Tag Archives: pool

(H&S) Hustles & Sharks – Self-doubt

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Learn how to Beat the Sharks

If introspective by nature, you are a careful and thoughtful pool player. You understand the importance of setting up properly for each shot and that fundamentals (stance, setup, and stroke) are necessary to playing a good game. As a thinking pool player you probably have a small library of instructional material that has proven to be effective and helpful. The occasional lessons from pool instructors with good reputations have thoroughly established in your mind the important values of constant and consistent routines. You are a “thinking” player. Continue reading

(D&E) Drills & Exercises – Pocket Skills (progressive): Side Pocket sets (up & down table sets)

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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

(FAQ) What cue accessories are useful?

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When you are assembling your cue case contents, besides your sticks you will need a few accessories. These items are necessary to ensure that pool playing time is not interrupted. Most of your minor problems can be fixed by pulling out one of these accessories. Continue reading

(H&S) Hustles & Sharks – Annoyances

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Learn how to Beat the Sharks

Many people have habits or personal traits that are annoying. The degree of irritation suffered is dependent on the observer. Such irritants are frustrating enough in the normal world of work and family. But in the pool hall, their effective is enhanced by the environment. Nonetheless, these all affect how well you can concentrate on winning. Continue reading

(H&S) Hustles & Sharks – Accusations

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Learn how to Beat the Sharks

Here is how the pool hustler applies this shark. He only needs an “apparent” excuse. For example, on a break shot that you racked, the balls don’t spread very well. He becomes upset and accuses you of improper racking. What you don’t know is that he took some speed off his break shot. This helps keep the balls clustered so that the table layout validates his accusations of your intentional cheating. Continue reading

(D&E) Drills & Exercises – Around the World Game – Doubles, Set 3 of 5

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This progressive exercise to improve your playing skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.

Purpose: Runout all the balls on the table. Set a target marker to preselect the next CB location on pocketing the OB (piece of paper, coin, chalk, etc.) Continue reading

(D&E) Drills & Exercises – Double 3 Ball Runout Game (vertical), version 2 of 4

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This progressive exercise to improve your playing skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.

Purpose: Runout all the balls on the table. Set the sequence before running the balls. Any failure, reset balls and start again. Continue reading

(FAQ) When breaking, should you inspect the rack?

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In most games, the winner of the last game breaks. The loser must rack the balls for the next game. Breaking a loose rack (gaps between the balls) causes a lot of lost energy, and the balls will stay bunched up in clusters. This is not something you want to happen. It can throw off your focus and rhythm. Continue reading