I was thinking about all the stuff I've improved in my pool game the last 6 months or so since Covid. Covid meant I was staying at home a lot more, and on top of that, I had one month break from work in July because of a mix-up with my IT consulting contract. It was meant to be a few days break, but it ended up being a whole month. That extra time was a huge hit to the checking account but definitely a massive practice opportunity. I'm lucky to have a 9 foot table at home and a wife with a job.
I'm wondering how Covid impacted your game and things you learned, etc?
Here's a list of improvements and things I learned (not necessarily in order). I added some links for a few things. I'm not trying to promote anything I link, but it might be useful to others.
I'm wondering how Covid impacted your game and things you learned, etc?
Here's a list of improvements and things I learned (not necessarily in order). I added some links for a few things. I'm not trying to promote anything I link, but it might be useful to others.
- - replaced my old regular glasses with new billiards specific ones and updated prescription. I got frames which were just slightly taller than normal glasses, so they still look like normal glasses. www.billiardglasses.com
- - fixed my backhand grip which was way too firm causing my backswing to waggle side to side. I watched videos of Jason Shaw and patterned my grip after him. This change keeps my backswing straight in-line with shot. The looser grip also allows me to snap the wrist to help with power draws.
- - joined AZB to sell a shaft. I ended up selling on Ebay, but I found a treasure trove of knowledge on this forum. Many of the remaining things are what I learned on this forum
- - Changed my stance based on CJ Wiley advice described on AZB and watching youtube instructional video by him. He calls it shooting out of the center of your chest. It took me a while to appreciate it, but it's very powerful. https://forums.azbilliards.com/showpost.php?p=3725547&postcount=21
- - Improved my closed bridge. My closed bridge was too loose. This video from Kid Delicious fixed my issue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I3f49sl81c
- - Improved my rail bridge. It was not solid enough. I just needed to pull my index finger (the finger that wraps over the cue) in towards my hand to tighten things up.
- - Found my vision center and avoid tilting my head. This is another consistency thing similar to staying square on the shot. https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/. Thanks to Patrick Johnson for referencing this Dr. Dave page.
- - Implementing SAWS from Dr. Dave. This is a work-in-progress to apply the variables correctly, i.e. speed, bridge length, and percentages of BHE/FHE. It's getting easier. https://drdavebilliards.com/videos/saws/
- - Improving the mental thought process while shooting. Thanks here to Imac007 for some interesting discussions. This area is sort of on-hold as I work out other kinks in my game.
- - Reading threads on aiming systems and relating them to my own personal "system". I've incorporated a bit of contact point aiming into my game on certain shots.
- - Using ICA video training system. I bought this before Covid at the beginning of 2020. It's expensive, but it makes practicing fun and easy. https://www.icatraining.com/
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