The Best Drill For Improving At Pool | The Road To The US Open

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CAUTION!! LOUD SOUND AT 12 :04! Protect your ears.
Aaaaand we are BACK to for the third episode of The Road To The US Open, today we're covering the all-important Center Field Drill that Ralph Eckert help popularize as one of the most effective drills for improvement. To set the Center Field Drill up, mark off a 2-diamond by 2-diamond square in the center of the table. Put 4 balls 1 diamond by 1 diamond away from each corner pocket. Place the cue ball anywhere you want in the square to start, then hit any of the 4 balls and return to the square. Repeat with the remaining balls, returning to the square each time. Once you've hit all 4 and returned to the square, leave the cue ball where it lands, replace the 4 balls, and start again from that position. Your run ends when you fail to pocket a ball or fail to return to the square.
In an effort to not get rocked in every single game at the US Open, I've enlisted the help of professional player Hunter Lombardo ( / hunterlombardofficial . He'll be training me through this process and assessing my many liabilities in an attempt to help me improve.
Thanks to Hunter Lombardo, Kamui Brand, and Society Billiards for the support.
Society Billiards - / society_billiards
Subscribe to Kamui Brand: / @kamuibrand

[@billsplease]

I feel like learning from this dude is EXACTLY like if I were learning how to play pool from ryan in the office

[@bertblue9683]

Yep, a real douche

[@breadyegg]

Stressed me out. Like a slow burn "Whiplash"

[@qzwx4205]

what the coach forgot to say after he missed the shot is that if you dont miss during practice youre not pushing hard enough...

[@Wuzzysbrand06]

Didn't know I needed a safety helmet for pool.

[@NemotheEngineer]

He reminds me of a middle aged Drake from Drake and Josh

[@LyricalTampon]

Hunter's a little aggressive on this one.

[@boeresglake3105]

It seems like when he teaches he just wants the student to listen, Rollie being a youtube guy has to do a little more talking then most of his students and maybe thats annoying to him. I love the tough love teaching method going on here.

[@4231jerome]

It was a good choice to include the montage at the end, because there was a lot of talking from hunter in this episode

[@andyman1391]

Agree... Not very likeable.

[@4231jerome]

In a way it’s a new direction for the channel, because usually we get a combination of professional advice/rollie being goofy and irreverant. Something like two parts education to one part humour/entertainment. It’s different now because rollie has made it his goal to improve as much as he possibly can before the tournament. It’s a big task and I think that’s why hunter is being so hard on him. Personally I think I prefer the videos where rollie jokes around with the pros a bit, because I get my technical advice from other channels.

[@JH-ji6cj]

While in total agreement with Hunter being a prick in this, I also think it may just be the absolute best thing for people to watch to get over all this snowflake/triggered social crap and get focused on results and what each of us gets to decide how to be AFTER we learn how to DO.

[@tomshoes2083]

GET A VIDEO IN WITH RONNIE O'SULLIVAN!!!!! COME ON!!!

[@drummingsamir]

I second this!

[@joerandom1175]

Honestly, you didn't even need to say his name. His hair screams the name "Hunter"

[@squirrelpatrick3670]

Hunter why didn't you let Rollie play the shot, fail, and then explain what he did wrong? You don't want the student to be a bag of nerves in the coaching sessions

[@sarge727]

Ego. He thinks people care about him, where as he's so forgettable I didn't even know he was ranked.

[@songlinwang8982]

He’s not a good coach. When you are around this guy it’s all about him, not about you, while when a coach coaches someone it should be all about the student not his own ego. The guy literally can’t be concise and clear on his advices, and would make many students uncomfortable and nervous, which you don’t want when practicing pool.

[@bertblue9683]

Bingo. I never even heard of this jerk

[@joneslaakso]

Thats one strange man.

[@cesarrioscr7]

I just hope Rollie doesn’t start hustling average pub players

[@breadyegg]

"You're in control, why not stay in control?" That's a big takeaway versus sloppy play.

[@aceliu5997]

Aggressive but sometimes you gotta hammer the nail hard for it to stick and go through. I felt like i was there in Rollies body doing the same thing . I have the same problem. Speed control.

[@talkboxerr4463]

This Hunter is going me on my Nerve .. sorry

[@jaspergan]

wow Rollie is seriously improving his game under Hunter's guidance. I think this will be very good for you leading up to the tournament. Very cool to see your progression over the years with all the different pro tips. Many of us are extremely jealous of such an opportunity. Good luck Rollie!

[@harrisonbartoshesky6045]

Am I the only one that thinks Hunter looks like serial killer

[@DavidLangCWS]

He is an absolute knob end!

[@hobbitkiller45]

I think what Hunter is trying to do with Rollie is getting him out of the mindset of “I’m an amateur, I think this is gonna happen but lol it probably won’t” He wants Rollie to gain confidence and concentration

[@chriseriksen5296]

love how this guy treats him the same regardless of his youtube channel

[@tsg8823]

i could not sit through more than 2 minutes of having to look at that kids hair cut

[@krrhys]

Remind me not to invite Hunter for dinner, I feel like instead of thanking me for the meal, he’d criticise me on how I cooked the potatoes!

[@KMartinMusic]

Hunter: "were you rushing, or were you dragging?"

[@BostonSecret45]

Im definetly betting $5000 on rollie to win

[@4231jerome]

Hey Rollie, I’m a big fan of yours from Australia. something occurred to me after watching this video and your recent video with Ralph and I thought it might be worth sharing. You’re a funny guy, and funny is entertaining. Entertaining is good for viewership on KZbin. At the same time it’s becoming clear that (regarding pool) your skill and your ambition are increasing. I suspect that at some point in your future you’re going to have to choose what’s more important to you; being funny or getting better at pool. I say this because most of your humour is self deprecation. Even when you’re not aware of it, the things that you say to yourself have a lot of power. So if you’re often making a joke at your own expense, you might find that you hit a wall in your pool game. You can only progress so far with negative self talk, whether it’s said in a joking way or not. I hope you read this and get something from it. Regardless of which path you take I’ll keep watching your videos, all the best dude ✊

[@RollieWilliams]

Hey Jerome, thank you very much for this note. I think you're right that the things we say have a lot of power to affect us. I think I've got some time before I cross the particular bridge you're talking about, but your point is well made and I will keep a look out for it.

[@JH-ji6cj]

My only disagreement is that as long as he is able to successfully evaluate his results over his thinking, there will be absolutely nothing he can 'say' that will affect his game. One of the most intimidating opponent traits is someone that can fluctuate their attitude, but still knows how to consistent in reading cue action regardless even of modifying technique. If Rollie concentrates on his attitude or humor, it takes away from him paying attention to his execution and results, I expect.

[@4231jerome]

Rollie Williams you’re welcome dude, thanks for the reply 😎 I hope that I get a chance to meet you one day and give you a firm handshake when handshakes are allowed again

[@4231jerome]

J H I kind of understand what you’re saying but I can’t be sure. Your comment is a little confusing in the way that it’s written.

[@JH-ji6cj]

@@4231jerome I've watched exceptional players get into opponents heads by playing fast, then slow with power then change up to finesse which can really affect an opponent who is concentrating on playing the player not the balls and the table. I get why they say "if you think you can, or you can't, you're right" and I think this is what you were saying to Rollie...the possibility that he mentally self-defeats for his audience and humor and you're not necessarily wrong BUT I would caution that no matter what we think, it's the lack of meditation on the task that really affects our production. I see Rollie as someone who is able to separate his channel personality from his student personality in that he is good at being aware of how his execution translates to what happens on the table. I think it's a bad thing for players to concentrate on their attitude over execution, though I do think many times you see players less 'humble' because that attitude helps them center and dial-in by blocking outside influences. I guess I see the attitude less important to paying more attention to the literal results of execution.

[@RadioTom103]

Hunter has a hair problem.

[@alexkimmel386]

I cant wait to see you play in the US open Rollie! your videos have definitely helped me improve upon my game, even from just watching you play, and take lessons from pro players.

[@briangc1972]

There is an old saying, "Aim small, miss small" To apply that here, aim for a smaller landing spot. Put a cube of chalk in the box before each shot for you to aim to stop next to instead of just landing wherever in the huge box and over shooting or under shooting the box. By aiming to stop the cue ball at a specific spot in the box, you will advance further and more quickly than the way Rollie is doing the drill.

[@TheJohnCooper]

What’s with hunters birdsnest hair

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

Is your strategy, next number ball, next shot or next shot, any number ball... Tell Hunter, Charley Bond said HELLO...

[@blazeandcyrus]

Really great video, I'm for sure adding this drill to my routines. I really like Hunters approach to coaching .

[@lukeknizley3830]

Glad Hunter is doing well, I really enjoyed his work on The Big Bang Theory

[@PenusDrippings]

ummm that hair??

[@xdmemes5821]

ONE lick Rick get over it

[@rubenleary8812]

I’m gonna have to stop ya Rollie

[@clicgear100]

Play that with a buddy and put a half dollar spot right in the middle. Whoever lands on that the other takes a shot.

[@NerdMusic7]

Rollie - I hope you read this Hunter's advice is pure gold. Sure there could be improvement in how it's dished out, but you are lucky to have a coach that cuts thru all the BS and just focuses on improving your skills! He applauds you several times when you do ask asked, yet also reprimands you when you lose focus. Wishing you all the best at the US Open this year - remember, chances are 3% :-)

[@costa1048]

I ‘be seen this video twice on the third time. I love the way Hunter breaks down the options to make the shot. Thinking ahead, on shots. This is a drill not to worry about results. Hunter holds Rollie accountable for his decisions and to make a real commitment. I enjoy these videos with Hunter. Rollie keep up the good work!

[@bertblue9683]

Hunter has the worst mentality for a coach.

[@Mickster114]

Me: Starts the videos*blinks* “awww man its over already !?” 😭 Broo im so into these videos that it feels like they fly by!! We need more and longer videos!! Im sure you do what you can but i just really enjoy these lol

[@JH-ji6cj]

Rollie, keeping your focus, respect and composure through this series will be immensely beneficial to those that don't give up because they get annoyed with Hunter's teaching instructions. I agree Hunter really comes off as a prick, but being a student and coachable requires paying attention to actionable results not sitting in an echo chamber that keeps you exactly where you started. you CAN handle the truth Rollie! Lol.

[@mustafazouari4961]

why there is tension between them, feels like someone is hitting on someone

[@dustincobb5718]

He reminds of the idiot that hit my ladder with a loader that got fired lol.

[@tripwarren]

i'm really enjoying this series. Thank you and good luck out there

[@kxiong4089]

This video quickly turn into Hunter’s video

[@daniel2milan]

Damn hunter is so tough... Maybe this kind of mentality is needed for the next level? What do you think rolie?

[@400fps]

It’s not a one size fits all. The key to being a good coach or explainer is knowing who you’re coaching/explaining too and doing your best to base it on that person. Now I’m not saying that this was your thought but it kinda was what you wrote and that’s what i went by. There are many skilled people out there in all fields but not many of them can be a good coach.

[@daniel2milan]

@@400fps agreed. Sometimes changes need to be made to have better results

[@400fps]

@@daniel2milan you're a gentleman sir.

[@s.d.3236]

how do you softly stun to prevent the overrun?

[@BrinsonTheMan]

Maybe when ur done u can come teach me a little bit of pool

[@Quantum3ntity]

That guys hair lmao

[@losoj30]

His hair is so beta lol

[@farfromluzin]

I don't get all the smack talk about Hunter being rude. Rollie wants to improve and this is the kind of instruction he will need. Hunter is doing what he needs to do to get Rollie doing the right drills. Clowning around can be after the Open.

[@capybara68]

why does that hairdo totally distract me from everything he is saying?

[@xdmemes5821]

capybara68 because you have adhd

[@adamroos906]

speed control is prob the hardest thing to learn cause you only learn it by hitting A LOT of balls. Learning routes is fairly easy if you're creative but ya speed control just takes lots of practice. Hunter seems like a great coach and really challenges you to think and now just "wing it"

[@Cactusszss]

Ok. just watching this video, Even though I don't really play pool. It helped me have a better mindset for what I do. Hunter Lombardo telling you to think ahead and not just let the game role and see where it takes you its such a good mindset I wish I had sooner.

[@bobbletheshot5735]

1st of all great lesson. But there are a few thing to consider Not every table rolls the same, the cloth may or not the same, or even pulled tight. That will effect the ball roll a lot, And the bumper are another factor. that's just a few thing to consider when going from table to table.

[@TheFlyingdeuces]

Next step for speed control, place a marker inside the box where you want the cueball to land and you'll get the pace of the shot.

[@fireblazer54]

Why do you look thin at the start but them buff while you're playing? This makes no sense

[@akquicksilver]

Hunter is sort of a tuff love pool psychiatrist. Great drill and good vid! What is the dripping water sound in the background?

[@degausser5495]

Hunter talks too much

[@harleyjay8651]

3 month since the last video... what happened?

[@Caleb-lu3zl]

I only recently got to the point where I can clear the table and more

[@wayneburba9457]

Great but what about other balls on the table getting in the way. Is that later.

[@dathriftologist6856]

This guy LMAO

[@dathriftologist6856]

With that said he is actually a good teacher

[@robtun]

Ive loved the series and all of the pros Rollie has met till this one.

[@robertchambers9237]

Looking good Rollie keep up the good work and great videos

[@mikeserrano734]

Rollie needs speed control just like me. 😁

[@400fps]

Lol. Hunter: I’m just gonna sit back and let you run through this one Also Hunter: Doesn’t let him run through it.

[@murahk123]

Hey imbecile. Rollie was the one who initiated conversation first. What’s he supposed to do? Ignore him?

[@trey4lifeguy6]

Rollie just needs to play day in and out

[@laurenceleadman4779]

How do you make the box

[@allgood6760]

Nice!.. Thanks👍

[@commandernoodles2367]

Saved by the tape. Hahaha.

[@ryanbrooks5899]

It's hunterrrrrr!

[@zenmaster24]

does the masking tape change the play surface for this?

[@Isthislife2135]

Not much if at all.

[@nunyabidness7463]

Good luck!

[@thaboprince909]

Rollie tooooo weak!!!!

[@bvvrnYT]

this is like a pay-to-win game you get the pros and you train with pros instead of being Rocky and doin self practice and punching meatbags

[@MILLERtime1e1]

Rocky still had a coach...

[@bvvrnYT]

@@MILLERtime1e1 but Drago had an institution

[@ballooncast2056]

I love this guy

[@NilsonSnooker]

muito bommmm!!!!

[@GabrielPohl]

Hunter has the politely rude skill

[@scottbacci8933]

what type of tape so we do not destroy the table?

[@Isthislife2135]

If you use the blue masking tape it is the least sticky. That may be your best bet.

[@Isthislife2135]

Green is medium and the tan is strongest.

[@packfannumber1]

All of you calling hunter a pricked criticizing his teaching methods have never wanted to be truly good at pool. To be the best you have to be taught by the best. And with the mindset hunter has that's why hes a professional and makes the big bucks.

[@bertblue9683]

Ok. He's still a prick.

[@akquicksilver]

What are the dimensions of the center box?

[@haiderghazi8870]

It looks like dimond to dimond length and width if that makes sense

[@Wuzzysbrand06]

The edges are aligned with the two diamonds to the left and right of the side pocket and the diamonds closest to the pockets on the short rail.

[@akquicksilver]

I think you are correct. Thanks!

[@PoolFool]

2 diamonds wide and 2 diamonds high

[@akquicksilver]

@@PoolFool Thanks

[@TwinkBuster]

Hunter: "Great shot Rollie" "Good Trajectory" "I love how you're thinking" Viewers: "OH MY GOD HUNTER IS SO MEAN TO ROLLIE"

[@woody816]

Saw your ronnie vid and I got to say its awesome to hear an American appreciate just how awesome he is and also appreciate just how hard snooker is. Love your vids

[@mrodenkirch]

Rollie...great stuff...I’m surprised no one mentioned when cutting both object balls you overran, the CB picks up a little running english from contact with the OB…in addition to the running english Hunter had you add…so that’s why it’s overrunning what you expected. It’s true less speed is needed but you need to know why. You were in an “additive” situation with your cueing, and contact induced spin, both are adding running spin to the CB. You’re original “stun” instinct was probably right for your stroke...it would have picked up some run from the OB contact. Pros subconsciously take both into account through their sheer volume of experience.

[@valad08]

Best pool channel ever. Knowledge is good but it's also about feeling it when you need to get the white ball into the centre.

[@Woody-777]

I like how Hunter is not playing around, how he's being more serious than your other videos (which are great). Hunter needs to be this way per he does have a bit of his reputation on the line.

[@kemillionaire2]

Rollie wouldn’t win a single rack in the us open

[@MrRyecrofts]

He openly admits hes going to get wrecked, thats not the point. He showing how an "average player' could prepare for such a competition and the journey involved

[@chriseriksen5296]

first

[@PenusDrippings]

you're gay