What am I missing? Do you know which shots you miss frequently? After learning ‘aiming by the numbers’, I found it is a good idea to make a mental note of the ‘number’ of the shot that was missed and then practice the shot immediatley after a match. I learned I frequently miss number 4 and 5. Now knowing the number it is easier to set up the same shot that was missed. I watched Thorsten Hohmann make shot after shot in a tournament and finally miss one shot. When the match was done, immediately Thorsten set the shot up several times. Learning the ‘numbers’ will help you learn which shots you are missing. The “Aiming by the Numbers” tool kit endorsed by Mike Massey and created by Joe Tucker is available on this blog from Amazon and I do make a small commission if you buy it from here.
Aiming by the Numbers – What Am I Missing?
Building a Straight Pool Stroke for Aiming by the Numbers
I came across an article today, Cue Ball Control, that discusses the precision required to building a straight stroke. I think you will be impress with the author, Fast Larry Guniger, who holds several world records. I felt compelled to share it with you. I hope that I can talk Jeff from Bank Shot Billiards into haveing Fast Larry do an exhibition.
I have had my stroke trainer out for about two weeks and worked with it consistantly this week. I can tell a difference and my practice session this evening showed that the work is paying off. I get out the stroke trainer 2 or 3 time a year and work with it two weeks or so. This usually raises my level of play for 2 to 3 months. The old less than straight stroke gradually comes back.
Since I use the “Aiming by the Numbers” method consistently now I felt the bridge to better play would be to build a stright stroke. Without a straight stroke you are not guaranteed to hit your “Aiming by the Numbers”. I am an evangelist now about “Aiming by the Numbers” which is a tool you can buy here on this page.
FTC disclosure :I get a commission if you buy “Aiming by the Numbers” tool from this website.
Billiard Aiming Systems – Skills from Drills
Drills lead to consistant steady improvement in your pool game, if you have the patience and the stamina. Most people will try a drill once or twice, get bored because they can not execute yet and give up. A friend of mine watched the PAT part 1 video and committed to doing the 15,000 balls in pocket drill that was recommended. He set a goal and completed the 15,000 pocketed balls. It improved his pool stroke.
The Aiming by the Numbers pool tool I recommend comes with a number of drills for shooting the numbered aim points. The repetition from doing the drills gives you the familiarity with the shot when you approach the table and along with familiarity comes confidence. Both Mike Massey and Joe Tucker provide drills in their books on Aiming by the Numbers. As an example, for the 4 and half shot Joe recommends putting the object ball on the spot and then shoot the object ball into corner pocket with the cue on the rail at each diamond even or above the cue ball. It is a difficult drill and some of drills in their books are easier.
About two months ago I was lucky enough to watch the “Drill Instructor” demo his drills and promo his video and books for drills at Bank Shots in Jacksonville, Fl. It was an exciting evening and I learned a lot from this promotion. But it was not nearly as much as I would learn from actually doing the drills. “Drill Instructor” Pro Skill Drills – Training Instructional Books & DVDs
To get you started on drills, I recommend you do the circle drill. Place the balls in a circle that is two diamonds wide centered on a 4 and half by 9 foot table. Now your object is to pocket all the balls with out hitting another ball with the cue ball and you can not let the cue ball touch a rail. This drill is also recommended by the “Drill Instructor” and builds the skills for alignment, pace and position play.
Throw all the balls on the table and shoot each one in with a stop shot. After shooting in a ball pick the next ball that is straight into a pocket. If there is not a straight in shot place the cue so that there is a straight in shot. This drill teaches skills for various speeds and distance to make a stop shot.
This evening I am .going to do some drills with my stroke training machine. Lately my stroke has not been as keen as I like. I usually get the stroke training machine out 2 or 3 times a year to sharpen my performance. I do this daily for about 3 weeks.
Improve your skills do some drills.
Greg