Mid week update:
I did skip the banking and kicking videos for now and moved on to the next disk which is secrets 3 I believe, the first hour or so is almost exactly like the 1st disk in the series but not covered as much, it gave me the impression that this disk was made to sell by itself to others who may not have seen secrets 1&2. But it was easy to watch again and to hear the fundamentals talk again is probably helpful so I didn't mind it. the next hour of the video started with aiming and setting up for combinations. I will admit I think I learned a little because I'm better at aiming these now! I used to aim 1st ball at the contact point of the makable ball. Sorta sight everything off of the first ball. Tor teaches using a aiming line through the 2nd ball to a spot on the rail that intersects the makable ball on its pocket path. I can't write it, as simple as it is!!! Sight the line and shoot the first ball into the rail like the 2nd isn't there. It really does simplify the aiming process and the confusion of trying to sight in two balls. The second part of his combo lesson is adding a position line for the cue ball for shape, you remember the correct side vs bad side for position from every other drill. Just when shooting combos it matters much much more if the 1st ball will be your next shot, you want to keep the first ball between the cue ball and pocket and the position line prior determines this position after the combo is made. Again it's common sense stuff but I never gave it any consideration in the past, there's about 2-4hrs worth of table practice to be had here before I'm comfortable on moving on!
I did watch a little farther into the DVD and was relieved to see Tor actually gave us viewers drills to work on! Finally I wasn't going to create my own plan! The topics next are very basic but very important, and considered the foundation of position play! Cueball center, cueball high, cueball low. As simple as these are I'm still dedicating as much time as necessary to master them to DVD standards! Again nothing new learned as we all know what to expect from these three positions. The basic center ball drills are the classic hit the cue ball into the rail and have it come back to the stick, follow drill was to pocket the object ball and scratch on porpoise following it in, the low is the basic stop shot. Of course Tor expects us to change and master all the different distances on these most basic but yet most important key position play fundamentals.
This was my favorite section of the DVD series so far. I like the fact that he tells us what to set up and practice. But i do believe you will only get out of this DVD lesson what you
put in! When Tor gives you a drill to work on, it's like he mentions it and says to increase distance and moves on to next topic. It really is up to the viewer to stay on task and create their own lesson plan.(at least so far) Tor does mention other drills later in the series so I'm looking forward to that.
A local friend that knows me well and has been following my post asked me why I don't watch the whole series or disk at one time and then follow the lessons/drills. My response was this:
1st the series is so long, I don't want to sit and watch it for a whole day,
2nd pool videos are not the most entertaining and some reason put me to sleep. Or I don't focus on the details
3rd I use the unknown material as motivation to keep my interest, makes it harder to quit! After every week or lesson I'm wanting to see what's next.
His next question was: why post about it on AZ, he says no one else does, so why me?
My response: I was a prodigy moto cross racer that had the opportunities of a lifetime with unbelievable coaches and mentors. my career really ended before it took off, i earned my professional license and a spot into qualifying practice at a 1992 supercross in the old rca dome in Indianapolis. Practice didn't go so hot and I destroyed my shoulder and blew out my knee, the comeback was short lived and the dream faded. Any way what I learned back then was to make your goals and lessons public. It's a very useful way of holding yourself accountable. Especially when you want to quit or not give it your best!
onto the combos drill and followed up next week with stops, follows and draws!
