Over to John Inglebys (head EABA Coach). We had a half hour match which I won by 2 points, first time I had got anywhere near John on his own table. Played OK and got my arm going.
Now the coaching bit. John had me hitting a straight ball and gradually positioned my feet so my cue arm was away from my body. Simply doing this was enough to give me an extra 2 inches on my follow through. However it also meant I could not hit a ball. He also had to adjust my head position and back arm position.
I gradually started hitting the ball better and introduced a nice pause in the stroke.
To aid this he has a specially designed cue called a 360 Degree Cue rather interesting as with it I could not even hit a ball. I would cue up the shot swing back and the tip misses the cue. Quite staggering how it works. I would watch the videos for further information see Gravity cue videos.
After three hours I was gradually getting the shots and feeling quite good with my game. Its going to take many hours to practice to stop playing my old style but I will put the effort in to improve my game long term.
I have work this week so monday is my next practice day.
Simply hitting the balls with that cue was so difficult. I gradually got going with it and could hit the ball failry often towards the end. I would recommend this cue to anyone suffering with cue action problems.
Sunday, 21 November 2010
Lots of Changes
Due to working nights I have had to leave the Macclesfield League until February which is a pity as I was quiote enjoying it and playing ok. Had a few decent breaks a couple of high forty breaks and a 50 odd.
I have been getting quite fed up with Billiards lately not because I have lost a lot of games but because I know I am much better than most of the players I am playing. For example the chap I played in the Bury league last weelk could pot a bit but could not play an in off to save his life unless it was hanging over the pocket. I lost by about 10 points after giving him 70 start.
When you play someone who is rubbish you tend to play billiards and generally leave the balls together when you miss a shot. This leaves them an opening which they may score five off. When they only have to score 60 or so to win they can quite often beat you.
If I get a break or something then things are different but they tend to leave the balls very awkward whereas when you play a decent player they nearly always leave the balls in a decent position certainly in mid table at the least.
After much thought I have decided to concentrate on simply getting better. I get regular 20,30 and 40 breaks. Then I also get the odd 50,60 and rarely higher breaks but these tend to be when I play the longer matches.
So I have decided the only thing to do is improve my cue action. Several people have commented that I do not have enough follow through. This is due to several faults developed over the years. These include being half blind, being rather fat and simply not trying to sort out my stance and grip many years before.
For snooekr this has not been a problem I have always been able to pot a decent ball but I am prepared to ruin my current game in order to replace it with something better. Going right back to basics.
I have been getting quite fed up with Billiards lately not because I have lost a lot of games but because I know I am much better than most of the players I am playing. For example the chap I played in the Bury league last weelk could pot a bit but could not play an in off to save his life unless it was hanging over the pocket. I lost by about 10 points after giving him 70 start.
When you play someone who is rubbish you tend to play billiards and generally leave the balls together when you miss a shot. This leaves them an opening which they may score five off. When they only have to score 60 or so to win they can quite often beat you.
If I get a break or something then things are different but they tend to leave the balls very awkward whereas when you play a decent player they nearly always leave the balls in a decent position certainly in mid table at the least.
After much thought I have decided to concentrate on simply getting better. I get regular 20,30 and 40 breaks. Then I also get the odd 50,60 and rarely higher breaks but these tend to be when I play the longer matches.
So I have decided the only thing to do is improve my cue action. Several people have commented that I do not have enough follow through. This is due to several faults developed over the years. These include being half blind, being rather fat and simply not trying to sort out my stance and grip many years before.
For snooekr this has not been a problem I have always been able to pot a decent ball but I am prepared to ruin my current game in order to replace it with something better. Going right back to basics.
Saturday, 13 November 2010
Practice Silktown Macclesfield 500 up
Had a knock with Wayne Holbrook last Wednesday we have started playing 500 up to give us both a target.
I started playing some of the best billiards I have managed for a long while, I had 5 breaks in the 30's and a couple of 40's, I never missed a ball, Wayne was also playing proper billiards normally he tends to pot and throw in some billiards. He really played well considering I played well beyond my normal standard.
I won 500-410 but the match was really interesting, Wayne had a lovely break of 21 with some the best long distance cannons I have seen. I threw in a little break of nursery cannons I got about 11-12 nice little touches before reaching the pocket and playing an loser. I also ran a 40 break off the red ball which was nice.
Waynes really going to try and stick with billiards and avoid potting as we both feel this is the way forward. Neither of of missed many pots as we hardly played any difficult ones, things are getting better my luck has ccertainly changed and I am playing with more side and more follow through.
I started playing some of the best billiards I have managed for a long while, I had 5 breaks in the 30's and a couple of 40's, I never missed a ball, Wayne was also playing proper billiards normally he tends to pot and throw in some billiards. He really played well considering I played well beyond my normal standard.
I won 500-410 but the match was really interesting, Wayne had a lovely break of 21 with some the best long distance cannons I have seen. I threw in a little break of nursery cannons I got about 11-12 nice little touches before reaching the pocket and playing an loser. I also ran a 40 break off the red ball which was nice.
Waynes really going to try and stick with billiards and avoid potting as we both feel this is the way forward. Neither of of missed many pots as we hardly played any difficult ones, things are getting better my luck has ccertainly changed and I am playing with more side and more follow through.
Bury League
Played well on the Monday after Chester finally got some running and won an easy match scoring 145 in 8 visits.
English AM
Went over to Chester for the English AM, my group consists of Dennis Marr, Peter Shelley, Wayne Holbrook. Not good prospects over 90 minute matches.
I played Dennis first I managed a very quick start getting 48 first visit, I scored a few more and got abotu 80 ahead before Dennis got going, he was out for revenge after me beating him in Cambridge. He soon got going and had 52, 53 and a few 40 breaks without me scoring much more. I got a few chance and scored 20's but eventually lost by quite a few. Thats the problem with longer matches the better player will generally win over the longer matches.
On the table next to me Peter Shelley was set, getting 200,170,100 in three visits poor old Wayne hardly had a visit. I was playing Peter next so I was rather worried. Peter out played me however I did win the string and managed to get 40 ahead, before he set off, I played very well in the few chance I got. Mainly because when he did miss he left you in a good billiards position I lost biut scored nearly 250 points and Peter got 500, So I did ok and he didnt make a 100 only a 97.
I played Wayne next the less said the better it was a crap game, I won by 30 points but we both played really poorly. Not a bad days practice for £ 20 entry and i gained 5 points in the rankings.
I played Dennis first I managed a very quick start getting 48 first visit, I scored a few more and got abotu 80 ahead before Dennis got going, he was out for revenge after me beating him in Cambridge. He soon got going and had 52, 53 and a few 40 breaks without me scoring much more. I got a few chance and scored 20's but eventually lost by quite a few. Thats the problem with longer matches the better player will generally win over the longer matches.
On the table next to me Peter Shelley was set, getting 200,170,100 in three visits poor old Wayne hardly had a visit. I was playing Peter next so I was rather worried. Peter out played me however I did win the string and managed to get 40 ahead, before he set off, I played very well in the few chance I got. Mainly because when he did miss he left you in a good billiards position I lost biut scored nearly 250 points and Peter got 500, So I did ok and he didnt make a 100 only a 97.
I played Wayne next the less said the better it was a crap game, I won by 30 points but we both played really poorly. Not a bad days practice for £ 20 entry and i gained 5 points in the rankings.
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Bury League
Played up at Prestwich Conservative Club, I arrived late due to really bad traffic and was relegated to playing doubles. Never mind at least it was a game and I played with Dave Samuels who's a decent player.
We had lost the two singles games, one by 45 and the other by 15. We were giving about 30 start and so the aggregate was going to be very difficult to make. We gave it a good try and managed to win quite comfortably but failed to get the aggregate they managed lots of flukes, in fact i have never seen so many in one night.
It was all over by 9.30pm and me and Dave stayed for a game of doubles. it was ok we won by about 40 points after an hours play. No breaks again, I managed a couple of 20's and a 36 in the doubles afterwards.
Hopefully I can play better as the season goes on as it's a struggle with the tables, handicaps and in particular the players who I have drawn who all don;t really know how to play proper billiards, again when I get a chance at the top I am scoring 20-30 points so I know I am playing well.
We had lost the two singles games, one by 45 and the other by 15. We were giving about 30 start and so the aggregate was going to be very difficult to make. We gave it a good try and managed to win quite comfortably but failed to get the aggregate they managed lots of flukes, in fact i have never seen so many in one night.
It was all over by 9.30pm and me and Dave stayed for a game of doubles. it was ok we won by about 40 points after an hours play. No breaks again, I managed a couple of 20's and a 36 in the doubles afterwards.
Hopefully I can play better as the season goes on as it's a struggle with the tables, handicaps and in particular the players who I have drawn who all don;t really know how to play proper billiards, again when I get a chance at the top I am scoring 20-30 points so I know I am playing well.
Friday, 22 October 2010
Macclesfield League
Played in the Macclesfield League last night, I have finally realised why I am playing so badly in the league matches. Basically the players are mainly snooker players and a lot of them really poor players. The lad I played last night had absolutley no idea how to play and in-off.
He could pot a little, but I still lost after giving him 100 start first to 100. After a few shots I was just spending my time trying to get the balls into a reasonable position. Usually one ball was on the rail and as he had no idea of how to keep three balls in play it was always an unhill struggle.
I got two or three 20 breaks but that was all, he beat me by 16, it's simply staggering how many flukes he also got, I suppose you will if you smash the balls around the table.
Wayne Holbrook also suffered a bit of the same He played Norman Dyson who again spent most of his time potting. Wayne lost by a similar amount. Your heart is simply not in this game when you are not leaning anything from these players.
He could pot a little, but I still lost after giving him 100 start first to 100. After a few shots I was just spending my time trying to get the balls into a reasonable position. Usually one ball was on the rail and as he had no idea of how to keep three balls in play it was always an unhill struggle.
I got two or three 20 breaks but that was all, he beat me by 16, it's simply staggering how many flukes he also got, I suppose you will if you smash the balls around the table.
Wayne Holbrook also suffered a bit of the same He played Norman Dyson who again spent most of his time potting. Wayne lost by a similar amount. Your heart is simply not in this game when you are not leaning anything from these players.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
EABA Rankings
Check out the EABA rankings, managed my highest position 17 yep that's SEVENTEEN.
Eaba Rankings - click here for details, quite a few players I expected to be above me such as Ron Bickerdike, a very long way to go yet I may not win another match of course.
Wayne Holbrook is a very credible 24 on the list. He was unlucky not to beat Gary Norman.
Eaba Rankings - click here for details, quite a few players I expected to be above me such as Ron Bickerdike, a very long way to go yet I may not win another match of course.
Wayne Holbrook is a very credible 24 on the list. He was unlucky not to beat Gary Norman.
Bury League
For some reason I am still playing a little hot and cold. One minute I am playing really well and the next game really poor.
I am still getting reasonable breaks in the the Macclesfield league, but i have struggled in the both the Prestwich and Bury Leagues, Not really sure of the reason but I think its lack of concentration as a lot of the players are only average.
I player Wayne on Monday 500 up at Silktown and managed to get 60 in front before his potting kicked in and he overtook me. We both played average, getting 20's and 30's. Neither of us got to the top or really showed any sign of outstanding play. Just at the end Wayne need about 5 points and I finally managed to get a lovely position at the top and scored a very quick 28 to win. Strange game.
Monday night played in the Bury League, ended up getting drawn for the doubles. Again for 20minutes I hardly had a shot but eventually I got a chance and ran in 17, 22, 18, 21. Which finished off the game and we were easy winners. Just happy to get a win but I am getting used to the table now.
Tuesday off the Heaton Park Social for another match with Steve Cannon. I played on the left table which is a little worn but fast. I had a knock with Steve and made 5 breaks of 25 in 30 minutes. He score 16.
My match was a strange affair I was giving 68 start first to 100, I'm on -48 he was on + 20.
Again for 20 minutes I did not score, neither did he he was completely hopeless and just kept leaving the balls on the rail or in a general mess. Eventually I got a chance and scored lots of 15-20 breaks to win 100-61 he scored 41 and half those were flukes by slamming the balls around the table.
Ah well it's a win although not happy.
I am still getting reasonable breaks in the the Macclesfield league, but i have struggled in the both the Prestwich and Bury Leagues, Not really sure of the reason but I think its lack of concentration as a lot of the players are only average.
I player Wayne on Monday 500 up at Silktown and managed to get 60 in front before his potting kicked in and he overtook me. We both played average, getting 20's and 30's. Neither of us got to the top or really showed any sign of outstanding play. Just at the end Wayne need about 5 points and I finally managed to get a lovely position at the top and scored a very quick 28 to win. Strange game.
Monday night played in the Bury League, ended up getting drawn for the doubles. Again for 20minutes I hardly had a shot but eventually I got a chance and ran in 17, 22, 18, 21. Which finished off the game and we were easy winners. Just happy to get a win but I am getting used to the table now.
Tuesday off the Heaton Park Social for another match with Steve Cannon. I played on the left table which is a little worn but fast. I had a knock with Steve and made 5 breaks of 25 in 30 minutes. He score 16.
My match was a strange affair I was giving 68 start first to 100, I'm on -48 he was on + 20.
Again for 20 minutes I did not score, neither did he he was completely hopeless and just kept leaving the balls on the rail or in a general mess. Eventually I got a chance and scored lots of 15-20 breaks to win 100-61 he scored 41 and half those were flukes by slamming the balls around the table.
Ah well it's a win although not happy.
Monday, 11 October 2010
ABC #2 Cambridge
Picked up Steve cannon who I may point out was still in bed when I arrived (lazy Git), met Wayne Holbrrok at my house and over the Woodhead to pick up John Ingleby. Quite a car full and the 3 hour trip went quite quickly.
All the crew were there quite a nice club tucked away on an industrial estate the table looked very nice and first round I drew out Dennis Marr. He is always in the top 16 so I knew it was a tough draw.
We set off and I had a few really nice flukes to get me going 4 if I remember rightly and I scored off each one much to Mathew Suttons amusement who was watching. We played for an hour the table was very difficult and I had to avoid playing with side other wise the balls over reacted every time. Dennis was also suffering from the table and with 5 minutes to go I was 40 in front. he got going and scored a really nice 40 to tie the match but left himself an unlucky double baulk which he failed to score off. The bell went and we had to play an additional 5 minutes.
He broke off and I won the string putting him in. He scored seven and I got in and made a nice 21 off the red and potted his ball along the way. I left him baulked but he left me on again I scored 5 before the bell went.
Certainly my best ever result against a player who is quite capable of massive breaks he had a 200 last year in an ABC and a 135 in the league over in Liverpool.
My next game was against Ron Agnew who is just such a tough player to beat, Managed to scrape a lead by potting and a little luck he came back strongly and for 30minute I never had a shot but at the end I got a nice 23 and a 29 to pull away before the bell went. Certainly happy with that result but not my next draw Mr Mumford he really is out of my league.
We were on a really crap table number 7 If I remember, I held him for the first 30 minutes and had a 27 and a 29 in two visits before he turned on his top of the table games and knocked in 40,50,50,81 etc.
I scored 145 points he managed 300 so I did OK in the limited table time I had, A great day for me.
I finally met Robert Marshall who had a great 200 break with his new cue, he is such a calm modest chap he lost to Geoff Brassington who managed to run out with a 107 in the last 10miutes.
Wayne managed a win in the main draw, but Steve lost to Chris taylor but not by that much only 100 or so points, last time I played Chris he beat me by 300. A good day for all and a safe trip home.
All the crew were there quite a nice club tucked away on an industrial estate the table looked very nice and first round I drew out Dennis Marr. He is always in the top 16 so I knew it was a tough draw.
We set off and I had a few really nice flukes to get me going 4 if I remember rightly and I scored off each one much to Mathew Suttons amusement who was watching. We played for an hour the table was very difficult and I had to avoid playing with side other wise the balls over reacted every time. Dennis was also suffering from the table and with 5 minutes to go I was 40 in front. he got going and scored a really nice 40 to tie the match but left himself an unlucky double baulk which he failed to score off. The bell went and we had to play an additional 5 minutes.
He broke off and I won the string putting him in. He scored seven and I got in and made a nice 21 off the red and potted his ball along the way. I left him baulked but he left me on again I scored 5 before the bell went.
Certainly my best ever result against a player who is quite capable of massive breaks he had a 200 last year in an ABC and a 135 in the league over in Liverpool.
My next game was against Ron Agnew who is just such a tough player to beat, Managed to scrape a lead by potting and a little luck he came back strongly and for 30minute I never had a shot but at the end I got a nice 23 and a 29 to pull away before the bell went. Certainly happy with that result but not my next draw Mr Mumford he really is out of my league.
We were on a really crap table number 7 If I remember, I held him for the first 30 minutes and had a 27 and a 29 in two visits before he turned on his top of the table games and knocked in 40,50,50,81 etc.
I scored 145 points he managed 300 so I did OK in the limited table time I had, A great day for me.
I finally met Robert Marshall who had a great 200 break with his new cue, he is such a calm modest chap he lost to Geoff Brassington who managed to run out with a 107 in the last 10miutes.
Wayne managed a win in the main draw, but Steve lost to Chris taylor but not by that much only 100 or so points, last time I played Chris he beat me by 300. A good day for all and a safe trip home.
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