How To Avoid Common Beginner and Advanced Mistakes in Pool - (Free Pool Lessons)

[@FXBilliards]

Visit us at www.FXBTV.com

[@christopherweick5903]

There’s never ever been a time where I thought to myself “Oh, I don’t need the bridge” and it’s worked out in my favor lol

[@FXBilliards]

That’s good to hear. Thanks for watching.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

The ball in hand then not taking out a cluster or problem situation, is so common 👍🏻 GOOD STUFF Bryan!

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you, sir - have a great day

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@FXBilliards U2 👍🏻

[@pleclerc1]

Great video, glad to report that my game has improved so much in the last 6 months that I was already doing most of these...thanks to you and Niels Aka The Terminator, you guys rock for sharing your knowledge like this.

[@FXBilliards]

Great to hear! Thank you very much

[@robertbell6230]

Listen to this man, you’ll improve. Always appreciate tough love.

[@FXBilliards]

I’m grateful that you watched my video. And thank you so much for your comments.

[@jimmyday9634]

I like the tip you gave on keeping your shots left handed or right depending on how you shoot..i never have taken a behind the back shot, its sloppy to me..knowing that I can hit the shot with either stance helps me with shot angles and true vision of the table at the time..one love for your help and knowledge..rack on🎱

[@zekragash4294]

@@jimmyday9634 Something that took a while to settle into my brain. I'm starting to think about it more and more.

[@gordonsmith4039]

@@jimmyday9634 agreed. I've never liked those "trick" shots. Saw Ronnie switch hands at will and started doing it too. Still not perfect, but it's getting better. I have a lot more confidence in it now than I used to.

[@nicholaswilliams8470]

That last one. The opposite is also true as far as watching good players. I took a break for a year and a half because of health reasons. But i watched alot of pro matches with Shane, Dennis, etc. When I went back to shooting leauge, I was a better player on day 1. Hadn't picked up a stick in a year and a half. Great share 💯

[@FXBilliards]

Positive performance contagion!

[@GarrethandPipa]

What I was taught from the very beginning was analysing the table is critical as a general rule. Solving problems of clusters, balls on the short rail and long rail and blocked pockets. I have seen so many players who can shoot the lights out but leave so poorly that them finishing the run out is practically impossible. Players generally give no thought to defence until they are already screwed. When at the outset they should have known that the odds of running out to be incredible low and when they should be playing a defensive shot to there advantage. In many of the tournaments I play in I am often asked how I beat people 200+ fargos or SL in the APA ahead of me. I say pool is about controlling the table not pocketing balls. Learning when to play defence is a critical component especial if you can't run out a rack. As an example my wife was a SL 2 for 6 years she took lessons from Bryan for around 6 months. He helped teach her the basics to pattern play. While I worked on her selecting when to defence. Within that 6 months and the next 3 she was moved to a 3 then a 4.

[@NSSB75]

The most often mistake I see always in our german leagues is, players go down to make a shot as a follow shot. But once the are down they change their mind and they play a draw shot - without concentrating and without standing up to get the new focus for the other idea

[@zanethind]

Yeah I know how must feel😂. I do the same thing sometimes

[@suttonallen1]

Another variation of this is getting down on the shot, then it doesn't feel right for some reason (you lose focus, your weight is shifted the wrong way, etc), and instead of standing up and starting over, you shoot it anyway and miss.

[@oskarsaks3240]

That's a good one. I felt significant improvement in my game once I realized how vital it is to have a solid plan BEFORE you go down for a shot. It can be very difficult when you have a thin cut or a lot of obstacles ahead of the cue ball path, which will likely make you lose the cue ball. And that's exactly when it's the most important time to have a solid plan, even though you're unsure of what is going to happen. If you're messing around, adjusting your English/draw/follow (let alone changing your mind from one to the other) you are subconsciously showing lack of confidence and are likely missing the shot. And even if you do make it, position probably won't be ideal.

[@brianlachman9454]

One that I see alot, I used to fall victim myself, is getting angry while playing. If you get angry you don’t shoot well and you’re not having fun. I don’t get mad anymore, I try to learn from my mistake and move on.

[@r.l.m.8206]

Thanks for another lesson!

[@FXBilliards]

My pleasure!

[@zekragash4294]

Why are people leaving their phones on the table? I would call that out before I got down on a shot. Don't rules say you can not use a marker?

[@tiendoan6417]

Hey brian, i have blue diamond chalk and i noticed that at my pool hall the cueball keep getting marks on it so fast, is it my chalk or the cueball is an issue? I noticed that after it get super dirty, the shot really go all over the place lol.is there such thing as overchalking?

[@FXBilliards]

BD is very dirty chalk. It gets all over everything. This is one reason we use premium chalks like Taom and Predator Pure. And yes, you might need to clean the cue ball off often with some chalks.

[@patriciajrs46]

Are you capable of demonstrating the Z shot? Efren's bank shots are truly terrific. Thanks for this video about many mistakes. We need them.

[@FXBilliards]

I could demonstrate it, but it would be a lot of luck involved. And being a one in a lifetime type shot, maybe not the best use of any of our time - as always, thanks for watching

[@daviddicicco171]

Bryan droppin jewels again. 💯📈📈📈Super valuable stuff here. Glad to part of the channel. ✌️

[@FXBilliards]

Appreciate it! You guys are the best

[@briaunisreal3405]

I just found my favorite pool channel. I'm watching ALL of your videos!

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

Always fantastic tips! Great Channel!

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you like them!

[@glockasauruswrex6362]

on your last tip...I got that lesson shooting Trap! One guy misses...the whole line would miss! I'd just listen til the guy next to me shot then look up. In pool tho, I'm tryin g to read my opponent. I'm watching to see how they approach a shot, can they cut or do a stop shot or get shape like they should? That info is key in a match.

[@blainemetal]

I think you do a great job helping others with these videos. Thank you.

[@FXBilliards]

I’m grateful that you watched my video. I appreciate your comments.

[@nvpoolshooter]

This is good stuff. #16: Don't always shoot the easiest shot on the table. That may be your last shot because you have no position for the next shot.

[@rossdon3084]

Hi Brian. Lots of good stuff. I learned how to play off hand when i was a kid on my dads Snooker table. Now i play pretty good with my off hand. When i teach i always let my students know how important it is to learn to play with your off hand. Also when i am struggling playing right handed i switch to my left hand, doing this makes me focus on what i am doing an usually i find out what i was doing wrong with my left hand. anyway good points all around. i like your videos. Don.

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff

[@kevingrant4837]

Biggest thing that i learned was to play safety shots instead of going offensive all the time. Still need to work on safeties though lol

[@kpayne2911]

Another great lesson. I need to shoot more safeties. Would have helped me Friday night. Lesson learned.

[@FXBilliards]

Join the club -most people don’t play enough safeties. Thanks for sharing.

[@ministerofmotivation]

Appreciate you Coach!!!

[@theleftwich1]

I have a theory that walking the table and viewing it from different angles helps your brain construct its internal 3d spatial map of the balls and table much better. I noticed that I make more shots when take the time to look at the shot from more than one angle, even if it's a shot that looks really clear from behind the cue ball.

[@bobfish3176]

Valid points!

[@garytomasetti1403]

Great content - walking the table is HUGE for me -I catch little things as I walk around. Ball in hand was another great point - Use it to solve problems!

[@FXBilliards]

Absolutely!

[@ronschaefer3320]

Brian, on the last item you mentioned to not watch week players, however, you should have also mentioned to watch matches between higher level players. As an APA team captain, it drives me crazy to see our low level players staring at their phones when higher level players are playing. Then they wonder why they don't see all available shots and safeties. P.s. Thanks for all the outstanding videos. ~ Ron

[@FXBilliards]

This is a good point because positive performance contagion is absolutely a real thing.

[@mikestuckey]

very helpful Brian!

[@FXBilliards]

Glad to hear it!

[@kevinjackson4729]

VERY GOOD POINTS AND INFO I WILL WATCH AGAIN... THANK YOU

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stanblauvelt975]

Hey Brian you are right I do the opposite be for my match I will watch good players. I find it helpful 👍, great info .

[@FXBilliards]

Glad to help

[@ChannelStarface]

miss you boss... Should start lessons soon after this hurricane fiasco. BTW I made it to APA 5!

[@FXBilliards]

Good job moving up and I’m here when you’re ready. Your slot is open.

[@kenperkins2046]

love this video thanks B

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Mike01212]

One more..,. Not keeping a dairy or notepad to jot down what mistakes you may have made during a match. I review my notes through the week and work on those issues that may have given me problem…always something !!!,

[@NH_RSA__]

Can relate to the last one. Playing low players is difficult as I tend to play down to their level. Can't stop it. Frustrating. Any advice?

[@zaziedabeast9692]

Great video

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for the visit

[@wonziba2122]

You’re the Denzel Washington of pool. I always think of that when I see you but your lecture about using the bridge, was straight out of The Equalizer 😂

[@farooqui24ify]

Could you do a video on positional shots from a ball in the jaws of a pocket?

[@FXBilliards]

You’ve done a couple videos on getting position from pocket hangers

[@farooqui24ify]

👍

[@dougquara6302]

Slow-rolling shots: plenty can go wrong, from ball roll-off to decelerating the cue right before contact with the CB. Learn to hit with more authority. Take paths where maybe a few more inches or feet of CB travel gets the same shape but is accomplished with a firm stroke (such as following and bouncing off a cushion instead of stopping the CB before cushion contact.) Another example is learning the stun run-through instead of the slow roll. Yet another example is the drag shot where cue speed is firm but CB speed is slowed with backspin that wears off instead of slow-rolling.

[@Travis-xe9mk]

Your last comment, on watching bad players. I agree with you. However, I also think there's something to be said for being a good teammate on an APA team. I guess I'd say don't always watch bad players play. At the same time, don't make it a point to always walk away when a certain low lvl player is up to shoot.

[@FXBilliards]

Coaching, your lower players can be done on demand. You don’t have to watch them play to be available for timeouts. And unfortunately, the majority of people watching only deliver bad advice anyway. Nevertheless, sometimes you cant avoid watching the games

[@kb3170]

Well said

[@FXBilliards]

Your views mean a lot to me. Thanks

[@Bridog217]

Question in regard to the safety part. One of my SL3 on my 8-ball team called a time out. She had 2 of her balls left, options were to make a fairly easy shot and hope for better shape on the not so easy, but makeable shot, or play a safety. I recalled you saying, for lower SL's, make balls. Don't play safeties unless you have no other option. Can you clarify that a bit for me please. I have been telling my lower SL's for a while now, don't get bogged down in strategy too much, just make balls.

[@FXBilliards]

Every question like this has the same answer- who are you playing? If she’s playing a six or seven you play a safety- if she’s playing a two or three just get your balls off the table they don’t run balls.

[@craigkendall1754]

For a while I would mark the pocket with my AirPods case. That white case was drawing my attention too much. Now I use my vehicle's key fob or a joint protector and have had better luck. Those pocket markers you can buy just seem like too much for me.

[@trevorsmith3947]

Hey B. Sorry to ask but do you happen to know of a Carbon Fiber Masse que?

[@FXBilliards]

I don’t know of any, and there may not be one. One of the features of a masse cue is the extra weight and carbon fiber actually makes the cue lighter.

[@jeremyhepler2424]

How do I avoid the negative performance contagion if I'm keeping score or watching for timeout/ coaching purposes?

[@FXBilliards]

I get that question a lot. Sometimes it’s difficult but what’s important is that you don’t get yourself emotionally attached to what’s going on on the table

[@BROU-bb2uc]

Our Wednesday night league we we're playing a good team. Btw we are a good team we got into a losing streak and it snowballed. We we're trying way to hard not to make a mistake.

[@MsBigrockstar]

Something that i have been struggling with is, I do my pre-stroke routine, get down on the shot. Sometimes, while being down, I know I am aiming thick/thin but still go ahead and pull the trigger. Would you recommend any technique that might help solve this problem?

[@r.l.m.8206]

When that happens to me I stand up and readjust.

[@gordonsmith4039]

I would suggest that you stand back up and start over again. The whole preshot routine from scratch. Anything else puts you out of line for your shot.

[@christopherweick5903]

Get up, and go through the entire routine again until it feels right

[@suttonallen1]

I have the same problem, but it's more like something just doesn't feel right. But I stupidly take the shot anyway instead of standing up and starting over. I just had to beat myself up over it every time I did it so that eventually I tell myself to just stand back up and do it.

[@FXBilliards]

Once you get down, count to 2 before your shoot. That will give you time to "like" the shot or "not like" the shot...and get back up.

[@wayneshilcock3027]

Is it true that most of the good players try to stay in the middle of the table so they don't need the bridge or is this just luck that the break allows this to be possible? Do you have a video on what to look for when making a shot so I don't scratch/pot the cue ball(So annoying)?

[@FXBilliards]

Playing to the middle of the table has a lot of advantages. And if you subscribe to channel you’ll find, I made at least two videos on how to keep from scratching. One of them just 2 weeks ago.

[@Jordan_Torres]

How would you have played a safe vs taking that bank when the 8 was in front of the side pocket?

[@FXBilliards]

As. I said in the video, there is no place to hide but if I had to do something, I could send my ball off the rail to take the 8 away from that side pocket and make him shoot a more difficult shot to win. Safe does not always mean hidden. Just difficult

[@raymondjosephc.cabarles7287]

Hey! Just had a question. I’m planning on buying the Revo. In your opinion, is it really worth the price or should I go with a cheaper one like a JFlowers SMO. Thanks!

[@raymondjosephc.cabarles7287]

Also another question, is it okay to put a hard tip on a Revo or will the hit be too stiff? Thanks! Huge fan ❤

[@FXBilliards]

Yes, definitely. I have four Revo shafts -two I bought with my own money to my sponsor gave me. It’s pretty much all I use. Please note that I was given two well after I bought my own. A 12.4 and a 12.9 two black and two white plates

[@raymondjosephc.cabarles7287]

@@FXBilliards Thanks a lot! What tip hardness would you recommend? I plan on getting a Kamui Black Hard but I don’t know if its gonna be too stiff. Thanks!

[@FXBilliards]

I would not use a hard tip because one of the reasons for the Revo is the low deflection and the harder tip might give more, not less. I use soft tips and change them every 6 months, no matter what.

[@FXBilliards]

Go with a soft or med. I would not go hard unless you are using it as a break cue.

[@terencelavigne9626]

The anyways shot! Something feels wrong with your bridge or setup but instead of standing and resetting you shoot it anyways.

[@FXBilliards]

You got it

[@video-junkie2]

FXBilliards, have you played professionally or on some higher level?

[@FXBilliards]

I like nice things and professional Pool does not pay very well. so I have never been inspired to be a professional player or put in the hours necessary to do so - but I’ve played for money since I was 17 years old. I did play professional poker for three years after leaving Wall Street - and paid more in taxes than most pool players earned per year - I’ve always loved the game, but I love providing for my family even more.

[@cromwellfluffington1627]

6:15 I see a lot of young(inexperienced) players just not know when and when not to make in their duck. Sometimes they will try a bank and leave the duck instead of using their duck to get a better shot on that ball they were going to bank. I also see them not recognize if a duck is protecting a pocket or not. Sometime you just need the experience and someone experienced to practice with to help you start to see these shots.

[@shawnwagoner6879]

Something I see a lot and struggle with myself sometimes. Is not respecting your opponent. And when you get down or shooting poorly. Letting it go to your head and knock you off your game.

[@zekragash4294]

I like executing a well thought out safety as much as sinking a ball. As much skill.

[@FXBilliards]

People that don’t appreciate the art of a good safety know far less about this game than they think they know.

[@terencelavigne9626]

​@@FXBilliards I legit won two games this week because I turned them into safety battles. I just kept hooking until they left me an out.

[@suttonallen1]

Failing to walk the table has screwed me so many times. I'll have a pattern of, say, 4 balls, make 3 of them, then find out when I'm on the fourth one that it won't pass my opponent's ball or something like that. Had I actually checked instead of just glancing at it from my first shot, I would have known that and would have picked a totally different pattern to run it out.

[@FXBilliards]

It happens a lot and it’s an easy one to fix. Thanks for watching.

[@theasianone3327]

Wait, now Im curious. How do you mitigate picking up bad player habits when it comes to watching your students so you can instruct them?

[@FXBilliards]

First off you don’t let people shoot entire racks without correcting them. So you really only watching a couple bad shots are opposed to an entire video of someone not shooting well - but it can be challenging, especially for me because it seems to imprint on me a lot

[@anon2414]

So basic but there been times that I setup for a ball that doesn’t go cause I didn’t walk over to see

[@Woollybugger311]

The negative thing is why I almost don't even want to play the Wednesday night this year. Not a whole lot of competitive pool play up Northern Michigan... it's experience shooting and there IS good shooters but ...

[@Zigarius1123]

I think one of the biggest two mistakes I see is when the balls are too close double hit and also my biggest problem with BIH... GETTING TOO DAMN CLOSE! I take time to try and coach every single one of them if possible.

[@FXBilliards]

It’s amazing how people think ball in hand means shoot the easiest shot you can. Thanks for your comments

[@MikeBilliardsFun78]

Nice video my league call the bridge cheater stick

[@FXBilliards]

I bet they frown on safeties too - doesn’t sound like a top-notch group.

[@james3339]

Pick up the damn bridge! 🤪

[@FXBilliards]

Yes sir

[@Dave101.]

I've stopped playing at the local comps for the last 14 weeks ( I'm having a protest 😅) I think it is now,it's just not worth the trouble...can't get down on a shot without someone trying to shark me,talk to me,walk purposely through my line of sight,walk over an stand at the pocket I'm shooting for,silly comments about using the rest/ cheat stick they call it...comments about the cue not being a house cue...even the dam chalk I use gets attention,which some of them have actually gone out an brought 😅 it's Kamui, overpriced messy stuff,but never miss cue with it. Been trying to just play at home now an then,eventually I'll get back down there an see if they've grown up. They've got the rules written up on the wall ( which some people seem to think is more like guidelines an open to their interpretation 😅) I think they need to write up some pool etiquette and then actually enforce it.

[@FXBilliards]

A good rule of thumb is for every person who knows what they’re doing when it comes to POOL, there’s about five fools who are either clueless about etiquette the rules skills or a combination of all of them. I only play in pool halls and only play with serious players- that way I don’t have to worry about knocking anybody out.

[@Dave101.]

@FXBilliards You're 100 % correct, cause that's what it cane down to 2 years ago ,cost me $3500 in court. Thanks very much for your reply/ time etc,I'll have to find a more professional pool comp,I'm no pro,but the players are sure to be respectful. Love your videos, they help everyone of all skill levels, cheers 👍

[@photorailfan]

Take it to the bridge. lol

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching

[@kb3170]

Keep your pencil sharp, and take notes. There are both a U and I in quantity and quality... focus on one at a time

[@FXBilliards]

Absolutely!

[@haloguy420]

I feel its rude to the person shooting to be on your phone, or talking to someone else or be running around the pool room during their turn to shoot. It shows them that you dont care about their game and i feel its a form of sharking. Show some respect to your opponent and watch the game. Get off your phone, this is a gentlemens game, have some class

[@FXBilliards]

If I played someone who was talking on the phone, I’m pretty sure I would just leave unless it was a match for something important. I’ve never encountered that - I think because of the class of players around me.

[@chrishabgood8900]

Shane puts the chalk upside down, super annoying.

[@Macs1Nook]

Not utilizing ball in hand properly is so common among lower skilled players.

[@Mike01212]

If ya get down on your shot and don’t like something, for gods sake get up and start pre shot routine over again.

[@thegodofpez]

B, I’m 6’4” so I rarely have to bring out a bridge. Also, I kinda grew up using the behind the back shooting, and I’ve gotten pretty adept at it. Would you recommend trying to learn baby steps with my opposite hand? I’m right handed, but I think it might be better late than never to try to shoot shorter shots with lefty, or should I just practice bridge shots specifically? Thanks, your channel is the best. 🫡🤟

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you very much tall guy. You don’t have to learn your offhand, but I find it convenient - one step at a time.

[@thegodofpez]

@@FXBilliards Appreciste it, bud! I play guitar so I’m fluent in using my left hand to sone degree. I’ll give it a go with short shots. Thanks, B!