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Dec 06, 2004 :: Try The Monk's Shot of the Week
Introducing Two New Features
Beginning this week, we are pleased to introduce two new pieces.
The first pieces touches the lighter side of the game, entitled “You know you’re a D Player When…” which defines the characteristics of a D Player, not by his/her caliber of play, but by his/her traits and mannerisms. You can be the best player in the world and still find yourself with some D Player characteristics. We will list a few each week for the next couple months. Enjoy!
The second piece is entitled the ShOW (Shot of the Week). Each week, we will be highlighting a shot or exercise from The Lesson which is full of wonderful drills and exercises for improving your game. It is described as the “index to pocket billiards excellence.
You know you’re a D Player when…
1. You bang your cue against the side of the table (to get the dust off???) after chalking.
2. While racking, you lean your cue against the side of the table (where it inevitably falls over) versus laying it on the table.
3. You are looking around the table while you’re already down on your shot.
4. You have a hole drilled so deeply in your chalk you could drink beer from it.
The SHOW (Shot of the Week)
Here is another fine opportunity to demonstrate the value of a punch stroke. We will be shooting the eight ball into the corner pocket and allowing the cue ball to travel three or four rails around the table for position on the nine ball. With a draw stroke the cue ball will lose speed. With a follow stroke you will scratch in the side pocket. Since the punch stroke does not alter the natural dynamics of the shot, you will be able to control your speed.
To master the punch stroke is to master the game.
The punch stroke gives you natural track lines. In other words, the cue ball goes where it wants to go. This is why Willie Mosconi used the punch stroke over seventy percent of the time. This is another reason to choose the punch stroke. It gives you natural speed. With the punch stroke you do not alter the natural track lines, and you do not alter the natural speed. Line up for Lesson Five and deliver a nice crisp punch stroke. Listen for the wonderful sound of a committed stroke. You do not have to slam the ball. And watch the cue ball travel around the table for perfect position on the winning nine ball.
If you travel three rails, and scratch in the corner pocket, give yourself added bonus points. You have just delivered a perfect punch stroke. This is a good lesson for working on your trust skills. You are close to the object ball. You have a cut shot. It looks like you will scratch in the side pocket. It looks like a hard shot to make. Yet you are required to trust yourself and deliver a punch stroke. The stroke does all the work. I talk about trust skills in my book I Came to Win. If you can trust yourself to do the right thing, you will experience better results. Too often we hold back, when a full commitment is required for success.
Tournament Preparation
Step 10
The final thing you must do to be ready to play is to feel like you are a winner. No one is going to win a tournament if they feel like they should not win. You need to be the path in order to follow the path. Make up your mind you will “Come to Win” in every event, in every match, in every shot.
We Travel First Class
In your league you can begin your training by learning to be first class in everything you do. This will reduce the tension you feel when you begin your competition.
In the world of karate a combatant learns to reduce tension simply by respecting his opponent. A bow is a kata itself. Some Karate experts take years to learn the art of the bow.
The art of a bow is in the attitude. If you thank your opponent for being here, you reduce the effect he/she may have on you. You cannot fear someone you appreciate. Learn to see your opponent as an opportunity to love this game.
Without your opponent, you have no chance to express yourself as a pool player. There are three things you will receive in every match. You will learn, you will perform and you will socialize with your teammates.
Practice Makes Perfect
You should always score your practice session. You need to measure your progress and make adjustments in order to strengthen you game. Set up some numbers to shoot for. (Profile of a Master) Than take action and develop the skills that will give you the abilities you seek. Nothing comes to us without hard work. You and I are together because we both believe in our games. Score your practice session. Don't waste time banging balls around the table.
Nice going, Matt Edwards!
I want to congratulate my friend and student from New Zealand, Matt Edwards for getting a spot in the World Junior 9-ball Championships this year.
He also won the South Island Junior 8-ball Championships, beating another student of mine, John Whelan. I think Lititia “Stormie” Nenewale must be proud of this sixteen year old sensation. It is great to see all this hard work paying off.
