Efren Reyes - His Stroke His Aiming Technique and Automatic Aiming

[@jonathangorman978]

I've been fascinated by Efren Reyes the player and the man. The biggest takeaway I attribute to his success especially early when coming to America, was how he practiced. Besides literally sleeping in pool halls from a really young age, he played a whole lot of carom billiards. By mastering this game, he had an unmatched ability to see and execute shots others couldnt or wouldn't attempt. Because carom billiards has no pockets, the primary skill to excel at carom billiards is pinpoint precision of where the cue ball goes before, during, and after the shot. Compare that to how the Americans practiced. They focused primarily on pocketing the object ball and getting into an area to pocket the next and so on. So what happened in a long match was that the American players would stumble when faced with extremely tough shots where a general area for the cue ball was not good enough. Efren on the other hand, would hit a kick shot, billiard shot, or safety shot that gave him a huge advantage. Obviously he was also a great shot maker too, but that needed skill translated more easily from his game than vice versa. I would say Efren literally changed the game of pool at the world class level in this way. It quickly became known these amazingly precise shots that were previously thought to be too risky or lucky, were not only deliberate, but less risky than other available shots most players would take. New generation's of players would need to learn these skills from early on. It kind of reminds me of how the jiu-jitsu perfected by the Brazilians changed mixed martial arts forever.

[@monica93304]

I admire everything about Efren, but his ability to snooker his opponent is probably my favority and it you definately nailed the reason that makes him great at it.

[@jasonamberson6794]

,

[@alejandrocongreso9267]

I'lollipop

[@rockyj2008]

@@monica93304 plus three cousin

[@rldabomb33]

just found out today on an Reyes interview that he had to play carrom for 5 years in the 70s because nobody wanted to play him in pool anymore and after 5 years nobody wanted to play him in Carrom also 😂 so he decided to go to the US and play pool again..

[@soleadoc8245]

I played some bank 9 with him in Tunica, Ms. He and Bustamante was playing one pocket against a couple of other guys and he was staying warmed up hitting them around with me. He was super nice and humble. It was an honor to have played with him.

[@Sharivari]

Such an important message for many players. Very well done video!

[@realfloumuzik8904]

Hey bro I watch all your vids ... lol 😆 didn't expect to see you here .

[@ZeroXBilliards]

Thanks Sharivari!

[@billiardholiconline6803]

Very true,and I'm one of the beneficiaries.

[@mr.s1961]

@@realfloumuzik8904 Hey bro I watch none of your vids... lol 😂 never expected to see you here!

[@roldatanir8520]

Thanks

[@kikimomikuto6689]

FUN FACT for everyone who never noticed this: Efren never double checks the contact point of object ball unlike most pro players even the top current ones. He only double checks the path of cueball for position or both CB and OB for safety. I'd like to thank you Tor for immortalizing Efren in this video. Also, I'd like to add that Efren is using a pivoting aiming system together with BHE much like what is now popularly called CTE. Filipino players who came from Efren's era (60s-80s) all uses this aiming system. If you've watched Efren personally and closely, you'll realized he is always doing a pivot whether up or down and left and right. It is very subtle so it will not show up in videos. Also the reason he puts the tip down touching the cloth is that it tells him he is aiming centered on the cueball. That extra stroke you pointed out is just to make sure his last stroke will go to point he intended. If you all happen to visit the Philippines, you will find a lot of good players in their 50s and above with that kind of stroke and aiming system. This also the reason why Efren never used a low deflection shaft and just a regular one and it should have a little flex.

[@johnmccloskey2904]

Thank u . Valuable insight!

[@sdickinson5234]

I noticed that before. He usually just gets up from his chair and walks straight to the cue ball and shoots, even on long tough shots.

[@christopherlanng4052]

Can you teach me the eye pattern of efren bata reyes Thank you

[@kylenavarra9522]

Hate to break it to you but he uses a precat right now lol

[@blueskye2912]

All I can say, is thank you sir. I play professionally, top 10 in my country, and sometimes I miss the most stupid of shots, also following my pre shot routine, everything perfect, except the execution. I spoke to my snooker couch about this problem and both of us struggled to grasp this problem. I will be showing him this video, and I will be buying your book. Really thank you and God bless you sir.

[@ZeroXBilliards]

Glad it helped! Tor

[@koeit7981]

Cap

[@thomaswallace7023]

I lived in the Philippines in the seventies. I learned how to play pool there. The loose grip players have was required back then because of the bad tables and high humidity. Unless you had a very loose grip, you were not moving the cue ball all over the table. And the funny wind up was common for most players to draw people into gambling. And the sidearm grip usually means a player started really young and never corrected it. Now that they have decent tables in the Philippines you’ll notice most of the young players have the more traditional stance, grip and stroking motion. As far as aiming systems, a lot of players aim and pocket balls at great consistency. I believe what separates Efren was his imagination and analytical skills.

[@someonesomewhere8406]

Yeah like Rodolfo Luat - sideways grip

[@paulletchworth2036]

Efren is such a great sport ,not only the greatest player , probably one of the best attitudes ever in the game of billiards

[@miltonturner2977]

As opposed to the many 'Drama Queens' playing the game...sometimes I want to smack them with the butt of my break cue...wouldn't want to damage my Meucci...

[@stephaniedelacruz227]

I enjoyed watching him play against Jim Rempe, both great and gentlemen

[@eddiesmurfy]

I must have watched over 100 hours of efren playing but never noticed this aspect of his game. The way Tor starts the video by talking about high level athletes "getting out of their own way" and letting the training and subconscious take over was a great way to segway into what he really wants to highlight which is efrens pre shot routine and stroke. Bravo Mr. Lowry!

[@stevejohnson7656]

except he didn't show ANYTHING about reyes's shooting!!!!!!

[@Jimmy984]

I recently came back to pool after 40 years. I had played snooker on a 6 x 12' as a kid and 8 ball in the bar on when I was in the Navy. Now retired I threw myself back into pool by consuming countless videos and playing a ton. I have to say that this is probably the best video that I've seen in order to advance quickly. I can't wait to get back to the pool hall today! Thank you!

[@Editor_Hound]

As an avid tennis player, I have to admit reading "The Inner game of tennis" by Tim Gallwey was a real eye opener! So much things we try to control and we always get stuck up on the outcome, that we forget that most of the time, the body already knows what has to be done in order to complete a stroke. But a lot of things of the conscious mind also dwells on the negatives, like "don't miss", "don't scratch", and so on, that it literally paralyzes us sometimes. "Being in the zone" is one of those feelings that cannot be put into words, you just have to feel it for yourself.

[@shaneburke4914]

Efren is also the epitome of what we refer to as a natural. He didn't purposfuly develop these skills techniques. Its all muscle memory.

[@ronparel9129]

i've always admired Efren Reyes' stroke, its very versatile, effortless, cleanly executed everytime.

[@joshfoss7407]

What a fantastic video, Tor. I think one of the things that has really held me back during my pool training is transitioning things to my subconscious mind. During our training I had about a dozen things going through my mind on every single shot and it was overwhelming and exhausting to the point where I would be missing shots that I was previously comfortable with and I totally lost my rhythm. It actually had a huge part in me putting down my stick entirely for at least a year. i just couldn't do it anymore. Interestingly enough, the first time I picked it back up, I ran out several half table patterns with correct position without even really thinking about it, and it makes sense that may be why. In my journey of playing guitar, it's very similar. You have to focus intently on details to be able to perform in the first place, but you can't do that when you're performing. I'll also have sessions where I practice and practice and don't get any better, but the next time I pick it up I can do things I couldn't the last session. I feel like this is something I knew all along, but I didn't realize it until just now. This is going to completely change how I approach my pool training. Thank you!

[@mack93936]

Subconscious and unconscious are not the same thing.

[@stevejohnson7656]

except the title of this was supposed to be about reyes's techniques!!!! not one actual word or clip about it tho!!!!!plenty about tiger woods THO!!!!!

[@motomarmot6544]

I cant say thank you enough for this video. I watched the video once and simply applied the stroking advice. I played last night in league and was able to pocket with confidence and my leaves were amazing, I listen to what you said in regards to playing more relaxed and let me subconscious mind work for me. I won both my matches in 8 and 9 ball more effortlessly. I'll keep watching this video and pick up your book.

[@miltonturner2977]

Once you know the mechanics of your shot coupled with your style, it eventually becomes instinctive. That is the way all sports are. Once you start over thinking your shots, you are ignoring your sub conscious instincts honed over many hours of play which are the most powerful innate skills you have. I hadn't thought about the way Efren does his shots with the last cue movement to stay relaxed so you don't tense up and blow your own shot by letting stress change your style... Great Video, Thanks!

[@Deep_Divers]

Another great video Tor. I found it enlightening at the 18 minute mark where you discuss that if you fail to visualize the path and only focus on where the cue ball should end up, you have a good chance of missing the shot but having the cue ball end up at the correct position. I don't know how many times after missing a shot, I or others have said, "Well I got the position I wanted but missed the shot."

[@jaredhamilton6913]

If one wishes to receive love, there is perhaps no worse path of obtaining it than playing pool. Fortunately, the love of the game is enough to keep people playing. People appear to love the top players, yet have many motivations to watch them. Perhaps they love watching more so than the player they watch. Efren Reyes is, was, and forever shall be the gentlest player capable of world-dominating beast mode. The humblest champion who never once attributed his accolades to himself. And who remained a student while annihilating world champions. The Grace of his tip striking the cue ball is only matched by the Grace of his character and sportsmanship. His presence in the game was perhaps the greatest blessing the sport has received in this millennium-not to omit the fact that he was a dominating force in the prior one. Thank-you, we love you, and may your golden years fill you with the joy you brought to us all. It was us, not you, who truly “got lucky”. Love you, brother.

[@jasondoroin2927]

Wow

[@joepepevaldez1683]

Wiw! Very nice comments 👍

[@JoseMan0981]

wow

[@dryclimateutah]

This is probably the best video I've seen regarding stroke technique. I've paid hundreds of dollars for lessons and my instructor said something about my stroke... like I need a rhythm to it or something... because I would pause and then back stroke and pause then come forward. But just because someone points something out, it doesn't tell me what I need to change or how to fix it. Just this past week, I watched this video and tried to replicate the extra stroke motion that Tor explains while demonstrating it with Efren's shots. At first, it felt unnatural and I was missing shots I normally wouldn't miss. But after just a few days of practicing this stroke while playing with some friends, I'm making shots that I normally wouldn't make. Let's just say, they didn't have much fun or have nearly as much playing time today as I did. Thank you Tor for this insight into Efren's game and his ability. I'm not ready to take on the pros quite yet, but I feel like I have a path to get there now. I'm hoping I can take my APA level up from a 6 to a 7 when I start playing league again.

[@valentine1531]

This Man Efrem Reyes is Legend and becoming a Myth. His story is so amazing that it will be talked about for generations.

[@stevejohnson7656]

but this video has NO information about reyes!! none!!! just lame and impotent ranting from some dufus!!!!

[@shardanette1]

Thanks so much for covering Efren's extra stroke. I've wondered why no other players I've seen, from top pros or amateurs, do it, considering the best player on the planet uses it. I've tried it, and found it helps with my generally poor cue ball control. As you said, it takes some practice, but when I play a lot and can practice it, it really is helpful. And I assumed it was because it kept me a little looser, but I hadn't compared it to a golf waggle. That makes sense.

[@hardtimesbbq5265]

The waggle, love it, that tensing up has wrecked many a shots for me, I developed my own process to address this once I realized that was happening to me; funny enough I think the problem of getting tense was from being too rigid in trying to have "perfect" fundamentals, actually very detrimental for me.

[@stephaniedelacruz227]

Efren Reyes, the biggest name in the game.. All his opponents learned from him, and it's not even a hearsay.. Simply the GOAT

[@jackmichalsky9878]

This is exactly my way of play. I was always wondering why I’m playing different than my friends. When pressure started I tried to get super focused and in the end I was performing bad in major events. Thank you Tor, now I know I should go this path and my style is something normal 💪💪💪

[@demetrionajera1903]

Great video, this is probably one of very few videos that I actually sat and watched the whole thing. Very in-depth with explaining everything. I’m at work, and I gotta tell you I as I was watching this I immediately wanted to pick my cues up and put in a practice session.

[@stevejohnson7656]

except the title promised info about reyes's playing techniques!!!! which there was NONE!!!! just some random nobodies bs about golf and other nonsense!!!!!CLICKBAIT!!!!

[@ericbmusic]

This just summarized exactly what i've been trying to put together for awhile now. Another great video! thank you for all your hard work.

[@johncummings9446]

As always Tor very well produced. Thanks for the reminders. I'll try to get out of my way and let the shot happen. All is well here and I hope the last couple of years have been kind to you and yours. :)

[@D.H.1987]

Great video! The first 15 minutes are worth to be a seperate video that all poolplayers, young or old, beginner or experienced, needs to watch!! 👍👌💪

[@sabrewolf479]

Brilliant. I deeply appreciate the decades of work and mastery that it took to create a video like this. You've made me want to give pool another chance. I now understand why I stalled out and gave up on myself.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

It's great to hear you're experience on the conscious / subconscious division necessary for great pool. I use to be all subconscious pool player when I was in my 20's, now I'm really going after my fundamentals and my game has fallen apart, but after I get good muscle memory I will start these position drills. thanks 🙏 for the great lessons to work on.

[@sargentomor4019]

I must say that is the most important and helpful video about pool i found out there. Since i´ve started to use the same stroke as Efren uses my game improve a LOT. Thank you very much for uploading this content

[@OffGridMadMan]

Iv experienced this trance state playing snooker and have managed a 52 and 54 break plus many others in the 30's and 40's. This may not be very impressive but I consider myself an 8 ball pool player and am much better at pool. I'm getting an English 7x4 foot pool table in my house this week after not playing for 15 years. Iv been binging pool videos but this one has shown me that I don't need to focus on basics that are 2nd nature but rather just practice a lot in an attempt to get that magical "feel" back. Thank you for this video Tor, it's been priceless for me as I begin my new journey! 🙌

[@andrewbobak6894]

Very interesting concept. The pool "waggle" before your backstroke to release tension and stay loose.

[@seeenur]

Excellent video, Tor. I watch tons of training videos and a lot of yours, but this is particularly helpful because I can take this advice and use it on the table. I have a league game tonight so I'm going to focus on the mental game as well as cue ball control. Thank you!

[@stevejohnson7656]

except there was NOTHING about reyes's methods!!!!!! zero,zilch,squat!!!!!just clickbait to the MAX!!!

[@darkhelmet4279]

I watch alot of your videos and I can pick up something from all of them. This along with your Mental System book has helped my game the most by far. Thank you!

[@TheBilliardCorner]

You're making me rethink my game. Been watching you for years, keep up the great work.

[@billiardholiconline6803]

Awesome analysis and explanation. Just what I needed to know. You're so right! Positioning will tell us how to execute the shot correctly(well,based on the level we are at the game.) I knew that subconsciously. 🤭

[@mr.s1961]

it's so sad how many players just try to pot balls before they even learn stroke and position. The only good is it's easy to hustle and beat about 99% of your average person who consider themselves good at pool

[@dibber43]

THE greatest pool player to ever play professional pool...Efren "The Magician" Reyes The 🐐

[@paullaney3339]

I really like Earl as well. I know he can be super extra sometimes but his talent is undeniable!

[@robertl9136]

Very powerful message on video indeed. I believe it's also important to note that to be a strong player, one should under go Pool stages. First being fundamentals (stance, grip, strokes, etc), then once those are mastered, move on since those are instilled into you. At some point, it will be as if u don't even think of them when executing. When u now on stage of focusing on cue ball control, the mind adjust important things required (baseline, aiming point, speed, etc) but still using what has learnt through fundamentals. Of course certain things from fundamentals tend to change as you progress to advance stages which I believe it's normal.

[@JV-xi9gz]

This might be the greatest video fir anyone struggling to get over a certain hump. I always thought my memory was horrible when I would play other people and they would be able to remember every shot of the rack and I couldn’t even remember a shot from 2 shots ago. I just end up in a state of auto-pilot. I do not go out and do drills or practice. I just play. My friends who spend countless hours practicing are at an even level with me. I always wondered why. Now I see that they struggle with not being in an auto pilot mode and that’s what holds them back. While I don’t practice at all I can play at the same level as I am in an autopilot mode.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

This ia such an important video and little known by many mid range players searching for that way to improve. I was capable of this skill and didn't know it. My game picked up from incorporating this, and i miss far fewer balls now a days. Thx Tor! HEY PLAYERS: Dont move a muscle once you go down on whitey!! Its Amazing!!

[@SurgeCess]

I just started playing pool at age 41 and I really want to learn about the history and the best players. This video is a great place to start.

[@paullaney3339]

AWESOME VIDEO! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INFORMATION! I've been playing on pure talent but now I'm trying to be more technically sound!

[@luloffadam]

I needed this Video, great timing. Thank you for making it!

[@slumerican6663]

been shooting for a year now and noticed the cue ball will normally go where i need it without using english, this came from watching a lot of people try to force the ball somewhere they want. now i know why! thanks for the awesome video

[@ernestofarre240]

Thank you for this video, Tor. Have recently picked up my cue after a 5 year break (work & health related) and tried to get the basics back. I remember that I played better before, and try to "list down" things I need to do consciously. Only after watching this video I realized that that maybe the problem, because I then remembered how my play used to be - not thinking that much and just visualize where the cue ball should go next. Will definitely try to put this mindset on my next pool session, and subscribed for more good advice. Again, thank you very much! p.s.: also didn't notice about Efren's stroke until you pointed it out - and he's my favorite player to watch! Will slowly try to incorporate that as well. 👍

[@miltonturner2977]

I've done the same thing and finally realized I was over analyzing every shot. I had to learn the techniques in this video to get my game back. Now I'm shooting an 870 average reliably...

[@salsabil44]

Excellent video. I remember the first time I experienced being in the zone, about 25 years ago playing pool with some friends one Friday night. I ran three racks of 8-ball one after another, and after I finally missed it was like emerging from a trance, and I couldn´t recall one shot. Unfortunately those times don´t usually last more than one game these days. Mental visualisation is all important but what you say about practice is also true. Without practice the subconscious doesn´t have the stored memories to use for auto-pilot. It´s funny you talking about the Waggle, I´ve always thought Efren´s cue action is unique because he almost has a little wiggle of the cue before the final strike, unlike any other pro I´ve watched.

[@miltonturner2977]

I had a similar issue until I realized distractions were making me not shoot my best. Once I learned to not shoot until the distraction passed and wasn't a distracting me, I did much better.

[@supachaiklai-amorn9253]

Thank you for making this vdo. One of my eye opening lesson. I learned a lot looking forward to apply in my game.

[@richardtharp1608]

Best Video I have Ever Seen (after a Million previous Golf Videos) .. This Video Fully Describes "The Zone", and HOW to Practice TO MAKE "In the Zone Play" More Automatic and Natural.. This Video WILL HELP You in All Games which Benefit from Natural Ability USE, Without Thinking About your Procedure and Nervously Screwing Up your Successful Completion of the Intended Outcome.. Thanks

[@afrodrift2]

I fall into a subconscious trance every now and again with pool but when it comes to drifting I fall into it every time. It's a wonderful feeling

[@pkrbrad]

Great video. Timothy Gallwey's bestselling book The Inner Game of Tennis was all about trusting your subconscious to make the shot. Must be Tiger woods approach. This is the closest I've found to The inner game of pool. I am looking forward to experimenting with the waggle. Thanks for the video.

[@kilroy1964]

As a circus arts instructor\performer, I am very familiar with transitioning skills to the subconscious. Students often ask me at what point they have actually mastered a skill. I reply with, "when you can take it one step further". The point is, in order to make the trick harder you've got to have the basics down to your subconscious. In pool terms this could be, once you are good at pocketing a shot, playing for position as well, would require the basic shot to be subconscious. Here's the problem though: In pool pocketing plus position is all there is! So to make this process subconscious (using my method) you'd have to create an artificial extension to the skill. An example would be doing a mathematical calculation while you set up and execute a shot. This would force you to use most of your conscious effort on the math rather than the shot, thus forcing you to set up the shot subconsciously. Great vid and hope you like my input. Give it a try!

[@stevecampana9876]

Excellent video Especially the ideas for deliberate training. Well done. Steve

[@thangs]

A little off topic here but this video also reminded me why Rempe is one of my favorite players.

[@godfreud]

This can help me very well since I just started playing pool and It gave me a very interesting feeling of pressure and pleasure. Pool may look simple but playing it makes it actually hard when you are just starting up. Anyway, this is a good lesson for me to improve my game. KUDOS TO YOU GUYS!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!

[@andreathomas8130]

I’ve been in a slump and now I know why. A million thanks. Makes so much sense.

[@brianshaffer810]

Love your stuff tor I'm learning a ton bro thank you for your page.

[@michaelwenger2634]

Tor, I really appreciate your videos! Do you still do the 14 day programs?

[@zanethind]

I'll always say it Efren and Earl are the best rivals to ever meet and shoot pool. Good friends and better enemies

[@ajjddevine]

you are 'the man'! I seem to pull up one of your coaching videos that usually deals with one of the issues I'm having at the time. you're the best! thank you!

[@simplelangperorock]

Great presentation. Very true if you played enough pool or any sports… this is really true! Great job thinking about this.

[@kellyplumb3100]

Really enjoy your videos, learning how to, then practice... thank you 💙

[@InBobWeTrust]

This is exactly what I needed right now! My game is at the point where I just need to learn how to channel being "in the zone"

[@raymondphillips7107]

One of the best instruction videos I’ve ever seen! Thank you 👍🏻

[@mrfrano100]

Excellent video. Your knowledge and insight is amazing

[@alextavarez6816]

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen, with an in-depth analysis of Efren’s unique playing style. Tor, you look like you’re using a thin shaft for shot demonstrations. What is the diameter of the shaft you’re using, is it 11.75mm?

[@ZeroXBilliards]

Hi, yes, around 11.75

[@InterWebGuy99]

Excellent analysis of Efren's stroke and how it could be incorporated to improve your aiming and subconscious pool repertoire. New Sub.

[@stevejohnson7656]

whaaat!! zero analysis of Efren's stroke!!!!! the title is PURE clickbait!!!! disgusting, just lame and impotent ranting from a wannabe!!! total waste of time!!!!

[@ethanletzer3507]

I learned a ton, great vid!

[@WolfVdME]

I've been in a Lanny Bassham course. Used to shoot on a University Rifle Team with his son.

[@raelynnclinard]

I have a little short pump I do before striking the ball after my warmup strokes. If i don't do that on harder shots, I'm more likely to miss. I love that I already do everything you talked about in the video, though!

[@christopherjessngo629]

as always you have a very keen eye love your take on this video ❤❤

[@Minifridge147]

This is an excellent video your mind control is more important then anything else. In all sports actually. There are different ways to hit each shot and like you said don't clog your brain. That is my problem you have to just visualize the shot block out the rest a very good tip is to do your practice stroke as your looking at the shot start eliminating things you cant do everything as your down on the shot. I am comparing this to tennis when running up to a shot I could do a high top spin a flat shot a drop shot and when I get up to it my brain is confused because I had so many ways to hit it that I hit it into the middle of the net It drives me crazy. In my case I stop trying to have a million ways to hit it and stick to a couple. One more thing I do is I am swinging the racket and my brain like changes it in the middle of my shot Excellent video Tor.

[@christopherlanng4052]

What is the eye pattern of efren please teach me thank you

[@davidarchuleta8446]

Excellent video Mr Lowry , Thank You !

[@mixingdude]

Most excellent video, Tor!

[@MrSegopa]

This highly important for us pool players to know and learn from it cause it consists of most important as subconscious mindset & conscious mindset always not being differentiated by player. Thanks again for this information and successful helping us to be able execution of the mindset of subconscious mindset, automatic cueing. 💖 Adore this a lot my Master Tow Lowry. 🙏🏼

[@ianwatkins6202]

Great video Tor! Best wishes to you from the UK 😊Ian

[@pique3124]

Thank you for the informative video! I've started learning efrens "double feather" for the last stroke. My question is, where do you think Efren keeps his eyes during the last feather? Is it on the cue ball or the object ball?

[@pique3124]

I mean practice strokes

[@es-punktegal3631]

Awesome Stuff Mr. Lowry :) Thank you so much ! Greetings from Berlin

[@DawesSoccer]

I liked this Tor..great reminder about the "subconscious" yet use "conscious awareness". Got to.. "Let it happen" Thank you for sharing.

[@sbklvs]

"Pleasures of small motions" talks about conscious and subconscious. I'm curious to see what you have to say differently in your book Mr. Tor. I love your videos.

[@simpleyvic]

It's like he's talking.. DIRECTLY TO ME. My goodness, Tor, you're amazing..

[@mack93936]

Great video how to get in the zone while eliminating distractions.

[@redbeardthepink4809]

It's kinda funny that I'm seeing this today. Just last night I was out practicing, and at some point I just stopped thinking or trying to aim, and I immediately started running balls just by looking at the object ball, deciding where it needed to go, and then stroking at it. A lot of the time I wouldn't even glance at the cueball while sliding up or shooting. I've been struggling to really get a handle back on the game, and I had to chuckle when I realized how hard I've been making it on myself 😂

[@andrewnajar8755]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@briggs13a]

these guys have a great natural eye.They play so much they know how to make a shot like a picture from before,they dont aim,they dont need to

[@robertbrowning443]

Great video like always... He just has the great ability to never flinch...Nothen rattles that mind of his... He just wins!

[@jamesdavis8731]

As someone that has seen Efren play up close and personal many times in local bars and pool halls in Manila, there is no doubt Efren has a unique stroke. I don't think anyone would purposely teach the stroke that Efren has, but it works great for him. Even at an older age he is still very fluid and makes tough shots look routine. Watching guys like Efren and Bustamante up close is a thing to behold.

[@MrJdsenior]

What often blows my mind when I watch him is the action he gets off what looks like low cue speed in the stroke. I guess it is just another aspect of his magic, but he always seems to effortlessly produce it when necessary. And yeah, the top pros, of which there seem to be a lot more now that play on virtually even levels than in the past, are definitely pool 'gods'. Now when I watch, with basically any of the top twenty or more a threat to be the overall winner at any given tournament, quite different than some previous times were guys like Segal, Strickland, or Varner seemed to be almost untouchable for a short time, by comparison. The most extreme example I can recall was Strickland, where in one tournament I saw nobody even remotely challenge him, in ANY of the games he played. I think the best player against him got something like half the required match win number. There are currently the SVB/Pagulayan/Shaw/Filler/Ko, and many others crowd at tip top form fairly consistently. Just my take. Could be some senior moment stuff creeping in. 🙂

[@noxolotshabangu8055]

He’s great. I’ve only just discovered his amazing play.

[@FineTvframes]

I like the subconscious take on this. Reminds me of the book The Monk...Good video

[@brett6314]

This is best for players that already have a good comfort with cue ball control. I'm still figuring out how to be be better at using all the tools to move the ball around.

[@trumanhw]

@15:53 .... the site picture is going to over-cut the ball unless they have a very stiff shaft which deflects it more than most (or they hit it hard which'd exacerbate the deflection and provide no time for the swerve-back to the stroke line).

[@FloydMaxwell]

Excellent video

[@MrJdsenior]

Great stuff, as always, AND....I STILL have a problem visualizing the path to the next ball especially on some types of shots, and sometimes horribly miss-hit it, usually by English misread or general stupid path choice more than touch, but it happens both ways. It is by far the weakest element of my game. I am reasonably good at getting through six or seven balls (I play more eight than rotation, but when I practice rotation, at least out to four five and sometimes even six rotationally ghost played randomly thrown balls, I get through them well over 50%) and then snookering myself or getting worst case wrong side on the last one or two, even when a good player might have trouble TRYING to hit that small area to 'accomplish' that, ie. when most of the table is available for that shot with easy access to the last or penultimate ball. It is beyond frustrating. I am quite certain that some time with you would vastly improve my game. Shooting is not remotely my major problem, at least it wasn't before the year long plus layoff from COVID. In fact, because of my often lousy positional play I have learned to make low percentage shots where the really good players just shake their heads, like significantly greater than 90 degree shots off the rail, or shots that require me to aim the stick way off line to generate absurd amount of English, or decent percentage at 50 yard line short cross sides to the relevant pocket. I'm talking 30 degrees cue stick offline shots on very rare occasions, to get the ridiculous amount of spin I need because I am so horribly out of position, the kind of spin it takes to get 45 degrees or more off the rail. I even did these type shots once three shots in a row, to the point where one of our top amateurs, a guy who is fairly likely to run out almost every time he steps to the table, shook his head on the second one, and actually laughed on the third. Yeah, the obvious. Stop and learn the paths, moron. For some strange reason I seem to have a mental block against it, and I am not an idiot. I fully understand tangent non rolling and the 30 degree rule rolling, which makes it even more absurd. It really seems to me like the more important position is at the end of a match where I desperately need that game, the more likely I am to just make a total cluster*** out of it. Maybe I am just destined to continue on as a middle/upper middle level league player. Another weird and unrelated fact. Getting down for a shot the first time after the lay off it felt downright alien being down on my first shot. Not something I would have ever predicted. Maybe I'm just weird.

[@MarCo-nv6tz]

Nice words. Your emotion and struggle shows the beauty of the game. Salutes from Europe.

[@garrykimovich]

I had the pleasure of watching Efren for many years when he would hang out playing pool and chess at Hard Times (now closed) in Bellflower, CA. I even gambled against him once, he gave me the 5 out lol, and I won the race to 7 for $100. Efren is the greatest ever in cueball control and kicking skill, but his one big weakness was his break. If he had a better break he would've won many more 9-ball tournaments.

[@josefermalino461]

Awesome video ❤

[@jesserice9100]

Nice video. Unfortunately, I believe the days of the flow player are behind us. Efren and Earl are two of the greatest, Mika as well. However, with the top players like Gorst taking so much time to shoot every single shot, their laboring styles will be mimicked by up and coming players more and more.

[@williamsheppard8738]

Well just like everything else I was already doing that an someone who I looked up to told me not to that it was wrong so I stopped and then I started missing a lot of shots and then I started hanging up balls more an more because I was overwhelmed by over thinking everything so people started telling me man you fail off but I thought they were crazy because I my mind I was playing better than ever before but it was only showing up when I was just playing for fun or playing the ghost now I understand what has happened to my game thank you so much for this video

[@ceelee5850]

Efren Reyes is the #GOAT

[@josephgardner3208]

I notice that when visualizing the shot for cue ball placement. the speed and spin necessary for placement may very depending on the table conditions. however if you trust your stroke and fundamentals my subconscious mind will adapt on its own. i just need to spend roughly 30 minutes for the adjustment to occur.

[@sachinrane2770]

he didnt explain efren's aiming system! I guess Efren and SVB use the same aiming technique.