Two fundamentals of pool to avoid sounding foolish for years

[Island Drive]

That would require you reading what I said. Its right there in black and white.

Having been in Olympic time trials, and having had coaches that have won Gold in the Olympics and friends that were in the HOF, life is not as simple as you describe. The land of hard knocks and time/effort and losing and not liking it and not giving up, are at the core of greatness in Anything one does.

 

[BRKNRUN]

I stopped reading after "You beginners, listen to me"

 

[Chris]

The first, and most important, is to have a mind that is capable of both playing pool and learning pool skills. If you don't know the traits of such a mind, you should read some books or ask someone what kind of mind it takes to practice, learn, and compete in billiards.

Are you someone?

What are the traits of "a mind that is capable of both playing pool and learning pool skills"? And just so we know we're on the same page, could you please define "mind" in this context? Using the colloquial definition, it would seem that anyone not in a vegetative state would have a mind as you describe, but that clearly isn't the bar to which you are referring. Please clarify.

 

[fastone371]

Whoa. How do you figure? There are not many pros who don't stroke straight. You don't stroke straight, you miss a whole lot. Pros go straight through on the CB line, whatever they do in practice strokes.

I can only guess that you have not seen many tournament videos. If you want I can start naming names and I am sure other members will add to my list but I think there are not many who have really nice strokes like John Morra, Tyler Styer, Fedor, etc.
Some of the not so nice are Django, Joven Bustamante, etc. They might be repeatable but they are not always or rarely are straight. Its really quite surprising how many top players have a curve in their stroke when you start paying attention.

 

[Bavafongoul]

Just saying stating the way you did makes it seem your two points are more salient than the dozen,
and likely even more, other equally important observations any experienced pool player could render.

I was simply acknowledging that improving your pool play involves a compendium of fundamentals.
Aiming & stroking are two different skills. The former is relatively easy whereas the latter is challenging.

Breaking down, or analyzing, someone’s pool stroke and recommending improvements requires being able
to observe. Pool players sometimes wind up with too many coaches, different sources and forms of advice.