APA 8-Ball Match SL5 vs SL4 | He May Run The Bar, But I Run This Table!

[@amphurst]

Avid, passionate player here, Mr. Stuckey. Any videos I see you release are always a breath of fresh air, man. A glimpse into the subcommunities of the billiards community abroad. You said something in this video that is the highlight of any amateur. "Table time." I'm only able to play on a weekly basis at this point, and soon none at all unfortunately due to career demands, I hope to live vicariously through you in the big leagues! Keep up the attention to your game!

[@a_canal]

Mike I wanted to say you have a natural knack for talking to the camera and being able to do soothing commentary. Something that separates you from the other pool content creators. Keep up the good work and thanks for trying to grow the sport!

[@mikestuckey]

man I appreciate that bro! Gonna do my best!

[@TrevorOFarrell]

Back at it with the draw ;), keep it up. Enjoying all the recent vids.

[@mikestuckey]

I can’t help myself haha

[@icastel01]

Great vid, Mike. I can see your game really developing over time!

[@mikestuckey]

Thanks my friend!

[@kevingrant4837]

My brother! Solid games! I really enjoy watching these armature/local league matches. Glad I discovered your channel.

[@mikestuckey]

bro! thanks! glad you found the channel!

[@chrisdarnell1758]

It was a fun match Mike!! Thank you, had a great time! I look forward to our next match!

[@mikestuckey]

Chris! Well thanks for letting me film there! This whole community has been built from my time competing in your bar haha. See ya around!

[@trippiekaii]

What’s up Mike! Love your content man thanks for dropping gems !💪🏾 your passion and insight for the sport even being a lower skill level inspires me to keep shooting and keep getting better🙌🏾💯

[@mikestuckey]

man that’s awesome to hear! as I commentate sometimes a little voice says “nobody wants to hear from no sl5 😂 but I really appreciate your sharing that with me. I love making videos man and I love pool so here it is! peace bro!

[@RobertCOVELL]

Thanks man, i appreciate you talking about filming tips on my comment! Your videos are getting super high quality and not that they werent from beggining, but seems like more creative editing now!

[@stanpi999]

Hi Mike, been watching a little while, Im mainly an English 8 ball player (from the UK), but you are part of what inspired me to learn American Pool. Also going to take your advice and record some of my practice as there isnt many American Pool leagues here. Just wanted to say thanks for the content and inspiration, keep it up ❤

[@mikestuckey]

Thats awesome to hear bro! Thanks for sharing!

[@SenseiNatePlaysPool]

Quick tip if you don't know...When you do the 2nd ball break, always check the rack to see if there are gaps to either side of the 8 ball. If there IS a gap, break the balls from the opposite side of the gap. The 8 ball will get much more movement. ;) Also keep in mind, you get many more clusters when you break that way, so it favors the player with better cueball control and pattern play. Keep it going Brotherman.💪Btw, the hair looks good.

[@mikestuckey]

Nate, thanks for chiming in! I need to check that rack, you're right. Good tips as always!

[@reellit956]

New here, your commentary is good keep it up.👍🏽

[@mikestuckey]

Thanks!! Welcome to the channel!

[@Ducci-the1st]

What up Mr Stuckey, another great video. Again, in case u forgot, it’s me Reagan

[@mikestuckey]

@@Ducci-the1st yo!!

[@Ducci-the1st]

@@mikestuckey I love your channel my brutha

[@Baseball3basketball3]

Loved the poker analogy bro. Keep up the good work.

[@mikestuckey]

thanks bro!!

[@habs4life41]

Have been sick last 2 weeks so no pool league 😢 your video gives me my pool fix haha thank you

[@mikestuckey]

get well soon brother! i’ll keep them coming.

[@cj-ef1rp]

I enjoyed the video. A single big change in your game I’d make: Stand behind the pocket line of each shot before you get down. Decide where the cue ball will stop. Then step into the shot and execute your smooth stroke. You get down and shoot too frequently without knowing what comes next (all while thinking, “I want to be there” instead of knowing where you will be.). Less skilled players rush to shoot. More experienced players shoot once they” know”. No harsh criticism, all love for you- ❤

[@mikestuckey]

I tried this tonight at 9ball league. Much better! I defeated a solid sl7! Thanks for the tips my friend!

[@SuperGreyfox99]

HI Mike yes i do the same focus on the cue ball much more than object. Helps me better understand if things go wrong what was the issue. Thanks dude for the vid

[@IBeThatG]

As for me, I’m locking in on my object ball before my final stroke rather than my cue ball. I’ve been told by many elite players that there is no wrong way to do it if you do vice versa however. I really enjoyed the video 🔥

[@mikestuckey]

Glad you enjoyed it! Today I started playing with my focus on the cue ball. Super interesting. Some shots it seems to be foolproof. But others, specifically longer shots, its tough!

[@IBeThatG]

@@mikestuckey it’s all trial and error! You’ll find your sweet spot and we will all have the pleasure of seeing the progress 💪🏾

[@mikestuckey]

@@IBeThatG yep!

[@mjg1185]

You're definitely right about pool being like poker. I've been reading "The Mental Game of Poker" and I am not a poker player at all but the concepts apply straight across to pool.

[@mikestuckey]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sterlingaugustine4783]

I am a 68 year old SL 4 in 8 ball and 9 ball. I have been playing for 6 years but I have zero consistency. Two weeks ago I started lessons and working with 2 very good players in my area. They have completely changed every aspect of my game and it is starting to get comfortable and clicking. I’m making more shots , especially long shots so it feels good.

[@mikestuckey]

yes sir! happy to hear! mental game is another big one for me. even being able to make most shots. I lose focus so easily.

[@sterlingaugustine4783]

@@mikestuckey I had my best every BCA night ever tonight. I am a 300 Fargo rating. I beat a 229 Fargo, 10-5, then I lost 10-7 to a 476 Fargo, thena 10-5 win over a 336 Fargo, then a 10-6 loss to a 395 Fargo, and finally a 10-7 win over a 413 Fargo. That is 43 out of a possible 50 point night. Wow!

[@mikestuckey]

@@sterlingaugustine4783 I don’t know how bca works but i’m excited with you! thanks for sharing!

[@anthonymoore986]

Back with another rack!

[@mikestuckey]

Yesssirrr

[@MD-vy9jb]

I appreciate the regular match video. You asked whether you fix on the cue ball or object ball. For me it's always object ball. If the rotation on the cue ball is simple, like a short distance stop shot or just "dead weight", I would check my tip when I'm at the tip-to-ball stage, then switch to object ball with my sight exclusively. If the shot has more tricky rotation, like a side with drag/follow or I'm having the cue ball on the cushion, I would go between object an cue ball a few times, focusing more on cue ball when I start the feathering, but switching 100% on the object ball when I'm about to pull for the stroke. I learned that at the final stroke, I need to trust my proper cue action to grant me the same rotation I aimed with at the beginning. I hope this makes sense :D

[@mikestuckey]

Yes very clear! Great insights bro! Thank you for sharing!

[@MD-vy9jb]

@@mikestuckey Thanks :) Being honest, focusing on the object ball was the main factor I significantly improved recently. Highly recommended. And now I am working on the basics again, like the stance, approach, cueing phases, etc., and it gives great results. Winter is ahead, which means more people in the pool halls, more practice :) Good luck on your next season and the Amateur cup qualifiers!

[@mikestuckey]

@MD-vy9jb thank so much! i’ll keep documenting it all here!! stay TUNEd!

[@johnbenavides213]

what does your recording set up look like? what camera do you use to record?

[@mikestuckey]

@@johnbenavides213 sony fx3 on a desk mount table stand. video coming next week!

[@TrevorOFarrell]

I get low enough to have the cue touching my chin, but I just keep my neck bent up to be able to look through my glasses.

[@hangmantim]

Well Mike I've done crossed over to the dark side finally went mirrorless. I ended up buying whole sony system A7iii plus A7iv with 70-200 GM, Viltrex 85mm f/1.8, Sony 200-600mm, Tampon 28-75 f/2.8 and a 50mm f/1.8

[@mikestuckey]

dang bro! thats a nice kit!! welcome to the dark side!!

[@dumbref1459]

Good stuff, Mike. Chris takes no time to setup and get his line. If he would back off the table and step into the shot it would benefit him greatly, imho.

[@mikestuckey]

you’re right!

[@dfynt1G]

Running racks is hard....good luck at bumpers i would say huntsvilles best shooters are prob at bumpers they have many bar tables and the most 9ft tables in our area at least 5 to maybe 8 9 footers i have not been there in a while. I follow beer prices and diamonds is my home.

[@mikestuckey]

Good intel. Thanks!

[@22nstewart]

How often do you practice? If not often i would suggest at least one hour a week. Only working on problem shots or areas you want to improve. Then shoot one rack at the end of practice to put it all together.

[@mikestuckey]

I definitely practice way more than that. I probably average 5 hrs a week. Like actually practicing. Of course I play a good bit each week too. Good suggestions my guy!

[@procrastinator6902]

5:41 Actually on the legal contact rule, ANY ball can hit the rail. It doesn't have to be the cue ball, object ball, or even one from your set.

[@mikestuckey]

Correct

[@procrastinator6902]

@@mikestuckey A minor additional detail, for sure, but I've had to have this conversation more than once during a match with opponents who thought that it had to specifically be the OB or CB to contact a rail for the shot to be legal.

[@ATown-ql2nj]

What time is the us amateur start on friday?

[@mikestuckey]

what up! 5pm registration, 5:45 players meeting, play begins at 6pm! I’ll see you there right?

[@Danks-vz5xz]

I hate that 2nd row break, always Headon break for me. That break always leaves clusters and is risk of scratching in the near corner. Not a fan.

[@stevinzeske5092]

No hate but I wish 4’s were this skill in my area…our 3’s run racks. Ranking system is bonkers here

[@LaVerdad65]

True. Im a 5/6 with around 500 fargo. This guy is between 400-425. Every game is like 6+ turns at the table

[@mikestuckey]

Im below 400 Fargo lol

[@michaelcooper9537]

What's the deal with the amateur open? Can anyone pre register that is active apa and compete?

[@mikestuckey]

Yes. That's all I did. I think... I got an email or something about it and it cost $50 to register. Google it though cause I just haven't looked into it much. I just want to win it!!

[@hangmantim]

When is the US amateur qualifier in Huntsville

[@mikestuckey]

this weekend!!

[@cj-ef1rp]

The only thing that matters is if the ball drops. It does not matter how… just like golf; they only count how many, not how. It’s time to take a break and devote time to thinking about why you are making certain choices. Your pattern play is suffering greatly. You should also get a few drills from Anthony to help you really understand the cue ball position. If you did, you would never had chosen certain shots this match. The natural tangent is ALWAYS the first choice. Only when you need to break-out or avoid a scratch/object ball should you alter the tangent. And full length draw shots are seldom a good choice for anyone under a Fargo 800. 🙄

[@mikestuckey]

haha @ the last statement. Makes sense! Great tips! Anthony set me straight. It's on me to follow through on all he taught me.

[@cj-ef1rp]

What’s really tricky about some of your videos is understanding the recorded date. You’re mixing in older videos after more recent videos. So when it looks like you’ve made huge progress in your game, you throw a curveball with an older version of you. This latest must be very recent given the changed up ‘do, but it would be great to put a chiron somewhere with the date the match was played. You do such an outstanding job with your editing, commentary, and content that it would be great to know where we are on your journey!

[@mikestuckey]

@cj-ef1rp so glad you said that. I really want every reason to NOT go back in time. But I have so many matches from before Anthony just waiting to be edited. It’s a real dilemma whether I should upload any of that stuff. There is definitely my trip to Orlando that I want to share.

[@cj-ef1rp]

@@mikestuckeywell it can add a dimension to your commentary to analyze what you did versus how you see it now. The single best value of filming yourself is to watch and see what you “missed” (and I’m not referring to balls you didn’t pocket).

[@mikestuckey]

@cj-ef1rp love this cj!

[@nnova319]

First!

[@mikestuckey]

@@nnova319 Haha! Never thought I’d get that type of comment here! You are indeed FIRST! The First of the “Firsts”

[@shortydancer]

Congrats champ 🎉

[@mikestuckey]

@shortydancer haha

[@shortydancer]

18:10 yo this looks like a double hit. All three balls moving at the same speed

[@shortydancer]

34:06 dude you gotta get some billiard glasses! Contact irritate my eyes especially after long hours. I agree with Nate. Billiard glasses are one of the best things i’ve bought. You can also use your HSA for them.

[@michaelblair1437]

Whats your Fargo

[@mikestuckey]

382

[@carlevanko2060]

Speed greatly impacts swerve. More speed swerves less than lower speed. The angle at which you hit the ball also affect swerve. Your angle looked ok but you just hit the ball way to hard.

[@mikestuckey]

man last night at league another guy was saying that too. i’m hitting too hard 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@LuisSalgado1993]

Hit me up man, I have some ideas on how to make your workflow better so youre not video to video, day to day or week to week.

[@mikestuckey]

you got me curious...

[@chrisblairphoto2175]

17:00 for me the percentage shot would be to pot the purple in the top left corner and use bottom right spin. This will throw the ball to the right cushion and then the bottom cushion with a shot on the 8 in the top left. It's a good shot to practice as this situation comes up quite a lot.

[@mikestuckey]

thats a good idea. Thanks!

[@LaVerdad65]

You dont play BCA bro? Imo playing APA literally makes you worse, and Im not being offensive, I mean it literally

[@mikestuckey]

I feel that. Right now it's the time with friends that leads the way. Itching to start BCA though!

[@TrevorOFarrell]

28:31 the one time you really needed to use draw you choose follow. 😂

[@mikestuckey]

🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@GarrethandPipa]

@28:43 you could have made it without a scratch but you over cut it. The better question is why you didn't cut it in the side and leave yourself easy even if you hit it hard and came out of 2 rails.

[@GarrethandPipa]

@17:23 why did you try and bank both top pockets were clear. If you shoot to the top right pocket its a easy leave where you wanted to be. Just a little top and easy.