Johnny Henson, Professor Pool
When most players try to improve their games they sometimes work on too many changes all at once. It makes me think of the old quote: “Jack of all trades and master of none.” With this thought in mind, I want you to focus on just the shots that you miss the most when you are playing or competing.
Let’s say that you miss long shots often. In every practice session, start by setting up and shooting 10 to 20 long shots, or shoot long shots until you make 10 of them. As you improve then shoot until you make five in a row. As you improve even more then just keep track of your missed shots. Maybe three misses out of 20 shots. You get the idea. You must keep track of how you’re improving or not improving on a given shot type, in this case (long shots). I recommend focusing on not more than three to four problem shots. Keep shooting them every time you practice until you get good at them. Spend more time shooting shots you’re bad at, or that give you trouble, and less time shooting shots you’re already good at.
To help you decide what type of shots you need to focus on, write down what type of shot you miss, every time you miss a shot when you are playing or competing. They could be long shots, thin cut shots, rail shots, bank shots, draw shots, combination shots, or whatever the shot is. When you focus on improving your weakest shots, then your overall game will improve to the next level. I feel over the years that shooting and making the hard shots is the difference between just average players and the really good players. Wow your friends and your opponents with hard shots you have learned to master. Always remember that winning is never coming to you, but you are moving toward victory through your practice. You never get something for nothing. Pay your practice dues.
Feel free to contact me or my partner and fellow PBIA and ACS instructor, Steve Farmer, for more information about our classes and mentorship programs. Email us at shootyourbestpool@gmail.com or call 623-377-0042. Visit our website at BilliardUniversity.com.