How to Practice Pool, Secrets of the PROS!

This video is not about "what" to practice but "how" to think about practice. Learn how the professionals approach training vs competition.
Affiliate Links:
Microphone - Shure MV7 USB: amzn.to/40NPgZg
Microphone Boom Arm - Rode PSA 1: amzn.to/3Ik9xhW
Selfie/Face webcam - Nexigo N980P: amzn.to/3K4LGE6
Pool Table Webcam - Brio 4K: amzn.to/3XpAJzR
3.0 high-speed USB Hub - Anker 4-port: amzn.to/3YsEPIS
Selfie Stick Phone Tripod: amzn.to/3HUnotF
1080p Body Camera - Boblov A22: amzn.to/3kcHeIL
Top Ten Reasons Your Aiming System Sucks: • Top Ten Reasons Your A...
www.buymeacoffee.com/Shortsto...
Website for my book on Straight Pool: www.ShortstopOnPool.com
Shop Satori Flat Racks at: www.SatoriFlatRack.com
Link to my book trailer video: • Book Trailer - A Short...
Facebook Business page: / satoriflatrack
Facebook contact page: / shortstopbob
Instagram: / shortstop_bob
TikTok: / shortstopbob

[@oatmeal9900]

I've been watching pool tutorial videos for years and have never commented on one. I have to say, this is an EXCELLENT video and I thank you very much for taking the time and effort to communicate your message. This is not the only time I will watch this. Thanks again!

[@golfingmadeeasy]

Focusing on the process is what I teach my golf students also. Great!

[@MrAndydavis78]

I lied before. This is my favorite video. Just got a table (like just, it's still not assembled) and was thinking about how to practice... Will be considering all of this as i develop a plan. And will try and distill it for my boy -he's a hockey player but so many relevant elements. ... You really need a follow-up to this one Bob! Cheers!

[@ShortstopOnPool]

Hmmm, you're right. I will put a follow-up to this on this list. Thanks!

[@toxman69]

Right on Bob. I’ve followed from the beginning of my getting into pool which because of my girlfriend. She has played for over thirty years and is very good! She’s impressed with my progress and made some of her own as a result of your instruction. So from me a humble thank you!

[@CaptainOnePocket]

Shortstop, you're the best! ❤ thank you for everything you've done! You have solidified yourself among the greats. You have made such a beautiful contribution to elevating the sport and quality of play, not to forget our enjoyment of the game! Gute Stoß!

[@DavidDiaz-jt2km]

Boy, do I wish I had seen this video when I first started to play the game of pool. It's quite a bit tougher to unlearn all those bad habits I picked up. Every beginner should watch this video. Great video!!!

[@adamwilliams6704]

This is great Bob! Such a good synopsis of a skill so many are never taught, not only in pool, but in all areas of life: HOW to improve; HOW to learn. We are so often urged to learn, grow, and improve, but so very few people give a clear-headed analysis of HOW that is done! But this video does it wonderfully; thank you for making and sharing it!

[@AccordionJoe1]

Most pros practice their game all day every day. And if they are really lucky, they can actually make a living at pool. Spend as much time and effort on building a business and you will be far better off. Your chances of becoming well off, perhaps even rich, are much greater. Don't give up on pool, just play for fun and if you happen to win some cash occasionally in a local tournament, good for you.

[@walterpeters9201]

And they also have the luxury of a pool table at the house 🤑. If I had a table I'd shoot a rack as the coffee was brewing

[@trw4war322]

Very Practical Advice!!!

[@johnmeehan7884]

You just showing you don't have what it takes.

[@millsbobster]

this may be your best video yet, Bob. and that's really saying something, because you've delivered quality every time.

[@pete-dog]

Wow a video that actually delivered on the promise of its title. Lots of wisdom here. From a guy who's been trying to figure out how to play this game well for many years - there are concepts here that I've come close to figuring out but this really lays things out clearly. Thanks - I'm gonna watch this one a few times!

[@SenseiNatePlaysPool]

It’s awesome how much more content has been devoted to the mental/developmental side of the game recently, mine included. This one takes the cake though. Great stuff Bob! As a competitive traditional Japanese karate practitioner, I love how you sited kata, albeit I have my own ideas of how karate and pool blend, I loved hearing it said from someone else finally! Seriously good stuff my man. Keep it up!

[@eduardoeleonora881]

Hello Bob. Hope all is well. I am an amateur player and recently started looking at youtube videos to help improve my game. I have to say that is one of the best videos i have come across thus far!!! Greatly appreciate the time you take to make these videos and look forward to future content. Bless

[@xeyedsurfer]

Thanks Bob. Win or lose I am looking at my misses and trying to have them less often partly but also by a smaller amount of error.

[@PersistentWolfBilliards]

Great video Bob - I often look at the outcome, not the process. I need to start looking more at the process and working on my fundamentals more. My practice sessions need to be more focused, and I love the quote - Amatures practice to make the shot, professionals practice so they can't miss.

[@joebrady5591]

😢😢😢😢 I can only like a video once!!! This is absolute gold... thank you. Hopefully I can put it to good use in my own practice!!

[@ninjabakerdaddy3220]

Comparing pool with martial arts, finally! As a Tae Kwon Do instructor myself, I've found so many relationships between the two.

[@arc-sd8sk]

Every video seems to strike right at the core of the issue at hand. You're an excellent teacher, thank you for making these videos!

[@MarkAJaegerVideo]

I've studied hand-eye coordination sports practice and mental approaches in preparation for competition as high as the Olympic Trials. Now, I'm trying my hand at pool. Much to learn, eh? IMO: You are exactly correct in the video above. Fundamentals are the foundation of the game. Every time I have had trouble the trouble was resolved by working the fundamental underlying the issue. BTW: Your videos are both informative and entertaining. Great job!

[@ShortstopOnPool]

Thank you so much!

[@teewhitt]

Another excellent video! The content and the way it is explained is spot on! Very insightful for someone trying to improve. Thank you!

[@jasonh3109]

Great video!!!! Such an amazing way you have to break something down into bite sized pieces. Impressive! Love it! Keep ‘em coming.

[@DennyFrenchNetwork]

Great video and delivery of the material! Thank you!

[@ThiccEagle]

Great video. Thank you sir. I enjoy videos that help bridge the gap between amateurs and pros

[@wauttz]

Great Job! Still watching your visual alignment video and showing it to friends.

[@DaneliusUK]

Enjoyed it, thank you.

[@MPL_14.1]

Excellent video Bob and spot on.

[@tdallenkk]

Excellent video. Nice job and spot on!

[@mhf1979]

Thanks Bob for this great video on training mentality and physically 👍👍👍

[@robbiegf900akajwalker5]

This was awesome 😎 subbed. Great content 😊👍 Cheers pal, from the UK

[@aiwood6769]

Excellent video, has already helped my game discipline. Thank You

[@alkimsey1201]

I like this vid!!!! So much is said about how to shoot and aim but this vid takes us into the mental aspect and the thought process. I like this alot...Thanks, Bob.

[@davidbarror1899]

One of the best pool videos I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@raymohyde422]

Thanks coach! I'll take these new skills to table and and teammates. Already shared...We play in a league with many masters and always improving. Cheers, Chicago Ray

[@ShelfImprovement]

Well done. Thanks

[@MrBobZack]

Brilliant presentation…..thanks❤️

[@Chandra041085]

This is great!

[@gordonvanderveer4394]

Outstanding!!

[@BlackjackDSapolis]

Great video!

[@silvercue9625]

What everyone else before me said❤️👍🏻 But I quit playing it n 1997 for several reasons Too many hours working and commuting :( Needed to spend more time with my family The game became too easy ! I had been playing since 1967 About 1990 I decided to never miss a shot that I should make. I simplified my thought process and my last thoughts were only on pocketing the ball I learned to trust my stroke and achieved my goal ! An unexpected side result was my position play also improved ❤️💪 After a couple of years with my new focus, I could walk in cold and run racks of 9 ball

[@RabahRayanNabilEl16]

This is one of the best pool breakdowns I ever seen real talk 👌🏾

[@raystanczak4277]

Very good. After watching the many videos out there and practicing what they’re teaching, I simplify and select the information that I pass on to usually not very good players-because everyone wants to get better, or they’d be doing something else. Newer players can become frustrated (remember?) so I focus on a few things to keep their attitudes positive. First, get the fundamentals established. I tell them that now they LOOK like a pool player. Then, I explain that every shot has a part A-the shot, and part B-the shape. I tell them that part B is more important than part A when you’re learning. Don’t sweat a miss, but notice where the cue ball ends up. Part A doesn’t mean a thing without part B. The added benefit is that they start to realize that there are many facets to this game, not just pocketing balls. Makes it much more interesting to them and removes some of the negativity resulting from just focusing on making balls when they’re not yet able to make many. So they got praised for something even when they miss. Second, relax and have a good time playing this beautiful and fulfilling game. You can enjoy it for a lifetime. (I’m 72, and playing the best pool of my life! And still learning EVERY day.)

[@ShortstopOnPool]

Great stuff! Another "deepity" that I think is good to plant in beginners brains - you don't control the balls, you only control your cue stick.

[@jamescathcart4762]

Good Stuff!

[@thadstuart8544]

youre a great teacher man

[@agreekinnorway]

Very nice video Mr.

[@apexpredatorbilliardstraining]

this is the second time that you have made a video that gets me in the zone... powerful skill that you have shared.....i am a vcaribbean pool player so i dont play straight pool but i when i can

[@brett6314]

I really enjoy this channel. Thanks for the content. I'm frustrated that at times I cant "see" the shot. I might make it because I'll estimate the angle and use a chart that I've memorized but I've mostly switched to more of a feel on where I know it needs to be. Some I just can see ie obtuse angles.

[@valentenicoletti3622]

niiiiice video!

[@djamo1969]

It wasn’t “incidental” that I liked this! 😎

[@skipmeehan9088]

Very clear and relevant lesson for players at any level.

[@harrydrury4734]

so true .

[@danender5555]

@4:54 shot entry... looking on your feet when approaching the shooting line is not too bright.

[@horsedaddy230]

Why do you and others use their grip hand to chalk the cue ?

[@ShortstopOnPool]

1) proper application of chalk is a brushing motion that is more natural with the dominant hand 2) placing the butt of the cue on the floor to chalk encourages proper pace of play so you do not rush the shot and so you execute all steps of the pre-shot routine

[@davepaul118]

Wha the fuc@ did i just watch????????????? That is with out a doubt the best pool video i have ever watched, and i have watched a lot of videos. Fantastic, and great advice

[@paulctx]

I need suggestions for how to help a newbie who doesn't want "practice"? How can they get _some_ benefit from just playing the game? For instance, I try to tell them "make a prediction and observe the actual results" but maybe even that's asking too much.

[@ShortstopOnPool]

The saying goes, "you cannot help someone who is not ready to receive help". Set an example and when ready they will ask.

[@user-ds9gt5hs4u]

👍👍

[@chancemholton6611]

Good vid..you forget the spiritual side is the 3rd rule....so physical and mental

[@ShortstopOnPool]

At one point in the video I show a few book covers. One is Way of the Peaceful Warrior. They made a movie from the book starring Nick Nolte. Has a more spiritual leaning but I thought it would be too much to enter that realm in this video. Another time...

[@chancemholton6611]

@@ShortstopOnPool very good

[@tencentbanana]

Can somebody tell me what ghost or high run means?

[@skipmeehan9088]

A ghost is an invisible/imaginary opponent in a specific game you may be practicing, A high run amounts to the number of balls sunk prior to missing.

[@ShortstopOnPool]

What Skip said. So a practice example - you might play "the ghost" a race to 5 nine-ball. You break, then take ball in hand. If you run out, you win. If you fail to run out, the ghost wins. No safeties, the ghost never misses. Its a way to simulate match play, test yourself during practice.

[@tencentbanana]

@@ShortstopOnPool Makes sense. Thanks! Is there a way to do this with 8-ball?

[@tencentbanana]

@@skipmeehan9088 I did some research. When you say number of balls sunk do you mean like straight pool / 14.1 or whatever?

[@ShortstopOnPool]

@@tencentbanana Typically yes. But could also be equal offense or something like this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqCkgqFjaZyDp6c

[@carlcrader1939]

What's a river card? I don't play poker.

[@beercanbrian1880]

There are a million "how to run out......" or "pattern play......" or etc etc etc blah blah videos out there. That sh*t will get someone who's is trying to become a respectable pool player head spinning. Nothing wrong with the info but it won't make anyone a better pool player. This video highlights the most important aspect of your pool game. S-T-R-O-K-E stroke stroke stroke.

[@6mdm]

Actually, I can stroke crooked and still slam balls in from the other end of the table. Physics. I’ve seen players with terrible strokes run racks and there is actually a scientific reason for it. My teacher has shown this to top players in the world. People often think it was the stroke that caused the miss. 80 + % it was something else.

[@beercanbrian1880]

@@6mdm I agree. There's "texbook" then there's what works. As long you're stroke is straight, pretty much all that counts.Alan Hopkins had a poke stroke. Keith McCready had that funky sidewinder stoke. If you miss, one of two things. Aim was incorrect or your stroke skewed the cue ball off it's intended line.

[@6mdm]

@@beercanbrian1880 yes, true. But my point was the stroke can be crooked and because of deflection and correction from english throw, on inside english shots you can come through incredibly crooked and still pocket the shot. It’s a little known “gem of physics” I often show this to players and watch their jaw bounce twice on the floor! This is true with a very low deflection shaft. Amazingly, the opposite is true with a regular deflection shaft: accidental or “on purpose fade “ with outside english will self correct the shot.