Played at the Parkbridge Institute in my snooker singles, giving 28 start to Barry Broad, the poor chap I knocked in 55 against in the Billiards.
Bit of a close game he is quite a decent player but I picked him off bit by bit and eventually he left me a chance and I got 18 and 16. It was all quite close till the end when he potted yellow green and brown. He missed the blue and left it in the bottom and I cleared up to win by 8.
Steven Cannon won his match and I picked him up to go and play doubles with Mark Carrington at Stockport we were playing two very good players. I hardly potted anything but my safety play was outstanding mm perfect in both frames. We managed a fairly easy win. Mark played quite well getting a couple of important 20 breaks. Quarter finals here we come.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Jack Karnehm DVD
I have just spent 4 really relaxing hours watching a Jack Karneham DVD all about Billiards. The DVD is only 2 hours but watched it twice in 2 days.
I don't know what to say other than WOW. What a damn fine Billiards player he was, sadly he died in 2002. His touch around the top of the table is brilliant and has given me a few extra practice shots to work on.
He has some trick shots or practice shots scattered throughout the tape which I have tried to emulate at my local club. They really test your cueing. I started out with the 10 Shot with the balls wedged in the pocket and after 4 or five goes managed to produce the same shot. Quite simple once you get the top on.
The next shot the red is on the left hand side cushion in line with the pink spot and the white on the brown spot. The object is to hit the red with loads of top left and the red kisses out of the way and the white spins down the rail and into the bag. Tried this shot 20 times without getting it I just couldn't get anywhere near, so I tried a few run throughs against the nap first.
I revisited the previous shot and got it second attempt. Once I realised where to aim I managed it 7 out of 20. Cant wait to try out a few more. Its difficult to see the angles due to the video quality but I will try them all out.
I managed to do get the in off about one foot from a pocket tight on the rails with top left works really well that one the white pops straight in the pocket. Must try the top of the table shots he does.
I don't know what to say other than WOW. What a damn fine Billiards player he was, sadly he died in 2002. His touch around the top of the table is brilliant and has given me a few extra practice shots to work on.
He has some trick shots or practice shots scattered throughout the tape which I have tried to emulate at my local club. They really test your cueing. I started out with the 10 Shot with the balls wedged in the pocket and after 4 or five goes managed to produce the same shot. Quite simple once you get the top on.
The next shot the red is on the left hand side cushion in line with the pink spot and the white on the brown spot. The object is to hit the red with loads of top left and the red kisses out of the way and the white spins down the rail and into the bag. Tried this shot 20 times without getting it I just couldn't get anywhere near, so I tried a few run throughs against the nap first.
I revisited the previous shot and got it second attempt. Once I realised where to aim I managed it 7 out of 20. Cant wait to try out a few more. Its difficult to see the angles due to the video quality but I will try them all out.
I managed to do get the in off about one foot from a pocket tight on the rails with top left works really well that one the white pops straight in the pocket. Must try the top of the table shots he does.
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
200000 visitors 4.5million search hits.
I have now received over 200000 hits on the web site. These are unique hits from all over the world. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to look and read my exploits on this blog.
Billiards is a small world but I have visitors from every continent except for South America and the Arctic. I am simple amazed how word has spread. I hope you all enjoy it and that you appreciate the hard work I have put in to keep up playing at this intensity for the year.
3 Leagues, 7 EBOS events, various other ABC and comps along with some snooker. This has cost me around £ 5000 in total and I have travelled many many miles.
Only a couple of months left now then I can relax and have a week off.
Practice Silktown Macclesfield
Met Wayne Holbrook for our usual Tuesday meeting over in Macclesfield. The table seemed a bit strange today I don't know if the weather can effect it but it was throwing wide and the ball was moving across the nap especially in the right hand corner.
We both struggled and managed a few little 20 breaks. Wayne got 60 in front as he normally does before I started getting going. I got a couple of 27 breaks and manged to pull back a bit.
I then managed another 50 break. Funny really last month I got lots of 50 breaks, 8 in total.
This month only 4 so far but when I have made 50+ its usually been a big break. 82 and 91.
I am happy with the breaks but would rather have lots of 30-40's than a couple of big breaks.
We ended up scoring around the 480 mark in the 2 and half hours. I won by about 10 points nothing in the match at all.
We both struggled and managed a few little 20 breaks. Wayne got 60 in front as he normally does before I started getting going. I got a couple of 27 breaks and manged to pull back a bit.
I then managed another 50 break. Funny really last month I got lots of 50 breaks, 8 in total.
This month only 4 so far but when I have made 50+ its usually been a big break. 82 and 91.
I am happy with the breaks but would rather have lots of 30-40's than a couple of big breaks.
We ended up scoring around the 480 mark in the 2 and half hours. I won by about 10 points nothing in the match at all.
Sports Psychologist Visit 1/4
As I mentioned a few weeks I have been approached by a Sports Psychologist to have group of sessions aimed at helping me with my game in particular on how to bring my relaxed practice game into my match play.
I have avoided looking to much up prior to the visits as I wanted a clear head and no preconceived ideas which may affect the visits or the results. Quite frankly I had no idea what to expect the chap could be useless, very good, a nutter I simply had no idea what to expect.
I also haven't given out any details of who the coach is, my reasoning for that is to wait until the course is over when I will reveal the details as I have agreed to put an advert of the site for him. I will be honest in my assessment of the results. If it works I will be delighted if it doesn't does that mean it won't work for everyone I don't know, the simple fact is many sportsmen have a psychologist who works with them, a few I have spotted on the Internet include most of the top golfers, Poulter, Faldo, Woods. Tennis players have a broad team to help them which includes Murray and most of the top players. Baseball, bowling, darts athletics and even footballers.
For all these groups to take part there must be something of value in it. So here we go.
I arrived at his house and was warmly welcomed he has a nice snooker room with an office attached. We sat and talked for a while and I undertook a small test or exam to find out a little bit more about what type of person I am. The test showed I responded more to visual signs.
After an hour which went very quickly we began to talk about the main areas of dealing with nerves which may affect my game and try to put these into groups or types which could be dealt with. We touched one how different people deal with stress and anxiety.
We also dealt with the different areas of sports coaching available. I never realised how complicated this subject actually was, a bit like billiards there are unlimited options and approaches to the subject. I think the conclusion is that I need a cross between relaxation techniques and peak performance coaching. Each sportsman and the sport they play requires a different approach to get the required result.
My game would benefit from being more relaxed and playing my practice game as my match game so we began to try some relaxation techniques and how to put myself into the zone.
The zone is that relaxed state where the game seems easy every shot is simple and easy and nothing affects you. I have experienced this many times when you get to the table and everything happens for you. I have also had my fair share of games where nothing goes right no matter what you do.
The 3 hours, yep three hours went by in a flash it only seemed like a few minutes. I really enjoyed it, is there something to this? Well yes I really do think that this chap knows his stuff and this might actually be something of great use and not just in sport but in other areas of life. I have tried to keep a clear mind on the subject which has helped. I can see there are ways/areas where I can relax and attempt to get into the zone.
We also talked about energy levels and projecting these energy levels out to other people. This can manifest itself in looking positive, arrogant, bored, down in the dumps and various other feelings. The main thing it took from this was the ability to project an energy level or attitude greater than your opponent. For example if my opponent sees that I am brimming with confidence right from the start what will he feel. He could be confident as well but if I am giving off an aura or energy level greater than him he will begin to feel less confident so I am in effect feeding off his energy levels to bolster my own which gives me an immediate advantage.
It's actually quite hard to describe some of the things we discussed as they seem a bit odd when I am trying to recall them. They seemed to make sense at the time and certainly has given me food for thought. When I look back on matches when I have played badly what signals did I give my opponent I can think of one game in particular where I remember being very down because he was getting all the luck, I let it get to me because after the game I realised the luck was actually quite even. He must have sensed this.
Looking forward to next weeks session now and will try to spent 5 minutes every day just relaxing to try and get in to the zone.
I have avoided looking to much up prior to the visits as I wanted a clear head and no preconceived ideas which may affect the visits or the results. Quite frankly I had no idea what to expect the chap could be useless, very good, a nutter I simply had no idea what to expect.
I also haven't given out any details of who the coach is, my reasoning for that is to wait until the course is over when I will reveal the details as I have agreed to put an advert of the site for him. I will be honest in my assessment of the results. If it works I will be delighted if it doesn't does that mean it won't work for everyone I don't know, the simple fact is many sportsmen have a psychologist who works with them, a few I have spotted on the Internet include most of the top golfers, Poulter, Faldo, Woods. Tennis players have a broad team to help them which includes Murray and most of the top players. Baseball, bowling, darts athletics and even footballers.
For all these groups to take part there must be something of value in it. So here we go.
I arrived at his house and was warmly welcomed he has a nice snooker room with an office attached. We sat and talked for a while and I undertook a small test or exam to find out a little bit more about what type of person I am. The test showed I responded more to visual signs.
After an hour which went very quickly we began to talk about the main areas of dealing with nerves which may affect my game and try to put these into groups or types which could be dealt with. We touched one how different people deal with stress and anxiety.
We also dealt with the different areas of sports coaching available. I never realised how complicated this subject actually was, a bit like billiards there are unlimited options and approaches to the subject. I think the conclusion is that I need a cross between relaxation techniques and peak performance coaching. Each sportsman and the sport they play requires a different approach to get the required result.
My game would benefit from being more relaxed and playing my practice game as my match game so we began to try some relaxation techniques and how to put myself into the zone.
The zone is that relaxed state where the game seems easy every shot is simple and easy and nothing affects you. I have experienced this many times when you get to the table and everything happens for you. I have also had my fair share of games where nothing goes right no matter what you do.
The 3 hours, yep three hours went by in a flash it only seemed like a few minutes. I really enjoyed it, is there something to this? Well yes I really do think that this chap knows his stuff and this might actually be something of great use and not just in sport but in other areas of life. I have tried to keep a clear mind on the subject which has helped. I can see there are ways/areas where I can relax and attempt to get into the zone.
We also talked about energy levels and projecting these energy levels out to other people. This can manifest itself in looking positive, arrogant, bored, down in the dumps and various other feelings. The main thing it took from this was the ability to project an energy level or attitude greater than your opponent. For example if my opponent sees that I am brimming with confidence right from the start what will he feel. He could be confident as well but if I am giving off an aura or energy level greater than him he will begin to feel less confident so I am in effect feeding off his energy levels to bolster my own which gives me an immediate advantage.
It's actually quite hard to describe some of the things we discussed as they seem a bit odd when I am trying to recall them. They seemed to make sense at the time and certainly has given me food for thought. When I look back on matches when I have played badly what signals did I give my opponent I can think of one game in particular where I remember being very down because he was getting all the luck, I let it get to me because after the game I realised the luck was actually quite even. He must have sensed this.
Looking forward to next weeks session now and will try to spent 5 minutes every day just relaxing to try and get in to the zone.
Monday, 22 February 2010
Practice / individuals Palace
Went to the palace with Steve Cannon for a practice he is coming to Malta and has decided to enter the competition to get thrashed so we have set out getting a bit of practice before the event as he has not played much billiards.
We played off handicaps i give him 80 start first to 100, I'm on -180 he still has to score the 100. The first game I played average Steve did fine getting a couple of 20's but I made it to 100 before him. The second game we decided to play as our individuals as we had been drawn against each other in the first round.
The second game was much better Steve has a 15 and a 10 and followed it with a 47 which was mainly potting but not a bad effort. I had hardly scored anything just 40 points but from no where banged in a really great 91. This still left me a bit behind but I managed to just get in front and win by 18 very close game.
We played a third game and I won by 5. He's not a bad billiards player he certainly know the half ball. Certainly my best break so far just cant quite make the 100 though 3 more reds.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Manchester Snooker League - Fill In
Was supposed to play billiards with Steve Cannon last night but had to cancel due to working in the early hours.
Just getting ready for work when I get asked to play snooker for the Crucible as they were a man short. I could just fit it in on my way to work, managed to get there a 7 and managed a practice game with one of the young lads off the 'B' Team.
I beat him but it was a scrappy game and played our Captain Ady Ladkin a quick frame, it was quick he potted a red and a blue, I went mad and got a 52 and 31 in two visits. My best snooker performance for a while.
My match was a little disappointing I was getting 5 start off a young lad who was quite a good potter as they all are. I managed to get 20 in front and played a shot to nothing on a red. Got the half ball red and ended up going in the top bag.
This left a free ball as the pack was covered with pink and blue. He potted the green and got a 15 break. I played safe again and left him tucked up on the top rail. He hits the pack very thick and flukes a red then proceeds to make 37 from it. I played safe and got a couple of snookers and a couple of the last reds. I played safe on the yellow which he smacked into the center bag and clears up.
I didn't really do anything wrong but that's the way it goes sometimes.
Just getting ready for work when I get asked to play snooker for the Crucible as they were a man short. I could just fit it in on my way to work, managed to get there a 7 and managed a practice game with one of the young lads off the 'B' Team.
I beat him but it was a scrappy game and played our Captain Ady Ladkin a quick frame, it was quick he potted a red and a blue, I went mad and got a 52 and 31 in two visits. My best snooker performance for a while.
My match was a little disappointing I was getting 5 start off a young lad who was quite a good potter as they all are. I managed to get 20 in front and played a shot to nothing on a red. Got the half ball red and ended up going in the top bag.
This left a free ball as the pack was covered with pink and blue. He potted the green and got a 15 break. I played safe again and left him tucked up on the top rail. He hits the pack very thick and flukes a red then proceeds to make 37 from it. I played safe and got a couple of snookers and a couple of the last reds. I played safe on the yellow which he smacked into the center bag and clears up.
I didn't really do anything wrong but that's the way it goes sometimes.
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
The Mental Side
I mentioned a few days ago I am going to see a sport psychologist. This is taking place on next Monday. I am very hopeful of a positive result. My research has convinced me this will have an effect on my game. I think the mind contributes 20-45% to the game.
Watch this space after Monday for my reactions and initial thoughts. I have a feeling this could be quite interesting for everyone.
Watch this space after Monday for my reactions and initial thoughts. I have a feeling this could be quite interesting for everyone.
Practice Silktown / New Mill V Lindley
Met up with Wayne Holbrook over at Macclesfield and had a really nice 3 hour session/practice.
We just played with no pressure and discussed shots as they occurred.
He had just had his cue repaired he broke the top half a few weeks back but had managed to buy a new top. He seemed to play well with it. His potting was fantastic today. He never missed a pot all day.
The only thing that bothers me is I think he is neglecting the other parts of the game next time we should practice his long losers. Mine are much better and my resulting position is much better.
Wayne never misses the half ball shots but when the shot needs to be varied a little he struggles.
That said his potting more than makes up for it.
He shot ahead by about 120 points mainly by potting, but eventually he ran out of pots and I pegged him back and got about 50 ahead. Right at the end he managed to get a fine 54 which was a lovely example of potting with the odd cannon to keep him going and he followed it with a 23.
We both had lots of small breaks around the 20-30 mark and it was an interesting day, it's always good to play Wayne as he is a tough player to beat and fairly local.
I was off to New Mill at 7.30 for our match with Brian Cousens team. He really is a great player for an old guy his follow through on his shots is awesome he must push the cue through by 18inches on each shot. he sort off throws the cue out. He managed a 62 and a 53 and followed it with a couple of 20-30 breaks.
I went on second and played the younger member of their team, he is really slow. think of a very slow Eddie Charlton with a little Cliff Thorburn thrown in, then give him a zimmer frame. Yep that's about right. I would rather play a flowing game but that's the draw for you.
I won fairly easily again. He is a potter and I left the red tied up and played cannons off his ball. Eventually he left me a few chances and at the end I got a couple of small breaks 18ish to win by 44.
Peter Atkinson went on last and ended up 60 behind but managed to pull it back to only lose by 18.
Lost 2-1 we really needed to win our last two games to stand any chance of the runner up spot. Our only hope is the other teams slip up and we win our last game 3 nil.
We just played with no pressure and discussed shots as they occurred.
He had just had his cue repaired he broke the top half a few weeks back but had managed to buy a new top. He seemed to play well with it. His potting was fantastic today. He never missed a pot all day.
The only thing that bothers me is I think he is neglecting the other parts of the game next time we should practice his long losers. Mine are much better and my resulting position is much better.
Wayne never misses the half ball shots but when the shot needs to be varied a little he struggles.
That said his potting more than makes up for it.
He shot ahead by about 120 points mainly by potting, but eventually he ran out of pots and I pegged him back and got about 50 ahead. Right at the end he managed to get a fine 54 which was a lovely example of potting with the odd cannon to keep him going and he followed it with a 23.
We both had lots of small breaks around the 20-30 mark and it was an interesting day, it's always good to play Wayne as he is a tough player to beat and fairly local.
I was off to New Mill at 7.30 for our match with Brian Cousens team. He really is a great player for an old guy his follow through on his shots is awesome he must push the cue through by 18inches on each shot. he sort off throws the cue out. He managed a 62 and a 53 and followed it with a couple of 20-30 breaks.
I went on second and played the younger member of their team, he is really slow. think of a very slow Eddie Charlton with a little Cliff Thorburn thrown in, then give him a zimmer frame. Yep that's about right. I would rather play a flowing game but that's the draw for you.
I won fairly easily again. He is a potter and I left the red tied up and played cannons off his ball. Eventually he left me a few chances and at the end I got a couple of small breaks 18ish to win by 44.
Peter Atkinson went on last and ended up 60 behind but managed to pull it back to only lose by 18.
Lost 2-1 we really needed to win our last two games to stand any chance of the runner up spot. Our only hope is the other teams slip up and we win our last game 3 nil.
Friday, 12 February 2010
Stalybridge League V Mossley B
Berry Cup match. The team lost 3-2. An interesting match Mark Carrington Lost in the Snooker Singles and so did Steve Cannon it was left to me and Mick to win in the Billiards.
I played another potter a young lad I was giving him 80 start first to 100. He started off with a 10 all pots and felt quite good despite being very tired from working all week. I have had to do a bit more as my wifes work is really desperate at the moment and my boss has picked up a few new contracts.
He broke off and I scored 18 first visit off. It's a lovely table for billiards quite tight in the middle bags but very fast. So doesn't really suit potting the slightest touch on the edge of a bag and the ball bounces out. My average for the game must have been quite high as I hardly had a shot when I didn't score. I got breaks of 21,21,23,25,27 and I finished with an 18 unfinished.
Although I didn't get any big break I was delighted with my game I would rather have all these little breaks than one big one. A few people have told me not to get big break fever and they are right lots of breaks are much better than the odd large one.
I played another potter a young lad I was giving him 80 start first to 100. He started off with a 10 all pots and felt quite good despite being very tired from working all week. I have had to do a bit more as my wifes work is really desperate at the moment and my boss has picked up a few new contracts.
He broke off and I scored 18 first visit off. It's a lovely table for billiards quite tight in the middle bags but very fast. So doesn't really suit potting the slightest touch on the edge of a bag and the ball bounces out. My average for the game must have been quite high as I hardly had a shot when I didn't score. I got breaks of 21,21,23,25,27 and I finished with an 18 unfinished.
Although I didn't get any big break I was delighted with my game I would rather have all these little breaks than one big one. A few people have told me not to get big break fever and they are right lots of breaks are much better than the odd large one.
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