How to improve at Pool/why many players plateau

[@johnpalermo2247]

Just what I needed! Ron. I will put this to use. It's funny how you meet players who have been playing for 10 to 30 years, yet they can't make a simple bank shot. I plan to be pro in 3 to 5 years. I've been playing for 2 years, seriously, come this next month, February. I can NOT stay stagnant...I must grow & evolve my game. I play for 5 reasons: 1. Because I love the game 2. I don't play to gamble..my peh paw taught my dad who taught me "a gambler's money may lose his home." 3. I don't play to win even though I want to win, when you play with this mentality, it humbles you & your game. 4. If I lose, I chalk it up for a learning experience. Every game, you should learn something, anything. 5. I play to get better. You are my "go to guy" & I asked about your table before. You said you had it made in Michigan? How would I get a table "just like this one." Bc I love it. Hope all is well...as I say, cause I wrote a book of 365 inspirational quotes & reflections..."Cheers & Journey Well."---J.M.P.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

AWESOME John, I can tell you have what it takes to get there. Your comment is one of the best I’ve read since my channel began. (pinned) Please keep me up to date on your advancements in your game as you dedicate yourself to reach your goal of becoming a pro. With the passion I can tell you have, there’s no doubt in my mind, you’ll get there. Thank you for sharing your goals and for the lessons your family has passed down, very very cool. Also, my table was not made in Michigan, I only ordered it through an Olhausen supplier here. The tables are made in Portland Tennessee. Thanks once again for your inspirational comment John and as I mentioned, please keep me up to date on your journey. Take care and keep on practicing bud 👍🏻💪🏻👍🏻😊🎱

[@Otingocni]

how is it working out for you a year later?

[@tysoncaves420]

I won’t lie . Your commentary is invaluable, but your use of camera angles and footage is bar none. I can hear you say what to do 1000 times but seeing your view from so many different angles is incredibly helpful

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tysoncaves420 thank you Tyson. I do try to setup the camera so you as the viewer can benefit the most. I appreciate the feedback 👍🏻😊

[@cryptonator1988]

Wow these drills actually makes sense..

[@cryptonator1988]

Just got home from work i shot some shots i didnt do any of these drills yet because i just finished driving 700 miles all night so my focus and mental clarity isn't sharp. So i knew i had no chance at it right now.. after i rest a little then ill try some of these later if i can even make it past the first drill lol.. this is going to be a long journey for me to get good 👍...

[@shader26]

Excellent video. Its really a simple concept (you fill it out with good exercises but the concept itself is so obvious that it’s weird we all need to be reminded of it. I guess it’s human nature. I’m a better guitarist than I am a pool player. Been playing most of my life. When I was learning everything is new and requires patience and practice. But when you get to a certain level the tendency can become to practice what you already can do well. It is natural because it gives an ego boost. But for any serious guitarist, you spend time on the things you can’t do well yet, or that are new and outside the comfort zone if you want to improve. Exactly, and I am at that place now, when you mention you weren’t consistently good at straight in shots. So you devised a way to practice that until you upped your level. I’m going to work at least on the first four exercises you show here. I also tend to set up three balls and try to get position staying in the kitchen. Also play myself in ten ball, and unless I’m practicing safeties, etc. take ball in hand when normally would do a safety and try to run out. When I miss a ball badly, I don’t mind as long as I was close and got the position I wanted, but when the position is way off I set it up again and work til I get it. Also, using markers on the table, set up any angle shot, and see how many places I can get the cue ball. I always think I can get it almost anywhere if I can just figure it out, but find in real life it’s good to know what you can’t do with a cue bal positioning. But I’m lucky, I have a target-rich environment as I need work on everything almost.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Shader, I appreciate your comment. As for guitarists, I really like David Gilmour. I have huge respect for you guys and ladies like Sophie Lloyd, that play such a tough instrument with such ease. I can’t imagine how to learn it when watching someone play 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@smalltownbilliards3017]

Great video Ron! Love the progression. Hard to find drills out there that are doable for the average beginner/intermediate player!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Tim, these really help me a lot so I knew others would appreciate them as well.

[@VloggerAndrea]

very good nice to sharing🔁

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks V A 👍🏻

[@poolhalljunky]

I've created my own drills for my game and book, but these are some of the best ones I've seen in quite a while. I'll throw these in the book and give credit. Nice. Thanks. I've never tried this. I'll go home and test it out today. Awesome.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks PHJ, let me know if you have any questions 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@vikraman89]

Hey ron fantastic video i firmly believe that drills will improve a players game as well, i have just very recently begun to do some drills, i have been playing the game for a long time now but feel like i have not improved as i have been just playing very casually with friends, i do really want to start putting the hours in and start working on drills, this video is extremely helpful as is all your other videos as well, i really love how you have put drills that are very doable as well, because the thing is there are times where beginner or intermediate players work on drills but they try to do very advanced drills and it ends up being too tough for them so they end up giving up, these drills are fantastic for beginner and intermediate players, thank you very much for sharing this video once again ron, cheers😊

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Vikraman. Here is another systematic approach to improvement. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a328enhmpd9rrbc

[@vikraman89]

@@ronthepoolstudent thank you very much for sharing, really appreciate it 😊

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@vikraman89 you’re welcome and thanks for watching 👍🏻😊

[@greentwister1]

I’m a new subscriber and wanted to say great video. It’s really easy to just end up hitting balls when practicing which isn’t always productive! Can’t wait to get back to the table to try these! :)

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you greentwister1 for subscribing and for the compliment. Many players only hit shots without implementing structure in their practice. By doing what I’ve shown, this will turbo charge your game fast. Keep in mind too that you should adjust your sessions in terms of various drills at times. Pick those tough shots and tough position play spins that you struggle with and include those into your training as well. Feel free to reach out with any future questions you may have. Good luck and thanks again 👍🏻

[@patrickneel4728]

Thank you! Great drills. I’ve seen each of them presented by other instructors, but never all in one place. Your style of communicating helps with not only understanding the concepts, but, also in helping the recipient feel comfortable with trying them.

[@patrickneel4728]

By the way, I’ve been playing for over 50 years (We are contemporaries) and have been on and off “the plateau” for about 40 of those years…🙄

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Patrick, I really appreciate the kind words, and I’m glad you liked the video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jasonsanders9054]

I use what you're call 6789 drill and to make it harder when I'm feeling good I make it where my cue ball can't leave the rectangle. No going off the rails. This makes you really have to control your angle. Another one I use a lot is the progressive run out drill. I'll break 8 ball. Run either solids or stripe's. And off of making the 8 ball I'll run the other set out in order. That really gets me loose

[@ronthepoolstudent]

That would be super tough not leaving the rectangle. Good job playing that position. 👍🏻💪🏻👍🏻

[@johngies4024]

Thank you Ron. Great drills. I will be starting these tomorrow.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks John, they work for sure. Btw, played in a tournament today and made it to the finals where me and the other guy split the cash. My practice helped big time.

[@edwardwallace1633]

Great video

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Edward and glad you like it 👍🏻

[@lawrenceleyton]

Hi Ron first of all great channel and you have a great way of teaching. Practice with purpose really resonated and the drills you showed in the video makes much more sense to improve than some of the others I’ve seen. Do you already have a detailed video of the best way to adjust and compensate for running outside or running inside English and just spin shots in general?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Lawrence. Here are a couple videos on how I learned to aim with spin. Also, I have several others within my video library. Thanks again and hope these help. See links below: How To Aim With Spin kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3qkhpprit2aZqc Aiming with spin kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5ybZGd6fLGYsK8

[@rodsautter6135]

Absoloutly excellent!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Rod, glad you like it and hope it helps your game 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ubet28]

Impressive!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks, on the table now at 12:27 AM. Paying the price lol

[@allgood6760]

Well done! 👍🎱🇳🇿

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you “All Good” 👍🏻

[@michaelmccullar2982]

Thank you good video

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Michael, this way of practicing made the difference for my game so I had to share. Glad you enjoyed the video and hope it helps your game as well 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@fixitrod4969]

I put a week or 2 weeks' worth of drills on paper so I know I'm working on things that I need to fix or learn everyday. I always start with table length straight in shots, and it ends with running a few racks to put my practice to work.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Nice, that’s what I call practice with purpose. 👍🏻😊👍🏻

[@geraldfischer1057]

sometimes adding to my bag - makes me go back a step. I too have been working on my stroke. I find myself losing focus on few simple shots for my run out. My chalk, and preshot routine used to be excellent.. I'm 6'4" and my stick is a little short lol, but I can already tell you a good portion of my flaws.. twisting my wrist ( already trying your finger point ) and my stroke - I have a good stroke can draw it back the length of the table, but when I don't.. man do I miss lol.. frustrating making kicks, banks and tough shots, and missing an easy one.. Also focus, focusing on my outs or making sure my position is good. Getting better practice in. I'm basically a ball off or so to running racks.. when I used to shoot daily I'd get 1 rack out of 10, on a good day 2-3/10, but getting back into the game a lot of bad habits redeveloped.. Been playing rotation, probably gonna do some drills which I've been avoiding.. . Thanks for the content.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Gerald. The goal is to shoot without thought. Once we have our fundamentals ingrained, then it’s only about speed control. Personally, I can say drill work was extremely important in helping me to improve. I was fortunate to have a high level player push me to consistently work drills. (shortly after I started) Prior to that, I shot balls without reason which was not giving me needed feedback. Drills do so much for us but many players won’t perform them so you aren’t alone. Once you perform drills that Benefit your game however, your growth to become a more consistent player will happen much faster. Good luck and let me know how things progress as I’m curious. Thank you G 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@geraldfischer1057]

@@ronthepoolstudent yes overlooking a mistake that needs improving. . I see what you mean. Cool, will do. From florida btw.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@geraldfischer1057 awesome, I have a couple great player friends from Florida 👍🏻 Sebring & Miami

[@CosplayZine]

Great stuff!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you C, glad you liked this. 👍🏻

[@tomalderman7598]

Great video. Thank you

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Tom, hope this helps 👍🏻👍🏻

[@tomalderman7598]

@@ronthepoolstudent Helped a lot. All we ever used to do was play 8 ball. Never got any better. Now we play all 9 ball and it’s helped a lot. Moving on to drills starting tonight and we will include these.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tomalderman7598 any questions Tom, feel free to ask 👍🏻

[@j.a.m6356]

You rock bro!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

👍🏻😊 thanks

[@larrybeitel8952]

Loved watching your video and know it will improved my game...I just have to put in the time at the table. When you use the round enforcers, do you lick 'em and stick 'em? And if you do, does the glue come off the cloth when you remove them? I assume so, but don't want to have any "stickie" on the cloth when I remove them. Thanks again for all your videos.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Larry. The paper reinforcements are self sticking and have very little glue. They will only leave a glue ring if you leave them on for a month or longer. I purchase mine at a local office supply store. Also, I love hearing back from players that benefit from my instruction. Stay tuned for a 120 second tutorial on lining up a combo. I should have it ready to publish tomorrow or Wednesday morning. Thanks again 👍🏻😉

[@robalbers9501]

Thanks!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Rob 👍🏻

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

Congrats on the new subscribers!!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks bud 👍🏻

[@obi501]

Ah three Ronnie's. If only this were snooker

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@obi501 😊

[@chrisgoodgion2986]

New to your channel and so far I am getting alot out of it!! Thank you for all the time and effort you put into these videos!! Can you please tell me about the spots you have on your table? What are they for and the positions you have them? My table is currently being refelted and then I would like to add these if they will serve a purpose for me. Thanks in advance!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks for subscribing Chris and the compliments. The paper reinforcements are set up for the Bert Kinister Mighty X drill as well as locations that address my tough position play shots. You’ll also see one at center table that’s used to shoot my straight in shots. I also place them in locations when I’m working to understand various english that I’m applying to the cue ball. By placing the cue ball/object ball at the same locations, I can shoot over and over to compare apples to apples so to speak when applying various english. Hope this was of help. Once again Chris, glad to have you aboard. 👍🏻

[@chrisgoodgion2986]

@@ronthepoolstudent thank you for the explanation!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@chrisgoodgion2986 anytime bud 👍🏻

[@rickcavinder4290]

I really enjoy all your videos. I’m one of those players that is stuck and not improving. I find it hard to fix my mistakes myself. I’m a APA 7. I think your from Grand Rapids area? I live in northern Indiana and was wondering if you do private lessons? Thanks, Rick

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Rick, I don’t actually travel to give lessons. I do however enjoy giving lessons free of charge when I’m shooting with fellow players.

[@rickcavinder4290]

@@ronthepoolstudent Ron I would travel to you. GR is like 2 hours from me. Would that be possible? Rick

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@rickcavinder4290 that’s not necessary Rick, you’d get the same results from watching my vids really. If you ever are in the area, I’d be happy to meet you at Sand’s West some time this winter.

[@keith8013]

I know that just playing doesn't make you better unless your playing with people who are better then yourself I know drilling is the only way I really see myself get better one of my favorite drill is the l drill and straight shots corner to corner my record is 33 in a row I miss when ichanged my pre shot routine just a little you should try it and see how many you can before you miss

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Kieth, please look back at my past videos. You’ll see that the straight in kitty corner shot was what I used to develop my straight stroke. I shot this everyday for many months. Today, I begin every warm up with ten in a row then shoot the spot to spot drill to help feel the cut angle and speed of the table. Every player must find what works for them and the straight in is my favorite for getting in stroke. Thanks again 👍🏻

[@user-od5qc2rc9s]

Hello Ron i really enjoy all your videos..but i have 1 question im a 6 in apa and i shoot fairly consistent but i do have a lil problem with knowing how to hit a ball i cant see to stop ball in hand..any way i could get better at this?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Dustin 👍🏻 To hit shots that are snookered, we must become proficient with kicking. One and two cushion kicks are a must (as well as 3) so executing shots like these from various angles and with various spin on the cue ball is a great way to learn. This being said, although I’m not a diamond system player, there are great kicking systems out there that use math to calculate where the cue ball needs to hit on the cushion in order to make it travel to its desired destination. You can find these systems anywhere on KZbin. For me, I look at my kicks as angle in/angle out. I then have practiced hitting shots over and over again until I got proficient at seeing the angles. I hope that helped Dustin and which ever way you choose, good luck 🍀👍🏻

[@mattwernekerealestate7637]

On the first set today I was about 30% new 9 ft table, on second set could not figure out if your using slight low rt draw or very low draw to get cue ball set for next shot? Thx

[@ronthepoolstudent]

This is the beauty of these drills Matt, they make you experiment with various english. This assures that necessary feedback that one gets as we learn what works and what does not. Keep trying different spins and don’t over stroke your shots. You’ll soon learn what is required for your style of stroke. I hope that makes sense 👍🏻😊👍🏻

[@saintstephen11]

Hi Ron. Is this a typical day or every day routine? I am practicing more than ever but have hit a brick wall in performance. I follow a standard routine every day for the first 400 balls and then change up the drills after that but am looking for ways to get to the next Fargo level. In some ways I feel my game is much improved but I am not winning any more than I was 4 months ago. I will give your routine a try. Thanks!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks for your question saint s. What I’ve shown here is a systematic approach to finding continued success. Many players think of success this way… “if I just pocket 1,000 balls each day, I will continually improve”. This may be true for some but not for most. By understanding your weaknesses then addressing them in an thoughtful exercise format, you will overcome many issues. What I’ve demonstrated in this video is how to incorporate not only shot making but also position play. Each of these drill/challenges are sequential in their order so you can build towards the ultimate goal which is to run nine ball patterns. Also, this is not my typical daily ritual as I will redesign a new practice session often. This breaks up the monotony and keeps practice more enjoyable. I will think of my tough positional play shots (for instance) then approach my training day with that in mind. I will then include shots to build up strength so that by the time I’m shooting a nine ball pattern, I will feel confident I can gain that tough position when the time comes. Hopefully this has shed light on how I think about practice and how I avoid plateauing with my game saint s, hope this helps you as well.

[@tomwalsh6178]

Thanks for the reply Ron. I appreciate it. Best wishes on your quest for 600.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tomwalsh6178 thank you 👍🏻

[@joshuaw969]

Great video, one question, where do u get the markers for the balls?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Any office supply store or on Amazon Joshua. Thanks for the compliment also 👍🏻

[@toddfields9385217]

google binder reinforcement rings . . I put the link below . www.target.com/p/560ct-binder-hole-reinforcement-white-up-38-up-8482/-/A-14511774

[@xeyedsurfer]

Also get out of trouble shots, kick carom combo bank and billiard. I throw 15 balls on table and do a couple sets with no straight in shots. With the 6789 at one end I have the balls 1 diamond from the short rail, this adds variety in one drill. Eperiment with a shot style you would not normally use (change up draw with force follow)

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Right, as in my answer to saint s., change it up but always practice with purpose. 👍🏻

[@Heartless1727]

Atta Boy

[@merlinlewis6361]

Great drill but shots like these I always scratch sometimes I just hit the cue without thinking what spin to put on the ball or where to hit it

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Shoot these shots over and over again Merlin with various spins. You will soon get an understanding of how just a little tip positioning can change the cue ball’s path so you will avoid the scratch. Use paper reinforcements so you can reset the exact shot to compare apples to apples as you use different spins.

[@jimbosaudi]

Ron, help me out if u can. When 2 balls are frozen and i want to throw one of the balls into a nearby pocket but it is offline a bit, to what side of the other ball do i strike the cue ball and with what english to enhance the throw. Perplexed in NorCal.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

No need for english Jim when balls are frozen. Shoot this type shot at approximately a 45° ghost ball cut angle at medium speed. Cut this shot into the direction the object ball needs to travel (be thrown) to go in. Hope that made sense and good luck 🍀👍🏻 Please ask me again to clarify if you’re confused.

[@jimbosaudi]

@@ronthepoolstudent thanks for the quick reply. I put my question to a ppt diagram to be clear but can't get it to copy here. Got other medium to communicate?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@jimbosaudi thanks Jim, it helps my channel and rewards my efforts for time spent if you can communicate within the comment section here. As an example, my most recent seven minute video took 13 hours to put together. These videos are a way I can help my player family and promotes our sport. By comments/exchange as well as Likes”, this triggers KZbin’s algorithm which promotes my content to many others. Let me also make this suggestion: If you would like to send me a detailed question, please record it then post it to “your” KZbin channel. Set the audience to those with the link only. From there, copy and paste this video to our thread. I will better understand your question at that point. As a return courtesy, I will then respond with a personalized video answer in the same manner. One more thing: I’m also a moderator on “Lil’ Chris Pool Coaching Den” on Facebook. Please take the time to look us up and request a membership. It’s free. If you go there, make sure you answer the basic four screening questions. These questions are meant to weed out spammers and bots. I’ll keep an eye out for you but we do have three other moderators. Say hi as I also post my content there as well. Hope to see you on Facebook and I hope to be able to provide you a video response on our current thread someday soon 👍🏻😊👍🏻

[@devoncole5789]

I found for straightening your stoke you don’t need a table all you need is a mirror and a glass bottle with a table in front of it

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Cool Devon, I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve stroked into a glass bottle. A LOT! 🤷🏻‍♂️😊

[@devoncole5789]

@@ronthepoolstudent the mirror helps you keep yourself in check because straight in a bottle might not be perfectly straight on your arm cue aim I’ve learned that even that 1/8th tip makes a difference

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@devoncole5789 thanks, good to know 👍🏻

[@philphil4295]

Is the table you are playing on here an 8' or 9'?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

8 footer Phil.

[@hank6887]

I have a question Ron , could you show and explain TOI, touch of inside English? Thanks

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Not following your question Hank. Could you be more specific? Thank you 😊

[@hank6887]

I heard it a few years ago, didn't know if it was common aiming terms in billards, sorry that's all I know

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@hank6887 you may be referring to CJ Wiley mentioning that he uses a touch of inside on his shots. I’m not one to do this unless I’m applying that sort of english to play position. I will just play the tip position as I feel needed to either pocket a shot or gain position as mentioned for the next shot. Hope that answers your question Hank.

[@hank6887]

Thank you very much Ron, I'll check that out

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@hank6887 you’re welcome bud 👍🏻

[@ronsmusclecargarage4060]

Testing

[@ronthepoolstudent]

👍🏻

[@ronneltagsa6006]

how to aim the cue ball to object ball?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I use the center to center and center to edge ghost ball aiming system ronnel . From there, I actually feel where the ghost ball spot is. It’s hard to explain but most of my aiming is done from seeing the shot line as I stand behind the shot line. Once I see the shot line, I step into the shot. Once down on the shot, I’ll confirm the ghost ball position based on center to edge aiming if it’s a cut shot or if it’s straight in, I then confirm center to center aim. I then make sure I execute a straight and controlled stroke. I hope this was of help and thank you for your question ronnel 👍🏻👍🏻

[@rapoyevangelista7424]

Do you have any videos about aiming cause i tried a lot of method still im struggling 30 years of playing still i can miss a shot esp cut shot hopefully you can help me this

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@rapoyevangelista7424 thank you for your question rapoy. I would suggest you perform this drill over and over and you will soon begin to visualize your ghost ball aiming point. Go to the 3:41 time mark of this video link below and you’ll see the “spot to spot drill”. This drill is excellent for helping to pocket cut shots. I would also suggest that you walk around to look down the shot line so you can visualize the angle. From there, slowly walk back to the cue ball so your mind can calculate the ghost ball location per the cut your mind sees. You will soon begin to visualize/feel the appropriate cut angle as the shots you make and the shots you miss will give you direct feed back. Hope that was helpful rapoy. Thanks again 👍🏻kzbin.info/www/bejne/g53Jg6mDnZeSgMU

[@JRoberts69]

Fastest way for someone with some talent to improve is by gambling against good players and playing the ghost for money.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

That is a great way for controlling the nerves that’s for sure. Thanks for watching and for your comment JR 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@robalbers9501]

Thanks!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😊