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Dec 20, 2004 :: The Monk's Monday Lesson #2
Make Your Knowledge Real
Just about every reader of this Weekly Newsletter has a copy of my training book, The Lesson. Most of you understand the 2-7-2 program which is designed to take you through the third stage of pocket billiards.
Some readers open a book and say, “I will learn this” and then turn the page to another lesson and say, “I will learn this” and then turn the page and repeat the same thing. They rush from page to page with the idea that they will eventually comprehend the information at some point in time.
Their mind is fully intent on the gathering of knowledge. They know how important it is to master each lesson. But they gather only the knowledge that instantly stimulates their senses. In this way, they encompass both, something desired and something attained, not having the ability to differentiate between the two. What did you learn and what did you plan to learn?
When you go through The Lesson, gather the knowledge each lesson is trying to teach you. Spend some time attaining the skills you desire. Just saying, “I will learn something” does not mean you have learned it. Desire must be acted upon. Knowledge does not become skill until it’s applied. And sometimes you have to hit the shot, before you can know the shot. Don’t be the player who cannot differentiate between what you want to learn, and what you do learn.
Take your time going through each lesson. There is knowledge in each one. That knowledge only becomes skill when it is applied. Sometimes you cannot acquire the knowledge until you master the skill. I want you to be the player you are destined to be. Together we can spend some time learning this great game.
We are giving you lessons from my Lesson Book each week. You can also view these lessons by purchasing my videos: The Monk 101 volumes 1, 2, and 3. In these videos you will see a fine performance by Suzanne Bosselman. You can also get The Lesson via e-book download. This is a great product as you can print the pages you want to work on and bring them to your local pool hall.
“No thanks, I’m practicing.”
(A side note from Samm’s Side Pocket)
Far too often, when I walk into a pool room, alone, to practice, I am approached by one or more people to play with them. For some reason, they feel that either I was just waiting for them to approach me or that I was only playing alone by circumstance. Some are much more persistent than others. I used to have a difficult time saying “no” to people, particularly my friends, because I didn’t want to be rude. But now, my signature response is “No thanks, I’m practicing. " I know that I am not the only girl who tries to practice alone and gets interrupted by questions or comments. And, not to bash any of the guys, but I don’t know any female pool player that has been able to walk into a pool room to practice alone without getting approached at least once.
We’re not the only victims though. Even the male players I know find themselves getting involved in a game when they should be or wanted to be practicing. Personally, I like to handle the situation like this: As I notice someone walking towards my table with that look in their eye (most of the time, they’re polite enough to at least wait until I finish my shot), I immediately begin walking towards the opposite end of the table, away from them. When that doesn’t work and they still ask if I want to play, without making eye contact or showing any interest, I quickly respond with, “No thanks, I’m practicing.” In fact, I have recently printed myself a couple t-shirts with that phrase on the backside. They’ve been working great! (I plan to market them on SammsPocket.com by 2005). Now, I’m not implying my technique works for everyone, nor is it the best way to handle the situation, but I have found it to be most effective for me. Okay, on to the important part… When you show up to practice, practice. Regardless if the people that approach you are your friends or someone trying to pick you up. Try not to let that distract you from the purpose of your trip to the pool room. I’m sure most of you can agree with me that your time is very valuable. Spending time alone in the pool room, away from your friends and family, to practice things you need to work on speaks highly of you and your devotion to improving in this game. Anyone who doesn’t recognize your purpose does not realize the importance of it and probably doesn’t have the same goals themselves. To summarize, whether you’re a guy or girl, afford yourself the time to develop your skills in this game that you love. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when you’re approached for a game and most importantly, don’t be afraid to practice alone. It’s the only way to practice.
You know you’re a D Player when…
8. You chalk your cue after you miss (usually when it’s the only piece and your opponent is waiting to use it).
9. You tell your opponent how they should have played after they ran out on you. 10. Your favorite game is 3-ball.
11. You rest your cigarette on the edge of the table while you’re shooting.
Here is a pattern for you to work on. Use a punch stroke on the first shot. Hit the cue ball a ½ cue-tip above center to walk the cue ball across the table for position on the 8-ball. You should be set up for a nice crystal clear punch stroke that will take you out for a straight in shot on the 9-ball in the side pocket.
You will find that you can be consistent with your position play if you rely upon your stroke. Do not be tentative here.
Deliver a crisp punch stroke. Mean what you do. If you are even the slightest bit tentative on this shot, you will fail to pocket the object ball. Any time you shoot a ball, you must mean what you are doing. If you have my book I Came to Win, you will understand what I am saying. I Came to Win means you are not even the slightest bit tentative about what you are doing.
