Howdy fellas. I just wanted to share a recent experience I had with AZB’s own world champion bank player John Brumback. I have not been playing much recently, though what table time I have been getting has been quality practice, so I have been able to stay at least somewhat in stroke over the past several months. I had been really wanting to get some serious competition in, so I thought that I might as well hit up the best player I could find. In my area, I surmised that the best player within a 2 hour drive radius of my home is John B. So I gave him a call and he agreed to play some onepocket with me. Below are the results.
Essentially, John punished me for a good 4 or so hours. It was GREAT!!! How can it be great if I was delivered such a savage beating? Well, for too long, I have been playing with players who I can readily beat. This is no good, because it can lull one into a sense of complacency. It is very important to get out of one’s comfort zone in order to achieve a new level in your game. Playing someone like John (who is absolutely a pro level player – AND THEN SOME!) will expose absolutely every weakness in your game if you are shortstop speed or less. It really helped me tighten up my game significantly in just a short time by forcing absolute concentration on every shot, every plan, every fundamental of the game, etc.
Moreover, if you have not been able to experience playing, or even watching a pro play in person, let me say that it is really inspiring. John is a run out machine, period. Though known for banks, he plays all games at the pro level, as evidenced by his high finishes in MANY tourneys (went deep recently in the DCC 9 ball last year for instance). And one could do worse than to emulate his stroke funamentals as well. The point is, that John, or one of the pro players of his caliber could really help players aspiring to advance their game. It was and is especially important to someone like me who’s game has plateaued. I’ve taken lessons previously, but it is important to practice by playing as well.
The bottom line for me is to get out of your element from time to time, grab a tiger by the tail, and see what happens. It will be eye opening, helpful to your game, and if you are open to it – REALLY FUN!!!
So, take a lesson from John or maybe play him some cheap sets (I’m sure he would be game for either if you sent him a PM here). You will have fun and your game will grow for sure. We are a bit lucky in a way that this game we play produces some really approachable top flight players that will take the time to work with other players for a very reasonable value, unlike say golf or one of the major profile sports. Take advantage…hit up JB or one of your local pros. You will not be disappointed.
Cheers and happy shooting,
JL
P.S. You can read my original write up with JB from a while ago here, my experience with Stan Shuffet here, and Creedo’s excellent write up of his recent experience with Ralph Eckert here.
P.S.S. Now gow improve your game and have fun!
Essentially, John punished me for a good 4 or so hours. It was GREAT!!! How can it be great if I was delivered such a savage beating? Well, for too long, I have been playing with players who I can readily beat. This is no good, because it can lull one into a sense of complacency. It is very important to get out of one’s comfort zone in order to achieve a new level in your game. Playing someone like John (who is absolutely a pro level player – AND THEN SOME!) will expose absolutely every weakness in your game if you are shortstop speed or less. It really helped me tighten up my game significantly in just a short time by forcing absolute concentration on every shot, every plan, every fundamental of the game, etc.
Moreover, if you have not been able to experience playing, or even watching a pro play in person, let me say that it is really inspiring. John is a run out machine, period. Though known for banks, he plays all games at the pro level, as evidenced by his high finishes in MANY tourneys (went deep recently in the DCC 9 ball last year for instance). And one could do worse than to emulate his stroke funamentals as well. The point is, that John, or one of the pro players of his caliber could really help players aspiring to advance their game. It was and is especially important to someone like me who’s game has plateaued. I’ve taken lessons previously, but it is important to practice by playing as well.
The bottom line for me is to get out of your element from time to time, grab a tiger by the tail, and see what happens. It will be eye opening, helpful to your game, and if you are open to it – REALLY FUN!!!
So, take a lesson from John or maybe play him some cheap sets (I’m sure he would be game for either if you sent him a PM here). You will have fun and your game will grow for sure. We are a bit lucky in a way that this game we play produces some really approachable top flight players that will take the time to work with other players for a very reasonable value, unlike say golf or one of the major profile sports. Take advantage…hit up JB or one of your local pros. You will not be disappointed.
Cheers and happy shooting,
JL
P.S. You can read my original write up with JB from a while ago here, my experience with Stan Shuffet here, and Creedo’s excellent write up of his recent experience with Ralph Eckert here.
P.S.S. Now gow improve your game and have fun!
