Making Each Other Better | Road To Vegas | APA Masters 2024

Team meetup with Travis. We play a Masters format challenge match to test our skills, work on team morale and communication, and stay sharp! Thanks for tuning in.
Keywords: billiards, pool, anger management, emotional control, precision shots, frustration, focus, anger management techniques, billiards tips, improve billiards game

[@dumbref1459]

Travis runout in first 8 ball rack was outstanding. I watched this live but seeing it again, I did realize what a thing of beauty I was witnessing at the time

[@OnTheSnap]

I love how he handled that cluster around the 8.

[@dumbref1459]

@@OnTheSnap That’s a short for you

[@OnTheSnap]

@@dumbref1459 Good call.

[@raferb]

It's interesting the different level of nervousness/adrenaline/stress that a practice session has vs. a competitive match. In a competitive match, making shots you normally make, but with your heart beating out of your chest and shaky hands is a whole different variable that a practice session can't replicate.

[@OnTheSnap]

So true! Travis and I were speaking about that while playing. Sometimes we're able to find that sweet spot of feeling relaxed with just a bit of pressure, and that's where the magic happens.

[@rherb8]

Awesome stuff! You should do a breakdown of how you hit some of the more advanced types of shots you talk about (punch, drag, different levels of draw, etc). It would also be cool to hear how/when to incorporate spin on the cue ball for positional advantage or throwing the object ball for shotmaking. I’ve recently found myself favoring spin to open object ball angles instead of trusting a thinner cut shot with no spin. Is this generally a bad habit to get into?

[@OnTheSnap]

I am actually working on a video for the more advanced shot techniques, so stay tuned! In general, we don't want to rely on spin to make the ball. I recommend players focus on a clean hit and a straight stroke, lining up the body and the cue with the line of the shot and shooting straight through it. This can feel counterintuitive on cut shots, but it makes a world of a difference once you've practiced it. Spin on the CB is essential for some positional plays, but the amount of spin transferred to an object ball is usually so negligible that it's not worth working on mastering (with the notable exception of bank shots). If you try to rely on spin to make the ball, or send it in a desired direction, you're not only adding spin, but deflection, which forces you to compensate for something else. To practice this, set up a ball in the center of the table, and the cue ball on the head or foot spot. Cut the ball into one of the corner pockets with no spin at all (perfect center of the cue ball). Don't worry about position. Once you start making these consistently, it will help you find a better true-center alignment.

[@rherb8]

@@OnTheSnap looking forward to it! That totally makes sense, I’m going to practice that drill. Thanks!

[@JBirdBrantley-bd9mc]

Will see ya out there should be very strong field.

[@OnTheSnap]

Can't wait. Super strong field last year as well. If you see me out there, make sure to say hi!

[@millerjt]

I'll be excited to put a face to YOUR username! Exciting!

[@OnTheSnap]

Haha yeah this coming from the guy who has a DUCK FACE as his profile pic lol no way never seen anything like it

[@tonybrewer2428]

@42:11 you should put some right spin on that to come off two rails to come into the blocker balls. Coming straight across for a safe is the same as trying to shape across the shot line.

[@OnTheSnap]

That's a good idea - using that second rail helps to open it up and play into a bigger window.

[@icastel01]

9 ball break shots are looking good! How do you hit those? It's probably one of the most frustrating parts of 9 ball for me.

[@OnTheSnap]

Thanks! I have been working on it a lot. I think a big part of it is that Travis and I rack well and consistently, which is hard to find in leagues when your opponent racks for you. I focus on a full hit on the head-ball, thinking about driving it straight into the rail behind the rack. I also lift my body slightly to get a pop on the cue ball and exaggerate my follow-through.

[@icastel01]

@@OnTheSnap I’m gonna try that next time at practice!