Lessons needed...I may even resort to PJ's scientific approach.

[SJDinPHX]

As I approach middle [sic] age, I find myself having to adjust to a lot of different strategies when playing one pocket.

I'm sure many of us older guys are dealing with the same frustrations. I am not helpless (yet) in dealing with close up shots, and my stroke still works fairly well...let me explain where I am having trouble.

In the example below, my opponent has just scratched on the break, and given me BIH in the kitchen. I have given up trying to make long straight ins, so I willl pass on the 15 ball, as shape is tricky at best, and I would probably either miss the 15, or trap myself. (or both)

The 1 ball, is an ideal shot anyway...nothing can go wrong, and I'm putting him in serious trouble. It is a simple foolproof shot, and we have all shot it many times.

My dillema is, on anything over 5' away, I am having trouble hitting the ball consistently flush, consequently, I may lose my cue ball by not sticking right where I want to. I can forget about drawing or following a few inches, if needed...This used to be my long suit, from ANY distance. (I know there are other options on this particular layout, but I'm trying to prove a point)
Below is an extreme example, and even MOI would have trouble screwing up there...but if sticking whitey, is paramount to a successful outcome...it has become a toss up for me.

The same thing happens on a lot of different (but similar) shots, where just sticking the cue ball, is all that is needed. As I said, I have no problem with these shots up close, but lately I have butchered so many of them, my confidence is at an all time low.

I hate to shoot the wrong shot in any given situation, but sometimes I have to...due to my erratic (and too often).. miss-hits. I feel that I am having to learn to play all over again...any tips from anyone (in my age bracket) would be greatly appreciated.

Duck <---Is very tired, of losing to guy's I used to rob giving serious weight ( just a few years ago) who are now giving him weight, and robbing him...He may take up lawn bowling..:(





http://CueTable.com/P/?@3AYLY4BAtL3COPh3DBal4EAme3FNrH3GEtV3HHpg3IChF3JMCa4KJMa4LBrf3MDWk4NFsR4OSPI2PFid3UYLY3UbAH3URMi3UFbl2kFid3kXFI1uBfA@

[Fast Lenny]

In about 40 years I will be in your age bracket but I have been working hard on pocketing balls since I got into one pocket before the other games like 9 ball and 14.1 so I am doing it all backwards as most get into one pocket later in pool careers. Your just going to have to use and aiming method now Dick, lmao! :p

As for your shot I think I would park the cue ball where you did but bank the 1 either into the 8 or 2 rail it like you did but harder into the stack. :)

P.S. When I see you I will show you an aiming method and you will be surprised how well it works, you still need to see where to hit the ball so I guess it wont matter anyway, heh-heh. 9-7 and breaks you better make no mistakes or Lenny will be drinking yukon jack and eating steaks.

[Patrick Johnson]

As I approach middle [sic] age, I find myself having to adjust to a lot of different strategies when playing one pocket.

I'm sure many of us older guys are dealing with the same frustrations. I am not helpless (yet) in dealing with close up shots, and my stroke still works fairly well...let me explain where I am having trouble.

In the example below, my opponent has just scratched on the break, and given me BIH in the kitchen. I have given up trying to make long straight ins, so I willl pass on the 15 ball, as shape is tricky at best, and I would probably either miss the 15, or trap myself. (or both)

The 1 ball, is an ideal shot anyway...nothing can go wrong, and I'm putting him in serious trouble. It is a simple foolproof shot, and we have all shot it many times.

My dillema is, on anything over 5' away, I am having trouble hitting the ball consistently flush, consequently, I may lose my cue ball by not sticking right where I want to. I can forget about drawing or following a few inches (if needed)...This used to be my long suit, from any distance.
Below is an extreme example, and even MOI would have trouble screwing up there...but if sticking whitey, is paramount to a successful outcome...it has become a toss up for me.

The same thing happens on a lot of different (but similar) shots, where just sticking the cue ball, is all that is needed. As I said, I have no problem with these shots up close, but lately I have butchered so many of them, my confidence is at an all time low.

I hate to shoot the wrong shot in any given situation, but sometimes I have to...due to my erratic (and too often).. miss-hits. I feel that I am having to learn to play all over again...any tips from anyone (in my age bracket) would be greatly appreciated.

Duck <---Is very tired, of losing to guy's I used to rob giving serious weight ( just a few years ago) who are now giving him weight, and robbing him...He may take up lawn bowling..:(





http://CueTable.com/P/?@3AYLY4BAtL3COPh3DBal4EAme3FNrH3GEtV3HHpg3IChF3JMCa4KJMa4LBrf3MDWk4NFsR4OSPI2PFid3UYLY3UbAH3URMi3UFbl2kFid3kXFI1uBfA@

For those long stop shots have you tried lining the top of the CB up with the bottom of the OB? I haven't tried it, but I've heard it works.

At your age I think religion might work better than science... :)

pj
chgo

[lll]

dick heres my advice for what its worth. when was the last time you saw an opthomologist???? maybe one one those "progressivs glasses " i think they are called might help. martina navratolova won many grand slams after she started using glasses.
second and please dont be insulted by this comment. as we get older subtle parkinsons can set in which gives you a mild shake. can you put the q on the spot and go up and down the table back to your q tip with center ,follow and draw 10 times in a row???? just asking

[SJDinPHX]

In about 40 years I will be in your age bracket but I have been working hard on pocketing balls since I got into one pocket before the other games like 9 ball and 14.1 so I am doing it all backwards as most get into one pocket later in pool careers. Your just going to have to use and aiming method now Dick, lmao! :p

As for your shot I think I would park the cue ball where you did but bank the 1 either into the 8 or 2 rail it like you did but harder into the stack.

P.S. When I see you I will show you an aiming method and you will be surprised how well it works, you still need to see where to hit the ball so I guess it wont matter anyway, heh-heh. 9-7 and breaks you better make no mistakes or Lenny will be drinking yukon jack and eating steaks.

Thanks Lenny, but I was not soliciting help from pre-schoolers. I was hoping Rod or Senor could help.
I would have been shooting that shot at about at mach ll speed....(if I were playing you, and shot my WEI shot)...after you threw up and fainted,...I would easily run my 9 and out..:D :D

Henderson is coming in on the 21st...Please have everyone pumped up and ready to GAMBLE ! (not steal)
I plan on putting the Preacher in chapter 11 bankruptcy, (I wonder if he'll play for his airplane ?)... while John robs the Guminator. (with appropriate weight of course)

There is also a chance for a re-match with George and Dennis, however, I will have to trade Ronn for John. The rail will be open...;)

PS.. If you added Geo. and Dennis' age together, It may barely total either one of our ages..heh,heh..:p

[One Pocket Ghost]

As I approach middle [sic] age, I find myself having to adjust to a lot of different strategies when playing one pocket.

I'm sure many of us older guys are dealing with the same frustrations. I am not helpless (yet) in dealing with close up shots, and my stroke still works fairly well...let me explain where I am having trouble.

In the example below, my opponent has just scratched on the break, and given me BIH in the kitchen. I have given up trying to make long straight ins, so I willl pass on the 15 ball, as shape is tricky at best, and I would probably either miss the 15, or trap myself. (or both)

The 1 ball, is an ideal shot anyway...nothing can go wrong, and I'm putting him in serious trouble. It is a simple foolproof shot, and we have all shot it many times.

My dillema is, on anything over 5' away, I am having trouble hitting the ball consistently flush, consequently, I may lose my cue ball by not sticking right where I want to. I can forget about drawing or following a few inches (if needed)...This used to be my long suit, from any distance.
Below is an extreme example, and even MOI would have trouble screwing up there...but if sticking whitey, is paramount to a successful outcome...it has become a toss up for me.

The same thing happens on a lot of different (but similar) shots, where just sticking the cue ball, is all that is needed. As I said, I have no problem with these shots up close, but lately I have butchered so many of them, my confidence is at an all time low.

I hate to shoot the wrong shot in any given situation, but sometimes I have to...due to my erratic (and too often).. miss-hits. I feel that I am having to learn to play all over again...any tips from anyone (in my age bracket) would be greatly appreciated.

Duck <---Is very tired, of losing to guy's I used to rob giving serious weight ( just a few years ago) who are now giving him weight, and robbing him...He may take up lawn bowling..:(





Ok Papie, no joking between us for a change, since you asked a serious question (for once :)) ...

If I really need to hit an object ball that's far away, dead-center-straight, what works for me is to get down lower on the shot than I normally do - this helps me to see that straight ahead angle through the cueball better....I don't remember what your normal shooting stance is like as far as how low your chin is down toward your cue, but like I said, try getting down a little lower than your norm for shooting that kind of shot and see if it helps.

- Ghosty

[androd]

..I feel that I am having to learn to play all over again...any tips from anyone (in my age bracket) would be greatly appreciated.

Ducky, As the longer shots get harder for us, it's easy to begin to raise-up a little. I've found 1/2 to 1 step back with my right foot helps to get me lower and looking at these longer shots better. Frustration will cause us to raise and tighten up as we never did before. May not be your problem, hope this helps if it is. It's worked well for me.
Rod.






http://CueTable.com/P/?@3AYLY4BAtL3COPh3DBal4EAme3FNrH3GEtV3HHpg3IChF3JMCa4KJMa4LBrf3MDWk4NFsR4OSPI2PFid3UYLY3UbAH3URMi3UFbl2kFid3kXFI1uBfA@[/QUOTE]

[Fast Lenny]

Thanks Lenny, but I was not soliciting help from pre-schoolers. I would have been shooting that shot at about at mach ll speed. If I were playing you... after you threw up and fainted...I would run my 9 and out..:D :D

Henderson is coming in on the 21st...Please have everyone pumped up and ready to GAMBLE ! (not steal)
I plan on putting the Preacher in chapter 11 bankruptcy, while John robs the Guminator' (with appropriate weight of course)

There is also a chance for a re-match with George and Dennis, however, I will have to trade Ronn for John. The rail will be open...;)

PS.. If you added Geo. and Dennis' age together, It may not total either one of our ages..:p

Ronn and John will not be playing? What does George have to give John and is George even going to be there? How would Jimmy and John play?, from the stream I saw of John on TAR they looked close.

[One Pocket Ghost]

Hey Rod, that's pretty scary - we both wrote the same advice for Papie at the exact same time....:eek:

- Ghost

[beatle]

perhaps it is time for you to go out on the ice flow and not burden us any more. we can help with the expense, as it must be painful to lost it all. be like an eskimo.

[gulfportdoc]

My dillema is, on anything over 5' away, I am having trouble hitting the ball consistently flush, consequently, I may lose my cue ball by not sticking right where I want to. I can forget about drawing or following a few inches (if needed)...
Dick, if the CB is going right or left after contact with the OB, I'd bet you 8 to 5 it's your alignment. If your head is not in the proper position to see the line of the cue continuing on to the straight line of the shot, then an adjustment is necessary.

Either move your head one way or the other, or move your cue closer or further from your body. You'll have to experiment by shooting some long straight shots down the rail to see what the CB does after contact.

Doc

[SJDinPHX]

Ducky, As the longer shots get harder for us, it's easy to begin to raise-up a little. I've found 1/2 to 1 step back with my right foot helps to get me lower and looking at these longer shots better. Frustration will cause us to raise and tighten up as we never did before. May not be your problem, hope this helps if it is. It's worked well for me.
Rod.






http://CueTable.com/P/?@3AYLY4BAtL3COPh3DBal4EAme3FNrH3GEtV3HHpg3IChF3JMCa4KJMa4LBrf3MDWk4NFsR4OSPI2PFid3UYLY3UbAH3URMi3UFbl2kFid3kXFI1uBfA@[/QUOTE]

Good advice Rod and Ghosty...In my best playing days, my chin would almost touch my cue stick, I was very low on all shots, with a very wide stance.
Admittedly, I do have trouble staying down over the shot at times now. (especially in "dog mode"). ;)

About 15 yrs.ago, I had to have a triple disc fusion in my neck. (C-3-4-5)...When I started playing after that, I had to re-learn to play from a more upright stance, as my range of motion (in my neck)..would not alllow me to get that low.
I've talked to Gulfport Doc about this.(he's obviously forgotten)... He was very sympathetic...He suggested suicide (JK, Doc)...I like Beatle's advice better.:D

[senor]

Good advice Rod and Ghosty...In my best playing days, my chin would almost touch my cue stick, I was very low on all shots.

[/QUOTE]

I know Rod is a stand up pool player, I guess Ghost is, too. I'll know what to look for in case he tries to sneak up on someone ;) I was a chin player and somehow it migrated to a right side of the face player, still chin level, but over to the right side so I quit hitting myself :)

On long straight shots I always pick a spot on the table (through the OB) and shoot to that spot. It seems to be shooting to an area instead of shooting to an exact point on the OB.

[One Pocket Ghost]

(I like Beatle's advice better).:D


I also liked beatle's advice...and Papie, the scary thing about beatle is, that when he says those things, you don't really know if he's joking or not - he never includes any smileys....:o

[androd]

Hey Rod, that's pretty scary - we both wrote the same advice for Papie at the exact same time....:eek:

- Ghost

Yep; still waters think alike or is it brilliant minds run deep. You're right it's very eerie. :)
Rod.
PS, Ducky even if you can't get lower, dont let frustration and negitive anticipation cause you to move higher.

[SJDinPHX]

Good advice Rod and Ghosty...In my best playing days, my chin would almost touch my cue stick, I was very low on all shots.





I know Rod is a stand up pool player, I guess Ghost is, too. I'll know what to look for in case he tries to sneak up on someone ;) I was a chin player and somehow it migrated to a right side of the face player, still chin level, but over to the right side so I quit hitting myself :)

On long straight shots I always pick a spot on the table (through the OB) and shoot to that spot. It seems to be shooting to an area instead of shooting to an exact point on the OB.

Good advice Senor...I used to use that method on long straight ins, but I had forgotten it...since I won't get up out of the electric chair, to shoot a long straight-in any more...I'll try and resurrect that little trick...Thanks...:p

[beatle]

a lot of the problem is that when younger you can just pop into the pool room and start playing well. that is because you have good eye hand coordination. that is gone for the social security folks. so you now have to practice(warmup) to regain your feel each time you play. as you get older you need to do it longer. basically shoot a bunch of long shots like that every day. not just a few but alot for awhile and your muscle memory will come back to at least 80% or so. and then you need to keep working on it. and each and every year you get a little worse. adjust your game for the loss of shooting ability and adjust the games you make.

[Cowboy Dennis]

so you now have to practice(warmup) to regain your feel each time you play. as you get older you need to do it longer. basically shoot a bunch of long shots like that every day. not just a few but alot for awhile and your muscle memory will come back to at least 80% or so.


The Duck ain't practicing shit. Before we started our 5 hour marathon last sunday I went to take a leak and told him to bang a couple around till I got back. He was still in the chair when I returned. He does not ever practice. Maybe he should start:eek: .

Cowboy "practicing don't help if you can't see" Dennis

[androd]

The Duck ain't practicing shit. Before we started our 5 hour marathon last sunday I went to take a leak and told him to bang a couple around till I got back. He was still in the chair when I returned. He does not ever practice. Maybe he should start:eek: .

Cowboy "practicing don't help if you can't see" Dennis

Occasionally I practice a few shots, maybe 5 minutes. If I'm going to play which I do most weekdays, practice is merely tiring. 1 hr practice is like playing 2 1/2 hrs. The pockets are still in the same place they were when I started. I figured out what my stroke feels like years ago. I have tweaked my game as I've gotten older, such as the longer shots discussed earlier. :)
Rod.

[Cowboy Dennis]

Occasionally I practice a few shots, maybe 5 minutes. If I'm going to play which I do most weekdays, practice is merely tiring. 1 hr practice is like playing 2 1/2 hrs. The pockets are still in the same place they were when I started. I figured out what my stroke feels like years ago. I have tweaked my game as I've gotten older, such as the longer shots discussed earlier. :)
Rod.


Absolutely correct Rod but you aren't the one who posted about missing long shots:D . He does not play everyday. The man (Duck) has a table in his garage and he does not use it for anything more than pleasuring Bubbles.

[SJDinPHX]

The Duck ain't practicing shit. Before we started our 5 hour marathon last sunday I went to take a leak and told him to bang a couple around till I got back. He was still in the chair when I returned. He does not ever practice. Maybe he should start:eek: .

Cowboy "practicing don't help if you can't see" Dennis

RBL,

Do you remember the guy practicing on the table next to us...the one I told you looked like a tall Ghost ?...For most of the time we played, he was practicing impossible kick shots, that may come up every other century...I don't think he ever made one. That is like Tiger Wood's practicing (for hours)...a wedge shot out of a bird's nest. It ain't gonna come up all that often.

Practicing is something you do, when you are not in action...Due to my superior [sic] matching up skills,...I have never NOT been in action ! When I walk in the joint, they are lined up, and ready to play..I have been known to match up two games at once. I don't know how to hi-lite, so you'll just have to hunt for me in Grady's excellent post about "Cochran's" written a few years ago...
....http://onepocket.org/forum/showpost.php?p=6982&postcount=1

I always figured, if you don't know where to hit the f-ing ball (after 60 years)...you ain't gonna learn now. (I may be a little set in my ways)..:cool:

I would rather eat a dead rat, than practice...I am allready honed to a fine edge, why would I waste time better spent drinking.. :p

PS..I do not "pleasure" Bubble's or Jennifer on my pool table...I spring for a room at the Ritz-Carlton, or the Arizone Biltmore..:D

[blackeee]

As I approach middle [sic] age, I find myself having to adjust to a lot of different strategies when playing one pocket.

I'm sure many of us older guys are dealing with the same frustrations. I am not helpless (yet) in dealing with close up shots, and my stroke still works fairly well...let me explain where I am having trouble.

In the example below, my opponent has just scratched on the break, and given me BIH in the kitchen. I have given up trying to make long straight ins, so I willl pass on the 15 ball, as shape is tricky at best, and I would probably either miss the 15, or trap myself. (or both)

The 1 ball, is an ideal shot anyway...nothing can go wrong, and I'm putting him in serious trouble. It is a simple foolproof shot, and we have all shot it many times.

My dillema is, on anything over 5' away, I am having trouble hitting the ball consistently flush, consequently, I may lose my cue ball by not sticking right where I want to. I can forget about drawing or following a few inches (if needed)...This used to be my long suit, from any distance.
Below is an extreme example, and even MOI would have trouble screwing up there...but if sticking whitey, is paramount to a successful outcome...it has become a toss up for me.

The same thing happens on a lot of different (but similar) shots, where just sticking the cue ball, is all that is needed. As I said, I have no problem with these shots up close, but lately I have butchered so many of them, my confidence is at an all time low.

I hate to shoot the wrong shot in any given situation, but sometimes I have to...due to my erratic (and too often).. miss-hits. I feel that I am having to learn to play all over again...any tips from anyone (in my age bracket) would be greatly appreciated.

Duck <---Is very tired, of losing to guy's I used to rob giving serious weight ( just a few years ago) who are now giving him weight, and robbing him...He may take up lawn bowling..:(





http://CueTable.com/P/?@3AYLY4BAtL3COPh3DBal4EAme3FNrH3GEtV3HHpg3IChF3JMCa4KJMa4LBrf3MDWk4NFsR4OSPI2PFid3UYLY3UbAH3URMi3UFbl2kFid3kXFI1uBfA@

I too have reached "middle age" and I got news for you Dick. It ain't gonna get any better and there is no way to accept it. Just do like I do; keep playin and cussin. I will do this sometime on a long straight in. Just shoot at the back of the pocket. Don't even look at the OB.

[beatle]

the practice i was talking about wasnt to improve anything. it was to get your old tired worn out dysfunctional decrepit muscles to get some semblance of coordination back so you can pocket those long but easy straight in shots. it aint about where to hit them, it is all about having your stick in the grove so it goes straight.

you guys must be up late to 10 o'clock tonight celebrating as normally all the new posts start stopping by then.

[blackeee]

the practice i was talking about wasnt to improve anything. it was to get your old tired worn out dysfunctional decrepit muscles to get some semblance of coordination back so you can pocket those long but easy straight in shots. it aint about where to hit them, it is all about having your stick in the grove so it goes straight.

you guys must be up late to 10 o'clock tonight celebrating as normally all the new posts start stopping by then.

I can't go to sleep thinking about a match I played today. Shoulda been 4 games up, broke even. I see em spinning all nite. Bedtime is a nightmare in itself to me. "Golden Years" S...!

[gulfportdoc]

the practice i was talking about wasnt to improve anything. it was to get your old tired worn out dysfunctional decrepit muscles to get some semblance of coordination back so you can pocket those long but easy straight in shots. it aint about where to hit them, it is all about having your stick in the grove so it goes straight.

That's me, beatle. I play twice a week, and I generally spend a half an hour shooting straight in shots-- just to groove my alignment. Sometimes I settle right into it. Other times it takes some tweaking until it gets results.

Doc

[Cowboy Dennis]

RBL,
I would rather eat a dead rat, than practice...I am allready honed to a fine edge, why would I waste time better spent drinking.. :p


Dick,

I remember the guy. Do you remember him practicing his jump shots for 30 minutes? He must have knocked 20 balls off the table. A real genius he was but at least he practiced something.
It's like beatle said, you ain't practicing to get better, just to get your stroke in a groove. Set up and practice a few long straight-ins for 15 minutes a day and after a week a light may go off in your head and you'll say "oh, so that's where I have to hit it".
Practicing always came easy for me because I loved to play. It rarely mattered if I was playing someone or not. I still feel the same way.


In response to your very incorrect Tiger Woods analogy I'll say this: Many years ago I read a newspaper account of a N.B.A. game that the Lakers had won. In that game Magic Johnson had made a tremendously difficult and never-seen-before shot. After the game was ended and almost everybody was gone a couple of reporters were standing around talking about the shot still. They were trying to decide if it was luck or had Magic really played it like it went.

The guy who cleaned up the court and basically was the buildings janitor overheard the conversation. He told them that the shot was not a fluke, he had seen Magic shoot it in practice countless times. Magic would stay after the games were done and everyone was gone and nobody would be there except this guy and him. This is the time he used to practice all manner of unusual shots so that the one time a year(or decade) that they came up he would know how to shoot it. He would shoot a shot hundreds of time until he had it down cold.

You only need to "groove" your stroke a little, you don't need to practice for hours a day. Try it , you may like it. Or just keep eating dead rats, missing and complaining:p .

P.S. I'm going to get my eyes checked. That tight table we played on really made me want to pocket balls a little better. I guess if I get contacts and/or glasses I would have more fun playing and I would probably be able to renew my drivers license when it expires next year.

P.PS. If I can do something to play a little better so can you:) .

RBL

[vapros]

Dick, it looks to me like your problem with sticking on the 1 ball is the same problem that leads you to skip trying to shoot the 15 straight in. You don't have the accuracy any more. It has to be hit square in the face, requiring an accurate hit. The 1 was a better choice only because it was safer if you miss.

Of course, I play this game at a different level than you do, but many times, in a similar situation, I will change the angle and cut the ball, go to the rail and then cross to the other side of the table, because it is cheaper that way if I miss the ball. That would not have been a solution in this case, as there is no good place to go with the CB. My point is, safety first. I can't approach a pattern as aggresively as Jose or Gabe or Scott, for that reason. But then, I never could. I suspect that you could have, at one time, but not now. Be well. :rolleyes:

Bill

[androd]

P.S. I'm going to get my eyes checked. That tight table we played on really made me want to pocket balls a little better. I guess if I get contacts and/or glasses I would have more fun playing and I would probably be able to renew my drivers license when it expires next year.

P.PS. If I can do something to play a little better so can you:) .

RBL

Not pocketing the balls on a tight table aint your eyes, but get'em fixed for your MDL.
Rod.

[SJDinPHX]

Dick,

I remember the guy. Do you remember him practicing his jump shots for 30 minutes? He must have knocked 20 balls off the table. A real genius he was but at least he practiced something.
It's like beatle said, you ain't practicing to get better, just to get your stroke in a groove. Set up and practice a few long straight-ins for 15 minutes a day and after a week a light may go off in your head and you'll say "oh, so that's where I have to hit it".
Practicing always came easy for me because I loved to play. It rarely mattered if I was playing someone or not. I still feel the same way.


In response to your very incorrect Tiger Woods analogy I'll say this: Many years ago I read a newspaper account of a N.B.A. game that the Lakers had won. In that game Magic Johnson had made a tremendously difficult and never-seen-before shot. After the game was ended and almost everybody was gone a couple of reporters were standing around talking about the shot still. They were trying to decide if it was luck or had Magic really played it like it went.

The guy who cleaned up the court and basically was the buildings janitor overheard the conversation. He told them that the shot was not a fluke, he had seen Magic shoot it in practice countless times. Magic would stay after the games were done and everyone was gone and nobody would be there except this guy and him. This is the time he used to practice all manner of unusual shots so that the one time a year(or decade) that they came up he would know how to shoot it. He would shoot a shot hundreds of time until he had it down cold.

You only need to "groove" your stroke a little, you don't need to practice for hours a day. Try it , you may like it. Or just keep eating dead rats, missing and complaining:p .

P.S. I'm going to get my eyes checked. That tight table we played on really made me want to pocket balls a little better. I guess if I get contacts and/or glasses I would have more fun playing and I would probably be able to renew my drivers license when it expires next year.

P.PS. If I can do something to play a little better so can you:) .

RBL

RBL,

I guess I will continue to eat dead rats, rather than practice. I only have so many shots in me (per day)...and I ain't gonna waste 'em beating the rubber to death.
To me, thats just a hair more exciting than doing WEI tables..:rolleyes: (besides, it would cut into my "practicing drinking" time)

I told you, I was set in my ways...and I can't force myself to practice. I guess my original post, was a plea for a magic pill, or method...to avoid missing so f-ing many easy shots...Also I rarely [sic] curse when I misfire...:cool:

SBL

PS..I would suggest you see a shrink, before the eye doctor...I am afraid you are going to practice yourself into a coma...just sayin'.:D

[Cowboy Dennis]

Not pocketing the balls on a tight table aint your eyes, but get'em fixed for your MDL.
Rod.


True enough Rod. Usually when I miss it's by three or four inches to the right or left. Pocket size doesn't affect that but on the closer misses it is the pocket size and my eyeballs fighting each other.

[Cowboy Dennis]

RBL,
I guess my original post, was a plea for a magic pill, or method...to avoid missing so f-ing many easy shots...
SBL



Just don't follow any white rabbits down a hole. On the other hand, if you should meet a hookah-smoking caterpillar or a Cheshire cat or maybe the Queen-of-Hearts, ask them for a magic pill. Or you could just go ask Alice, I think she'll know. But stay away from any mad-hatters:cool: .

P.S. Did you ever hear the one about the young violinist, lost in New York City. He stopped a stranger and asked him "do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?" The man answered "practice, practice, practice".:D

Just sayin':eek:

[SJDinPHX]

Just don't follow any white rabbits down a hole. On the other hand, if you should meet a hookah-smoking caterpillar or a Cheshire cat or maybe the Queen-of-Hearts, ask them for a magic pill. Or you could just go ask Alice, I think she'll know. But stay away from any mad-hatters .

P.S. Did you ever hear the one about the young violinist, lost in New York City. He stopped a stranger and asked him "do you know how to get to Carnegie Hall?" The man answered "practice, practice, practice".

Just sayin':eek:

Door F-ing Knob,

Been to Carnegie Hall, (pool wise)...and I didn't get there by "practicing"...:eek:

PS..Only GAY atheletes would practice a shot that may NEVER come up...you missed my point !!!.:D :D :D

[lll]

the practice i was talking about wasnt to improve anything. it was to get your old tired worn out dysfunctional decrepit muscles to get some semblance of coordination back so you can pocket those long but easy straight in shots. it aint about where to hit them, it is all about having your stick in the grove so it goes straight.

you guys must be up late to 10 o'clock tonight celebrating as normally all the new posts start stopping by then.
you guys can bull@@@@t each other as much as you want:) . beatle is giving good advice. you are waking up those muscles.
heres an example
when you get out of bed how good do you move???
after a hot shower how do you move???
alittle more graphic and be honest now. can you be "ready" as fast now as you once was??
maybe those "practice shots might get you "in the mood" just sayin

[Cowboy Dennis]

you guys can bull@@@@t each other as much as you want:) . beatle is giving good advice. you are waking up those muscles.
heres an example
when you get out of bed how good do you move???
after a hot shower how do you move???
alittle more graphic and be honest now. can you be "ready" as fast now as you once was??
maybe those "practice shots might get you "in the mood" just sayin


Larry,

I agree with you and beatle, but the Duck ain't goin' for it:) . Cornbread never practiced and he hit 'em o.k. but he also busted some backers getting in stroke.

Dennis

[Skin]

As I approach middle [sic] age, I find myself having to adjust to a lot of different strategies when playing one pocket.

I'm sure many of us older guys are dealing with the same frustrations. I am not helpless (yet) in dealing with close up shots, and my stroke still works fairly well...let me explain where I am having trouble.

In the example below, my opponent has just scratched on the break, and given me BIH in the kitchen. I have given up trying to make long straight ins, so I willl pass on the 15 ball, as shape is tricky at best, and I would probably either miss the 15, or trap myself. (or both)

The 1 ball, is an ideal shot anyway...nothing can go wrong, and I'm putting him in serious trouble. It is a simple foolproof shot, and we have all shot it many times.

My dillema is, on anything over 5' away, I am having trouble hitting the ball consistently flush, consequently, I may lose my cue ball by not sticking right where I want to. I can forget about drawing or following a few inches, if needed...This used to be my long suit, from ANY distance. (I know there are other options on this particular layout, but I'm trying to prove a point)
Below is an extreme example, and even MOI would have trouble screwing up there...but if sticking whitey, is paramount to a successful outcome...it has become a toss up for me.

The same thing happens on a lot of different (but similar) shots, where just sticking the cue ball, is all that is needed. As I said, I have no problem with these shots up close, but lately I have butchered so many of them, my confidence is at an all time low.

I hate to shoot the wrong shot in any given situation, but sometimes I have to...due to my erratic (and too often).. miss-hits. I feel that I am having to learn to play all over again...any tips from anyone (in my age bracket) would be greatly appreciated.

Duck <---Is very tired, of losing to guy's I used to rob giving serious weight ( just a few years ago) who are now giving him weight, and robbing him...He may take up lawn bowling..:(





http://CueTable.com/P/?@3AYLY4BAtL3COPh3DBal4EAme3FNrH3GEtV3HHpg3IChF3JMCa4KJMa4LBrf3MDWk4NFsR4OSPI2PFid3UYLY3UbAH3URMi3UFbl2kFid3kXFI1uBfA@

Been having that and other problems during my come back, Dick. What has helped me for accuarcy on the long shots is taking a couple of short warm up strokes at the very bottom of the cb along the line I need to shoot, then move up the tip up. Don't know why it helps particularly other than maybe for getting lined up straight and finding center cb. And...I don't need to be low on the stick (a good thing) for it to work, either.

Give it a shot if you can't find anything else.
Skin

[SJDinPHX]

Been having that and other problems during my come back, Dick. What has helped me for accuarcy on the long shots is taking a couple of short warm up strokes at the very bottom of the cb along the line I need to shoot, then move up the tip up. Don't know why it helps particularly other than maybe for getting lined up straight and finding center cb. And...I don't need to be low on the stick (a good thing) for it to work, either.

Give it a shot if you can't find anything else.
Skin

Skin,

I always do a few shots of YJ... before every tough shot. It doesn't seem to help any more... Also, it sounds like you want me to "mini-practice".(ugh).:eek:

Seriously, I'll give it a try...A lot of good players cue very low, and don't bring the tip up 'til their final stroke. If thats what you mean, it has never worked for me.

[usblues]

Is it the eyes,bridge,head??Hard to separate yourself when its been together for so long.Greenleaf solved it early on,Hoppe never read a book or went to the movies if you believe that stuff.Didnt know the Biltmore rented by the hour or was it just a passing fancy that lasted not long enough....In Waikiki on Kalakaua we'd bribe the security at the Travelodge so we'd be safe till we were done.But I digress,lots of good idea's here,I'll add accupucture to yer bridge,that and.02$ should do it,YMMV,Bob

[Clare]

Skin,

I always do a few shots of YJ... before every tough shot. It doesn't seem to help any more... Also, it sounds like you want me to "mini-practice".(ugh).:eek:

Seriously, I'll give it a try...A lot of good players cue very low, and don't bring the tip up 'til their final stroke. If thats what you mean, it has never worked for me.

Dick, try doubling up on the YJ. :D

[Cowboy Dennis]

Dick, try doubling up on the YJ. :D


Clare,

He doesn't need any encouragement in that department:eek: .

Dennis

[Cowboy Dennis]

Door F-ing Knob,
PS..Only GAY atheletes would practice a shot that may NEVER come up...you missed my point !!!.:D :D :D

Dear "I don't need no practice" Breath,

I guess you just expect to be able to do something well that you never do. Why don't you ask N.A.S.A if you can pilot the next space shuttle flight? It can't be very difficult to learn on the fly. Maybe you could captain a submersible to the depths of the Marianas Trench and search for signs of intelligent life, it sure ain't in arizona. Maybe the N.H.R.A. will let you drive a Top Fuel dragster down the 1/4 mile at 300 m.p.h. in under 5 seconds, hell, it can't be that tough to do can it?

You may be personally responsible for opening up the door for millions of people to do things without any practice at all, just step up and bet your cash, you'll be O.K..

Just think of the possibilities, Tiger need not practice hitting out of the rough, bunkers, behind trees or anywhere else. No need to practice putting either, just wait till you're on the 18th green at Augusta on sunday afternoon and a stroke down. Can't be too tough, after all, you've played that green before.

M.L.B. teams could save millions by not having spring training.

N.F.L. teams, the same by eliminating pre-season games(finally a good idea).

Pugilists could just wait till they enter the ring in a title fight, no need for sparring partners.

Cagers the same, who needs pre-season games?

And why should kids play JV and Varsity sports in school? Then waste their time in college sports? They could just study for 12 years and then go straight to the pros. How hard could it be? It's just a ball right?

Gotta go now, I'm on my way to Metro Airport to see if they'll let me fly a 767 to Japan. It must be easy, many do it every week.

RBL

[SJDinPHX]

Dear "I don't need no practice" Breath,

I guess you just expect to be able to do something well that you never do. Why don't you ask N.A.S.A if you can pilot the next space shuttle flight? It can't be very difficult to learn on the fly. Maybe you could captain a submersible to the depths of the Marianas Trench and search for signs of intelligent life, it sure ain't in arizona. Maybe the N.H.R.A. will let you drive a Top Fuel dragster down the 1/4 mile at 300 m.p.h. in under 5 seconds, hell, it can't be that tough to do can it?

You may be personally responsible for opening up the door for millions of people to do things without any practice at all, just step up and bet your cash, you'll be O.K..

Just think of the possibilities, Tiger need not practice hitting out of the rough, bunkers, behind trees or anywhere else. No need to practice putting either, just wait till you're on the 18th green at Augusta on sunday afternoon and a stroke down. Can't be too tough, after all, you've played that green before.

M.L.B. teams could save millions by not having spring training.

N.F.L. teams, the same by eliminating pre-season games(finally a good idea).

Pugilists could just wait till they enter the ring in a title fight, no need for sparring partners.

Cagers the same, who needs pre-season games?

And why should kids play JV and Varsity sports in school? Then waste their time in college sports? They could just study for 12 years and then go straight to the pros. How hard could it be? It's just a ball right?

Gotta go now, I'm on my way to Metro Airport to see if they'll let me fly a 767 to Japan. It must be easy, many do it every week.

RBL

Dear Robotic Practicing Machine,

I DID practice all facets of my pool game...for about 4 years..24/7, (age 13 to 17).... After I learned [sic] all there was to know about the stupid, simple game...I spent the rest of my adult life "practicing",... a. Drinking, b. smoking, and c. chasing women.

Those worthwhile pursuits consumed ALL of my free time, and I have mastered all of them, and still do them perfect, even in my dotage.
(however, I must admit "c" is a little more expensive now...but still doable.:D)

SBL <---Could fly a plane 150 miles past the airport, as well as any other drunk Northwest pilot..(if he wanted to practice for a few weeks). ;)

PS..There must be a way to get my stroke back without stupid practicing...I'll keep looking !..:cool:

[lll]

dick , I' VE GOT THE ANSWER............. stay at a days inn the night before your match:p

[Clare]

Dear Robotic Practicing Machine,

I DID practice all facets of my pool game...for about 4 years..24/7, (age 13 to 17).... After I learned [sic] all there was to know about the simple game...I spent the rest of my adult life "practicing",... a. Drinking, b. smoking, and c. chasing women.

Those worthwhile pursuits consumed ALL of my free time, and I have mastered all of them, and still do them perfect, even in my dotage.
(however, I must admit "c" is a little more expensive now...but still doable.:D)

SBL <---Could fly a plane 150 miles past the airport, as well as any other drunk Northwest pilot..(if he wanted to practice for a few weeks). ;)

PS..There must be a way to get my stroke back without stupid practicing...I'll keep looking !..:cool:

THAT'S my Duckey. :) :) I used to know someone else who never, ever practiced.

[SJDinPHX]

Dear "I don't need no practice" Breath,


M.L.B. teams could save millions by not having spring training.

N.F.L. teams, the same by eliminating pre-season games(finally a good idea).



RBL

Dear "Dumb as a Brick" Breath,

Only you could come to that conclusion. Arizona and Florida are the main hubs of "spring baseball" so I know whereof I speak.
MLB, (or NFL teams) don't "spend" millions, they MAKE millions, with pre-season "practice" games. (ever heard of the Cactus League)

Phx., Tucson and their suburbs, spend millions wooing all the MLB teams, to come here for spring training [sic]... by building newer, better facilities, and competing with Fla., and both are chasing the almighty $$$$$$....The $$$$$$ come from people who just love to watch pro's "practice"...same in the NFL...It borders on watching "wrestling matches"..:rolleyes:

I will admit this though... it does help the manager's weed out the guy's, who CAN'T F-ING PLAY TO BEGIN WITH, and no amount of "practice" [sic]...is likely to save them from getting cut.

Perfeshunul sports bettor that you are, you may never have noticed that Vegas makes NO LINES on these "practice games", any more than they do all-star or pro bowl games...The Tigers [sic] or Cubs,[double sic].. can go undefeated in pre-season, yet not win 50 games when the hammer drops, and the games REALLY count...Just saying..:cool:

Dead Rat Duck <---Loved when the hammer dropped, and the fat lady sung, etc....and s**t really counted...:D

[Cowboy Dennis]

Dear "Dumb as a Brick" Breath,

Perfeshunul sports bettor that you are, you may never have noticed that Vegas makes NO LINES on these "practice games", any more than they do all-star or pro bowl games...The Tigers [sic] or Cubs,[double sic].. can go undefeated in pre-season, yet not win 50 games when the hammer drops, and the games REALLY count...Just saying..:cool:

Dead Rat Duck <---Loved when the hammer dropped, and the fat lady sung, etc....and s**t really counted...:D


Dear "oblivious to the end" Breath,

So I guess you just confirmed what I've been saying: All of these highly trained, perfect physical specimens who have been playing these games all of their lives need to PRACTICE. These athletes who can jump higher, run faster, throw balls farther than anybody on the planet need PRACTICE. But you don't. Thanks for making my point.

As far as the Vegas books not taking bets on the Pro-Bowl or pre-season games I already knew that. It was in my book "Sports Betting For The Complete Idiot & How To Rob Suckers".

The only hammer that's going to drop around you will be the one that lands on your head and knocks a little sense into it, now that would be a big hammer:eek: .

RBL

[Clare]

Dear "Dumb as a Brick" Breath,

Only you could come to that conclusion. Arizona and Florida are the main hubs of "spring baseball" so I know whereof I speak.
MLB, (or NFL teams) don't "spend" millions, they MAKE millions, with pre-season "practice" games. (ever heard of the Cactus League)

Phx., Tucson and their suburbs, spend millions wooing the dozen or so MLB teams, to come here for spring training [sic]... by building newer, better facilities, and competing with Fla., and both are chasing the almighty $$$$$$....The $$$$$$ come from people who just love to watch pro's "practice"...same in the NFL...It borders on watching "wrestling matches"..:rolleyes:

I will admit this though... it does help the manager's weed out the guy's, who CAN'T F-ING PLAY TO BEGIN WITH, and no amount of "practice" [sic]...is likely to save them from getting cut.

Perfeshunul sports bettor that you are, you may never have noticed that Vegas makes NO LINES on these "practice games", any more than they do all-star or pro bowl games...The Tigers [sic] or Cubs,[double sic].. can go undefeated in pre-season, yet not win 50 games when the hammer drops, and the games REALLY count...Just saying..:cool:

Dead Rat Duck <---Loved when the hammer dropped, and the fat lady sung, etc....and s**t really counted...:D

As always, I agree. Dick, your new avatar.....that's not those folks I talked about it my member's only post , is it?

[SJDinPHX]

THAT'S my Duckey. :) :) I used to know someone else who never, ever practiced.

Right Clarebaby, I remember our thoughts were mutual on (ugh) practicing....So now we have 3 guy's (that we know of for sure)...who NEVER practiced.

Ronnie Allen, Cornbread, and Jimmy Reid...But then, they were all "non-players" [sic].. who couldn't make a ball, when the chips were down...so I guess we shouldn't count them, huh..:rolleyes:

Getting a little feel for the table, (and the cue ball) right before a match, is acceptable...anything beyond that, is time better spent pursuing either "A, B or C"..:D...(Sorta like Babe Ruth did,...heh,heh)

Dead Rat Duck,

PS..Just remembered another "short-stop", who would not practice unless you put a gun to his head...(or he had been up for 4 days, and couldn't find anyone to play)...Mr. Keither, with the Ether !.:eek:

[lll]

hate to bring reality into the picture:( :mad: . when you were 25-40y/o you could go 2-3 times a night at least:) . now probably not . at your advanced age maybe a few warm ups may not be so unreasonable. take the macho cape off and face reality:eek: you dont walk faster so maybe you need more time to warm up ....... just sayin:cool:

[SJDinPHX]

hate to bring reality into the picture . when you were 25-40y/o you could go 2-3 times a night at least . now probably not . at your advanced age maybe a few warm ups may not be so unreasonable. take the macho cape off and face reality...you dont walk faster so maybe you need more time to warm up ....... just sayin:cool:

Point well taken lll,

However, a leopard cannot change his spots...If I can't walk the walk anymore, I'll just hang it up. Practicing (ugh) never did it for me, and its too late to think it will now...Just sayin' :cool: :D :D

Dead Rat Duck <--Also knows, he cannot expect to get to the pearly gates, by reading the bible, when he never cracked the good book, all his life. (except when grandma made me)...just saying'..:eek:

[beatle]

and those great players who never practice to warm up. got broke so often from not knowing their speed for the day and had to lose to find out, or get way stuck before they got into stroke. bad examples.

but they also played all the time and were in much better stroke than those that only get up to the table ever so often.

[NH Steve]

Dick, it sounds like what you need is a tune-up game now and then, rather than "practice".