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-What’s InsideIssue 24 of Sneaky Pet Mafia Magazine Articles Page 3
Anthony Beeler
Improve Your Playing Ability
Page 7
Garrett Troop
The Pocket Tripod Pro Review
Page 11 Page 15
Patrick Sampey Patrick Sampey
Jason Jones: Caught in the Middle Aloysius Yapp Takes US Open 2021 by Storm
Page 19
Anthony Beeler
The Truth will set you Free
Page 21
Dominic Esposito
The Drill Instuctor
Page 27
Tim Miller
Aiming System By the Pro Players
Page 31
Garrett Troop
The Black Out Jumper
Page 33
Emily Duddy
Jeanette Lee “The Black Widow” A Force of Nature in the Fight of her Life
Page 39
Patrick Sampey
US 9-Ball 2021 News Short
Page 43
Florian Kohler
The Hustler Masse
Page 45
Jake Sovey
Charles Lakey — The Inventor
Page 47
Patrick Sampey
The Best Teacher is Being a student for Life
Page 49
Anthony Beeler
Get a Grip
Page 55
Jackie Karol
7 Steps to Coaching Teams
Page 58
Garrret Troop
A Blast from the Past
Page 59
Emily Duddy
How to Improve Your 9 Ball Game
Page 63
Brian Pauley
Alex Pagulayan Interview
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IMPROVE YOUR “POO By Anthony Beeler
but the boy thought that he could still do better. He started to enter swimming competitions and eventually won his first race. His parents cheered Next, he entered an ocean race and won it in his first attempt. His parents cheered and clapped, but the boy thought that he could still do better. So, he stood on the beach and looked out over the ocean, out to the horizon beyond. He wondered what the limits were on what he could achieve and whether he had reached his limitations yet.
By now, you are probably questioning what a picture of a boy in a swimming pool has to do with learning how to play pool. Have you ever heard the story about the little boy that wanted to learn how to swim? His parents took him to the local swimming pool and enrolled him with an instructor. After a few weeks, he had learned the basics of swimming and could perform a few strokes. His parents cheered and clapped, but the boy thought that he could still do better. So he kept going to swimming classes and after a few more weeks, he was able to swim across the pool. His parents cheered and clapped, but the boy thought that he could still do better. After a few more months, he was able to complete a few laps of the pool. His parents cheered and clapped, but the boy thought that he could still do better. He started to enter swimming competitions and eventually won his first race. His parents cheered and clapped, but the boy thought that he could still do better. So he kept going to swimming classes and after a few more weeks, he was able to swim across the pool. His parents cheered and clapped, but the boy thought that he could still do better.
In a sense, pool players are a lot like that little boy. As an instructor, I embrace the philosophy of Continuous Improvement (CI). Unlike other models, Continuous Improvement is not a one-time process. It is a powerful way of improving that focuses on the continual efforts made by a player to improve his or her game. In K-12 education this process could be linked or referred to as response to intervention (RTI) strategy. The first thing you need to do is assess yourself. I suggest that you take a test (diagram of your next 25 misses during match play) that will show you where some of your weakness areas lie. Not only do I want you to diagram the shot, but I also want you to diagram the overall layout of balls (what you are trying to get position on next). The shots I am referring to should be makeable a good percentage of the time. I don’t want you to spend time diagramming impossible shots. Look for patterns as to why you miss makeable shots and then practice each shot that you diagrammed 100 times. As you practice each shot, I want you to score yourself using the following scoring guide: Give yourself a “0” if you miss the shot. Give yourself a “1” if you pocket the ball but do not get position on your next shot. Give yourself a “2” if you pocket the ball and
After a few more months, he was able to complete a few laps of the pool. His parents cheered and clapped, 3
OL” PLAYING ABILITY the cue ball is on the correct line for position but either “goes long” or “falls short” of the desirable position zone. Then give yourself a “3” if you pocket the ball and your cue ball falls into the correct position zone. Once you have completed the shot 100 times divide your total score by 3 and this will give you an overall success percentage for that particular shot. You can use this success percentage to monitor your improvement over time. A good player will go through this cycle several times, building on the success of each previous cycle. I recommend setting both short and long-term goals. Each is an essential part of the improvement process. If you
initially scored a “55” your short-term goal might be to improve to 65 by the end of the month. Likewise, your long-term goal might be to be successful 95 percent of the time within 12 months. Always write your goals down. This makes you more accountable. Down deep, we’re all like that little boy who learned how to swim. We all have some basic skills, but let’s not stop there. Let’s go from basic skills to competent, from competent to good, from good to great, from great to expert, and from expert to world-class. Sometimes it is important to look out to the horizon, dream big dreams and find a way to make them into a reality.
Anthony Beeler is the 2017 Pool Instructor of the Year and is a former BCAPL National 9-Ball Champion. He has numerous top 25 national finishes and is one of only 8 ACS Master Instructors in the world. He is the primary author of the National Billiards Instructors Manual and has also authored the book Unstoppable! Positive Thinking for Pool Players. Anthony currently has the highest established Fargo Rating of any Master Instructor. He has won over 300 tournaments and has defeated numerous professional players in tournament competition.
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The Pocket Trip By Garret Troop
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ith the advent of the camera phone we have been taking pictures and videos like crazy. Streaming directly from phones and tablets. In most cases we prop it up somewhere where we can see the most Focused target. It goes without saying that it’s important to get the right angle. As we grow and find new ways to display our phones it’s important to go back to the basics of keeping it simple. The pocket tripod fits a lot of the criteria of all that we need in a very simple and sleek design. When I first got the package I thought that the entire packaging was really innovative as there were pull tabs to get into the box. There is all the education that you need to learn how it works but I dove right in and started playing. It has a carbon fiber construction with an outer layer of plastic so it’s meant to last and take all you And throw at it. It’s the exact same size as a credit card and that makes it super convenient to always keep on hand. It’s about the thickness of two credit cards so it does not take up a lot of real estate in your wallet or purse. I and a gadgeteer and love all the little moving parts that transform this little credit card size tripod into a useful tool that anyone can use. In addition to the moving parts and overall convenience of the pocket tripod it looks and feels like a sturdy little device that when you are on the run it’s a great investment at the retail price of $35 which really isn’t that much when you look at how much the latest iPhone is. It comes with these little spacers that allow you to fit almost any phone. I can’t get it in my case but that is no inconvenience. They are about the side of a quarter and are created to fit the size of your phone. It has a center swiveling feature that allows it to go from a credit card shape and size to the tripod that you set your phone into . The swivel feature is very unique and pleasant to just play with.
I keep this on me at all times and it fits easily into my wallet with not that much extra space taken up. In today’s society we are always on the go, no run into old friends, no family or just new people that we meet. It’s handy and a cool conversation opener. The company was very receptive and quick to respond to my inquiry. The little quarter like phone holders are essential to get the right side to your phone. There is a little sizing guide that is very helpful to getting the right little piece that will fit your phone so that you can not worry about any slack. No tripod needed for selfies. In my particular case I use it to take videos and pho7
pod PRO Review
tos on the pool table and the fact that it sits flat on the pool table makes it easy to to get some really cool shots at the level that the balls are rolling around at. It has a little angle indicator that allows you to get what you’re looking for at the right angle. It also helps it being on the pool table so you can stream directly from the rail. It’s oil to see things from the table’s perspective. It has a “Soft contact, a durable TPU securely grips on the device. Safe on screen protectors and delicate cases.” “Your Most Practical Phone Accessory Designed for maximum functionality and portability, the Pocket Tripod PRO delivers all of the essential features you’d expect from a full-size tripod. Carbon fiber legs, angle indicator, soft-contact grip, and fluid tilt adjustment are all packed into the same space as two stacked credit cards.” It has a feature that allows you to take the pocket tripod in half for when you want a landscape photo. Then you have two points of contact on whatever surface that you choose as a base. They even give step by step instructions on how to take it apart. 8
I highly recommend reading the material provided. They have a 30 day guarantee if it breaks, just send them a picture of it and they will replace it without any questions. This company started on kickstarter and has gotten into production and now they are Rockenm and rolling into wallets everywhere with an array of different color options. It’s great for a stocking stuffer or as a heartfelt gift for people that carry a selfie stick everywhere they go. you can find them here at. https://pocket-tripod.com All in all I give this wonderful new product the SPM Seal of approval.
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Sneaky Pete
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sst! Hey you! Yeah you! So you’re just starting to seriously work on your game? Then you’re going to want to focus on developing a strong and effective stroke! Since everybody has a different body then it’s going to be up to you to find what is ideal for you and what is not. Everybody has a “track” in which their stroke hand will follow on every single shot. Think of your hand going from Point A (fully extended backwards) to Point B (contact with CB) to Point C “Finish line” (hand fully pushed forwards.) Remember to keep your cue as level as you can, try to never drop your elbow, and swing your cue as slowly and smoothly as you can. The goal is to swing the cue as accurately to where you’re aiming as possible which can be harder than it seems so have a little patience as it can sometimes take a. It if practice to master.
tip of your cue. If it doesn’t then it means that you are accidentally applying side spin and you’re going to have to continue practicing these drill until you’re stroking straight.
Two drills to develop a straight stroke: 1. If you drop down on a pretend shot with your cue directly above the line where the cloth meets the wood on the rail and swing your cue slowly to feel for any flaws in the “track” of your swing and always address and correct your flaws as soon as you find one. 2. Placing the CB on Headspot and line up a shot aiming at the center Diamond in the short rail across the table. If you place your tip at the absolute bottom of the CB where it meets the cloth then you can establish where true center ball (vertical axis) is and now lift your tip to the Center of the ball (horizontal axis) and take a few slow pre-strokes before shooting at the center Diamond and completely freeze in place until the CB comes back. Since we’re shooting a straight line through the middle of the table the CB should come straight back and run into the 10
Jason Jones: Caug By Patrick Sampey
difference. So, therefore, it would appear the higher the ranking, the bigger the distinction point by point. Check out the top 100 Fargo rankings here: https:// www.fargorate.com/top-ten-lists And the Fargo ranking has a “robustness” factor that plays in -- essentially how many matches a player has played to establish their ranking. The more matches played, the more accurate the Fargo ranking. “This APA is supposed to be an Amateur pool league. It gets really ridiculously tough at the top. Listen to these Fargo ratings: there were some players in the APA National Championships (held in Vegas) that had a Fargo ranking over 740...how is that amateur?” -- Jason said.
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unday, October 10th, 2021 -- Jason Jones is a friend of mine; he is around a 700 Fargo ranking; many amateurs may see him play and believe that’s pro level play, and I would argue that’s professional level, but he tells me about qualifying for APA (American Poolplayers Association) National Championships that run out in Vegas each year, how they have many players well above 700 Fargo ranking, and how what many dub “amateur pool” is actually the cream of the crop in many circles. To put the Fargo ranking into perspective, of the top 100 ranked Fargo rated players in the world, Mosconi Cup player Billy Thorpe for team USA is a 773 Fargo; he is ranked 98th in the world. Joshua Filler, the worlds #1 ranked Fargo player is an 831, so that is to say that a 58 point difference in the case from 773 to 831 is a vast
740 is just 33 points below world number 98 ranked Billy Thorpe; keep that in mind here: several players in the APA National Championships within 33 points or better of one of the best of the best in the world, and one of team USA’s top players -- the USA having lost ground exponentially, the level of play other countries players maintain well above their US counterparts in so many cases. Jason tells me to qualify for the Vegas individual tournaments at the APA National Championships, players must be active in the APA on a team, then qualify locally in a qualifying round, then a second round at some location in their home state or nearby region, then if they qualify at the state level, players make it to Vegas. So there appears to be three stages to making it. “First of all, you’ve got to be in the APA active for that year, on a team playing actively. Then, you have to play an eight man qualifying tournament in your area. Now, you’ve got to play the qualifier (first round) 4 months before you play the regional (second round). So, I played down at Starcade (Ft Walton Beach, Florida) for my regional. I had to play in June to qualify for the regionals in October. So, look how far in advance you’ve got to be paying attention to this...you’ve got to 11
ght In The Middle qualify a long time before you play in the regionals. Then, when you qualify in the regionals, then you go to Vegas.” -- Jones tells me of the winding road that leads to Vegas APA style.
Of his early introduction to the game of billiards, Jones informed me that -- for a time -- he had a a 9ft Brunswick table to play upon as a child. So, from a very young age, Jones was playing pool. He is one of several players now that I heard began standing on milk crates to be able to reach the table to hit balls. The results of this type of introduction to pool speak for themselves. (I think Ralf Souquet also told me he began playing in this same manner.) As he got older, he got to where he’d win against tougher players. Then, his game progressed from there, to where it resides today, a 700 Fargo “amateur,” stuck somewhere in the middle between amateur and pro -- perhaps we can call it “Pro Am,” but man! I’ve seen Jason play, and to me that’s all pro.
Out in Vegas the APA yearly National Championships cover a span of about 9-12 days Jones tells me. He also informed me that Jeremy Seaman was in the event, ranked a 762 Fargo, and 13th in the USA, and above pro player Tyler Styer, who is a 761 Fargo, ranked 15th in the US, and has represented team USA in the Mosconi Cup as well.
Thanks again to Jones for taking time to talk with me, break down the amateur pool scene in the APA, and to highlight the nuanced distinction between what is considered “amateur,” and what is considered “professional” pool. Play on players. Keep on hitting them balls!
Even with all the competition at the APA National Championships in Vegas, Jones placed 17th just last year, which is substantial considering the level of competition out there. “I was two matches away from the final four,” Jones informed me. “If you’re one of the top amateur players, you can get in tournaments, make money playing pool, and still hold a regular job. You can still hold a 9 to 5 job, an actual job, and play pool on the side, and as long as you don’t make more playing pool than your regular job, then you are considered ‘amateur.’” -- Jones informed me. “There’s so many like me that are like a 700 Fargo,” he explains of the “amateur” level he means. 12
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Aloysius Yapp Takes Second By Patrick Sampey
securing his place in the finals of the US Open, and history as the first person from Singapore ever to play for the title. But then, in the finals it would be Carlo Biado of the Philippines to take the title 13-8 against juggernaut Yapp. What a finals though, Yapp ahead at one point 8-3, then Biado Hitting a gear and winning the next 10 straight racks.
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ednesday, September 22nd, 2021 -Aloysius Yapp took down world number one player Shane Van Boening in the US Open, and world number two Filler, and Yapp broke and ran 5 racks on SVB -- blazing a trail to the finals of the US Open unlike any other -- just held September 13th through the 18th at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City, New Jersey. Beginning with a field of 256 players from around the globe, this year’s US Open featured some of the heaviest hitters ever seen in the game -- names like Biado, Shaw, Van Boening, Gorst, Filler, Appleton, Strickland, Orcollo, Robles, Woodward, Thorpe, Fisher, Trump, and the list goes on. Just some of the best cue-sport artists to ever paint the canvas of billiards green -- Yapp led his charge 9-5 over US player Devin Poteet first round, then Yapp won next round on the winners side in a nail-biting 11-10 thriller against Wojciech Szewczyk of Poland, after that Yapp again -- this time putting a beat down 11-4 against world #2 Joshua Filler, still in cruise control in the “Winners Qualification” round, he thumps Mickey Krause of Denmark 11-3, continuing his barrage, he then in the “Last 16” knocks off world #1 SVB 11-5 -then he crushes Rodrigo Geronimo of the Philippines 11-6 in the quarter finals -- after that, he put on the afterburners, dominating Dennis Orcollo 11-6,
Aloysius will sometimes respond to me on Messenger, as I support he and other pros in their games -- so many interesting and cool people like Yapp that I’ve added as friends as I’ve continued to network through social media to bring the pros to the fans of the game, players, anyone that loves pool. Saturday I sent Yapp this message, “Awesome performance out there, just coming up 5 racks short of the title. Congrats. Amazing run. You’ll get em next tournament.”
Aloysius replied with, “Haha well he deserved it. He played great! Thanks for your support!” Yapp is all class. Here is a statement he made on Facebook to Matchroom, friends, family, and fans three days ago: “Second place in this year US Open 9 Ball Pool 15
d in US Open 2021 By Storm
Championships! Well I certainly wished I won but the better player won in the final. Congrats to Carlo Biado! He played awesome! Deserved it totally! It was a great tournament overall , enjoyed every single part and moment of it! The arena , setup and atmosphere was definitely second to none and special. Hats off to Emily Frazer and Matchroom Pool ! They always deliver the best! And also the fans have been awesome! Thank you guys for being part of the event and making it special for all us players! Especially because of the pandemic , its been a wild year without any fans. Glad to see Matchroom bringing the fans back! Would like to thank everyone who supported me all the way, my family, friends and also to my fans! You guys mean the world to me and I hope to do better
next time! Also would like to thank my sponsors, Mezz Cues, ZAN TIP, theQshop, Mak’s family, Tong Eng Group, Cuesports Singapore, Sports Singapore and Chinese Swimming Club for their support! Cheers everyone!” -- Aloysius Yapp. Yapp is one of the world’s best younger players. He is great for the game, a class act, and has many years ahead as he rises up amidst the world billiards stage. What a great day for billiards! What a wonderful time to be a fan of the game! Play on players! Keep on hitting them balls!
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THE TRUTH WILL By Anthony Beeler
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he ability to separate what you are seeing and thinking about is a powerful skill for pool players!
Pool players have to look at the cue ball but maintain
The good news is that your perception and attention span are two separate brain functions. Pool players who say they can’t visualize often let their sight cloud their visualization, especially when fixating on the shot that is in front of them. If you think about scratching in the side pocket or getting hooked behind a cluster as you stare at the cue ball you ARE visualizing and you know where the cue ball often goes as a result. So it’s not an inability to visualize which is the problem but it is what you visualize! It’s important to know that your ability to learn how and when to focus your attention is not a result of your mechanical skills but your ability to concentrate. It’s important to know that your ability to learn how and when to focus your attention is not a result of your mechanical skills but your ability to concentrate. Your eyes and attention span are not bound together within your brain. If you’ve ever watched a movie and found yourself daydreaming, you’ll recognize this separation. Your eyes go quiet and your mind wanders. What you may perceive at the time as your inability to focus on the screen in front of you actually leverages exactly the same mental skill you can be using when trying to pocket a ball on the pool table. If you can daydream you can play pool. The critical difference being that you must direct your day dream to shoot a pool shot, not leave it to chance, then you will be focusing your attention. This mental skill is not a function of the eyes but your brain. Pool is a challenging game. We have to look back and forth from the cue ball to the object ball in order to execute a shot.
their attention on the object ball. Pool players also unwittingly switch their focus to the cue, body, stroke, or potential pitfalls that may interfere with successful execution of the shot. The target is nowhere to be seen. There is little point visualizing your shot before you get down to shoot it if you are thinking about something else while executing it. It is not a coincidence that players complain of inconsistency, but how many of them actually take the time to get trained with this type of psychological skill? From our very first pool lessons on grip, alignment, stance and posture our attention is on everything but the target. It is actually possible to spend a number of years believing your technique is never good enough. So where do you choose to focus your attention when shooting a shot? How do you achieve this focus 19
L SET YOU FREE consistently? Maybe, you think both the cue ball and object ball is the target or that it’s important to be thinking about your stroke?
right time consistently when learning, practicing and playing.
I think you will discover that your pool stroke isn’t Is this working for you? If you don’t have a clear as bad as you believe it to be! When you learn how to answer to these questions, take the time to learn lock your conscious mind on your target, you’ll find it how to focus your attention in the right place, at the can’t interfere with your stroke. To borrow from the //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Anthony Beeler is the 2017 Pool Instructor of the Year and is a former BCAPL National 9-Ball Champion. He has numerous top 25 national finishes and is one of only 8 ACS Master Instructors in the world. He is the primary author of the National Billiards Instructors Manual and has also authored the book Unstoppable! Positive Thinking for Pool Players. Anthony currently has the highest established Fargo Rating of any Master Instructor. He has won over 300 tournaments and has defeated numerous professional players in tournament competition.
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This Month’s Featured Skill Drill by: Another visit from the amazing Dominic Esposito, The Drill Instructor. Pay attention and straighten out your game Last month, I told you that becoming a better pool player would take luck. Go back and check it out if you’re tuning in for the first time. You’ll recall from last month’s instruction article how “luck” is the acronym for applying Labor Under Correct Knowledge. Is this mere clever billiards semantics? No, just truth made easy to understand. Actually, I’m training you to start a new methodology of thought. Why thinking you might well ask? Because 50% of this great sport called pocket billiards is played between your ears. The remaining 50% is the physical shot execution—the mechanics. If you’ve missed and thought or said, “I knew I was going to overcut that shot,” or “I shouldn’t have gotten into my stance until I decided on spin and speed” you know this fact. Your knowledge of everything from how the balls will act and react, what the cue ball can and cannot do and why, to what your opponents may or may not do, plus much more, all determines how good you’ll get at the game, ever. I turned pro at the tender age of 19. Long journeyman years have taught me there are three types of pool shooters. Keep in mind this is merely my opinion, even though I am right! Which kind are you? First are the perpetual students who love to watch, learn, and shoot pool. While many things feel awkward at the tables even as the pool well of knowledge appears bottomless, your minds are sponges soaking up the good the sport offers. You students want to grow in your abilities and are the type who love my clinics and lessons before returning to enjoy “the journey of the rolls”. The next type of player I’ve encountered are you fine shot makers. You hold a fair understanding of navigation through the rack but therefore tend to lock into offensive mode. If you are of the sort who has added to this a flaring temper when things don’t
roll your way, you generally are not very teachable. Wanting to do it your way causes you to think trial and error are superior teachers to someone like me teaching you how to not make errors. I like to call them, Ball Bangers. Finally, are the seasoned players. You’ve seen, stroked, and felt it all on the cloth, and so truly respect the sport of pool and billiards. Willing to learn something new, (really little you haven’t seen or done, though) you often believe you’ve forgotten more than the average player knows (truth is, you have). You still win despite this fact, and not because you’re a great shot maker. You simply manage to make just those shots 21
needed to win. You are forever the pillars of our sport! Glad you’re here. We saw in our last lesson that if you want to be one or two balls better at this same time next year, then you need to write a plan with goals to make that happen. Your written plan need not be complicated, but it is necessary or you face a much harder time to become a seasoned player. But if you will do as I’m instructing, you’ll be more than good, you’ll be LUCKY. You add the Y to your LUCK. The Y in LUCKY stands for You! Now put it all together, as it’s your job to go from getting better at pool to good. Apply the Labor Under Correct Knowledge Yourself. Labor Under Correct Knowledge Yourself – Yeah, I like that too. This is what I want to help you understand with this month’s Pro Skill Drills instruction. Let’s continue from last month’s drills by again working your cue ball path predictability and speed control. Set the object ball along the bottom rail as shown above. After pocketing the 8-ball in the corner, get your cue ball to land up table on points A, B, C and D. Listen to me, dear reader! The middle of the table at A and the three other sections of table you’re aiming
for are critical if you want to shoot the winning 9-ball after the 8 ball. On your first time through the ABCD sequence, freeze your object ball to the cushion. After, go one inch away then do the four shots again with the object ball two inches from the cushion. Your goal is to make the cue ball land on zones A through D 7 out of 10 times or more. Then you have begun mastering this Pro Skill Drill and performed the kind of workout I do to play at a high level. Notice how the accuracy of making the cue ball land on the finishing point sharpens your cue ball path control, in addition to impacting your speed control skills. And remember when someone says, “You’re a great shot maker,” smile and reply, “Thanks, I really am LUCKY.” You and I know what we mean, and the best part of your knowing is not having to tell. Visit more drills like this on my website and check these out. Remember to join me every Tuesday night at 8:00 PM EST on The Drill Instructor Facebook page for “The CLINIC”.
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Aiming System By the Pro players By Tim Miller
Aiming system by the Pro players
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ne of my AA students told me that the pro player can play for two hours and not miss a ball. He went on to say that they must have a unique aiming system that is not shared on the open market. There are two reasons the pro does not miss shots.
stance. On easy shots, Willie did not take a lot of time. On hard shots he was meticulous. Two - they value all shots the same. In other words, they concentrate on each shot they face as if it is the final ball. They make sure they pocket the ball and get in the lane for the next shot. The only thing on a pro’s mind is to make the ball they are shooting. To be in the pro mode, you must shoot soft and softer and be keenly aware of the stroke you are going to use. The stroke, minus the interference, equals the shot. You reduce all outside interference with strong concentration skills.
One - they don’t have hard shots. Their position play is superb. Often they don’t get on the wrong side of the next shot and are reduced to a shot makers mode to continue their run. It is not so much how they aim, as it is their stance and pre shot routine. They go through three keys. A. They plant their right leg in line with their shot and make a connection. B. they land on the cue ball ready to play. C they pause ever so slightly as they aim at the target they connected to while they were upright in their
To make the transition from AA to Pro often requires a good coach. May all the rolls go your way By The Monk This article is in memory of Tim Miller, RIP. 27
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The Black O By Garrett Troop
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s we progress as a billiards community, our tech constantly improves. We are always trying to get the slightest edge that we can at any given point. The blackout jumper is the full carbon fiber jump cue from Jacoby. The cue has all the same specs and feels as the original jumper but with one extreme change. The entire pool cue is made from carbon fiber and has a new carbon fiber handle with the same specs, just a tad lighter.
cues used to jump. If you have a level of added skill, jumping isn’t that tough of a shot, and it’s just one that most people don’t take the time to learn the proper technique to do it the correct way. It takes a certain amount of disabling to pull it off the right way. To sum it up, one goes from having a safety used to running out, and the goal is running out.
It comes standard with a 13mm brown phenolic break jump tip. It also comes with a 15mm long brass ferrule that adds a little extra weight in the front of the cue. This weight makes it easier to get a little extra lift off the slate. It comes with a standard with a radial aluminum pin that makes it all that much lighter. The cues balance point is light where it needs to be lightweight with a bit of added weight in the front end where you need a little added mass to cue ball lift.
The cue has an added level. You have the option of getting this cue with a “blackout shaft” that does not have the brass ferrule. The added weight reduction doesn’t seem like a lot, but it does the job to make this cue more like a Marty Carry Jump Cue being so light. I’ve seen a credit card jump with this cue, and that’s a tight space. It would be best if you almost threw the jump cue at that close of a distance to get the cue ball to take flight.
In my experience, it’s one of the most accessible
You must understand Jacoby tries to make the game 31
Out Jumper exciting for the players. Through the constant growth and extreme evolution of the game, they make every aspect enjoyable. These jump cues have an excellent energy transfer new carbon fiber setup. Jacoby’s pool cue gives the cue ball wings just like “Red Bull gives you wings.” This cue is safety’s worst enemy. The new carbon fiber jump handle weighs in at 2.6oz, which is light. The entire cue with the Blackout Shaft option weighs in at 6.7oz. The lightness of the pool cue and the fact that it’s the new carbon fiber option is a definite must.
The real drawback to these cues is that it retails for the staggering amount of $595. Now Jacoby is one of the world’s best cue makers, and they love helping the community. But the carbon fiber craze has led to a drastic price increase. Jacoby is a quality brand, and they are among the best cue makers in the industry and are very respected. These cues are no joke. I had just previously stated that the cues were expensive. I want to say that these cues are within the industry standard. The going price for carbon fiber isn’t cheap, but you’re making an investment that won’t wear out any time soon. In addition to that, they take very little if any maintenance to upkeep and keep like new. The Blackout Jumper is a lifelong investment.
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Jeanette Lee “The A Force of Nature her Life By Emily Duddy
sexy humans that has ever walked the planet. Along with countless others, I watched Jeanette mesmerized while she competed regularly on ESPN during the 1990’s & 2000’s with the Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA).
Not only was she an unbelievable pool player (at one point holding the #1 Female Ranking in the world), but she was dressed to the nines, carried herself with complete confidence, & was smoking hot! Jeanette is the definition of the full package. Another testament to her mainstream popularity is that more often than not, when people find out I’m a pro pool player, they ask me if I know her or have played her. I’m very proud to respond that she is a friend of mine & a real life superhero!
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eanette Lee “The Black Widow” is not only one of the most famous pool players in history, she is one of the most accomplished, decorated, inspirational, strong, funny, kind, down to earth &
Her legacy as a champion is unquestionable with dozens of titles in a variety of disciplines, multiple hall of fame inductions & a Gold Medal in the 2001 World Games. As her fellow competitor it’s hard to tell which is more intimidating; her persona at the table or the intensity of her cheering fans. I confess both of them got to me as a young pro during our 1st match in 2014 when I proudly lost 9-6. I was so excited to play against one of idols! Besides her accomplishments in the arena, she has an amazing reputation as a top notch exhibition entertainer & TV personality, which includes an appearance in the 3rd Season of Korea’s Dancing With 33
e Black Widow”: e In the Fight of the Stars
her way to make fans feel extra special with a hug, a photo, an autographed glove or her famous flirtatious shark moves. Anyone who’s had an encounter with her, on or off the table, will never forget it!
vin 2013. Make sure to check out her awesome salsa routine on YouTube by clicking on the dancing photo. Jeanette has also been the face of Bass Pro Shops, the APA, featured in the 2010 ESPN Body Issue, had a bike built for her on the show Orange County Choppers & made an appearance on Fox Sports Nets “Sports Science”. Playing against Jeanette is truly a thrill because she is so talented & always gives 110% to win. It either brings out the best in you or makes you crumble! Off the table Jeanette’s “Black Widow” killer instinct melts away to a warm hearted soul with a quick wit & the sharpest sense of humor. She will often go out of 34
Jeanette’s Rock Solid Strength in the Face of Adversity A Lifetime of Pain & Surgeries Many might assume that this gorgeous & talented woman has had an easy road to success, but nothing could be further from the truth. At age 12, Jeanette was diagnosed with scoliosis & immediately underwent surgery to correct her spine. She has had more than 10 neck & back surgeries & has spent most of her life in heartedly documenting her experience through intense pain, but during decades of competition most Facebook live. What a real life inspiration to so many! would never know from the way she carries herself. Check out the amazing CNN Health interview about One of Jeanette’s proudest roles in her life is that of Jeanette’s Scoliosis here: https://www.cnn. mother, including her 3 beautiful daughters Cheyenne com/2016/03/31/health/turning-points(16), Chole (11), & Savannah (10). Jeanette has been a jeanette-lee-op-ed-article/index.html single mom for several years & became very worried over her daughters’ futures. So her close friends & business associates created a GoFundMe to raise $ for their educations. It’s the Jeanette Lee Legacy Fund-
https://gofund.me/a16db585
The love for her from her friends & fans has been truly unprecedented, raising over $228,000! Along with the GoFundMe multiple in person fundraisers have been organized online, in Florida & Tennessee raising 10’s of thousands more. The next event in support of Jeanette will be at Stroker’s in Palm Harbor, FL May 8th - 9th, 2021 & I am thrilled to be attending to help raise $.
An Intense Diagnosis with the Support of a Community & the Willpower to Survive On February 17th, 2021 an article was released by AZBilliards.com on social media that would change the pool world forever. I remember exactly where I was when I read the headline “Jeanette Lee Diagnosed with Stage IV Cancer”, first was shock & then tears welled in my eyes. I immediately messaged my best friend Jennifer Barretta to see if she had heard & we spoke of how terrible the news was. Over the past couple of months Jeanette’s strength of character has shown brighter than ever. She has bravely gone through 3 rounds of chemotherapy & surgery, while whole
Jeanette’s resolve to beat this disease for herself & her family is truly incredible, but she needs all the support we can give her in this fight. Whether it’s $1(or $10,000 like professional Race Car driver Tony Stewart) any amount means the world to the Black Widow who is grateful & gracious for every donation, yet the truth is the world is letting Jeanette know how much she really means to us. We love you & our praying for you Jeanette!
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US Open 9 Ba News Short By Patrick Sampey
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hursday, Sep 30, 2021 -- The US Open 9 ball tournament just concluded -- held this September 13th through September 18th. This was the premier year that Matchroom Multi Sport hosted the event, for which Emily Frazer, my friend on Facebook, is the managing director. Frazer has agreed to an interview and is filling out some answers to questions Sneaky Pete Mafia (SPM) and I felt compelled to ask for another upcoming SPM exclusive article soon due out of the virtual presses.
American player Joseph Blyler. Also in the first round, we had Japanese sensational player Naoyuki Oi dominating his first round American opponent David Daya 9-4. So right from the opening, the US Open this year had a stellar cast of pool players -- sometimes exhibiting flawless, irrefutable, billiards play -- as is the case with Naoyuki Oi, a thrilling billiards savant to witness.
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uffice it to say, this years Matchroom US Open 9 ball event kicked off in the first round with several knockout punches from the hard hitting veteran Pros of pool. Snooker sensation Judd Trump blanked a relatively unknown American player named Joe Magee 9-0. Trump would later fall 11-1 in a similar rout by legendary Jayson Shaw, representing Scotland. Then we had Shane Van Boening in the first round dominating his opponent, Francesco Candela of Italy 9-2 in the opener. Straight out of the gate, we have Joshua Filler coming out with a 9-2 drubbing of
Then, while I watched and covered the amazing run at the Open Aloysius Yapp had at the title, and how Carlo 39
all 2021 ~~ Biado ultimately won their contest in the finals for the $50K grand prize, with Yapp taking home the $25K second place payout. The total prize pool for the 2021 US Open was $300K in all. Dennis Orcollo and Naoyuki Oi each garnered $12K tied for 3rd. Oi falling to Biado 11-9 in a thrilling contest, with Orcollo falling to Yapp 11-6 -- Yapp blazing through to the finals.
winnings, and the green jacket as per tradition. All in all -- Matchroom, Frazer, the players in the event, and Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, NJ were top notch. The future of the US Open appears to be very much intact, perhaps brighter than ever.
Also of note was the fact that 69 year old Hall Of Fame player and former US Open winner Allen Hopkins was in the event. Much of the coverage was hosted live on YouTube live, and on Facebook -- though no major US networks picked up the programming. Hopefully this marks a new, brighter era in billiards than in years past. In the end however, it would ultimately be Carlo Biado that would take the first place trophy, $50K
Keep on hitting them balls. The Tallahassee Squirrel out. 40
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The Hustler M By Florian Kohler The Hustler Masse
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or the shot of this magazine section we’re going to start with an old and very famous shot from the 60’s. First seen in the movie the Hustler starring a young Paul Newman. From what I remember, it’s his character ‘fast Eddie’ who shoots that masse during a game. In reality it was the legendary Willie Mosconi who executed that shot back in 1962. If I’m starting with this trick it’s because I’ve actually re-invented it a new way! But let’s first focus on the classic version.
a vertical masse, I’d say between 80 to 85 degrees. Apply to that some left English and the CB will first hit the yellow, make it in the corner before taking a big backspin. It will travel along the long rail with the possibility of touching it many times. Even if old, once you mastered that shot and really put great power on it, it will remains an amazing shot. The good thing also is the shot is possible with a regular pool cue!
As you can see on the diagram, the setup is really easy, the cue ball is near the long rail (if you don’t freeze the CB to the rail it’s easier and safer for the table) on the first diamond line. The 1 ball is on the same line, 2mm to 1cm away from the white ball. Again, you can freeze the two balls but it is only making the shot harder. A third ball, the 9 ball, is hanging near the corner pocket. The shot consists in hitting the CB with
Let’s now speak about the Venom way. As you may know I’m the creator of the double and triple masse. In this case it’s a double masse. The setup is exactly the same and the execution similar. But instead of trying to directly pocket the 9, you’ll now need to ‘catch’ the CB with another masse shot. The ‘catch’ takes place where the A ball is diagrammed (A ball represents the ghost ball) in my personal favorite spot for the second 43
Masse hit. The second masse, even if it is a masse, isn’t a big one. Just try to hit the ball as precisely as you can without forgetting the left spin. As the cue ball has still some backspin, if you hit it well you will get a tremendous shot speed.
miss of my first try was recorded and was destined to be aired on many TV sport shows around the world... On the blooper section...
Fun fact: The first time I played that shot back in 2010 in Las Vegas for an ESPN program I hit the second masse so good that the ball I was supposed to pot came inside and out of the pocket. Luckily I made the shot on my second try but of course it was already too late. The 44
Charles Lakey By Jake Sovey
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ailing from Southern Sweden, Charles Lakey who is better known as “The Inventor” is a world renowned artistic billiards trick shot player. Comparing himself as second to Florian “Venom” Kohler in the world of Trick Shots, Charles maintains a very humbled attitude about his achievements in the billiards industry. Focusing on his family and his children, Charles spends a lot of his time encouraging his children to be successful at doing what they love to do. Although he has been on shows like Good Morning America, Charles typically practices all by himself. Oddly enough his artistic abilities on a pool table don’t have that much of a following in his home country, as he compares the statistics to the US Charles claims to have 1,000 followers in the US to his one in Sweden. That is a dramatic difference, and Charles receives a lot of his support from fans and followers from across the world. One of the things that happens to be difficult for him is getting a photographer, videographer, or other media professional to help with his streams or videos because Charles is practicing and creating his trick shots late at night or very early in the morning. Most people in his area are sleeping at that time, making any media interaction hard to obtain.
younger years. Charles did mention, however, that he would love to play Florian in a game of 9 ball and that would make him a very happy man. That would be a very interesting match to watch to say the least, and one that all would hope would be advertised! Charles has been a printing press operator for many, many years of his life and spends a lot of time with his disabled son whom he shares a birthday with. His other son has begun to fly, and Charles did mention his parental instincts kicking him in the gut as his son jumps a dirt bike 60ft through the air. It’s something that Charles said he has to learn to live with as he only wants his children to succeed. None of his children are currently following in his footsteps in the trick shot world and Charles says that is ok. He want’s his children to do what they love to do, because if they are doing what they love to do, then they are successful and he is successful. One can only imagine what it must be like to get lessons from Charles Lakey if his only desires is to see you succeed. That is the heart of a true leader and Charles has captivated the world with his artistic creativity and home driven lifestyle.
Although some may speculate that his playing tournaments would be unfair to the other players, Charles has no time to play in tournaments, and would prefer to remain an artistic player. This allows him to focus his extra time at the table helping players improve their game. No, Charles does not teach trick shots, however him and Florian sometimes discuss technique. Charles does this to give back to the community where he was not able to receive in his 45
~ The Inventor
Jake Sovey intrviews Charles Lakey “The Inventor”
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The Best ‘Teacher’ For Life By Patrick Sampey
“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” -- Michael Jordan Thursday,Sep 9, 2021-- I was thinking about life lessons, and how that may relate to the game of pocket billiards -- and you know how when they say “get in the box,” and do you feel that fire and passion for the game like I do? Do you feel every pulse and synapse of that wooden shaft, organic vibrations of reverberating hum, the music of spheres -- and it burns like an eternal ember in my mind’s eyes, as the pool chalk decorated sidewalks of prose flow like rivers in the Congo. Excuse that contrite, concise diatribe... moving on! Throughout my life, I have always been a student to others in their areas of specialty -- each of us as individuals in life having our strengths and weaknesses. And sometimes your weaknesses can become your strengths and vice versa. And some say “practice your weaknesses,” but if you don’t also practice your strengths, they could become your weaknesses. What’s in your shot repertoire? Bank shots? Cut shots? Down-the-rail-length-of-table cut shots? Off-angle banks? Shots you’ve never seen before that come up in the course of some games? Seems to me that while chess has so many possible moves based on the limits of the board, that pool is a game of infinite possibilities predicated by the repeating decimal of Pi, 3.14… The pool balls have virtually any combination of 47
Is Being A Student positions they could end up in after the break, each ball residing upon a single pinpoint on a billiard ball, spheres on the table green. I believe we must each always strive to improve, no matter how much experience we gain, knowledge we obtain, or based upon our individual skillset. We must each, to truly be great at anything, be a student first. If you want to be a writer, you must first be a reader. To play pool well, you must always be willing to learn first and show out later. This has been a tough lesson for me personally (laughing). So, sure being a student first doesn’t mean that you can’t also teach, but you can actually learn new things as you teach too, taking the student/teacher role to a whole new level -- it’s all intertwined like so many strands of rope. So, learning seems to me to be associated closely to observing -- when I watch the pros play I always observe how they address their shots, their pre shot routine, how they pause and take their time on a key shot or tough shot to ensure they either get the right shape, or in some cases, just ensure that they make the shot.
The above means to me that once you attain a certain point, you realize that you are your best teacher. But more specifically, the student isn’t a student to any would-be teacher, perhaps not even recognizing a good teacher/candidate. The problem arises for me personally, whenever I have felt like “I know it all,” and/or “I got this,” because, you see, that is when I absolutely don’t “got it.” That’s when I lose sight of humility, and a respect for the game and other players -- when you realize you are “there,” then you slack off, lose sight of the goal. But why “when the student is truly ready, the teacher disappears”? Perhaps, the student realizes he/she has become his/her own teacher -- that they’ve had all the outside guidance required to now take the rest of the journey alone in training. Keep on hitting them balls players! Bluetoothheadphones-nine-ball engaged.
Never presume there’s not something more you can learn.
“when the student is ready, the teacher appears; and when the student is truly ready, the teacher disappears” -- Lao Tzu
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Get a Gr By Anthony Beeler
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ack in 1999, Rack and Cue Billiards in Campbellsville, Kentucky was the setting for the state’s 9-ball Championship. Players like John Brumback Shannon Daulton and Stan Shuffett were all regulars in quest for the title.
At that time, I was beginning to learn more about the little intricacies of the game, such as mechanics and advanced fundamentals. One topic I was particularly curious about was the grip. Mike Blevins was from Somerset, Kentucky and he was an incredibly difficult to beat. In fact, in addition to Gerald Daulton, Mike was given credit by many for teaching Shannon
Daulton how to play. After loosing to Shannon Daulton in the finals the previous year, I soon found myself face to face with Mike in the finals of the 1999 rendition. During our match, I began to pay close attention to Mike’s grip. Mike always seemed to move the cue ball effortlessly around the table and I always believed this was due to the way that he held the cue.
t is important to remember that if you hold the cue too tightly there is a tendency to stop your stroke. Mike primarily held his cue lightly, resting it on only the front fingers with the little finger not touching the cue. 49
rip! This light cradling of the butt made it much simpler for him to stroke in a perfectly straight line than with a tighter grip. In fact, some instructors compare perfect grip pressure to that of someone holding a bird. If you hold the bird too tightly you will hurt it, but if the bird is held too loosely it will escape and fly away. It is important to not hold the cue too light or too tight. When watching Mike play I always imagined an eye on his grip hand directly above the cue (where the “X” is located on the photo). The imaginary eye looks down the butt and shaft of the cue towards the target. Using this analogy ensures that the grip hand is directly over the cue and is not torqued significantly in one direction or the other.
Finally, the last element of Mike’s grip was that he always opened his grip on the backswing and closed his grip on the forward swing. Snooker Champion, Steve Davis has described the perfect grip as being neutral at the “SET” (90 degrees) and open on the “PAUSE” (back swing) and then closed at the “FINISH” (squeezing on contact). My match with Mike gave me a better insight into how to develop a proper grip. The real victory wasn’t the fact that I won the championship that year. It was that I had learned something far more valuable. I witnessed the elements of a good grip in action, and I had the opportunity to dissect it up close and personal. To this day, my grip is much better due to the impression Mike Blevins made on me that day. As an instructor, I see many players who have limited abilities because they have a flaw with the way they hold the cue. Don’t let a faulty grip hold you back. Get a grip on your game and practice holding your cue correctly.
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nthony Beeler is the 2017 Pool Instructor of the Year and is a former BCAPL National 9-Ball Champion. He has numerous top 25 national finishes and is one of only 8 ACS Master Instructors in the world. He is the primary author of the National Billiards Instructors Manual and has also authored the book Unstoppable! Positive Thinking for Pool Players. Anthony currently has the highest established Fargo Rating of any Master Instructor. He has won over 300 tournaments and has defeated numerous professional players in tournament competition.
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7 Steps to Coa By Jackie “Voice of Billiards” Karol
A team is a reflection of their leader. Follow these 7 Steps to coach your team to success with their best chances of winning! 1) Credibility:
Establish trust, credibility & build rapport. Get to know each person individually. For example, find out their likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses and habits. Demonstrate your credibility and list your resume and background as to why you are an expert on coaching. If you don’t have a lot of experience coaching, let them know how committed you are to their success. They must also feel and know that you really do care about them. Once they see how committed you are to them and their success, their commitment rises.
2) Meeting:
Call a meeting and state the general goal of meeting. For example, to get in the money on your league, win a championship or move up to top 30% in league, etc.
3) Questions:
Ask the following questions. Go around the room and let each person speak. Just listen. Write down people’s responses on a white board. Question #1: What’s there for them regarding achieving the general goal? How are they feeling about it in general? For example, they are worried that they don’t have enough time to practice, they don’t know what to practice, they get too nervous during competition, their confidence is low, etc. Question #2: How do they want to be perceived by other competitors and spectators and family and friends regarding their pool game? What do you want people to say about you? For example, they want their competition
to see them as a threat or dominating, their family and friends to see them as a winner or hardcore bad ass. Question #3: What concerns and requests do you have? For example, they don’t feel like they are good enough, or don’t like some of their teammates, or don’t like the equipment, etc. Question #4: How can they make their goal quantifiable as a specific measurable result? For example, if they want to win the championship, how many balls would they be able to run in a particular drill. Question #5: Ask everyone to do the ‘Zero Regrets’ exercise from book called, ‘The Way of the Champion’ by Jerry Lynch. Imagine it’s game day or the day when your results will be measured. Imagine you kept doing things the same way that you’ve been doing them and you lost… Now, imagine you are on game day and specifically imagining looking back into time. What would you have done differently? For example, would you practice more, have a more positive attitude, invested in a better pool cue, hired a coach, or were you too hard or yourself or not allow yourself to have fun?
4) Positive:
Be positive. Rephrase any negatives into positives. For example, if someone says they are afraid they won’t practice enough, rephrase it and ask how many hours per week are you committed to practicing? Before this though, you have to inspire your team and get them to want to be committed. Another example, is they say don’t feel confident. Rephrase and ask how many hours a week would make you feel confident? What if you were given specific things to practice and you 55
aching Teams actually practiced them? Another example, is that they are afraid they or their teammates will drink too much. Ask them to agree as a team on how many drinks you will have during practice and play. Maybe limit to 1 or 2 drinks and then agree to go out and celebrate AFTER the matches. Have a penalty if someone does not follow this or other rules, such as if they have more than 1 drink, they have to pay for everyone’s drinks afterwards or have to do 30 pushups, etc.
5) Motto:
Decide on a Motto that everyone can be inspired by. Use specific examples that are enrolling and inspire emotion.
For example, the players in this men’s team I coached to the Championships were from many different backgrounds and didn’t share much in common. Individually, they all played very good but as a team, they argued a lot and blamed each other for mistakes made. I had to think of a common thread that we could all share. After listening to everyone’s answers in the Questions section, I learned that something they all had in common was that they all really liked and were inspired by our sponsor and owner of the poolroom, named Stacy. Stacy had made a meaningful impact on each and every person on the team in one way or another. So, we agreed on our motto to be, “Play for Sta”. And, we had a 2nd motto too because there was a major rivalry going on with the other poolroom which was “If You’re Not With Us, You’re Against Us”! These mottos united us and inspired us!
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vv The women’s team that I coached to the Championships was up against some really rough women. By “rough”, I mean women who were more interested in fist fighting, arguing and cheating rather than playing. We decided on a motto of “AYC” from the movie, Kick Ass, meaning, “Alright You Cnts”! It doesn’t matter what it is as long as everyone is inspired by it and it can even make you laugh. The creating rapport and asking questions help you come up with inspiring motto and help form the list of specific rules needed to commit to to be successful. “AYC” was funny and helped us keep our killer instinct, motivation and commitment to making each shot. Another scotch doubles matches league team, decided on a motto, “I made MY shot”. It was cute and fun and put focus on making just that one ball in front of you rather that winning or losing. Although winning is the goal, of course, you can’t win unless you just take it one ball at a time.
6) Agreements:
Everyone must agree to be coachable and do what the team as a whole decides regarding rules, practice and drinking limits, showing up on time. Otherwise, this team is not for you, and there is the door…
7) Rules:
These rules are specific to your team. The more specific and helpful they are to your particular group, the better chances they have at succeeding. If you are limited in knowledge in this area, ask for an expert’s advice. It’s ok if you don’t have all the answers. Just be responsible about doing your best at getting the answers and then have your entire team agree on them.
Here are some examples:
Be there. All players must be there at start time even if you are not playing. Showing up to support and watch your teammates is very beneficial for your team. It not only helps your teammates but it can be intimidating for the other team. Also, wearing your team shirt actually has people psychologically be a better team. After all, why do you think the army has a uniform? Help teammates and anticipate their needs. Support and believe in teammates, use positive encouraging words, focus on what TO DO, not what to NOT TO DO. Another
way to bring your team closer to one another is to plan some social events together. Plan to have lunch or dinner or drinks. This has an amazing interesting effect on team chemistry which is vital to a team being successful. Stay sober. Don’t drink too much! Wanna know who the player typically is that is ordering drinks?… The LOSER. They drink not just because they want to lose inhibition, but because they don’t have the guts to just sit and observe and take responsibility for their game. Instead of being hard on yourself, have the courage to ask yourself specifically what you need to do differently in order to make the shot and commit to doing that next time. Did you jump up? Did you not plan your next shot? Were you not fully committed to your decision? Did you not take enough time to make a decision? Did you not walk around the table and see all the possibilities or plan your run out properly? Well, drinking more is not going to help you win. In fact, at best, studies have been done that say 1 drink can help nerves or confidence, but NOT more than that! Give yourself your BEST chance of winning! Give it your BEST effort! You’ll be happy you did. Sit down! Sit in chair while not shooting. It’s actually the rule whether it’s enforced or not. Plus, it conserves energy, and it helps you mentally because you can relax and breath and plan your next shot keeping focus on the game. In addition, standing makes you look nervous and amateur. Have you ever seen a pro match with the other player standing there? Most likely not ever! Keep your head in the game while sitting and waiting your turn by anticipating your detailed plan of shooting. Relaxed Focus. No fraternizing! The other team may try to engage you in conversation. Whether they are trying to consciously distract you, or just trying to calm their own nerves, it does no good for your game. It’s a distraction. Have the balls to watch the game and be there in the moment, feel the pressure, breath, support your teammates. Be polite and acknowledge the other team when they try to involve us in conversation, but stay calm and focus. 57
vBreath. Do breathing exercise in your chair between shots. Breath in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 8 seconds and out for 4 seconds. Stay still. The most common reasons players miss is that they jump up or move too soon during a shot. Therefore,
commit to exaggerating staying still. For example, agree to all stay still until ALL the balls stop rolling. Now you have a Game Plan and the best chance of succeeding! The key to coaching teams is loving your team and following these 7 steps.
A Blast from the Past
A New Beginning: Letter from Garret Troop {Issue 1} When I started the FaceBook Sneaky Pete Mafia group, I envisioned a place where all of us that love the game of pool could go to chat with fellow enthusiasts, share tips and discuss the topics and products we come across in more detail.
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our response has been amazing! I am thrilled at the growth of the group and how many pool players from around the world I have gotten to know. The next step will be a web page, and I will let you know when that’s done. In the meantime thanks so much for your support! Please visit often, share anything you hear about that might be new or any tips that we can talk you into sharing. Anything that is good for the sport is good for us, and we all want to know about it. For those of you that are here for the first time—
welcome. We would love for you to introduce yourself to the rest of the group and tell everyone where you are from, how long you have been playing and what equipment you are using. Feel free to post and ask questions. The group is world-wide, making it a great place to see and be seen. Never hesitate to add your two-cents-worth on any topic that interests you. We are here to learn from each other. Be sure to tell all your friends about us, and Keep on Shootin’ Straight!!! Garret Troop https://www.facebook.com/groups/165501373560533 58
How to to Improve Improve Y How By Emily Duddy Work on The Break
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reak from the side rail, the side you feel more comfortable with. Bridge hand on the rail. Pull your last stroke back slowly, like pulling an arrow on a bow. Pause slightly before you follow through & hit the 1 ball square, like playing a stop shot. Time the forward movement of your arm with the upward & forward momentum of the body.
Practice Cue Ball Control Drills Set up a particular shot & then designate 4 different cue ball positions on the natural line. For example a 3 rail inside English shot. Then use a 4 click system of power, 1 being the softest & 4 being strongest to correspond with to each spot. Shoot at least 10 shots for each spot. Then switch sides. Look for a video demo of this drill on my social media soon.
You might hear people refer to being on the right or wrong side of the object ball in 9 ball. So what does that mean? In the most simple of definitions the “right side” of your next object ball is the side that gives you natural position to the next shot. Natural position is being able to move the cue ball with less force into your chosen zone. Since you have to play 1-9 in order the next ball is predetermined so you can, & should, establish a pattern as early as possible. The more you can maintain moving the cue ball around naturally into the largest V Zone for the next shot, the easier your 9 ball pattern will be to maintain. Of course we are only human & pool is difficult! You will often have to come with the shot or take what the table is giving you. Just do your best & always keep learning.
Identify the V Zone This is where you draw a position zone for the next ball using the lines for where good & bad position exists. There may be multiple different possible V Zones for the layout. This process will help you identify possible position options & help you select the best one based on the right side of the ball. You should choose the V Zone based on your skill level & situation. For example if you’re in an important league match or tournament you might want to play the safer position or easier to execute zone. If you’re practicing you might choose the one out of your comfort zone to learn more.
Figure out the Right Side of the Next Ball
Play the Longest Line into Position Many professionals are taught with the help of a coach to think about finding the longest line into the V 59
Your 9 9 Ball Ball Game Game Zone or ideal position zone for the next shot. Others may come to play like this intuitively; however, I find that many average to intermediate players do not understand this concept or put it into practice. Consider that if you can choose to play a 2 rail position shot which puts the cue ball on the longest line into your next shot, as opposed to cutting a cross a very small Zone that has a greater margin for error. I do not believe that professionals always have better cue ball control, instead they choose shots that increase the chances of creating good cue ball position.
elbow or shoulder) then you simultaneously hold your body in place while your eyes follow the cue ball around to your intended spot. Think of the creepy portraits in a haunted house where the eyes follow you, but the body doesn’t move. This may sound exaggerated or unnecessary, but I promise it will dramatically decrease the bad habit of jumping up & increase executing the intended mark for your cue ball. Depending on your skill level this may have to be done a few or a hundred times very deliberately; however, it will.
he 3 Second Freeze & Sending the Cue Ball with Your Eyes
eventually become second nature & that is when your game will jump. See the photo below for an example of the freeze & send.
After your follow through many people have a tendency to move their body to early before the stroke is complete. This results in decreasing the accuracy of your cue ball control. I suggest the “3 Sec Freeze” + “sending the cue ball with your eyes” to fix this issue. Basically after you pause on your backstroke & deliver your beautiful follow through (without dropping your
As a player who began playing young & often, I am lucky to be strong at pocketing balls; however, it was not until I met George “Ginky” SanSouci that I learned that could be a hindrance. I had just moved to NYC in 2007 at the age of 23 to pursue a career in professional billiards.. I had the amazing fortune to 60
play Ginky at the weekly tournament at Master’s in Queens, an incredible 24 hour pool room that had the most action, characters & tournaments in the area. Ginky & I played even since it was an open event & I considered losing 5-3 to this champion a tremendous accomplishment. After the match we chatted, he said “Great match. You really pocket balls strong...maybe too strong.” I looked at him puzzled & asked why? He responded with, “Respectfully, because it makes you lazy. You don’t usually play tight position because you believe you can shoot your way out of it, but imagine if your cue ball control was better. You might never miss.” This conversation had a huge impact on me, I’d only ever been complimented on my shooting & I realized I he was right. It wasn’t until I started training with my brilliant coach Mike Napolitano (2013-2017) that he taught me “You need to get close to your work!” His training helped me to really take cue ball control seriously. With a extra attention to detail & a lot of hard work, I was able to dramatically increase my run out %. It’s all about pre-shot Routine & Playing Position on the 9 Ball When you are shooting 9 ball for anything important, you are going to be a little or perhaps a lot nervous. Whether it’s a money match, weekly league, a local tournament or a world championship the adrenaline will be pumping. I have been a non-stop competitive
9 ball player for 18 years, therefore I’ve come with the winning 9 Ball many times, but I’ve dogged it way more times than that! 9 ball is a brutal game that takes training, patience, so much experience & luck. When I was a young & reckless player I would practically run around the table until I got to the 7, 8 or 9 where I would often miss an easy shot. I was inexperienced, immature & overly excited. Thank goodness I loved the game so much to dedicate my life to it. Over the decades I have put the pieces together to consistently play well. When the pressure is on you need a solid pre-shot routine to carry you through. I trained for 6 months on mine until I felt like the terminator, stay tuned for videos on pre-shot routine coming soon! Finally, during a run of 9-ball we are shooting 1 shot & playing position for another, until the 9. At that point so many thoughts can invade our brain…”If you make it you win!”, “Just don’t miss.”, “This is for the $”, “This is for the tournament.”, “ Don’t dog it.”, “You can do it!” Whether your inner monologue at the moment is positive or negative it’s all just noise. It’s just another shot, but all of sudden you are missing part of the shot design that kept you engaged. Playing position on the 9 ball will not only help quiet your dark passenger (nod to the Dexter fans reading), but it will help you to not scratch & possibly create a 2 way shot in case you do miss. 9 ball is a beautiful & painful game that is worth the time & effort. Good luck pool players!
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Alex Pagulayan By Brian Pauley
T
he definition of a 5 tool player in baseball is that of a player that excels at all five of the major physical tools: speed, throwing, fielding, hitting for average, and hitting for power. Some of the names that come to mind that are the definition of 5 tool players would be Mickey Mantle, Ken Griffey Jr, and currently Mike Trout. The pool world has 5 tool players as well and none personifies that term better than the Lion himself, Alex Pagulayan. A part of the Filipino movement of players, Alex has been a high level pro player for a long time. Nicknamed “The Lion” for his shear will to never give up in a match and to give it all he has, and his name kind of sounds like Lion. Alex has accomplished something that no other pool player in history has done, win all three main event
tournaments at the Derby City Classic. Alex is one of, if not the best all around player in the game today and is not afraid to gamble anyone in any game. What got you into pool? When I was 10 years old my Dad used to take me to the pool room and I would watch him play and I fell in love with the game. What player from the past would you like to have played but didn’t get the chance? Efren Reyes in his prime playing one pocket. What is your greatest accomplishment in pool? Becoming Hall of fame. Is there something left in pool that you haven’t done or a tournament that you haven’t won that you want to win? Yes, become a motivator for the game itself. The Action Report documented your epic rivalry with Shane Van Boening years back. For those unfamiliar with that, how did that come about? Epic and exciting!
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or those unfamiliar with the rivalry, it was one of the greatest things in pool. It started at the 2008 Derby City Classic where Shane was scheduled to play a race to 21 10 ball with Francisco Bustamante. Since Bustamante was in the running for the master of the table, he decided to not stay up all night and gamble and went to bed early. In true Lion fashion, Alex stepped up and played Shane. The set went hill-hill with Shane winning what was a heart 63
n Interview
pounding last game. Shane and Alex matched up three more times at Derby with Shane winning all three matches. The two players would match up all around the country at various events with the momentum changing to Alex. In May of 2008, Shane and Alex matched up to play a race to 100 10 ball. Shane was up over 20 racks in day two and was up 15 racks in day three. Once again, in Lion fashion, Alex proved that he never gives up and fought back to tie the score at 9292. Alex went on to win that race to 100 match. Pool fans called it one of, if the not the best comeback wins in pool history. I would add that this was one of the best comebacks in all of sports. What is your favorite game and conditions for action? The one they bet the most.
Who are the players that you looked up to when you were younger? Everyone because they were all taller than me haha. All joking aside everyone, I’ve learned from everyone. What were some of the main things that contributed to you getting as good as you are? Hit balls countless hours and learn as u go a long. What is some of the best advice you have received that you can pass on to non pro players? Be Humble and keep learning.
What was the genesis for your “Lionize your game” system? Be a student of the game.
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