How to Play Better 9 Ball - Learn to Run 9 Ball and 10 Ball Racks (POOL LESSONS)

[@nicholaswilliams8470]

Alot of valuable knowledge on this channel. Thanks for sharing 👍🎱

[@FXBilliards]

ARE YOU a player looking to play more 9 Ball and 10 Ball? Have you found 9 Ball to be extra challenging ?

[@briandoerge5092]

I find 9 ball easier because it limits my options... Usually when I lose or am struggling it is because of bad decisions. 8 Ball gives me too many options to make bad choices, lol... Really enjoy 10 ball but lose a lot due to over thinking... I think, lol

[@thegodofpez]

“Watch this, you’re gonna like this.” 🤣 LOVE the confidence.

[@jerrycasey1053]

This IMO is one of the most excellent explanations of how to improve and what it takes. He is completely correct; patience is key, take that to heart. Thanks Bryan

[@TopLineGear]

I'e been an 8 ball player most of my life. I'm 76 years old. Thank you for this! I've rekindled my game at the local pool hall and am thinking of playing in the 9 ball tournament. I'm going to prectice!!

[@Z_Rodriguez13]

I’m 23 recently really got into pool and love 9 ball would love to get good enough to play in local leagues, binging all these tip videos hard haha

[@stevejones3180]

Really like the above table camera angle

[@fixitrod4969]

7:03... ok, that was just showing off lol. Great video. Tor has a scoring system using a similar method.

[@jamesdavis8731]

It's interesting that you mentioned many people think nine ball is harder than eight ball and that isn't the case. YOU ARE TOTALLY RIGHT. I used to think nine ball was MUCH more difficult, but after getting better as a player I started to realize that nine ball is actually easier than eight ball. There is less traffic, patterns are easier because you do not have as many decisions to make, and safeties are easier because you are only trying to make your opponents next shot difficult on ONE BALL. Eight ball can be much more complicated because you have many more options - therefore you easily make more mistakes. I was always a eight ball player - but now I find myself a much better nine ball player than I ever was a eight ball player.

[@whatamanhastosay]

So patience is the lesson of the day, just as it is with all things you want to get better at. I've been trying to break and run six balls for months now and I'm not really any better since I started. It's frustrating as all hell and I've definitely skipped out on more than a few nights of practice because I was honestly over missing again, and again, and again... But you're right. I need to step back and accept that maybe I'm not ready for six balls. I need to go back to three and master being comfortable with that. Then four balls. Then five. Then six. Patience is key. Patience, humility, and acceptance. Thanks, Bryan.

[@anthonykeller5120]

I loved this video. Keep ‘em coming Brian. I watched hours of Efren during the lockdown. It took two weeks, but I could literally see how he was thinking at least three balls ahead by the position he played on each shot.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching.

[@LouLit1]

To get a better mix of 3 ball tables, I've tried breaking just three balls and mixing up the order in the "rack", position of the cue ball behind the headstring. Quick and great mix variation around the table. This exercise is really helping my game - moving to 4 balls soon!

[@timsmall56]

Glad I ran across this video. Tow Lowry’s version of this is to get to 10 before the ghost gets to 4 and to complete it twice before adding another ball. But using 3 balls with your version, I’ve beat the ghost several times to 10 . Im apa 4 , so now I will go ahead and start with 4 balls until I beat the ghost to 10. As you say it’s all about the reps 🙌🏽. Thanks for your time sir

[@stevemiller1159]

I like the way you put things in perspective, it's unrealistic to expect dramatic improvement in a short period of time. That helps with our attitude and expectations of where we think we should be as opposed to where we actually are. My main issue at this time is getting my stroke as perfect as it can be, and repeatable time after time, if our stroke is hurting our efforts we're wasting our time. Thank you Bryan for your time, and effort creating these video's, you're a great teacher ☺

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you very much Steve

[@suewoo5]

This is good advice and encouraging because people tend to overestimate their abilities and fib about their progress ("i broke and ran in less than a year of playing") while it could be true its very very unlikely. Its nice to hear someone at your level admit the effort it took to get there happens over the course of years not days or months.

[@aaronlbuchanan9861]

Thanks Brian, i don't have much 9 ball experience. This was exactly what i needed. Have a great day.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it helped

[@Clandestino_Billar]

After watching this I just want stop 8 ball for a while to practicing 9 ball the way you have explained 👏

[@FXBilliards]

Let me know how you make out with your 9 ball and what challenges you face.

[@CueballcontrolSometimes]

11:10 When a shot maker gets their head in the game major changes can happen. Being on the right side of the line, making every shot easier, exponentially improves your game.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching

[@trevorsmith3947]

Also thanks for putting these videos out for us and even the KZbin shorts are awesome

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching

[@bertinlosier7865]

I always jump to your channel when a new video comes out, keep them coming. I do a 3 ball ghost, and I tend to start strong. I goes up like 4-0, 5-1, 5-2. Then it tends to fall apart. I recently realized that my concentration falters after 4 to 6 3-ball runs. I plan to do two things in my next monthly evaluation (3 races to 10). (which is coming up this weekend) 1. Focus on focus. 2. Note down for each runs, why I missed the shot. If I see a pattern emerge, then it will give me something to focus on.

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you very much for watch

[@trevorsmith3947]

Great video B. And ya pool is definitely one of the hardest games to learn

[@christaferduran3952]

Great video Sir! Appreciate the lesson 💯

[@FXBilliards]

My pleasure!!

[@benhill9257]

Thank you Bryan for being straight up with videos honesty is the best you don't tell us if you do this you can beat SVB or Earl or the greatest Efren kicking thanks for keeping me levelheaded 😊

[@mrfrano100]

I think you are totally right because i really hate to play 9 ball but I like to watch it. I will try your tips but I doubt I will ever like the game

[@TopDownDC]

I've been doing nothing but rounds of 3-ball for my last few practice sessions. In one week I'm making more runouts (not ready for 4-ball, yet), and putting together everything I've seen here and Tor Lowry's channel about position play, spin, using the rails,, etc. One funny thing is that when I roll the balls around at random, one or more frequently roll into a pocket, and I have to try again. That aside, it's a great way to practice.

[@FXBilliards]

When you roll the balls out, you’re always a favorite to make one of them so roll an extra one out. If when doesn’t go in, take off the lowest number ball. thanks for watching.

[@LopingCSF]

Thanks, Brian. I've been doing something similar, but not as focused. I start with 3 balls in rotation, ball in hand for first shot. Every time I finish the balls on the table I add a ball to the next attempt and take a ball away when I miss. Best I've been able to do is a 5 ball run, but I'm very inconsistent with it. I like the idea of doing a race against the ghost and will be switching over to that to see how things go.

[@randyattwood]

Love your channel. Helped me in so many ways. The weakness I'm working on now is missing the long cut shot. I seem to always overcut it. Love to see you address this problem.

[@vidasnyder]

Thank you! Good teaching.

[@FXBilliards]

You are welcome!

[@johnhanechak5345]

You have helped my game immensely! I'm an APA 5 and thanks to you and this system. When I get the table with a runnable 4 or 5 ball spread, I have been running out more than not. Before, that certainly was not The case. I also am working in the acid test into my practice sessions. The number I do is pretty much based on how much time I have. I find its a great warm up. Thank you Brian!

[@FXBilliards]

As always, thanks for watching and thanks for your comments- I’m very happy to help you with your game.

[@rolaraus]

A variation i enjoy is running X balls, then moving to X+ 1... if i miss, X - 1... see how high I can go/ how long I can stay at a high count

[@mikepokora4835]

A lot of good advice.

[@billmankin6204]

Great stuff Brian, thanks! I coach a few APA 1-2 SL players. For them, I find they have a tendency to just practice making shots (and mostly picking the straight in shots.) Disastrous in 9-ball, they only ever make one maybe two shots a time. I like to take them back to just practicing with 2 balls. Ball in hand, make the shot and get at least close to a leave on the next. This forces them to be willing to not line up straight in when they have ball in hand. Takes a while, but they have to get that to ever get to a 9-ball SL 3, kind of a precursor to your drill here.

[@dschell6689]

Thanks Brian...just started a new session where they play both 8 and 9...have always played 8 ball...this video is spot on for a practice routine to improve my 9 ball game...thanks again for all your video content.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it helped

[@donaldgraff8090]

Good job Bryan I enjoy all the videos.

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate that!

[@samwodotinsky6418]

another well explained and demo video. thank you

[@FXBilliards]

You are welcome!

[@benhill9257]

I always enjoy your videos thanks for being down to earth with everyone

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@EkinghFightNews]

Thank you. !

[@FXBilliards]

You're welcome!

[@stanblauvelt975]

As always Brian great info 👍.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad to help

[@jasonduran2026]

Excellent explanation It happens to me, I am an APA 5 player but in 9 ball I simply cannot have good position always long shots

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff

[@MK-zm8vl]

This, is great advice, all of it. Can't wait to start this drill... with 3 balls... I always fell into trap of racking and breaking, trying to run out the 9 ball rack, when I was nowhere near ready... great advice, start small and build up wins and confidence and proficiency

[@FXBilliards]

Happy to help!

[@northstarr5007]

Good content. Thank you sir.

[@billsmith3019]

Good advice on this one.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Peace-Love-Pool]

Hey Bryan - Great topic and excellent advice on what to practice. I am fresh off an APA 9-Ball Cities tournament where, unfortunately, me team was knocked out in the 3rd round. What I have noticed is that with 9-Ball, you are forced to play those long shots that you might be able to sometimes avoid in 8-Ball. They just come up more often naturally or by your opponent purposely leaving you long. Not sure anyone likes to practice long shots, especially off the rail. But I have come to realize I must practice them in order to advance. It's actually rewarding to make them more often. Thanks again and I look forward to your next one!

[@FXBilliards]

When you have the long one, you have the short one. Thanks for watching.

[@brigand289]

Came back to this vid again today because I knew I've been missing a crucial concept, and it was reps. reps, reps, reps. Put them in.

[@SISTEM1976]

Excellent advices! Thx

[@FXBilliards]

My pleasure!

[@williammcdowell3718]

I put out balls in descending order. instead of the 1,2, and 3 etc. I put out the 9, 8, and 7 etc. The money ball adds to the dopamine hit your brain gives you when you run out which helps you stay motivated and helps you remember things because you were rewarded.

[@FXBilliards]

I called this reverse rotation. I do it all the time with my students.

[@nunyabizness9544]

I have always avoided 9 ball because it seemed difficult AND I wanted to focus on 8 ball. You did a video before suggesting run 3 balls till you can do it consistently then 4 etc. I call my pockets before I take my first shot. I fell off due to work and family but I'm gonna get back to it. Then I'm going to focus on 9 ball.

[@vincent6692]

Great video. Well said sir.

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you kindly

[@bentonbryant8207]

Amazing deliverance, you can teach man. I have been playing the majority of my life, 44 years old, but do not run 9-ball often but could do at least once if a shot for hour straight . If I started at 4 balls, should I expect a more rapid progression? Taking it more serious now that I am in APA for the first time. This videos are unmatched for real.

[@FXBilliards]

Your views mean a lot to me. And thank you very much for your comments. Have a great day.

[@lorengoldfarb4093]

Hi Brian, your videos have been a big help as I strive to improve from an SL2 to a 3 in 9 ball. One question about this lesson. How does the race to 10 against the ghost work? The ghost gets 1 point for every ball I miss?

[@NH_RSA__]

5:09 I haven't been working with a full rack for most of my life.

[@keith8013]

I was just wondering what one rail bank is the hardest I beleive the one Rail side pocket shot well at least the hardest to make consistently

[@FXBilliards]

I think Cross side is easiest because you have a larger target. Even though the corner seems larger -it usually isn’t. At least that has been my experience. On the other hand - at low speed the corners do have advantages. Thanks for watching

[@stuartsmith5274]

Hi what cue is it you use please the black one, I play in 9 ball league in the UK but still use my 8 ball cue for 9 ball, seems like predator cues are like 2k which a bit above my price wrange 😮

[@FXBilliards]

The black cue is a Predator P3

[@paullyg29]

Definitely will try this. APA 7 in 9 ball. Question should u be able to run 5 balls 10 times in a row or just have a winning record In the race?

[@FXBilliards]

Don’t force yourself to do five in a row because luck could come into play

[@robertbell6230]

Take his advice folks, this works. 3ball is a very underrated way to start learning position play. In my opinion, coin operated tables have led many beginners down the wrong start if they want to get serious playing. 8ball has too many rule nuisances in bars and builds a false sense of skill level.

[@shader26]

I’ve been playing a good deal of nine ball this last year, and was pretty sure I’d at least do about 70-80% with three balls. Seems I’m actually around 50%. Some times less. I’m not shocked but I run more usually at least once a rack in normal play. I’d actually say for someone like me, 50% or less on three ball rotation, ten attempts, it is more efficient to NOT keep score yet. It’s only discouraging at this point. Seems to me anyway, it’s better to throw the balls out there again and just keep doing it until one day you feel like you make more three ball runs than you miss…then keep score and write it down. At that point, because of the randomness, don’t get discouraged if you have a bad “run” of runs…it can happen that the random positions that day (frozen balls, worst possible position) are an anomaly. I think this exercise is evaluated by looking at the trends over time. Can imagine a person that often can get 90% has an unlucky day and is down to 50% or less, but if the trend is high…throw out the worst and best and do an average. Just to know where you are. Whenever I’m doing this, or just shooting alone it always seems I come up against a specific shot where I either miss it trying for shape, or sink it but don’t get the shape I need. This can happen many times, but always seems there is one shot/shape play that makes my mind practically shout out “THAT…I never know how to shoot that and it comes up all the time!” So I stop doing the exercise and simply work on that shot. Works also for me when playing a game of nine ball with myself.

[@dougquara6302]

Ok, I’m an APA SL 5 in both 8 and 9. I’ve been trying this. Here is my record in order: 3: won 10-7 4: lost 5-10 4: lost 5-10 3: won 10-8 4: lost 3-10 (ugh! Got to the 4 three times) Is that about right for my SL? I would expect to have a better record in 3-ball ghost, considering what I feel is a pretty good understanding of the game. Still working on my consistency on shot making. So many times I rattle a ball and get perfect position on my next ball. Oh, well. More drills.

[@FXBilliards]

Playing balls in rotation ain’t no joke. What is likely to happen is you are going to start beating the three ball race by a larger gap before you start beating the four ball race at all. I’m glad you’re keeping good records because this exercise is very telling. And yes these are common scores for an APA 4 or 5.

[@dougquara6302]

@@FXBilliards Today I think I'm the joke. Tried the 3-ball ghost after warming up for about 45 minutes. Was feeling pretty good about it, was up 4-1. I don't know what happened, but I got out of shape on the fifth rack and lost, then it cascaded out of control. I really thought I was keeping my emotions in check and my focus up, but apparently not. Got to 5-8, then lost another to go 5-9, then did a rage quit. I know it's a Bad Thing, but if practicing is no fun at all, I think sometimes it's best to walk away and fight another day.

[@dougquara6302]

I fixed a major flaw in my stroke last week so I've been playing a lot better lately. Last two weeks in APA 8-ball Scotch Doubles I went rackless; I'm 4-0 in matches this session, and we haven't lost a Scotch match, either. I've been moved up to a SL 6. I'm 4-2 against the 3-ball ghost. Today I tried the 4-ball ghost. I lost 7-10 but hard for me to believe, I missed at least two easy 4-ball "money" shots. UGH! At least on those two racks I rattled the 4, rather than missing them badly. I think I'm about ready to stick with 4-ball. If I can't keep it close or start winning, I'll drop back to 3-ball and see how it goes.

[@dougquara6302]

It's been a while since I've tried playing the ghost. I've continued to work on my game. I can see progress. I'm up to the 4-ball ghost. I haven't yet beaten the ghost yet, but my last two attempts I at least won 7 so I was 7-10. And the most recent time I played, I rallied back from 3-9 to 7-9 before I missed a pretty straight-in shot for the 10th loss. The 4-pack (is it silly calling it a 4-pack when I'm only playing 4-ball ghost? LOL) gives me hope that a win will come soon. I keep making silly spin or speed mistakes. It's a process but recently I've fixed (most of) my stroke, alignment and aiming problems, so now I'm finally to the point where I am tweaking position, rather than getting down on shots questioning whether I can actually pot the object ball. Confidence in the stroke leads to better potting, and better stroking leads to better position. As Brian mentioned, it's a slow process, but since I'm keeping track I can actually see progress in the numbers. Thanks again for this video and all the others!

[@BooksNGuns]

Taking 5 years to go from 3 to 9 balls is depressing af but good to know i shouldn't get discouraged with little progress

[@dougsimpson3330]

I never take ball in hand, I throw the cue ball on the table and wherever it land I start from there

[@FXBilliards]

The reason everyone takes ball in hand is because if you don’t, you’re wasting reps on shots no skilled player would poke at anyway. (He is playing D) You have to remember why you’re at the table - taking a half dozen difficult cracks at that first ball is a really bad use of reps. But go with what you like.

[@dougsimpson3330]

@@FXBilliards thanks

[@InterWebGuy99]

Wish I had my own table so I could practice these drills. But, no way to even have a bar box here in my two-room converted chicken coop. lmao.

[@sparksbakery]

I actually prefer 9 ball over 8 ball, but enjoy both

[@TheRPhelps24]

Years ago when I first picked up the game, I used to believe that playing 9 ball made me better at 8 ball because I could be lazy about position in 8 ball because there were options. So focusing on that in 9 ball made me more confident. Now, I find 8 ball to be more stimulating and challenging and creative vs just running balls in rotation.

[@FXBilliards]

I agree. Thanks for watching.

[@robertbell6230]

I was the exact opposite. 8ball seemed easier to play safe and had more options to get position. Not to mention blocking or taking a pocket. I found 9ball safeties required more accuracy and position play harder, hooking myself more often. Watching pros, it seems 9ball is easier than 8ball because they play less safeties in 8ball and have to run out. I got better at 8ball playing 9ball. Glad to read your experience.

[@christianelliott3667]

You could just rack 3 balls and that way you get to break and not play ball in hand. ???

[@FXBilliards]

Don’t do that. Breaking three balls tells you nothing about your break and the time it takes you to put those balls up there you could be putting in reps - that time adds up overtime and this is the reason so many players don’t get enough reps - from doing things that don’t give them any gain - if you want to practice your break practice or break if you want to run balls run balls- don’t waste time breaking three balls

[@nivekrekrap]

Ten tables with 4 balls is a serious challenge.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching.

[@commandernoodles2367]

Holy shit! I lost to the ghost 10-9 in 4-ball rotation! In 3-ball i won 10-2.

[@FXBilliards]

There is a big difference with just one more ball. Think of it as 33% more balls. Thanks for watching.

[@commandernoodles2367]

@@FXBilliards , today 1st set 4 balls i still lost 10-5. 2nd set i won 10-6. 5 balls tomorrow.