How to practice Pool with purpose (free Pool lessons)

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Hello and thank you for checking out this tutorial. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have as I’m always happy to help. Also; please check out my bonus video linked below and thanks for watching. How To Aim With Spin (free Pool lessons) kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3qkhpprit2aZqc

[@charlesharsha6527]

Love this video on how to practice. I watch a lot of videos and this is one of the best ones because some of the drills that some instructors put up you have to be a pro to do the drill. I watched pod casts with pool players and the guy always ask them what advice do you have for the players that want to improve. Fedor Gorst said you need a structure practice session where you practice certain things. Alex The Lion said the same thing and he said practice with a purpose to improve on a couple of things. Mark Wilson said the same thing when I took a lesson with him. Mark also said break up your practice sessions like so much in the morning then something else in the evening. I hope this helps .

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Chuck 👍🏻 What you see here, are exercises I have structured into my practice to fit weaknesses in my game. This is what I’ve done for almost three years now. I will mix in different exercises to address shots I struggle with. This is a logical/systematic approach. I see it as, practicing Pool with a purpose… “Practice Pool With Purpose” 👍🏻💪🏻❤️🎱😊

[@TerryWilsonModels]

Ron…that was probably one of best practice drill videos that I have seen. I am 56 and have plateaued a bit. I am putting this into play and see how it works out.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Terry. This is guaranteed to work if you stick with and dedicate yourself to this method of practice. Also; you do not have to copy this to a T, you can also be creative by implementing different drills that will lead up to what ever challenge situation you choose. Good luck and please reach out anytime 👍🏻

[@thabang66]

Thanks for the videos Mr. Ron I learned a lot. More love out here

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you, I’m happy to hear my content is helpful 👍🏻😊👍🏻

[@jarrets2292]

As always Ron, precise and inspirtional!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@jarrets2292 thank you Jarret! 👍🏻😊

[@badwrath]

Good Stuff Ron!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you @BW 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@iantiffin5854]

As always Ron, excellent stuff here! Because of your previous videos covering these same drills, I’ve been performing similar practice sessions but don’t have 6 hours a day to allocate so I’m trying to fit everything into 2 hours a day. My league is 8 ball so I end my sessions with 8 ball run out attempts rather than 9 ball. Your “practicing with purpose” approach is what has helped me improve significantly over the past few months since I got my own table so thank you buddy… appreciate you! Take care! 👍

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks for your feedback Ian. I’m sure it’s tough for many Players to invest that kind of time on the table. This said, this is why practicing with purpose is so important. Just rolling balls out on the table to randomly shoot them may work for some, but the method I’ve laid out here, will work for every player. Thanks again and please reach out with any questions you may have. 👍🏻❤️🎱

[@gregsaiter3768]

Wow Ron: 6 hours a day? That is a full time job. I am retired too and I practice and play a lot. This is a great training routine. I am going to start on this but I might have to cut the total time per day down some. Thanks for this one. I am adding it to my pool vids.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Greg. Btw, I used to do 6 straight but found it better to split up the time as mentioned with the two different type practice sessions 👍🏻

[@141poolplayer]

This just came up in my recommendations. I have never seen your channel before. I liked and subscribed and will try these drills out tomorrow. BTW you shoot very well. I don't expect to do as well as you but these look like fun drills to practice by myself.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you 14.1 Poolplayer for subscribing and welcome. Please let me know if you have any questions as I’m always here to help when I can 👍🏻😊 Thank you for the compliment also.

[@chadprice578]

Fantastic as always. My game has progressed nicely. This video came at the right time. Have been feeling stagnant. Thanks!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Chad, things happen for a reason. Let me know if you have any questions 👍🏻😊❤️🎱

[@bernie82029]

Best drill, best practice.. its all in this channel... keep it up Sir Ron...🌿💕🎱

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you for the shout out Bernie, much appreciated 😊 I have to say; your trick shots are so creative and entertaining to watch, every player needs to find your channel youtube.com/@bernie82029?si=COxPJ9Smz6n518cu 👉💪🏻👈❤️🎱 Btw, to those reading this: Please subscribe to Bernie’s channel, he shoots trick shots like no other player I’ve ever seen, you won’t be disappointed 💪🏻

[@sharkymoon422]

Live feed when ya practicing would be great Ron! Great shooting, I’ve warmed to certain drills though mentally I call them games! ❤️🙏🏻

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Sharky. I’ve thought about doing a live feed at times but I figured it wouldn’t be of interest to that many viewers 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’m not familiar with them and don’t know the best way to promote one.

[@andreasriedel7817]

Hi Ron, on your spot drill you only use one side of the tabel and also only running spin. If I do this I switch also sides. On the centerfild drill you should also experiment with running spin - sometimes the routes with draw are blocked ;-) But anyhow as always good stuff from your side. These kind of drill I'm trying to do befor I start practicing.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Andreas, as in most of my vids, I tell viewers to shoot from both sides of the table. Thanks for pointing this out 👍🏻😊 Btw, this version of the “spot to spot” does make the shooter shoot from both inside and the outside of their stance. Keep on practicing 👍🏻💪🏻👍🏻

[@Crazywaffle5150]

Thank you so much. I already do the mighty X. However you take everything to a new level so practice carries over. Im 32 and Im on a mission to play at a 600 Fargo level after playing passively for 3 years not playing correctly.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you CW, fundamentals fundamentals fundamentals. Once you have sound fundamentals, you’re good to go.

[@nickbonvino]

Another great video Ron.. thanks! I agree about the deep shelf being more difficult. When I sold my Brunswick table and purchased an Olhausen I was so frustrated I almost quit the game. I went from running a couple of racks of straight pool to not being able to run one rack on the Olhausen table. Man what a difference! Then it got in my head that I couldn’t do it and it took weeks to overcome that..

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Nick. It is amazing how much shelf depth comes into play. It makes me shoot with more finesse. Pocket speed or put it in clean is the answer 👍🏻

[@ERDG516]

Loved the content Ron. Thank you

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you ED 👍🏻😊

[@roybusbar3121]

This is a great video on practice drills...i will do these at my next practice session...for me it will be like 30 minutes on each drill. I tend to lose focus after that. I enjoy your videos and they are helping my game. I am an 8- ball player at a senior center and at a local pool hall in Memphis called High Pockets. It has about 18 9-ft tables and 15 bar tables. The sr. center has 2 9ft. tables. I am retired and play a lot of pool...too much in fact.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Roy, I appreciate it. Nothing wrong with playing too much Pool as well 😉 Please reach out if you have any questions. Btw, my first ever league play was on a retires singles nine foot league a couple years ago where I finished the session in 1st place. Great memories 😊

[@Mike01212]

Hey Ron, been following your channel pretty much since day one, your proof that the drills you are doing work!! They have changed my game immensely, as you said in your past few videos all the practice with a purpose becomes shooting with instinct, I now play pool…not pool stroke!!! Hope that makes sense! Thx brother

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Mike and of course I know you’ve been there since those early days and thank you for that ❤️ Also, ingraining our fundamentals and a smooth/straight Pool stroke is key. Once we’ve done that, we can then shoot instinctually without thought 😊 Thanks again bud 👍🏻❤️🎱

[@henrydavidvoltaire4752]

Hey Ron, this is an amazing drill and practice tip video. Can’t wait to get to the pool hall to practice this!!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Henry, I’d really like to answer any questions you may have so reach out please. Also, let me know how it goes and what you think about this practice method. Thanks again and great luck…let’s get better together 👍🏻💪🏻

[@seamusmcfadden994]

Every time I hear the "Mighty X" mentioned I have to comment! I love that drill! Helped my stroke immensely. I actually have the old Bert Kinister VHS tape! If I only put in the time back then. Niels Feijen vid reminded me of it. My table shows the time I put in with it now lol. ... I love these drills. To the beginner or maybe even some intermediate players..... Once you discover how powerful draw with left or right spin is coming off a rail.......your game will never be the same! Great stuff!👍👍 I actually made a video at home about that for a friend at work.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Seamus. You gotta love this game. Finding practice methods and exercises to help expedite our growth, that’s what it’s all about. Also, very cool that you’ve made a video to help a fellow player, you should start a YT channel too 😉

[@seamusmcfadden994]

@@ronthepoolstudent Haha. Maybe when I retire. It was my first time using a phone / camera stand. I got that and a headset thing to do some on line lessons with.......Alex Lely 👍 Still haven't had the first one yet.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@seamusmcfadden994 it will actually make you an even stronger player 👍🏻

[@rogercarlson2330]

thank you

[@ronthepoolstudent]

You’re welcome and thank you Roger 👍🏻😊

[@dpbuc32]

Great Drill's Ron! Yes, I definitely see an improvement in your game.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you dp. This make sense approach to practice has really helped me to improve more rapidly. Thanks again 👍🏻😊👍🏻

[@kennethharrell1291]

Thanks again for helping me progress in my game.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Glad my content is of help Kenneth. Please reach out with any questions you may have, I’m always here for you and all my viewers 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ladonwiley-en2em]

Great instructional Video, awesome practice sessions. ❤.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you LaDon 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@rogerhaataja5212]

Great video Ron! Keep up the good work.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Roger for your complement and for the feedback. Let’s get better together 👍🏻💪🏻

[@tomburns890]

Good video, quality practice & focus is very important & at times tough to keep going. One thing for certain is you must have love & passion plus countless hours of practice & pressure play to not only get better but just to maintain your peak level. Then of course theres ups & downs. I played about 70 hours a week for a decade+ then quit 30 years ago for several reasons and 6 months ago seriously started again. I’ve let my golf game kinda go and now have more interest & passion for pool again. I shot under par numerous times and my pool game is way better than my golf game & back enjoying & having fun with it. Cheers.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Tom, I appreciate your feedback. Also, I too transitioned from golf to Pool. As a 6 handicap (18 holes), you could have never convinced me, I would not be playing golf five years ago. ❤️🎱

[@tomburns890]

And I wondered for years if I would ever get back into pool. I still play two 9 hole rounds a week tho.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tomburns890 I may hit the course as well someday once I’ve grown tired of billiards but I doubt that will ever happen 🤷🏻‍♂️😊

[@ledariussummers1788]

Hello, Ron. I'm another fan of your channel. You should live stream another one of your scotch doubles matches you did in the past.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Hi Ledarius and thank you for supporting my channel. As for Scotch Doubles, I’m confused. I have never live-streamed one of those sessions before, are you sure that was me?

[@ronsirard]

Thanks-I use a similar systematic approach too using Nick Varner drill and subsets of Varner drill as well as Bert Macalister drills

[@ronsirard]

Any drill that makes you hit in sequential order is a must including The Runout Drill System by Dr Dave!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Ron and yes, practice smart and you’ll learn the game more quickly 👍🏻💪🏻👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@ronsirard]

@@ronthepoolstudentyeah I know I came to the game after 18 years and had to start as 6 in APA (played at national level as 6 in 2005). Thanks to all the players (pro, teachers, and players) sharing I rebuilt my game and became a good 7 in a year! Next is to play more open tournaments to establish a Fargo rating. Thanks again! Love to share with you my calculated aiming system I developed over the last year!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@ronsirard thanks Ron, it sounds like you’re improving well which is very cool 💪🏻 I believe there’s a point in time, when we seriously turn the corner. When this happens, the game seems to become easy. Recently for example, I’ve been shooting on occasion on a tight pocket ten footer. I was surprised that I had no issues navigating the massive table the very first time I shot on it. The reason for this I believe is simple. At some point, we all get to know our strengths and weaknesses so well, that we understand how to address each situation and play to our strengths. I call this player maturity. Being honest with one’s self and knowing the player we truly are, is all part of it. It’s so much a mental game once we learn the physical aspects of it. 👍🏻❤️🎱

[@Tater39]

Great stuff as usual ! I noticed you use both open and closed bridges,just curious what determines that for you? I'm sure you practice both is it just your field for the shot or is it something else,just curious.Thanks again for another great video 👍

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Nathan, It’s actually something I do without thinking about it to be truthful. This said, when I do think about it, it’s typically when I feel the need to contain the cue due to a power shot.

[@JohnSmith-nu4he]

Great video! Your dedication motivates your subscribers I assure you. I’m going to quit typing and go practice this.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you John and good luck. Please let me know how it went. Thanks again 👍🏻💪🏻❤️🎱

[@dougquara6302]

I knew these drills take dedication but I have a really hard time shooting one for an hour at a time. More like 15 minutes, if that 😒. I need to learn how to avoid the temptation to start shooting racks or move on to other drills. One problem I have is an inability to stay focused for the duration of a match, and learning to perform these drills for an hour can definitely help learn to focus. I will try to use this video as inspiration.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Doug. Let me share something with you. As I work to master a specific drill, I have found myself saying no one would do what I’m doing. I am a bit OCD in that I have to stay with one thing until I totally figure it out. I can’t tell you how many times my shoulder was killing me by the end of my practice session and I had to quit. Also, I wonder if top level players have the same issue. I’m weird! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@brianmack6285]

If I may, if it's 15 minutes then you loose interest, then it's 15 minutes. Ask yourself is it lacking because I'm hitting everything or because I'm missing everything. Boredom vs frustration. If it's the latter, then there's no sense in repeating what you can't do. Start smaller, easier. Walk before you run. Then maybe "next" week see if it's 16 minutes before... If it's boredom, then advance. Or try to make a game of it. Playing a "game" beats doing a drill. I find resetting the table triggers my "F this" after too many times. I'm still trying to figure a way out of that, maybe automate it somehow. I've seen some examples of this. I note the drills above tended to minimize "resets" in that the cue ball was shot from last place... if you're good enough to get good shape most every time.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@brianmack6285 I’m very different Brian. My OCD is a blessing when it comes to Pool drill work. I can honestly say, I’ve never grown board and remain committed but that’s just me.

[@Xcath1]

Hey Ron, appreciate your videos. I know nothing replaces practice but would still love a discussion of why you are using the English that you use for a particular cue ball position. For instance I have tried that spot shot drill and still don’t when to you use high right vs. right. Vs just high. At any rate thanks

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Xcath1, I will put together a personal video for you and include a link tonight so stay tuned.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Here you go Xcath1. I have explained aiming as well in this video. The effects of spin as the cue ball contacts the cushion are obvious as well. See link below: Answering a subscriber’s question kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3erpnhmip6EhJI

[@TimeForTrim]

My man !! Watching this now

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Cool TP, I bet this will transform your growth.

[@TimeForTrim]

@@ronthepoolstudent trying now as we speak !

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@TimeForTrim very cool, thanks for the update TP 👍🏻

[@nvpoolshooter]

I'm not a drill guy. I quickly get bored. My practice routine starts with breaking 15 ball racks and running balls. Not just randomly, but with purpose analyzing the layout and work my way around the table, paying attention to trouble balls and dealing with those appropriately. You shoot all types of different shots utilizing various cue ball position techniques. Great way to develop consistent shot making and position. My philosophy is to become a shot maker first because, as amateur players, we'll get out of line and have to make a more difficult shot than originally planned. When I'm done with that, I practice what I call "come up all the time shots." If your viewers practice just one of these drills, and they're good drills, the centerfield drill would be the one. Those shots are "come up all the time" shots, and arguably one of the most important position shot skills to have. Great video.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Brian. This method of practice is a more advanced method. It’s designed to condition the player to common shots first. From there, the player can then take what they’ve learned (via these drills) to their ultimate challenge. For instance; I will often break and work at running out eleven balls (in rotation) during my evening session. (great nine ball conditioning btw) In preparation to doing this, I often practice these three drills (or others) leading up. This prepares me for shots I will then play position for. In conclusion: Many players need guidance. By showing them a more structured practice approach, this helps them practice with more purpose so they do not become overwhelmed. Thanks again and I’m glad you have found what works best for you 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@t.j.7561]

Hey Ron this is great 👍

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks TJ, glad you like it. Please let me know how it goes if you apply this to your practice session.

[@stevejones3180]

Another great video. Do you play matches/competitions? If so, how are you doing?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Steve. I got hot and heavy into league play two years ago. I finished 1st place on my nine foot singles league back then. (first ever league) I also played two nights per week with two teams. I finished the session by winning 17 of 20 matches played. During that time period, I played in 11 tournaments as well. I finished 1st in 4 where I won two outright and split the other two. Today, I’m more focused on helping my viewers get better. Unfortunately, I’ve never liked the Pool hall environment. Thanks again!

[@stevejones3180]

@@ronthepoolstudent Fantastic results mate. I asked because I’m better in practice than in matches, like most players I suspect. Your videos are inspirational and your enthusiasm for pool is clear for all to see. Thank you for the extraordinary amount of effort that you put into this endeavour.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@stevejones3180 thank you Steve 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@shader26]

I’m finding out that si ply practicing drills, shots, whatever is enhanced a LOT if one “debeiefs” afterwards. I came to this idea because being a lifelong insomniac I lie awake thinking about things. Things that I have distracted myself from by looking at videos, reading books, watching tv, etc. during the day so when I go to bed and try to sleep it all comes rushing in, all the things I wanted to think about. As I am on my quest to become a good pool player, I notice now when I try to sleep my mind starts thinking about shots, throw, angles, positions, etc. So that got me to realizing, I can go to the pool hall and work on many aspects of my shooting, but it enhances it a lot if when I come home I sit quietly and go over what I learned, or should have learned, what worked and what didn’t. Often have tried many shots I need work on, and made progress but to sement the progress, I actually need time going over how the shots looked when I made them right. What thoughts I had “a little to the left on this shot” etc. it’s not good enough to wait until I’m trying to sleep, if I do it right after practice while it’s all still fresh it comes back to me and I lock in the feel and angles I worked so hard failing, then succeeding etc.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@shader26 Thank you Shader, here are a couple things: Many players lack self awareness. Another thing they lack is being able to process outcomes then apply change. What you’ve told me here, is that you do not lack these two very important traits. These are essential to becoming a great player. I learned a few years ago to embrace failure as I saw it as a necessity to make change. Also, I learned to split my practice sessions into two 3 hour workouts so I could digest and stay fresh. When I worked with a very strong player early on, he told me he would shoot drills for a couple hours, then take a short nap. After his nap, he’d hit the table once again and apply what he learned from that previous session. You’ve tapped into what most never will so congratulations for that. Please keep me posted as I’m sure you’re going to make great strides in the year to come. Thank you once again Shader and keep “practicing with purpose”…💪🏻

[@shader26]

@@ronthepoolstudent hey, thanks for the advice and kind words. I’m wondering if you have any advice on types of shots, drills, practice ideas for when you arrive at the tournament early enough to have an hour to work on getting warmed up? I realize this might be specific to each players Achilles heel shots, etc. and not easy to generalize. But any guideline on how to decide what is the best way to both warm up and get confidence up?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@shader26 Here’s what I used to do Shader. I shot three exercises prior to my nine foot singles league as I had one hour to practice. I’d shoot long straight in slow roll shots and stop shots, then the “spot to spot” drill and finally the center field drill. This put me stroke. I ended up finishing in first place (12 players) and went undefeated in our session ending eight ball tournament. This worked well for me.

[@shader26]

@@ronthepoolstudent Thanks! Actually have incorporated long straight in (stop, draw, follow) and spot to spot. I also have to work draw shots prior to shooting. I also do your four balls near the 2nd diamond using outside draw to keep cue ball in the middle.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@shader26 Yes, the center field drill 💪🏻

[@samuelmandell8995]

Ron, why do you use low right or left English on a rail shot. I always use high right or left on rail shots?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

We must be adept to using all types of english on our rail shots Samuel. In this video, you’ll notice I use varying degrees of english on my rail shots depending on the position I’m trying to achieve.

[@jamescathcart4762]

Do you find a pocket with a very deep shelf plays tougher than a tight pocket? Just curious.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

With my 4 5/8” Olhausen, the 2” deep shelf depth requires the ball to go in clean if hit with too much pace or it will rattle and stay on the shelf. I also shoot on a 4 3/8” pocket nine foot diamond with lesser shelf depth. I see more issue with my 2” shelves than with the narrower pocket Diamond 9’.

[@WildernessActivities-lq6uj]

👍🏻

[@ronthepoolstudent]

👍🏻

[@chriscarman6305]

Ron, Anything more Advanced?? A 15 pack is nothing to me ...thanks Ron.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Sarcasm Chris?

[@chriscarman6305]

@@ronthepoolstudent gotta laugh in lofe Ron. Lol

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@chriscarman6305 ???

[@chriscarman6305]

@ronthepoolstudent life* I would like something more advanced, honestly , even though I still miss that annoying spot shot sometimes .

[@chriscarman6305]

@ronthepoolstudent i guess.. not real sure , I don't have cameras and idk how to edit and all the graphics , what's on there is just some practice sessions , not sure what the question is.