I started playing in this dive bar a few months back just playing 8 ball--always banking the 8 from day one (house game), so I'm decent at banks for a beginning. I play every day for at least 2-3 hours. In 8 ball on my good days I can run out in 1-2 innings when I really concentrate, although I usually average about 4-5 innings.
I don't really have much for practice routines because I don't know many drills. I always try to get a 9ft table to practice. I usually start off with running 4-6 consecutive racks of three ball in rotation. Then I practice with a line of 4 balls off the foot spot either parallel to the foot or side rail (for position practice).
Then I practice running 6 ball (I'm trying to work myself up to putting a 9 ball rack together). I also usually practice some 14.1 stuff (rack the balls with a common break shot set up). The most I've run is 8 in straight pool because I haven't figured out the right patterns yet and my CB control isn't fantastic. I will also practice shots I have trouble with (rail shots / across the ball blind pocket shots).
My favorite game is one pocket. I always like to throw in practicing the break and a few ghost one pocket games. I haven't found many in Jax who enjoy the game enough to want to play it regularly.
Basically, I think I'm an ok beginning (certainly not a banger), but I study and research pool a lot. I would love to be shown around the pool scene. Thank you so much for your help. I can't wait to move down there!
Cheers, D"
Here's the point. "D" is doing at least some kind of focused practice each day and is very, very disciplined compared to the average player. How long do you think he has been playing pool? Would you believe only about 5 months?!
Walk in a busy pool hall and you'll see a lesson--likely a young man trying to coach a young woman who is a newbie player. If I had a nickel for every person who said, "I plan to get lessons, but want to practice more first..." This is akin to getting better on your own before you see a doctor, physical therapist or exercise and nutrition coach.
8-Ball is fun, so is 9-Ball, but there are better ways to improve your skill than playing games. And observing other players is helpful if you watch them and not just the paths of the balls on the table.
The best way and fastest way to learn pool is take lessons from a qualified instructor. Get references first! My rant about pool lessons is taken from an essay by BCA and ACS Instructor, Donny Lutz.
