Improving Your Game

By Alice Rim

I have been playing pool on and off for almost nine years. During that time, I have met hundreds of players of all different skill levels and from all different backgrounds. As an enthusiastic student of pool, I have learned a great deal from other players’ coaching as well as from watching matches. Interestingly, one of the first things I learned is that many people like to offer suggestions but not everyone thinks similarly. In fact, sometimes I have even seen two different players of excellent caliber give seemingly contrary advice. How can this be possible? We are all individuals. We have different strengths, weaknesses, thought processes, perceptions, belief systems and of course different physical attributes. What may seem tough to one player might seem like a ‘gimme’ to another. Some are more comfortable using high ball for position on certain shots while others like to draw the cue ball. Some would prefer to bank certain balls while others would rather go for a razor-thin cut. Some play more aggressively and others play defensively. Granted, there are some occasions where ninety-nine percent of skilled players would agree on how a table is to be played (and I’m speaking only in situations where, say, the eight and the nine are left on the table playing nine ball) but even then, those circumstances are few and far between.

Even as far as fundamentals, there are some very noticeable differences between top professional players. There are a variety of stances, bridges, and strokes that account for the styles of each player. Then there are different ways a player would approach and run out (or not run out) a table. Some have mastered the art of jumping balls while others have skillfully acquired the ability to masse. Either way, most players do what is comfortable, practical and beneficial to him or her.

Given the myriad of styles, methods and approaches to pool then, how do we decide what is ‘right’? Today there are numerous books and videos that give instruction and advice on playing pool. Furthermore, there are many skilled players in our local area that have various suggestions and ideas to improve one’s game. With this overload of information, pool can seem even more confusing. In this case, just remember several things. First of all, keep an open mind. Even a lesser skilled player might offer great advice, whether it’s on a physical technique or regarding mental strength. Try everything at least once. See what works for you and what does not. Be sure though to give it enough time and effort to ensure that initial failures are not simply a result of the learning process. Secondly, once you have attempted several methods, be selective. While keeping an open mind and being selective seem contradictory, they are, in fact, not. What works for one player may not work for you. Remember, we are all different heights, shapes, and talents. If you keep trying something that one player has mastered, but you have not, and still cannot (for whatever reason) do it, try an alternative method. (It is a great idea to continue trying, but only in practice and not during a competitive match!) And lastly, if you are looking for an instructor, keep in mind that some are great players but not good teachers. Others teach well even though they are not the best players. Make sure that they explain things in a way that you can understand clearly. A good instructor is not only patient and understanding, but also coherent and competent.

As a general rule, utilize your strengths and avoid your weaknesses when playing a competitive match. Again, however, be sure to practice and improve upon those weaknesses so that somewhere in the future, you will only have more ammo in your pool arsenal. As we all know, pool is an addictive, enjoyable and frustrating sport. There is nothing like knowing how much we’ve improved as individual players, and the excitement we feel in setting new goals and accomplishing them.

 

All copyrights are owned by David Sapolis. No duplication is allowed without his permission.