TOP 10 EFREN REYES FAMOUS SHOTS ... And How to Shoot Them

dr_dave

dr_dave

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FYI, I just posted a new video that demonstrates and explains how to execute the 10 most famous pool shots by the Greatest of All Time (GOAT): Efren Bata “The Magician” Reyes. Check it out:


Here's the list of the shots [with YouTube timestamp links]:
Intro [0:00]
1 - Z kick against Earl [0:20]
2 - kick off side-pocket point [1:49]
3 - hook follow shot for shape [2:50]
4 - 4-rail kick shot [4:23]
5 - jump over obstacle ball for shape [6:05]
6 - after-collision massé shot [7:03]
7 - one-pocket bank off point [7:55]
8 - one-pocket two-rail kick bank [8:53]
---- Alex Trebek tibute [11:05]
9 - thin inside cut for shape [11:47]
10 - 3-rail kick back cut [12:40]
BONUS SHOT - 3-times-up-and-down bank [14:13]
Wrap Up [15:40]
---- shot montage [16:09]

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy,
Dave
 
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Well you posted some cool links Dr. Dave, people could've ar some of the day shot with a lot of practice. Efren I wonder has how many rens of thousand of hours invested in pool. He make it look so darn easy, but wise people know better, it's not easy.
 
Great post and video once again Dr. Dave. I look forward to trying some of these.

Here's another that happens to be one of my favorites:
 
pab said:
Great post and video once again Dr. Dave. I look forward to trying some of these.
Click to expand...
Have fun. I did (except for the 95 attempts at the "one-pocket two-rail kick bank" [8:53]).

pab said:
Here's another that happens to be one of my favorites:
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That's a good one. I included a version of it at the 7:18 point in my recent "DOUBLE-KISS SHOTS ... Real Game Winners" video:


Enjoy,
Dave
 
dr_dave said:
FYI, I just posted a new video that demonstrates and explains how to execute the 10 most famous pool shots by the Greatest of All Time (GOAT): Efren Bata “The Magician” Reyes. Check it out:


Here's the list of the shots [with YouTube timestamp links]:
Intro [0:00]
1 - Z kick against Earl [0:20]
2 - kick off side-pocket point [1:49]
3 - hook follow shot for shape [2:50]
4 - 4-rail kick shot [4:23]
5 - jump over obstacle ball for shape [6:05]
6 - after-collision massé shot [7:03]
7 - one-pocket bank off point [7:55]
8 - one-pocket two-rail kick bank [8:53]
---- Alex Trebek tibute [11:05]
9 - thin inside cut for shape [11:47]
10 - 3-rail kick back cut [12:40]
BONUS SHOT - 3-times-up-and-down bank [14:13]
Wrap Up [15:40]
---- shot montage [16:09]

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy,
Dave
Click to expand...
Why do you guys think Efren chose to use inside on shot 9? Here are possible reasonable explanations:

1.) He was trying to go off two rails into the line of the 8 from behind as I demonstrated?

2.) He meant to use a little less spin and go past the 8 to shoot it in the same pocket as the 7, possibly hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

3.) He meant to use a little more spin and go past the 8 between the 8 and cushion to shoot the 8 in the same pocket as the 7, possibly hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

4.) He meant to hold the CB for the 8 (using the drag shot on the slow cloth); and since he came perfectly into the line of the 8, the bump didn't hurt him.

5.) He meant to bump into the 8 (i.e., the shot went exactly as planned).

Do you guys have other possible explanations?

Also, do you think he made the right choice, or should he have just used no sidespin and go up and down the table for easy shape as I also demonstrated?

I look forward to seeing what you guys think,
Dave
 
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Well some shots are easy, some are tough, but like anything in life, most good things do not come easy. I have not watched all the links but I would say if you practice most, they could be learned.

The Magican, is truely Magic, but his life has been his pool game.
 
dr_dave said:
Why do you guys think Efren chose to use inside on shot 9? Here are two possible reasonable explanations:

1.) He was trying to go off two rails into the line of the 8 from behind as I demonstrated?

2.) He meant to use a little less spin and go past the 8 to shoot it in the same pocket as the 7, possible hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

Do you guys have other possible explanations?

Also, do you think he made the right choice, or should he have just used no sidespin and go up and down the table for easy shape as I also demonstrated?

I look forward to seeing what you guys think,
Dave
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Hi Dave! Great video!

Facing a difficult shot towards the end of the rack there are three things to weigh: Make percentage, position, and the possibility of safety should you miss the shot. I don't believe Efren chose inside for positional reasons. On a shot like this when a player puts the emphasis on offense they typically cinch the ball and shoot with whatever speed and tip placement maximizes their make percentage. Most players would just cut this in with center ball and possibly go two rails playing shape for the 8 in the lower right corner as we view the screen. This is the easiest make, i.e. no spin and a smooth confident stroke speed. Shooting softly from this angle and distance makes accuracy more challenging both for cueing confidence and the possibility of drift (which can't be allowed on this thin of a cut).

What that means is that Efren possibly baked in the possibility of defense into the equation. If he went all out with a center ball hit and two rail speed there is little safety possibility if he misses. The cue ball will be rebounding off the second rail back up table leaving the cue ball and object ball close together, and if he undercuts the shot there is a strong chance the ball will be hung up or near the corner. The way he played it looks like he was favoring the pro side, figuring that if he missed the 6 would rebound off the side rail to the head rail, and the cue ball would be sliding up table. With the cue ball ending up near the right hand side rail the 6 wouldn't have to rebound far to deny a shot. Also, by using side spin he lengthens the cue ball path so he can hit it with an accurate cue speed and prevent the cue ball from heading back up table again.

The other possibility is he feels his make percentage is just as high with the inside spin. The deflection helps hit the ball thin, and he can aim to just miss the entire ball and then curve in just a hair to make contact. Sometimes it's easier to start thin and swerve thicker. The side rail may have played a role as well, he wanted to use a drag draw for confident cueing speed and to prevent table roll, and being bridged near the left hand side rail this may have been easier with right spin. My guess is it was a little of each of these things. But Efren was one of a kind and none of us will see the table how he did!
 
Tin Man said:
Hi Dave! Great video!
Click to expand...

Thanks Demetrius!

Tin Man said:
Facing a difficult shot towards the end of the rack there are three things to weigh: Make percentage, position, and the possibility of safety should you miss the shot. I don't believe Efren chose inside for positional reasons. On a shot like this when a player puts the emphasis on offense they typically cinch the ball and shoot with whatever speed and tip placement maximizes their make percentage. Most players would just cut this in with center ball and possibly go two rails playing shape for the 8 in the lower right corner as we view the screen. This is the easiest make, i.e. no spin and a smooth confident stroke speed. Shooting softly from this angle and distance makes accuracy more challenging both for cueing confidence and the possibility of drift (which can't be allowed on this thin of a cut).

What that means is that Efren possibly baked in the possibility of defense into the equation. If he went all out with a center ball hit and two rail speed there is little safety possibility if he misses. The cue ball will be rebounding off the second rail back up table leaving the cue ball and object ball close together, and if he undercuts the shot there is a strong chance the ball will be hung up or near the corner. The way he played it looks like he was favoring the pro side, figuring that if he missed the 6 would rebound off the side rail to the head rail, and the cue ball would be sliding up table. With the cue ball ending up near the right hand side rail the 6 wouldn't have to rebound far to deny a shot. Also, by using side spin he lengthens the cue ball path so he can hit it with an accurate cue speed and prevent the cue ball from heading back up table again.

The other possibility is he feels his make percentage is just as high with the inside spin. The deflection helps hit the ball thin, and he can aim to just miss the entire ball and then curve in just a hair to make contact. Sometimes it's easier to start thin and swerve thicker. The side rail may have played a role as well, he wanted to use a drag draw for confident cueing speed and to prevent table roll, and being bridged near the left hand side rail this may have been easier with right spin. My guess is it was a little of each of these things. But Efren was one of a kind and none of us will see the table how he did!
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Excellent analysis. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Best regards,
Dave
 
dr_dave said:
2.) He meant to use a little less spin and go past the 8 to shoot it in the same pocket as the 7, possible hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).
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This....

No great insight into an explanation of my thoughts. Just based on Efren's CB control and the way that played out, I think option 2 is the most likely.
 
dr_dave said:
Why do you guys think Efren chose to use inside on shot 9? Here are two possible reasonable explanations:

1.) He was trying to go off two rails into the line of the 8 from behind as I demonstrated?

2.) He meant to use a little less spin and go past the 8 to shoot it in the same pocket as the 7, possible hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

Do you guys have other possible explanations?

Also, do you think he made the right choice, or should he have just used no sidespin and go up and down the table for easy shape as I also demonstrated?

I look forward to seeing what you guys think,
Dave
Click to expand...
The_JV said:
No great insight into an explanation of my thoughts. Just based on Efren's CB control and the way that played out, I think option 2 is the most likely.
Click to expand...
FYI, somebody on YouTube suggested a third option I think is also possible:

3.) He meant to use a little more spin and go past the 8 between the 8 and cushion to shoot the 8 in the same pocket as the 7, possible hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).
 
dr_dave said:
Why do you guys think Efren chose to use inside on shot 9? Here are two possible reasonable explanations:

1.) He was trying to go off two rails into the line of the 8 from behind as I demonstrated?

2.) He meant to use a little less spin and go past the 8 to shoot it in the same pocket as the 7, possible hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

3.) He meant to use a little more spin and go past the 8 between the 8 and cushion to shoot the 8 in the same pocket as the 7, possible hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

Do you guys have other possible explanations?

Also, do you think he made the right choice, or should he have just used no sidespin and go up and down the table for easy shape as I also demonstrated?

I look forward to seeing what you guys think,
Dave
Click to expand...
Any other thoughts on Efren's intent or what was the best choice (for Efren or most top players), including other possible options (e.g., using outside to help pocket the 7 and go 2 rails for the 8 in the lower-right corner)?

Thanks,
Dave
 
dr_dave said:
Why do you guys think Efren chose to use inside on shot 9? Here are two possible reasonable explanations:

1.) He was trying to go off two rails into the line of the 8 from behind as I demonstrated?

2.) He meant to use a little less spin and go past the 8 to shoot it in the same pocket as the 7, possible hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

3.) He meant to use a little more spin and go past the 8 between the 8 and cushion to shoot the 8 in the same pocket as the 7, possible hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

Do you guys have other possible explanations?

Also, do you think he made the right choice, or should he have just used no sidespin and go up and down the table for easy shape as I also demonstrated?

I look forward to seeing what you guys think,
Dave
Click to expand...
FYI, somebody on Facebook suggested another possible explanation:

4.) He meant to hold the CB for the 8 (using the drag shot on the slow cloth); and since he came perfectly into the line of the 8, the bump didn't hurt him.

I think this is my current favorite.

What do you guys think?

And which option do you think is the best choice for most top players?

Thanks,
Dave
 
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dr_dave said:
1 - Z kick against Earl [0:20]
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Somebody on YouTube just pointed out an amazing coincidence:
- It took me 22 attempts to success at the Z shot in my video.
- Efren suggested it would take SVB 23 attempts to succeed, during this TAR interview video.
- Rollie Williams succeeded after 21 attempts in his video.
- World of Pool and Billiards succeeded after 22 attempts in his video.

That is a bizarre coincidence ... almost scary. I think Efren was right about the odds on this shot. A top player might have slightly better odds with more precise and more consistent speed and tip-contact-point control, but I think this is one of those types of shots where luck and odds are more important than skill.

It would be fun if more people would try the shot and report their number of attempts before success. Please consider doing this; and if you do, please post your results.

Thanks,
Dave
 
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dr_dave said:
Why do you guys think Efren chose to use inside on shot 9? Here are two possible reasonable explanations:

1.) He was trying to go off two rails into the line of the 8 from behind as I demonstrated?

2.) He meant to use a little less spin and go past the 8 to shoot it in the same pocket as the 7, possibly hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

3.) He meant to use a little more spin and go past the 8 between the 8 and cushion to shoot the 8 in the same pocket as the 7, possibly hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

4.) He meant to hold the CB for the 8 (using the drag shot on the slow cloth); and since he came perfectly into the line of the 8, the bump didn't hurt him.

Do you guys have other possible explanations?

Also, do you think he made the right choice, or should he have just used no sidespin and go up and down the table for easy shape as I also demonstrated?

I look forward to seeing what you guys think,
Dave
Click to expand...
Anybody else have any input on this?

Thanks,
Dave
 
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What about the timed shot. The cue ball is frozen to the 9 ball on the rail near the side pocket. You shoot the cue ball across table nudging the nine slowly 2 to 3 inches in front of the side pocket, while the cue ball banks and comes back and hits the 9 in the pocket. Was that an Efren shot?
 
9ball5032 said:
What about the timed shot. The cue ball is frozen to the 9 ball on the rail near the side pocket. You shoot the cue ball across table nudging the nine slowly 2 to 3 inches in front of the side pocket, while the cue ball banks and comes back and hits the 9 in the pocket. Was that an Efren shot?
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That shot has been around a long time, and it was featured in the movie "Pool Hall Junkies." I wouldn't call it an "Efren Shot." FYI, I have a demonstration of it at the 5:45 point in the following video:

Top 10 SHOTS from Famous POOL MOVIES

Enjoy,
Dave
 
dr_dave said:
Why do you guys think Efren chose to use inside on shot 9? Here are possible reasonable explanations:

1.) He was trying to go off two rails into the line of the 8 from behind as I demonstrated?

2.) He meant to use a little less spin and go past the 8 to shoot it in the same pocket as the 7, possibly hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

3.) He meant to use a little more spin and go past the 8 between the 8 and cushion to shoot the 8 in the same pocket as the 7, possibly hooking his opponent if he missed the 7 (as a two-way shot).

4.) He meant to hold the CB for the 8 (using the drag shot on the slow cloth); and since he came perfectly into the line of the 8, the bump didn't hurt him.

Do you guys have other possible explanations?

Also, do you think he made the right choice, or should he have just used no sidespin and go up and down the table for easy shape as I also demonstrated?

I look forward to seeing what you guys think,
Dave
Click to expand...

FYI, I just added another possible explanation:

5.) He meant to bump into the 8 (i.e., the shot went exactly as planned).

Does anybody think this was the case?

Thanks,
Dave
 
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