Talking about practice
- Thread starter couldnthinkof01
- Start date
Outstanding watch! Worth every minute!
My key takeaways:
- Playing the ghost is better than drilling (random progressive practice)
- PSR for every ball
- HAMB
My key takeaways:
- Playing the ghost is better than drilling (random progressive practice)
- PSR for every ball
- HAMB
Last edited:
So much good information packed into an hour
I don't know about that--because you don't see all the shots you need playing the ghost. What I would take away from the golf video instead is: don't do the Mighty X drill for an hour (something I do). Instead, hit a Mighty X shot, then hit a shot down the rail into the corner pocket, then hit a middle of the table shot into the corner pocket with follow, then hit a thin cut into the side pocket going 2/3 rails with running english for position, then hit some sort of draw shot, then hit a stun shot for position, then start the sequence over. In other words, package 4 or more shots that you want to work on in a sequence rather than block practicing each one for 20 minutes (which is what I do).
Then play the ghost some.
The result: you will most likely miss more of your Mighty X shots, which will make you think you aren't improving at the Mighty X drill, but your overall shot making WILL improve. The reason: your brain quickly adapts to the same shot over and over again, and it doesn't learn anything new repeating the same shot more than a couple of times in a row. But when you stress your brain by changing up the shot, it has a harder time figuring out the different shots, which makes your brain learn more.
Interesting video. Thanks for sharing it.
Last edited:
I did not say that drills should be avoided. I was and am making a comparison to the ideas presented in the video.I don't know about that--because you don't see all the shots you need playing the ghost. What I would take away from the golf video instead is: don't do the Mighty X drill for an hour (something I do). Instead, hit a Mighty X shot, then hit a shot down the rail into the corner pocket, then hit a middle of the table shot into the corner pocket with follow, then hit a thin cut into the side pocket going 2/3 rails with running english for position, then hit some sort of draw shot, then hit a stun shot for position, then start the sequence over. In other words, package 4 or more shots that you want to work on in a sequence rather than block practicing each one for 20 minutes (which is what I do).
Then play the ghost some.
The result: you will most likely miss more of your Mighty X shots, which will make you think you aren't improving at the Mighty X drill, but your overall shot making WILL improve. The reason: your brain quickly adapts to the same shot over and over again, and it doesn't learn anything new repeating the same shot more than a couple of times in a row. But when you stress your brain by changing up the shot, it has a harder time figuring out the different shots, which makes your brain learn more.
Interesting video. Thanks for sharing it.
If I spend 80% of the time doing drills, I equate that to just hitting balls on the driving range or hitting 5’ putts on the chalk line. If I am only hitting balls and not practicing random jump shots or working on safety play or practicing my 1-hole break. It is like the pro in the video just using his 60* for all his chips and pitches. So finding the right % and dialing in the ideas around more goal oriented practice is my absolute key takeaway.
As the instructor’s point in the video was, I already know that 5x5=25
ETA: Pool seems to be a game of controlled randomness. I would rather drill than play the ghost but, for me, I need to spend more time with that bastard…
Last edited:
Honestly I definitely stick to those 3 things. I try to mix up doing some drills in between playing the ghost. But my drills these days is more stroke drills then anything. Long straight draw, stop and follow shots. Things that take a strong consistent stroke.
I say over and over that truly beneficial practice requires feedback- either from a person present with you who knows how to analyze your stroke or by video and video review of your practice sessions.
Your results in this game ( ball pocketing and cue ball landing spot) are a direct result of your aim and stroke. Aim is learned by trial and error with resulting adjustments . Stroke cannot be seen unless one of the two options above is present during your practice.
Your results in this game ( ball pocketing and cue ball landing spot) are a direct result of your aim and stroke. Aim is learned by trial and error with resulting adjustments . Stroke cannot be seen unless one of the two options above is present during your practice.
Why play the Ghost? Well if you have both hands, play one against the other.