bstroud said:John,
I am certainly not suggesting that you start to learn pool with banks. What I am saying is that if you already play one pocket well you can benefit from the practice regime I recommend.
Bill Stroud
One Pocket John said:Hey Bill, I've been playing pool since 1963. But never considered practicing banks. By that I mean putting 9 balls on the table and trying to bank them all in.
Been playing one pocket for approx. 20 years. I really like the game. Had the pleasure of watching Billy I. and Louie Roberts play one pocket at the Sports Center in St. Louis a lonnnng time ago.
Started practicing bank pool yesterday and also that game where you place 9 balls on the table and carom the OB off the cue ball into a pocket.
I agree with you. I would never suggest that a person learn to play bank pool until he/she learns how to pocket balls. Sorry if it sounded that way.
John
St. Louis
Funny but entirely true wouldnt you say.CaliRed said:Sorry, but that comment was too funny to pass up after looking at your join date and post count, it's kind of a empty threat, huh?
View attachment 2586
stljohnny said:Well, I would like to thank Bill Stroud for posting these first 2 highly informational topics.
As with anything, people will find ways to argue over them, it's no use getting into that stuff.
The information he's posted is of excellent quality - especially for those less experienced players.
Of course, not everyone learns the same way, so what worked for Bill, may not work for someone else; but its the duty of the student to try these various methods of learning and find what works best for him.
Personally, I can't wait for sections 2 and 3, Mr. Stroud.
stljohnny said:Well, I would like to thank Bill Stroud for posting these first 2 highly informational topics.
As with anything, people will find ways to argue over them, it's no use getting into that stuff.
The information he's posted is of excellent quality - especially for those less experienced players.
Of course, not everyone learns the same way, so what worked for Bill, may not work for someone else; but its the duty of the student to try these various methods of learning and find what works best for him.
Personally, I can't wait for sections 2 and 3, Mr. Stroud.
SactownTom said:I find it very difficult to play and win One Pocket without practicing banks.
I think Mr. Stroud should be complimented on introducing his versions of how to improve your game by practicing what he thinks is important.
I agree. I also think that practicing banks sharpens your eye for the edge of the ball. I've always been able to shoot a little straighter after practicing or playing banks for a few hours.
Fast Lenny said:I do not practice banks too often but consider myself fair at making most bank shots. I know one I need to work on is my 2 railer and controlling the rock from a distance.
As for straight pool I rarely play the game but was so frustrated I could not run 20 balls, just 20 balls! I then proceeded to run 38 which is my high run, I could have gotten into the 40's and perhaps 50's but I was trying to play the game somewhat correctly and did not take the hangers but tried to invent a break shot as I was getting close to the end of the rack.
I know my weakness is still shot making as my moving is a couple balls above it so I think when the shot making catches up to it then I will be a good one pocket player. I consider myself savvy but realize I have so much to learn, so even if I am not playing everyday and only 2-3 days out of the week.
When I am there I still will observe even if I am not hitting a ball. I believe being in the poolroom and really watching better one pocket players is very helpful. I imagine what shots they will shoot or ways to get out of the traps. It takes a bunch of things to be a solid one pocket player I realized, you need to do all things well and get rid of your weaknesses one at a time.[/QUOTE
Now what Lenny is saying is correct and makes sense. And the things he says are correct.
Practicing straight pool is the best practice thier is for all games. Excepte for playing bank pool in tournaments and money bank pool games.
But for all games ecpecialy position making balls breacking up balls running balls thinking straight pool is number one for practice. Unless you want too practice and learn a spicific shot or mone.
Straight pool does not do much for bank pool. And Bank pool does not do much for sratght pool. And you have hit the first thing you should learn and most Important shot makeing.
If you cant mak a shot youre moves youre position nothing wii matter. The number one thing too learn and practice for all pool games excepte banks it too learn too make balls.
Number two is playing position Number three is moves number 4 is percentages what too shoot and not too shoot.Number 5 speed controll of object balls. 6 Combinations Banks kiss shots kick shots locking up the game End play.Last ball wins game.
THese are all important too learn. This is not the exacte order. But the 3 most important things to learn. Making balls position and learning what shots too shoot and moves.
And in one pocket I would but this in the top 5 too learn is the breack.
Lenny is saying the correct things too do and learn. Not just for himself but for everyone.
Very strong and powerfull WAtching what good players shoot and do and how they play position.
Watch what they are shooting and ask yourself what you would do. And try too figure out why thier shoot is different then youres.
I have said it millions off tines. Record in your mind what the great players do and learn too do the same thing. And if you lear and do what they do you will be as good as them.
A great player is a great role modle to menorize and learn too do the same thing they do. Another words copy and record everything they do.
And practice and learn tell you no everything the no and do. And then the executing part will decide if you will be as great as them or better.
Practice what you are weak at. And change your weak moves for thier strong moves. And whatever they can do and you cant do. That is what you need too practice and learn.
You have a good out look on the game. Youre Ideas are good and correct. The things you are looking too learn and practice and correct are good.
Youre way off watching good players and learning by what they shoor and learn. Is correct and very strong.
Practicing straight pool is very good practicing your shots very good seeing and changing your weaknesses.very good. I do not see one thing on your whole post that is not good or you shouldnt do because they are all good and correct.
You have come a long way sice last year. And you have learned or else you could not say what you are saying. And I see it. You make me feel good because you learned the correct things you needed too learn.
And you no what you still have too learn and practice and change. And you no thier is more that you have learn and practice.
Tell your weaknesses become strong. All the things you have to learn and no too be the greatest that you can be and you can do it. And it showes.
You have made my day. Because of what you wrote and what you wrote is what people should learn and do. You are going iin the right direction. I see by what you wright that the stupitity that is written does not rub off on you.
And If one person learns and is smart enough too see the difference between what to learn and who too watch and what too practice. Thats a lot too learn.
Fast Lenny said:Thanks Artie for the compliments. I try to keep sharp when life does not get in the way of pool or I cannot play as much. I know you still sweat the games when your around it like a hawk, I have watched you watch them and I am sure it keeps your mind sharp for the game doing that. I will see you and make introductions at the US Open One Pocket if your there.
SactownTom said:Artie,
Sorry, but only a few players think like you. When you and Billy I and Freddy speak we all listen.
I don't understand much of what you say, but I can tell when you are insulting me or someone else.
When Bill Stroud wants to post about what he thinks is a good way to practice One Pocket, it is his opinion. I respect that. If there are questions about his opinion, I will question that also.
What I don't understand is why you are so upset about. What is with you?[/QUOTE
I do what I do for the game that I no . Ido not pick out people too pick on or talk about.
I do respond when I her or read something about the game that is not true and does not help or improve the game.
I stand up for the game and defend it. The game can not reply.
To something that is not true and does not help the game.
And teach and say things that are not going to make the game any better.
And the worst part is to get someone too think a say what they should do
That will never work and no player has ever done. Even the shoots too shoot. If learning is teaching people the wrong things.
I am against it. And if you show and explain it and people try to reinforce it . I will say what the truth is.
Lots off people say things that are not true or in correct. But the are kidding or just making a joke out off it.
They do not continue with what they no they are doing. I have posted and wrote too much about a game I no . And that is what I no. And if I dont agree with it.
And I have put my knowledge on her for some time. I have said things about the game to help people.
And That I would hane never said. And that nobody else hae said or agree. And they said everyting they could so people would not belive the truth..
And they said it can not be done. And thier is no such thing. And thier is no correct way too play one pocket.
You cant play no mistake one pocket. And I can go on forever. Thier might be a thousand posts or more. JUst go back and you will see. It did not bother bother me.
I keepte posting what the people or who said it did not matter . My mind was on the game.
And even now I still remember. it doesnt bother me and it didnt bother me then. Because if you can let go off whatever someone says. You still have your power.
And you ask me why I say what I say. Its because if someone says the wrong thing and people start doing them What do you think will happen.
If teachers were teaching our kids the wrong thing in school what would you do. JUst let it happen and go along with it. You probable would.
I would say and do whatever I could to have them teaching them the wrong things and the wrong way.
Look what hittler preached. And Stalen and the people belived in what the said and what the people should do.
And what happened too the people because the wrong things that were said the people belived. It could have all been stoped. If the people would have done the wright thing.
But people are sheep and they dont no what they are doing. THey are responsable but they follow the leader.Lots off people follow and do the wrong thing .
Not because they want too but because the follow and do what some one says.
Thier are gangs all over is what the are doing wright? Why are they doing it because they are following someone. Thats telling them what to do. And some off them even no its wrong.
Whenever you her me reply Iys about what a person says. And if I no its incorect I reply. It doesnot not matter who it is I do not pick my spots or people to pick on.
I donot single out any one person. I reply on what I read. And if it wrong. I will say its wrong. And I am not one sided. If you are wright I will say you are wright. If you are wrong then I say you are wrong.
And I reply too what I no and have done and experencet. I am not guessing.
Should I I just let something go that is not correct or should I expose the liy or the truth.
If you new the correct answer and someone says Eferen never won a tournement. Or Eferen won by playing safe. And her is how you do it. Dont shoot at no shots unless you can run 8 and out.
If some one says something that is not true. and people dont say anything what happines.
I sugjest that you see what started the fier And dont just look at one side. Look at both sides and see what was said too get those replies.
And if you think the person is replying that way.
But what if what that person says is not true and the other person is defending the truth and what he has said And explained it.
Some one comes out off the wood work and makes up all kinds off storys to get a reaction . And make up things that are not correct and good for the game.
I will give my opinion. I will not excepte the wrong answer over the correct answer. I can not let it go without responding too what they wrote.
And I have nothing against the person. But what he wrights that is what I am responding too.
I read the posts and I read what he wrote. And if you want to excepte and belive all that crap its ok with me.
But I do not agree with it and its not onepocket.
And for someone to wright what they want that is not the truth but some off the wall thihgs they think off and make up. Because they feel like wrighting something. Wright anything you like if it has some truth and marit to it.
Even all those people you say you beat when did you beat them when you robed the graves.
Artie Bodendorfer said:I do what I do for the game that I no . Ido not pick out people too pick on or talk about.
I do respond when I her or read something about the game that is not true and does not help or improve the game.
I stand up for the game and defend it. The game can not reply...
bstroud said:I am asked all the time. “How do I practice for one pocket?” “What shots should I practice?” What moves do I practice?” If you have the patience to follow along I will teach you.
When I was young and in high school I was forced to take Latin. I hated it but one part of it has stayed with me all my life. That part was Caesars’ account of his many battles. His most famous book C. IVLI CAESARIS COMMENTARIORVM DE BELLO GALLICO LIBER PRIMUS tells all about his campaign against the Galls. The first line reads “Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres.” Translated that means “Gall is divided into three parts. The point to this story is:
Pool is divided into TWO parts. Practice and playing. Practice is for learning. Playing is for winning. If you learn nothing else from this exercise- learn that. It is the most important thing about pool you will ever learn.
All the time I see players practicing one pocket against themselves. They shoot at one pocket and then the other pocket. This is absolutely the wrong was to practice. Why? Because it is impossible to develop any leverage against ones’ self. Your mind simply won’t permit it.
How then do you practice for one pocket productively? First and foremost you learn to play Bank Pool.
“Why do I need to do that?” you might ask. In a single word. Confidence.
Many years ago I was at the Johnston City Tournament. There was a big ring 10 ball game going on with Jimmy Moore, Eddy Taylor and other great players. Alfie Taylor was in with Eddy. For over one hour Eddy never had an open shot (he was following Moore) and they only had about three barrels left.
Finally Jimmy Moore missed the 10 ball. He left it frozen to the end rail and left the cue ball out near the side pocket. Eddy had only an end rail bank but he could not reach it right handed. He walked to the other side of the table and left handed warped it straight back into the corner. Now THAT is confidence.
There will be many times playing one pocket that you will face a bank of some kind that is a must make. Miss it and you lose. That is why you need confidence.
I know Bank Pool is a difficult and frustrating game for some players but if you do what I say you will learn to love it. This is an exercise I learned from Eddy Taylor.
Rack 10 balls. Break. Pick up the cue ball and choose any bank. Shoot the bank and play position for another bank. If you miss the bank or do not get the position you were trying for, set it up again. If you make it and get position keep shooting. When you miss pick up the cue ball again and continue.
Now comes the most important part. Set a goal for yourself. Two in a row. Three in a row. Eight in a row. Always have a goal when you practice and keep moving it forward to challenge yourself. Without a goal the mind will get bored. Practice will become useless.
This kind of healthy practice trains your subconscious mind for success. It convinces your subconscious that you can indeed perform that task ahead of you. It produces confidence. Now when you have a straight back bank for all the marbles and have bet the room rent, you can make it.
Now that we have conquered Bank Pool let’s move on the next thing we need to practice. Straight Pool. I can hear the groans already. I don’t particularly like it either but no other pool games teaches you to run balls in the upper pockets better or faster.
Set up a break shot that you like and start to run balls. Once again set a goal. Ten no count. Thirty no count. Fifty no count. It doesn’t matter except that it in right for you. Don’t set the goal so high that you always fail. First set it where you can succeed and gradually move it up. It is necessary to teach your subconscious that you can accomplish what you are trying to do. That is how you build confidence.
After an hour or two of that I’m sure you are ready for something else. Let’s take a look at how you should approach one pocket. I believe there are two distinct types of one pocket players. Aggressive and Passive. It depends on your personality, the conditions under which you learned to play, your confidence level and a variety of other factors.
I am an aggressive player. I want to win by running balls, making banks and shooting shots. That is my personality. That is who I am in all walks of life. Every time I go to the table my first thought is to get a ball in my pocket and also get position on another ball so I have a change to run out. If I cannot accomplish my first priority then I try to move as many balls as possible toward my pocket. If I can’t do that then I try to move one ball toward my pocket and leave the cue ball as difficult as possible.
Since this thread is about how to learn through practice let’s take a look at the worst case scenario and how to deal with it. To me at least the shot I hate most in one pocket is the Duck-The totally defensive shot. No chance to be creative. All you can do is hide the cue ball and stay alive for another inning. This is one of the hardest shots to practice because many times you are thinning a ball or caroming off a ball before you can hide the cue ball.
Over the years I have found a few ways to practice these very difficult shots. Some of you have probably heard of a game called English Billiards. It is played on a 6x12 snooker table with two cue balls and a red ball. You make points with billiards or caroms and also what the Brits call the inoff. The inoff is what is most important here. You score an inoff by shooting your cue ball into one of the other balls and making it go into the pocket.
How can that be remotely important to one pocket? Because once you have mastered the inoff into that pocket you have mastered the inoff NOT into the pocket. Through practice and experience you can carom the cue ball off another ball and around and behind your opponent’s ball that is very near their pocket
Think that’s not powerful? Let me tell you a little story. Everyone knows who won the most one pocket tournaments at Johnson City. Boston Shorty Not many people know who was second. Not Clem, nor RA not even Taylor. It was Luther Lassiter. He didn’t play one pocket at all but he did one thing very well. He would leave the cue ball in his opponents pocket better and more often than anyone else. He would make you shoot your own ball away from your own pocket. If you learn the inoff, you can do it too.
End of Part 1
Bill Stroud