Don't show beginners 3-cushion at first. Show them straight rail.
Why is Caroms not so popular in America?
- Thread starter Hernan7
- Start date
Don't show beginners 3-cushion at first. Show them straight rail.
i do,
i show em a few shots but 3c seems so challenging to them they perfer starting with straight rail anyways
ive only even seen other people that play it less than a handful of times at the hall
not that straight rail isnt challenging, just easier for beginners to get their heads wrapped around the concept or caroms
i wish i was shown s.r. first instead of 3c
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BABY STEPS:
1) Freegame (a.k.a. Straight Rail)
2 {for a much crisp, challenging fine tuning}) Balkline (47.2 ---> 47.1 ---> 71.2)
*if there are not enough tables to make 47mm and/or 71mm balk-lines, then skip to #3*
3) Cushion Caroms (a.k.a. One-Cushion Billiards)
4) Three-Cushion Billiards
Raymond Ceulemans mentioned in an interview with Charles Brown that balkline is not necessary but it is an advance. I fully disagree: Balkline is necessary to separate the consistent top 10 in the world from the ones that are not.
As if it has not been said before, for one to get good at three-cushion is to work up a gradient. It is all about progression. The one mistake players have always done (and it never works) is to first start at pocket billiards and then jump to three-cushion.
Also, the one reason why Carom Billiards is "boring" is all based on a) the lack of understanding from the ones that are "outside of the loop" or (and here's the big one) b) it is just boring. Sorry for being blunt, but why lie?
How about Blomdahl?
... and then you have those exceptions to the rule!
Honestly, I was hesitant to even mention three-cushion specialists who jumped into it right off, while I was typing my previous post.
Still, it is a whole lot more about control than anything.
Take for example Mosconi's recaps of seeing Greenleaf play 14.1 continuous on a 10' table: Mosconi mentioned ("Willie's Game") that when Greenleaf made a shot to position himself for the next one, the position proximity was around 3" - 6" ... insane!
Now converting such to Carom Billiards:
Under my observation, I have seen the fluidity of those that have a full understanding on where all three balls will go. In this instance, Frederic Caudron pops into mind. His understanding of all the small game disciplines and converting this into three-cushion is real fascinating! He has the understanding on where all three balls will go. To the amateur's eye is akin to watching wet paint try. To a fan of Carom Billiards, it is a master piece. Now when I see Blomdahl, he reminds me of of Efren Reyes mixed with Earl Strickland in 3-C only with a professional behaviorism; as long as there is a probable shot (no matter what amount of English I use) I will make it, with minimal regards of position.
Furthermore, I will disclaim this: I haven't kept up too much with billiards for around 3-6 years so I will gratuitously express this observation as solely that... nothing more.
For that case, I am ready for any knowledge or criticism that follows. :thumbup2: