What did you learn this year?

Bob Callahan

Bob Callahan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Specifically, what have you learned about pool (pocket billiards, snooker, 3-cushion, etc...)? What tips, tricks, techniques, or mental skills did you pick up in the last 12 months? Did you learn something that helps you play better, or gamble better? Did you discover something on your own, or learn it from another player, DVD, instruction, youtube, this forum, or some other source?
 
I learned that money won.... is twice as sweet as money earned.
I learned that sometimes when you lose.... you win.
I learned what 4 on 2 up means.
But most importantly I learned that no matter what you have to work with.... Its in the way that you use it..... It comes and it goes...... So dont you ever abuse it.... And if you lie you will lose it.....Nobodys right, till somebodys wrong..... Nobodys weak, till somebodys strong....
Chuck
 
RiverCity said:
I learned that money won.... is twice as sweet as money earned.
I learned that sometimes when you lose.... you win.
I learned what 4 on 2 up means.
But most importantly I learned that no matter what you have to work with.... Its in the way that you use it..... It comes and it goes...... So dont you ever abuse it.... And if you lie you will lose it.....Nobodys right, till somebodys wrong..... Nobodys weak, till somebodys strong....
Chuck
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I learned that all aiming systems only work if you P.I.I.T.H. You can even do it with O.F.E.! :wink:
 
I always seem to learn something new on this forum. But, the most valuable thing I learned this year is that, no matter what, Travis Trotter will always come back.
 
I have to say my kicking has improved substantially.

With a little help from Nick Varner and some things I have learned on this forum I am virtually un-hookable. :D Ok, well, maybe not exactly but I have gotten a LOT better.
 
Improved the timing of my stroke. Far more accurate and consistent than I was in January. Revamped my mechanics to accomadate both pool and snooker (hybrid mechanics almost).
 
Too much to post, I had the best year in pool I ever had-I didnt win any $$$ this year, but I learned more than all the previous year's combined. I have been blessed with people who spent time with me and taught me stuff that had I known when I was 18, would have made me a lot stronger of a player than I am. It was their time, effort and caring that I cant thank them enough for. I wish I had that when I was just starting out.


This next year will be big for me, I can tell. I have some personal stuff to organize before I put myself in the box, I dont need any more stress at the present moment. It's hard to have any fight in pool when life is a struggle. God Bless those who can rise above that, I aspire to be like that someday-perhaps this year.


Good thread-
 
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I learned that OB-1 LD shafts are for real. Who says you can't teach an old dog? Johnnyt
 
I learned that I could be a pro player if I wanted to, but now that I know that, I would rather make cues which is also something I learned how to do this year.
 
I learned the only real true way to get better is to practice a lot and play players better than you!
 
I Have learned, not to take loved ones for granted, to live every day as if it was the last. My Bride. Wife, Lover, and favorite person to shoot pool with, passed away on December 3rd. What I wouldn't give to be shooting 8 ball, and hear her say "I need a different tip".......Charlie D
 
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Improved my break

From watching some YouTube break analysis videos, my break is much stronger and has better cue control.
Mark
 
I learned how much I love the game. After a 25 year absence I am trying to improve my play. Hopefully this time next year I can say I learned how to win.

Larry
 
2009:

Most important thing I've learned this year is to stop making excuses. If you lose, you lose. Does't matter why you lost, you lost. Doesn't matter why you won, you won. I've learned to man up and take it. I've learned that you have to play the table infront of you. Forget why you are snookered. Does't matter if you were put there or if you put yourself there. Doesn't matter if you are down 6 or on the wire. Just play your best pool every time you are down on the shot.

2010:
What I want to learn...

How to practice. I still find myself banging balls and not taking things serious. Not doing enough drills. Not focusing. Not playing the speed Im capable of playing. Not treating all shots the same. Oh, and better ways to trick my wife into letting me play.
 
Like fatboy I have too much to list as to what I've learned, been learning like I was at MIT for the past 5yrs.

What I learned the most was that there are many people on this forum that are looking for help. I know I do not only speak for my self about what it means to me to get a thankyou for helping someone out that is struggling with there game, we have all been there and there is no better way to promote the game than to help someone break their barriers in it.

Happy holidays azers,
Grey Ghost
 
I learned that I don't have to grip the cue like I'm trying to strangle it. I also learned to slow down and study...the table, the shot, the other shooters, myself, etc.. I also relearned that is nobodys fault but mine.
 
Charlie D said:
I Have learned, not to take loved ones for granted, to live every day as if it was the last. My Bride. Wife, Lover, and favorite person to shoot pool with, passed away on December 3rd. What I wouldn't give to be shooting 8 ball, and hear her say "I need a different tip".......Charlie D
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I am so sorry to hear of your loss. There are no words I can say that would be adequate.
 
Charlie D said:
I Have learned, not to take loved ones for granted, to live every day as if it was the last. My Bride. Wife, Lover, and favorite person to shoot pool with, passed away on December 3rd. What I wouldn't give to be shooting 8 ball, and hear her say "I need a different tip".......Charlie D
Click to expand...

Sorry for your loss. My first wife died 17 years ago and I still miss her. I am in love with two women, one alive, one dead. Like you I have many times tried to tell people to appreciate their marriage. It is not until we are older that we appreciate the idea that we grew up with our spouses. Many of those things we did raising children, changing jobs, houses and just spending time with family have made us who we are today -- and then she is gone. What I learned from that experience was to live everyday as though it were your last day on earth -- no regrets about anything you did or did not do.

A few months after she died I walked by some bum on the street looking for a hand out. A 100 feet later I realized he was probably a Vietnam Vet with PTSD and all that brings. I turned around (was late for my appointment) and made sure he got a decent meal, probably got a little drunk too.

Live every day like it is your last day, there are far too many people we will never see again.

The most important thing I have learned this year is that putting the ball in the pocket is the number one priority. When I estimate postion and let it happen I can imagine, see or visualize the CB roll. It works but it takes lots of concentration.

I now think that the ability to focus and to concentrate are the most import personal attributes for playing pool well, given the physical requirements are present.

Happy Holidays to everyone, my little rant is the best of gifts I could bring to you.
 
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