APA skill level 3: Identifying problems that prevent improvement. Part 2: Diagnosing Dale's game

American Poolplayers Association (APA) members often get stuck at different skill levels based in their amateur league and pool tournaments using the Equalizer handicap system or when looking at Fargorate. Players at a skill level of 3 in apa or a skill level of 250-350 in the FargoRate handicap system often have fundamental stroke flaws and make very common tactical errors. This video documents the play of two skill level 3 players in a 2-2 race at Jim's Place Billiards and Bar in Coldwater Michigan. PBIA Certified Instructor Jim Brauker follows the action to point out areas where the players need improvement. Pool players at various levels of skill in APA tend to have similar issues that they need to correct in order to improve their game. In this case, we are mainly looking at Dale White because he will be the subject of future instructional videos as we try to graduate him to a skill level 4 and higher. In this video, we observe both form issues and decision-making issues that are typical of skill-level 3 players attempting to make pool shots or win games. For example, even though Dale is pretty good at pocketing balls, his consistency is hampered by his foot placement and resultant trapping of his hand behind his chest. He just does not have enough room to freely stroke. And, like every Apa 3, he makes shot decisions that decrease his chances of winning the game. Please like, share and subscribe to this channel if you are interested in seeing what needs to be done to increase skill level in APA 8-ball. We will have teaching videos that go through stroke fundamentals, mistakes pool players make at various handicap levels, how to improve your game, and how to improve strategy, tactics, and your pool stroke. These suggestions often apply to 9-ball as well, especially regarding fundamental stroke dynamics or what we call an orthodox pool stroke.

[@godjhaka7376]

I love watching this. I never played tournaments and would never do APA or any league like it, but if I did APA they'd have to start me at an 8 or 9 LOL. That's just what shooting everyday, doing drills day in and day out, breaking for an hour or better for break practice, and staying down focused not playing others but playing yourself and these drills get you

[@robertbyington7715]

The issue is both these players don’t look at the table in terms of all makable shots they just lock on to the first shot they THINK they can make and that’s what they shoot. Just like the ball in hand why waste a BIH on a shot you can make in any pocket. BIH should only be used for balls you can’t get to any other way. One of the most important things I learned about ball in hand is knowing you can put the CB anywhere on the table count the number of pockets a particular ball can be made in and the low number is probably the ball to shoot.

[@garyclark6780]

can another player mark the 8 ball pocket for the shooter in 8 BALL, keep in mind the shooter has already taken a timeout.

[@colincolenso]

As an ex pro, this coach is delusional if he thinks shot lines are accurate from back of stance positions. Micro adjustments as bridge is placed are the accuracy factor required.

[@DrJimBioactive]

While I agree that micro-adjustments are absolutely essential for consistent play at a high level, we are dealing here with the fact that these players need to first do a macro-alignment. Stephanie is often missing by up to a full diamond because she is not standing back and looking at the line she needs to take and where she needs to place her feet. You cannot do micro adjustments when you have come down on the shot in such a matter that you are going to miss by a macro amount. From the point of view of a highly skilled player like you, it may seem that micro adjustments are the most important, but that is because you have already aligned yourself so well when you place your bridge only micro adjustments are necessary. But if you are coming down already badly out of alignment, micro adjustments will not accomplish much.

[@imanoobtuber]

care to go more in depth on that. trying to learn all i can.

[@jamesjohnson553]

She tried to make the 8 in the side, missed badly. What's a skill level 3, plays a rack without dropping their que? Missed very easy shots by a lot and displayed little ability to control placement of the que ball following shots. A level 1 must be really bad. He does seem much better.

[@JD-fx1np]

Maybe it was a bad night- just 2 matches - but she seems level 2 at best