ability to punch & stun the CB a few inches here & there for intricate position. This lack of table time also leads to missing simple break shots due to anxiety over getting the balls loose and poor judgement on break speed which leaves me up table too much.

This video will give you some idea of what I'm talking about. Although I had shortened up my stroke for this vid, you will note that I can't seem to "feel" the correct speed to break with. I kept ending up down table.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUPyrIBFnQI

 

[poolplayer1988]

Great News!

After doing some self-evaluation, I played again this past Tuesday night with a friend of mine on his Diamond table. I managed to string together some pretty good runs, including running the last 7 in one rack, getting a perfect breakout shot, and another 11 in that rack before getting a hair out of line and missing position. I can feel my game coming back, and that is an awesome feeling. YESSSS!!!