Tips for beginners?

thefreethinker3 said:
Thanks!! Instructional DVDs will surely help. Bad instruction is worse than no instruction? Alright, I'll take note :)
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Yea, When i first started playing everyone and their brother would tell me this and tel me that. But they didn't understand "How to Play Pool".

What I would suggest as a easy test, is set up the one ball a ball's distance off the first diamond on the foot rail, two on the other diamond the eight or nine on the other end of the table on the center diamond (all balls about a ball's with of the rail. Give them cue ball in hand and ask them to run them out in order with out banking any ball in. If they can't figure out how to do this, run away real fast. This is something any D+ player should be able to do 2 out of 3 times on call (at least be able to get the right possition to do this).

Just my opinion (this was on Robert Byrne's first VHS/DVD)...

Pete
 
Tips For Beginners

To make sure you get off to a good start, take instruction! You can't efficiently learn how to play pool by yourself. It really is that simple. You will develop all sorts of bad habits trying to pocket balls that will take years to unlearn.

The PBIA and the ACS have programs to certify instructors. This will be the best money you spend on starting to learn how to play pool with a certified instructor.

Good luck!
 
Learn the single most important shot in the game: The stop shot
Practice it until you can shoot it from any distance (CB->OB) and at any speed.

Then you apply the stop shot along with the 90-degree rule, and the whole world opens up.

The stop shot and 90-degree rule are to pool what the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is to mathematics.
 
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It's not about jumping up or staying down...it's about keeping your head still. Don't move your head when stroking, and that includes your eyes and mouth. Don't shoot so damn hard. Use a lot of center-ball. Take a lesson or two. Have fun!
:grin:
 
Oh yeah, here's one I forgot on my earlier post: Spend less time on this forum and more time on the pool table :wink:.

Maniac (should heed his own advice)
 
thefreethinker3 said:
Hahahah, I think that's too much dedication. I only play billiards for fun on the weekends...
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Yes but as you say, you're new, you'll change that soon enough.

Also for practice, practice alone and with particular drills that will help you on specific things you are having trouble with. Don't just hit balls.

Also I'm another with a recommendation for:
http://billiards.colostate.edu/
as others have suggested.
 
#1. Keep your head still through the entire shot. As long as you keep your head still, the rest of your body will tend to follow suit naturally.
 
mr8ball said:
Where are you located? Might be an instructor or a good player from here that would help you a little. I would be willing if you are close to me
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Why thank you sir. I'm located in Houston, TX but planning to get an instructor already by the weekend. Thank you though :)
 
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3kushn said:
Some of the best advise besides getting in touch with a qualified instructor.

This I can't help - Get on a Carom Table if possible. If not, play some caroms on the pool table. It will help with speed control and CB control.

I warn you to be carful with Caroms. Too much of it and you'll not be interested in pockets.
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Caroms might be a good idea, I'll try it out :)
 
Pete said:
Yea, When i first started playing everyone and their brother would tell me this and tel me that. But they didn't understand "How to Play Pool".

What I would suggest as a easy test, is set up the one ball a ball's distance off the first diamond on the foot rail, two on the other diamond the eight or nine on the other end of the table on the center diamond (all balls about a ball's with of the rail. Give them cue ball in hand and ask them to run them out in order with out banking any ball in. If they can't figure out how to do this, run away real fast. This is something any D+ player should be able to do 2 out of 3 times on call (at least be able to get the right possition to do this).

Just my opinion (this was on Robert Byrne's first VHS/DVD)...

Pete
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Very well noted :) Thank you very much!
 
mfinkelstein3 said:
To make sure you get off to a good start, take instruction! You can't efficiently learn how to play pool by yourself. It really is that simple. You will develop all sorts of bad habits trying to pocket balls that will take years to unlearn.

The PBIA and the ACS have programs to certify instructors. This will be the best money you spend on starting to learn how to play pool with a certified instructor.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

Very well noted! :) Yes, proper investment yeah?
 
swest said:
Learn the single most important shot in the game: The stop shot
Practice it until you can shoot it from any distance (CB->OB) and at any speed.

Then you apply the stop shot along with the 90-degree rule, and the whole world opens up.

The stop shot and 90-degree rule are to pool what the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus is to mathematics.
Click to expand...


Will research the 90-degree rule, but at the meantime, I guess I'll practice the stop shot first. Thanks for the tip :)
 
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