Once you have learned the basics skills and developed a decent stroke and have some ability to play position – where do you go from there? There are a lot of answers. One of them is the practice of various types of drills. Drills have a specific purpose. The ball setups are constant, usually identified with paper reinforcement rings or positions identified along the diamond lines (up/down, and sideways). Continue reading
This tactic is commonly used by older players (qualified AARP members) on younger shooters (20-somethings). They are fulfilling an obligation to the past and the future. When they were young, they were victims of the oldsters. Now that they have joined the gray hair league, it is their obligation to use those same tricks on today’s youth. Basically, what they suffered decades ago, they pass onto the next generation. Continue reading
This shark is designed to slowly develop a strong sense of irritation and frustration. The pool hustler calls out every single ball action about every single shot – in excruciating detail. Continue reading
Here is Today’s Test Group Challenge from the book. This progressive set develops personal confidence when similar shots come up during competition – and define Comfort Zone limitations.
PURPOSE: From the setup, shoot Cue Ball into Object Ball and roll the Object Ball into the target zone.
This is the Object Ball Speed Control (straight), long table (Advanced) Test Group . There is also an Intermediate Test Group. Continue reading
Here is Today’s Test Group Challenge from the book. This progressive set develops personal confidence when similar shots come up during competition.
PURPOSE: Start with Ball-in-Hand.
Pocket the balls ALL IN THE SAME POCKET – using two patterns:
– from left side ball to right side ball, in sequence.
– from right side ball to left side ball, in reverse sequence
This is from the Side Pocket Runout, Set 2 (Advanced) Test Group.
This progressive exercise to improve your shooting skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.
This setup concentrates on precision cue ball control skills.
Suggestions: Start easy with 12:00 (1 tip above center). Proceed with this from slowest possible speed up through Medium 2.
When 12:00 is controlled, use 6:00 (1 tip below center). Proceed with slowest speed through Medium 2 speed.
This progressive exercise to improve your shooting skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.
This setup concentrates on progressive pocketing skills. There is no concern about where the CB ends up.
This is a multiple cue ball speed and spin drill. See Cue Ball Speed and Spin Variations. Make sure to observe the cue ball action (path from OB, any rail action, etc.) until it stops. You need to remember the results when you are in competition. Continue reading
With the current airline restrictions on all things that could be considered a weapon or even a threat of a weapon, you are unable to carry your cue sticks on the airplane as carry-on baggage. For individuals who have sticks that are more than a little important to them, this restriction has made it more difficult for those who fly to tournaments and other places. Continue reading
Just watching people play pool, anyone could be forgiven if he thinks that is a safe sport. It certainly appears to be free of the personal injury dangers that plague other sports like football, basketball, rugby, even curling. Continue reading
This is another hustling trick that is common in most pool playing environments where the pool tables are not in excellent condition. It is commonly used against a player who is playing on the tables for the first time. The shooter might be a regular at another place but is checking out new places and players. Or he could be traveling and just happened to find this place. Of course, this does make you a new “victim” for the resident pool hustler. Continue reading
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