How do I improve my billliard skills?

Question

I want to get better at shooting pool, and I just moved to a new city. I don't know anyone to shoot pool with. How can I improve my pool shooting by myself ?

Answer 1

practice

Answer 2

Practice is a good thing but there is another, maybe even better alternative.  When I was shooting pool leagues, I had a player on my team that was a very good shot.  I asked him the same question that you asked.  He told me that I should read a book on pool.  I kinda chuckled and he said he was serious.  I ended up taking his advice and it did in fact, greatly improve my game.  The book taught me alot of things as to the way to hold my stick (properly), how to properly hit a cue ball & proper follow through.  It also gave pointers from the pros in the book that I read.  I cant remember the name of it, yet there are many books of its kind.  It really does help as strange as it may sound.  You may say that you already know how to hold a stick but when you try the way in the book, who knows.  Just give it try.

Answer 3

Not quite as old as the book of life but

Practice and more of same, miss a shot set it up till you make it 7-8 times in a row  then try another and another,

Most of my real practice is after hours by my self dont let them know your strong or weak points either one can be used against you

Dont try the 6 rail sh-t thats a passtime practic realistic shots that will come up in a game dont ever assume you dont need to try the simple stuff i lost off a spot shot before thats like a free throw in b.ball

also try the old bar trick place coin on a ball shoot just enough to make coin roll away from the ball to hard it fall straight down  ie(cue ball control) read and watch everything you can  just save the fancy s**+-- for Mike Massey

HAPPY HUNTING  LATER JOHNNY I gotta go practice

Answer 4

The best thing to improve your game is to not just practice but to do drills......my recomendation is that you order Bert Kinister's "60 Minute Workout" and the "Advanced 60 Minute Workout".....put the first 5 to 10 drills down on paper and then go do it....over and over again until you can do them 7 to 10 times in a row.....10 if you really want to get to a "serious" level.....do not get distracted by hustlers or people just wanting to play...."drill..drill...drill".....you will still need competion.....one best way to learn the game is to go to some tournaments and not only play but sit and watch...look at what the really great players are doing.....meet an "ole" timer that knows his game and maybe he will take you under your wing and help you as well......99% of all serious pool players will offer help....just ask nice.......and then always play pool with this in mind.....when you come up to shoot....."never ever just shoot to shoot....if you see that you can't run out the rack....then DO NOT LEAVE a shot to the next guy"......you become the "Dennis Rodman" of pool.....Defense is the name of the game.....if you live by the sword...you will die by the sword......let them get mad at you with your "dirty pool" (its called defense).....again good luck on the tour and hope to see you on TV soon!!!

Answer 5

Go to your local pool hall and practice. It's actually better to practice by yourself so you can practice the same shot over and over again. I'm sure you know... but how you hold the stick and your stance are very important. Hold the stick close to your body (helps you stay steady) and get low so you are more eye level with the table. Practice breaking, bank shots, english and cuts.

Have Fun!

Answer 6

you practice!!

Answer 7

It's true that you will probably improve slightly by practicing alone.  If you are just banging away, you might pick up a few things here and there through trial and error.  Does that sound very efficient to you?  People always like to give general advice like "just practice a lot".  A small percentage of the population have the natural instinct for pool to be self-taught.  For the rest of us, formal instruction is the fastest and most effective route to improvement.  In a few months, a certified teacher can do more for your game than years of trial and error.  When you think about how much time you'll be saving, instruction is quite the bargain.  There are instructors all over the country.  Check out the BCA (Billiard Congress of America) website to find one in your area.  Happy Shooting.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.