Brutal and INCORRECT warm up. Ive been wanting to spend some time on bar box tables because I am finishing an adaptation of my Phoenix School book for 8-ball. So, I spent a couple of hours on a 7 foot table prior to a 9-ball match on a 9 foot table. Mistake. From the beginning, the 9 foot table seemed as big as a snooker table, with pockets as tight. (I know better). So, I lost the first set (a race to 6 with me giving up 3 games on the wire). NEVER LOSE THE FIRST GAME when giving up so much weight. Instead of being ‘down’ 1-3, suddenly I was down 0-4. Additionally, my head hadnt arrived from the prior bar box 8-ball practice. I came in casual, KNOWING I could beat this person. But the weight, THE WEIGHT was significant and I got slapped awake early. In the next game, he shock combo’d the 9 for another win. 0-5. OK, I’m awake now. Finally activated my game plan. Lock him up. Give him nothing. I know he’ll make mistakes, but I have to give him the opportunity to make mistakes. By moving to Crane Style, I forced him to shoot tough shots every time he came to the table. This quickly began to turn things in my favor and I came back to Hill-Hill. Case game, he farted in the 9 on some ludicrous combo that (frankly) I overlooked. End of Race 1. Race 2. Begin with Snake Style. Choke off opportunities and manage the match well from the beginning. Control leaves, hold the opponent away from easy opportunities. Then, when it’s time to TAKE IT, strike. But my ‘killing’ was weak. I was missing key, high percentage, shots at the end and leaving him stupid easy wins. Fought to Hill Hill again. Finally, FINALLY, I realized that I wasnt staying DOWN & BEHIND through my shots. I was Mr. Casual, standing up like a banger. GET THAT HEAD DOWN BEHIND THE BALL… See the cue ball and the object ball in the same vision field. I know this… I know this… I’VE KNOWN THIS FOREVER!!! Voila! Once I started getting (my head) down and behind the cue ball and of course, rolling the ball at pocket or soft pocket speed, my game returned. How many times… must I learn the same lesson? Won the second set 6-5. Race 3. Tortured him. All he did was rack and shoot at blocked shots during the entire match. Stay down & roll the ball softly; give the opponent cruel leaves. Done and done. Ended on a very positive note. Won the set 6-3, with the opponent getting his 3 games on the wire as weight. Strong. Animal. I just wish my ATTENTION had been better in the beginning. What do I say? “Start smart!” That’s what I say. Follow your own advice, Temple of Pool boy!
Posted on: Sat, 15 Mar 2014 18:33:23 +0000
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