Extract of text from our Coaching DVD

`PLAYING THE GAME TO WIN`

CONSTRUCTIVE PRACTICE

It is true that the old saying ‘practice makes perfect’ does apply in the game of pool - but only if you know how to practice correctly.

Without a doubt, far too many enthusiastic players do not understand how to gain the most benefit from their practice time, so this chapter is devoted entirely to the quest for constructive practice.

Whilst some tutorials may try and make a case that bad practice is better than no practice at all, we are going to work on the principle that hitting the balls recklessly around the pool table without concentrating on any given purpose, or without practicing the basic rules you have been taught such as how to control your body smoothly, could actually be detrimental to your overall game.

It is true, you might accidentally discover and memorize some shot situations, but all you will really learn in the long run if you adopt this careless and cavalier attitude towards your practice sessions is that, in effect, you are merely practicing your own mistakes!

Instead, try practicing the `line up routine` (Jason demonstrates)  it will give you a much more accurate picture of the parts of the game you need to improve on.

You will clearly see how well you are executing certain shots and getting position for the next colour. It could be that you find your screw shots and stop shots are fine, but your topspin strokes are causing a problem.  Well don’t worry.  This means that the practice routine has worked and you have pin-pointed a flaw in your game without it costing you dearly in a match.  

All you have to do now that the problem has been identified, is to go back and work on the relevant stroke.

Practicing these types of exercises also gives you a goal to strive for, something to aspire to, which is very important.  They provide the intensity needed in your practice, instead of aimlessly slamming the balls about.

Perhaps that old adage should be amended to ‘perfect practice makes perfect’

Once you have mastered the practice exercises we have just discussed, you will need to raise the difficulty level to constantly challenge your ever increasing abilities.

Shooting the balls in without touching a second object ball (Jason illustrates), is an extremely beneficial drill indeed.

Not only will it improve your shot making, it also encourages cue ball control and the mental aspects of your game.

Assuming that you have the balls well spread over the table, this routine should just be difficult enough to challenge you, but at the same time just easy enough to accomplish.

Don't always choose the simplest ball to pot. Instead, after studying the situation before you on the table, select the ball that gives you the best chance of continuing with the clearance.  

It is important to make this strategy part of your game as well. Don’t let the balls make up your mind for you - shoot the balls you know you should, rather than simply the ones you fear least!