Table Speed

1ab

1ab

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
It has been my experience to frequent a wide variety of venues shooting pool. When I consider the variables, I wonder what dealing with different cloth speeds, on a constant basis, is doing to my game ? The tables I play on are everything from Simonis to brands I don't even want to know. In one line of reasoning I'm telling myself I'm gaining from constantly having to change up shooting speeds, but then I begin to think not being able to shoot the same speed all the time is hindering my progress. Any opinions on this matter will be appreciated.
 
This would be the same as a ballplayer saying, "I find I hit better at night. Do you think I should only hit during the day?"

Part of being a competitive pool player is dealing with varying equipment. You might have preferences when it comes to balls, rails, table-make, pocket-size and stuff. In the end, you're either going to have to deal with it or limit your competition.
 
It has been my experience that if you practice on the same cloth for the week prior to an event, that your muscle memory will be "in tune" with the speed of the cloth used at the event.

Now, if you can't do this because of "more than a few table clothes per week", or because your practice table is at home:: it is better to practice on a table with faster than event speed cloth than the other way arround. It is easier to add power/speed than to add delicasy.
 
Are the cue balls different too ?

I ask because I had trouble adjusting between my practice hall CB and my league hall CB. The practice hall CB is noticeably lighter. It draws and spins a lot easier, but follows less. Going back and forth between the 2 was difficult. I caved in and bought my own CB so I practice with the same CB as I compete with in the league. My CB control has improved ever since.
 
Playing on different and varying equipment will only help your game in the long run. You will be able to adapt much quicker than someone who plays the same pool hall or same table all the time.

Also when considering cloth speed, think about rail speed too. Some rails are livelier than others and can greatly affect your speed.
 
ronscuba said:
Are the cue balls different too ?

I ask because I had trouble adjusting between my practice hall CB and my league hall CB. The practice hall CB is noticeably lighter. It draws and spins a lot easier, but follows less. Going back and forth between the 2 was difficult. I caved in and bought my own CB so I practice with the same CB as I compete with in the league. My CB control has improved ever since.
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Yes they are, and as with every variable I've learned what to expect. My question arose after hearing others referencing how they play Diamonds so differently with regard to speed control giving them an advantage. I find all kinds of little things to accommodate as I play in tiny little taverns to large halls. I don't allow any of the situations to dictate preference as I just want to enjoy every shot, every game, and every chance to play and improve. I realize road players encounter situations that are only foreign in location, so I just wondered if it was in any way advantageous practicing and playing in leagues and tournaments in so many places.
 
ronscuba said:
Are the cue balls different too ?

I ask because I had trouble adjusting between my practice hall CB and my league hall CB. The practice hall CB is noticeably lighter. It draws and spins a lot easier, but follows less. Going back and forth between the 2 was difficult. I caved in and bought my own CB so I practice with the same CB as I compete with in the league. My CB control has improved ever since.
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I know you play at Amsterdam. Where do you practice? Do you know what type of cueball you're using? One thing you might be dealing with is an old cueball. Those things actually wear-out after a while and need replacing.
 
Jude Rosenstock said:
I know you play at Amsterdam. Where do you practice? Do you know what type of cueball you're using? One thing you might be dealing with is an old cueball. Those things actually wear-out after a while and need replacing.
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I practice weekends at Cue Bar in Bayside. I believe they use Centennial balls. The CB has a small blue circle. It probably is old. It feels lighter than the other balls in the set and it's also a little smaller than the balls in the set. Very noticeable difference when I use my measles ball.

Are you at Society just on Thurs ? I want to stop in to register for next season's team 8.
 
ronscuba said:
I practice weekends at Cue Bar in Bayside. I believe they use Centennial balls. The CB has a small blue circle. It probably is old. It feels lighter than the other balls in the set and it's also a little smaller than the balls in the set. Very noticeable difference when I use my measles ball.

Are you at Society just on Thurs ? I want to stop in to register for next season's team 8.
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I'm at Society Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Regarding the cueball, I've always been under the impression the two cueballs are identical in material, weight and quality since they're made by the exact same people. With that said, Amsterdam Billiards' balls are about two years old. Cue Bar's balls might be closing on 20 years old now if they're using the same balls when it was BaySide Billiard Club. With that said, Cue Bar has probably changed-out their cueballs a few times during that span but you still might be playing with a cueball that's nearing 10 years old.
 
1ab said:
It has been my experience to frequent a wide variety of venues shooting pool. When I consider the variables, I wonder what dealing with different cloth speeds, on a constant basis, is doing to my game ? The tables I play on are everything from Simonis to brands I don't even want to know. In one line of reasoning I'm telling myself I'm gaining from constantly having to change up shooting speeds, but then I begin to think not being able to shoot the same speed all the time is hindering my progress. Any opinions on this matter will be appreciated.
Click to expand...

It would be much like a golfer playing on only one course, one type of grass etc. etc. that being said, the home town boy would not do very well ''on the road'' or at the Masters. Even on the table you play well on, conditions will and do change with time, and time of yr and many other factors. I'd like to see one f the young up and coming players play one of the old greats (buddy hall) on slow/non directional rag cloth with swamp coolers going full blast, be fun to watch.
To get better you Need diversity and awareness of conditons and how these changes effect your play.
 
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