True Spirits of Pool

RUNNING OUT IS AS EASY AS 1 - 2 - 3

The Drill Instructor By Dominic Esposito

How to Become 1-Ball Better in just 30 Days – Guaranteed!

I personally promise to that this drill will make you at least one ball better within 30 days—so long as you keep one promise to me.

It’s very common for people to agree to a deal on the front end. It’s on the back end that most people break down. So, here’s what we’re promising each other, I’ll teach you a drill that will make you run out better than you currently do if you’ll promise to do this drill every day for 30 days. If you can keep your promise, I know mine is in the bag.

C

7 ①

9 ① 8 ①

1 2 3 ① 4 ① 5 ① 6 ①

A

1. Rack the 7, 8 & 9 balls on the spot. 2. Break the balls and spot-up any ball that is pocketed. 3. Take Ball in Hand and pocket each ball in rotation order as you would in finishing a 9 Ball game.

If you miss, continue shooting until you run out, then rack the same numbered balls again and do it again.

Count and score 1-pt. for each rack you run out (from Ball in Hand). Be sure to score a total of 10 points before moving on to the next level. 4. Next, rack the 6, 7, 8 & 9 and follow the opening steps again to break the balls and spot-up any ball that is pocketed. Take Ball in Hand and pocket each ball in rotation order as you would in finishing a 9 Ball game. Don’t forget, if you miss, keep shooting until you finish running out that rack. Then, rack the same numbered balls again and run those out until you have run a total of 10 racks at each number count. 5. Next, rack the 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 and follow the opening steps again. 6. Next, rack the 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 and complete 10 successful racks without missing. 7. Next, rack the 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 and follow the same steps. 8. Next, rack the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 and finally, 9. Rack the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 and follow the same steps out. NOTE: When you break the full rack, leave any balls made in the pocket. Then, start with ball in hand and continue to run the rack until you have finished 10 racks. There is a more challenging level to this drill for players who feel they’re ready for some real action. If you miss a ball, re-rack the balls and start that entire rack set over again. You only need to restart at the rack level you’re on if you miss. Your goal is to run 10 racks at each ball count level without a miss.

You can find this drill and more like it on the DI’s web site or from your favorite pool supply dealer. JUST GET YOURS TODAY!

Now, don’t forget our promise.

Continue to direct your Pool Skill Building questions or requests for group exhibitions, clinics or one-on-one coaching or private instruction to Dominic at 407-927-1484 or write him at dominic@thedrillinstructor.us Want more free drills to practice, how about free app drills, get them at: www.thedrillinstructor.us.

Times are tough for all. I want to start doing a “RAK” for Sneaky Pete Mafia. This mean Random Acts of Kindness. If you are willing to help the pool community you could possibly donate a cue, a case, a few pieces a good chalk, gas cards, books, DVDs and anything that compels you to do something nice for another pool player in need. This goes both ways though. If you are in need of something please put it out there. Not promising the world but we can sometimes start with a little help. we need to change the pool community and the image of it. But this means taking the initiative. Let’s build a community.

TRUE SPIRITS OF POOL

by Barbara Lee No matter what circumstances lead to their wheelchair lives, one thing is for sure—they can take you out on the table! Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing the passionate “spirit” of Jeff Dolezal, president of the non-profit National Wheelchair Poolplayers Association (NWPA). Jeff knows all too well the challenges of disabilities. Having started his pool career at the age of 12, friendly wagers soon earned him enough “pocket change” for incidentals. Entering the Military right after High School, he continued earning supplemental income with his fellow service members UNTIL the fateful day his life changed forever. On April 20th, 1980, a motorcycle joyride with friends culminated in a disastrous encounter with a concrete mailbox which left 19 year old Jeff, a high-level paraplegic. During his long and tedious rehabilitation, he observed fellow “wheelers” in his rehab unit shooting pool, and knew right then that as soon as his strength returned, he would be “at the table” again! Sometimes events like this can enhance lives in the wake of what may seem a lost cause. And thus it was for Jeff, who once said “I couldn’t get a date before the accident –now I find out that girls dig guys in chairs—REVELATION!” And with THAT, he was able to “marry” both POOL and LOVE! Along with new bride Kathy, and matching Muecci cues, he moved across the country in 1987 and ended up pursuing a career serving his veterans with the PVA—Paralyzed Veterans of America. Putting pool on hold while building his family and career, he caught the pool bug again, 7 years later. Seeing a notice in a magazine for the 1994 National Wheelchair 9 Ball Championship in Cleveland , he was off and rolling. That trip was what gave Jeff the drive to increase his knowledge, learning about all the aids available to “chair” players. There are specialized handgrips, cue extensions, extendable bridges, no-hands-required bridges and much more! Continuing to pursue his love of pool, he eventually studied with Fran Crimi, BCA master pool instructor in 2003 where he himself became a recognized BCA instructor! Also during this time, he attended Predator Pool School with Dragon Promotion’s Charlie Williams and superstar Mika Immonen. In 2006, he accepted the appointment of President of the NWPA, with a mission statement of

“DEDICATED TO ENCOURAGING, DEVELOPING AND REGULATING WHEELCHAIR BILLIARDS”

—the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) equivalent to disabled players. His efforts with this organization have inspired and helped many with disabilities to rise up, compete with anyone, and gain confidence and knowledge for the sport they love. During our interview, I asked many questions regarding the differences that are endured by those playing “from a seated position” as well as Jeff’s personal preferences, habits etc. What he told me was enlightening to say the least. Here are a few “tidbits” to help us get a little “reality” on the subject of “shooting from the seat”! 1. Unlike non-disabled players, wheelchair players strive to leave the cue ball somewhere closer to the rails—mid table is problematic for them.

2. Wheelchair players many times have an advantage over opponents because of a preconceived idea that they can’t play well. 3. 50-60% of the NWPA’s “members” are NOT only disabled, but ARE also Veterans.

4. Upper body balance is one of the largest

FACTORS of Wheelchair play! 5. There are “power chairs” available which enable some to play who without it could not. 6. Many wheelchair players use a “side arm” stroke.

7. The “underhand” stroke is quite common—

In fact the current WPA World Wheelchair 9-Ball champion, Jouni Tähti of Finland uses this type of stroke. 8. Jeff personally has personalized his chair to hold ANYTHING and EVERYTHING he might need during a match. “This way”, he says “I maintain my rhythm without having to go get something—it’s ALL right here!” 9. Jeff’s extension offers him a whopping 72” length! 10. Many individuals who have significant upper limb disabilities can play the right tools and adaptive equipment. Backed by and alongside the PVA (Paralyzed Veterans of America), and in coordination with the BCA, and more, this organization has created the ways and means for those pool loving “spirits” to thrive. The NWPA sanctions 8 to 12 regional events a year, which culminate in a National Championship and at times an International Championship, many having been aired by ESPN. The organization is also the National Governing Body for wheelchair billiards through Wheelchair Sports U.S.A., the BCA, and is a member of the World Pool Association (WPA). With the goal of encouraging persons with disabilities to play, they hold clinics and fundraisers throughout the country and actively seek players, associate members and sponsors to help their endeavors. Those wishing to offer a helping hand via donations, sponsorships or the like to this wonderful organization can email Jeff Dolezal directly at jdolezal@verizon.net.