Problems Advanced Players Face and How to Avoid Them (Pool Lessons)

[@FXBilliards]

Check out our ON LINE POOL MasterClass at NWQPool.com

[@saleemullahkhan3316]

I live in Philippines now how to pay

[@cliftonderrick701]

I found the video very informative .I consider myself a mid level player.

[@madhatter2012]

When I watch my son (SL6 in 8 ball, 7 in 9 ball) get ready to play an APA match, I always remind him to ignore his opponent, regardless of skill level. He's not playing against an opponent, he's playing against the table, and with every shot to take what the table gives him. His record over the past 20 matches is 19-1, and that includes a few 8'& 9's. Thanks for another great video!

[@dustytables3638]

Good advice for him. He, and you, probably already do this but keep a mental log of opponents as you learn to shoot against them. Do they have a hard time making long angle shots? Small cluster draw shots?

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff- thanks for your comments.

[@chriskendrick883]

Hit the nail on the head with mirroring..that's some of my issue..i have been getting beat by lower players and its in my head. Ive been loosing this whole session in 8 ball and most of it is in my head and i believe im mirroring. I think change of pace and second looks at the shots may snap me out of it, i have to figure out something to fix it

[@TamiamiParkFlyers]

Saw your rail shot video yesterday and it improved my aiming tremendously on my game today! Thanks!

[@joseramone9802]

Brian, I have to tell you this lesson was all me today, you saved my bacon. I'm a senior and play 5 days at the center and anyone who comes in gets to play. I love pool and have improved over the years because I have put in the time and effort after 2 shoulder surgeries, I'm above average and most days are getting better. We play 2 hrs (I used to play 5 per day when I retired) 8 ball and finish up with a half hour of 9 ball 1 on 1 or doubles and I usually get 1 hr in the afternoon to practice and go over mistakes (because of you I now enjoy practice). I can tell by Friday I was becoming burnt out and not playing my best, smooth, accurate slow pace. It has taken me years to trim down my approach and set before a shot and I'm happy, but when I start missing shots I should be making against a lesser player it's because my aiming has gotten what I call lazy. Thank you so much for this video, I'm a big fan and you are my favorite instructor. I will keep on watching.Thanks for listening guys.

[@raulcordova3607]

You hit the nail on the head with this video

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you I appreciate your comments and I appreciate you watching.

[@vincentnicosia2315]

Brian it was super surreal hearing your iconic voice in the corner of the room over at Markley Billiards and it was an even greater pleasure to meet you, keep up the great work and I hope to see you there again

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks Vincent. Lately I’ve been at Markley at least once a week - that’s where I am doing a lot of my in person lessons. It was nice to meet you too.

[@BigAlsBilliards]

Great Stuff Brian

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnfetzer9637]

thought was a great heads up vid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@NH_RSA__]

Opponents who stare at the table forever then shoot at the wrong ball, miss it badly, lock up half your balls and leave the most unimaginably impossible hit. The worst part? The other team shouting: "Nice leave!"

[@trevorsmith3947]

Excellent!!! Video B. Thank you for really elaborating on what advanced players go through its all so true. I absolutely appreciated all the content you put out for us and the time you take to put these videos together i really hope you dont ever plan to leave KZbin or stop putting out content your a great guy and Full of Wisdome thank you for everything you do

[@FXBilliards]

My pleasure!

[@vincevita6872]

Brian u hit so many points that i need to be aware of... Thanks.... Vince

[@michaelgrayrn4579]

Great video!

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@kpayne2911]

Very good advice. I sometimes get into a hurry up mode and make the shot, which I end up missing.

[@dustytables3638]

Great advice as usual! What you said about mirroring or playing down to your opponent is so true. Play everyone like they are a 600 Fargo. That 250 you’re stuck with can get just lucky enough to! Make a couple strategic balls, then hook them. Repeat until ready to attack. Also, expect and anticipate low level players to make accidental safety shots in you. Everyone who’s played against a 2 or a 250 has seen this happen and it’s maddening! But if you focus on table and expect it to happen you’ll be prepared for a response. Big Shots: if you’re play low rank player and are in a position that you know you can make a 2 or 3 rail kick/bank or some outstanding cut for a combo, judge that moment! Take that chance if it’s not at a critical time. As you’ve said before, if you take the risk and reap the reward, it crushes that players ability to play well!

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff- thanks for sharing your experience.

[@KeithKelso-e7z]

This hits hard cause I just got sharked a couple weeks ago. It actually fired me up and I’ve been playing hard ever since.

[@FXBilliards]

Nice!

[@Aabriley]

Your videos never disappoint . The adjusting speed as I play and mirroring down Definitely have to be more aware ... Good topics Brian

[@FXBilliards]

Much appreciated!

[@bcavin57]

Puzzles😵‍💫I’ve screwed up being stubborn trying to do to much with the cue to get the best leave. I once looked for a single puzzle piece for two days instead of picking another!! An old pro had a saying, “Always take the easy shot then there are no hard shots.” Thanks for your thoughtful videos.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments

[@caseymccoy2692]

Hey Bryan, been watching your videos it seems like an eternity. I feel in my opinion this is the best one yet!!!! everything you're talking about is pretty much on point.... I really appreciate you and all on of your content......

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you like them! I truly appreciate your comments

[@thegodofpez]

I’ve never even heard of the mirroring concept before, but damn that’s so true! I always try to watch one of your videos before practicing. Thanks as always, B! 🤟

[@mikeind6378]

great video. i mirror. you mentioned this in some other videos too, i try now not watch bad players before match

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@devonshire56]

So true about "mirroring". I watch a lot of pool online, especially the major tournaments and cheer for SVB. My style is already like his, dropping the cue a little to get it started and his delivery of the cue-stick to the cue-ball. Whenever I channel SVB when playing I become him and try to think and play like him. Ok, I'll never be SVB besides I'm too old but I'm telling you watching Ephram or anyone of your pool heros you will absorb that style of play. It hardly matters who I channel it just works. The mind is a powerful tool. In addition everything you covered in this video is true. In the future I will try not to observe so much of my opponents style of play and just play what the table gives me. Also true is getting "sharked". This just happened to me this week. I had to tell this guy to stop telling me what shots to play. He was ALL MOUTH and very little actual talent. He finally quit playing me as I beat him every single rack for well over 10 racks...lesson learned.

[@wadewarriner139]

Great video Brian (as always). As a SL 7 &8, I love the advanced player videos. You truly have a gift of teaching the game. Appreciate you!

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate that!

[@joeyvanleeuwen5229]

Because of example no3 I now officially consider myself an advanced player. Thank you Brian! Awesome stuff as usual!

[@FXBilliards]

Excellent!

[@BS_Stuff]

As a 600+ Fargo I certainly did see myself in at least 3 of your described problems. Thanks for this informative video!

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevinmichaelx4894]

Just great advice. Helped me re-think a lost match last week.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it helped!

[@trw4war322]

Very informative! In short a player no matter what their skill level is should play each game intelligently while being aware of all internal and external factors that can affect their game. Another Winner! 🥳

[@suttonallen1]

Mirroring is definitely a problem for me. If my opponent is playing fast, I play fast. If they talk a lot, I talk a lot. If they're just knocking balls around and playing lazy, I do too. One thing that I found that helped me with that actually came from one of Brian's previous videos. He talked about the lag and how you don't have to lag at the same time as the other guy. Some people get down on the table for the lag and immediately hit their ball. Because of that, you feel like you have to lag right that second also. You don't. You can take your time and lag when you want to. In other words, don't let your opponent set the pace of the game, because now you're playing on his terms. Play at your speed, not theirs. Doing that right from the start of the match gets me in the right mindset where I can play the way I always play, rather than mirroring the other guy.

[@scottmcrae6180]

Man…..your SO right!! Great video

[@FXBilliards]

Appreciate it!

[@JeffKernsTheArtist]

That first one really hit home! 😂😅😂😅 your videos are the best.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you like them!

[@dereksegree7097]

Well this felt personal. Thanks!

[@FXBilliards]

You're so welcome!

[@JeffMartin84]

It's interesting. I've been in sales for 20+ years. Mirroring is something I've been taught since day 1. Great sales strategy. I just realized I do it when playing pool as well.

[@FXBilliards]

Yes, mirroring is an outstanding communications skill and it can also be a bad pool habit. The best communicators in the world have a good understanding of mirroring and echoing. Thanks for sharing your comments

[@coltonn322]

Incredible information, thank you

[@FXBilliards]

Our pleasure!

[@kenrodewalt5679]

Thanks Bryan.... always Good Advice....I think I'm guilty of all those things, at different times...this season....my philosophy is to just try and give my opponent the Hardest challenge I can....if I win great, if I lose.... hopefully I learned something....🙂👍

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff!

[@MrKenneffdupriest]

Great video BM. I play slow. Not a crawl but I walk the table and take look at my options. Always have, always will. If they play fast and you slow the game down they are a little out of their element. They can't make you play faster but you can slow the game down Especially if you have them in the seat a lot. Basketball games are won this way often. Go Boilermakers!!

[@FXBilliards]

Well said!

[@chrishammershoy]

LOL, I have all these issues except the excessive safeties. I have the opposite issue…I tend to “go for it” too often.

[@brucecheung]

Great VDO Bryan!

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks!

[@jefflink4671]

Enjoy your video's. I am beginning again at 69 yrs old, last time I play was teen ager. Its hard, frustrating, yet I am like a sponge and want to learn and get better. Even if its just me playing myself, I want to be good.

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff - thank you again for watching.

[@garybkatz]

Watching Shane vs. Corey before driving over to my league match has often elevated my performance that evening. Internet osmosis!

[@FXBilliards]

Nice

[@garybkatz]

@@FXBilliards Conversely, Shane and Corey better avoid watching video of me, before THEY play, nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!

[@birdisbird]

I find myself mirroring a lot now that I have a word to use for that feeling lol, its almost like a subconscious balance of skill that you get when you see someone who doesn't have as much of a grasp on the concept of running out as you do. I find myself not playing my position as strictly as I would playing a 7/9 or in a big tournament. I think another big problem advanced players face is beating yourself up for little mistakes you will make throughout a rack/match, this is my biggest problem personally. it might fall under the tilt category but I think its its own problem entirely. once I make a minor position mistake or miss a fairly easy cut shot or something I end up over compensating and will make more mistakes than I would have if I had just stuck with my original plan/game. I've gotten better at handling this over many games and events but it still becomes a problem occasionally.

[@saleemullahkhan3316]

100% right happiness to me .thank you I will try to control Mirror problem

[@cungifungi]

Great insight!

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks

[@randallgibson8619]

I’m bad to come out on fire then when I’m up pretty good I tend to relax and let them back in it (especially apa 9 ball). I’ve been trying to focus on keeping the pressure on but it’s something I’ve found hard to overcome. I’m not sure if it’s the adrenaline at first that makes me hyper focus or what but I’m trying my best to correct the issue. The mirroring effect is absolute truth and my captain tends to put me on the same or higher skill levels because of it. I tend to get way too careless with lower ranked players at times.

[@rodconner9079]

LOL You ain't wrong on any of these!!! Dead-on I'd say! #Facts "I was watchin' Efren!" ... that'll do it (the best one outta the group) Why! Because it's fresh. "Things" are a lot easier to see... and Efren doesn't waste energy; seems to stoke with just enough effort to get to where he wants to be. Another one outta the park Bryan. Honestly though, playing "down" is tough to "stay" in yer element (playing your game) because of the mentality of -- well, I get it on my next shot! vs Playing equal or esp "up" ... yer more attentive and concentrated. Guess we should approach each rack as though we're playin' "UP" each and every time! Be Safe

[@FXBilliards]

Great stuff - thanks for sharing your comment.

[@rapiddekay1710]

I noticed in a tournament that I sped up my tempo because my opponent (very experienced player) shot fast and ran around the table. Mirroring is a very real thing. I have noticed it in pro matches. I have also had several friends and family members tell me that I practice too much and I am burning out. Which if you’re addicted like me you know how frustrating that is to hear. Even more frustrating to not be on the table. Usually if I just give my self one night of good sleep by going to bed early. I notice my mood and my play gets a lot better. Finally players often forget why they started playing pool, because it is FUN. You need to be enjoying yourself. I made it in my training schedule that Friday nights instead of running drills. I go out with my friends to the pool hall and I have fun. I have few beers. I try crazy banks and talk some shit. Am I getting optimal practice? Of course not. But I am having fun and refreshing my interest. Because that is where my love for the game started.

[@chadmoore3330]

Mirroring is a very real thing! I also have a hard time adapting to the table. I spend my practice time at a pool hall with diamond tables, simonis cloth, and balls that are cleaned every day. When I go to league night at a random bar with dirty cloth and balls it gets in my head. Stop trying to force follow the cue 3 rails for perfect shape! Just stun to the middle of the table and take the tougher cut shot!

[@joshuamiller4440]

I have been playing for 6 years and I just recently started to realize the mentality of playing myself verse the other person which prevents alot of these issue for me know.

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch and leave your comments

[@wikster6630]

Alaways enjoy your videos, excellent tips! After a 25 year hiatus from playing regularly , I'm wanting get back into it by joining a league. Have yet to look onto it so i don't know how the ranking process works. I figure I'll be beginner ranked. With that said, my question is, should I be investing in cues at a beginner level? Thanks for any advice you may have. Eric

[@FXBilliards]

Maybe get a cue in the $200 range because even if you get something more expensive later you’re $200 cue will make a good backup cue for you. Anything less than that is probably not worth buying.

[@875shooter]

Preah!! It's like you've watched me play.

[@FXBilliards]

lol feels that way sometimes, I know it. Thanks for watching.

[@MikeBilliardsFun78]

good video hope i play good this Wed. night coming up round 2 playoff , play the #1 team in the City League to advance round 3

[@garytomasetti1403]

Well now I have never heard the term Mirroring but I am guilty for sure - I like playing higher skilled players as my game improves as I work harder to match them - when I play even or lower skilled players I tend to slow my game and either barely win or just flat out lose! When I play now I never ask what skill level my opponent is - the only thing that matters is that I need 4 games to win and I do my best to get after it! I think mentally saying that my opponent only needs 2 games to win and I need 4 games puts mental doubt into my thought process - so I just go to the table with the mind set of what I have to accomplish! Most of the time I already know their skill level I just don't say it in my head!

[@jog4u]

In regard to sharking and especially being a high end player. How can you avoid being sharked or how do you deal with someone sharking you?

[@FXBilliards]

The best way is to acknowledge that you know they are shocking you. Say something like: “ Wow you must really be scared of losing to go through some much effort to distract me. Good luck with that.” Most people calm down and behave after that, simply from pure embarrassment

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

First.....Great video as usual! I hate playing worse players......

[@FXBilliards]

They’re good for the game though. Thanks for watching.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

@@FXBilliards agreed

[@ElijahNelson-nd4jm]

Absolutely find my self mirroring and playing to my opponents level. In addition I go on tilt when I slip into a lower skill level. Do you have any tips to keep your cool and drown out all the frustration?

[@FXBilliards]

I did a full video series on the mental game at nwqpool.com. It’s not very expensive. You should check it out.

[@Darkslide2AR-FE]

I always try to make as many balls as possible then when I'm in a spot where I can't make the shot or there is no shot I look for defense/safety shots.

[@BROU-bb2uc]

Seen sharking first hand a player was about to run out and his opponent started taking his stick apart. A player on or team that's sharking and the game is over. Said player bitched and broke his stick over his knee and one of our players said you might as well break it because you can shoot with it.

[@boysull]

Superb advice. God damn, I'm a good player, but I have a hard time dealing with myself,. I'm better than my inner voice tells me.

[@FXBilliards]

Not uncommon. You’ll get there brother.

[@jaymcclure8185]

Most of them 😂, I have dreadful tilt problems and I know it. Twenty years ago, I could run with sixes and sevens all day long. But, it ain't twenty years ago anymore. I hung up my cues for over a decade, I got back in and, big surprise, fundamental issues. I know the issue and how to correct it, but do I? Let's take stance for example. I spent so many years throwing baseballs where you put your front foot on the line where you want the ball to go. In pool you put the back foot on the line you want the ball to go...now I instinctively put both feet on the line. Proper fix, step away from the table and reset, do I? Nope, tilt. There's the next five shots down the drain 😢

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate you sharing this with us

[@minggoenarso]

Mirroring is real. Just watch the pros during a match, a lot (maybe most) of them would look away when their opponents are down on a shot. Even at their level, even if they are about the same level, they would still look away.

[@photorailfan]

Mirroring a better player does work. Especially if you see the better play live.

[@ynkybomber]

The worst advanced player problem is when you need to cheat the pocket to get shapes. You must remember that making the ball is more important than setting up the next shot. If you have to choose always make the ball.

[@keeblerkelloggs]

Great advice, thanks! 👍

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@saleemullahkhan3316]

100% right happiness to me .thank you I will try to control Mirror problem

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching as always.

[@TamiamiParkFlyers]

Awesome video!

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks!