How do I improve my pool game on my own?

Question

I'd like to improve my pool game. I was eager to begin instruction with a BCA certified teacher, but there are none in my area :( I've thought about joining a league (again, few and far between in my area), but I'd rather be a better player first.

Is there anything I can do on my own to get better? Any books that helped you? And please keep in mind, I *do* already practice a lot.

Answer 1

You should join the APA and get more time in playing matches.  With the handicap system you don't have to be a great player.  Once you play in the APA for a bit and perhaps meet other players you can get pointers from then you can move onto the BCA.  With some league play experience and more practice time you would feel more confident in joining the BCA which typically has higher ranked players than the APA.

Answer 2

I liked the book Play your best Nine Ball by Phillip Capelle

Practice as much as you can and work on your weak spots. Watch as many pool tournaments as possible

Answer 3

There are tons of books and dvds out there that can help you with drills and stuff. How much they help you depends on the amount of time your willing to spend working on drills and specific shots etc. etc........ If you really want to improve your game go out and play the best players you can find. Stay away from the big mouth sharks that just wanna bleed you dry. Look for the best players you can find that are willing to show you some of what they know. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked. That will improve your game quicker than anything you can do on your own.

Answer 4

Practice more. And watch a lot of professional pool games, watch tournaments, etc. Try to understand their tricks and strategies. And how they work on this kind of situation. You dont need a book to be a great pool player.

Answer 5

You definitely had the right idea to search out a BCA certified instructor.  Some of them travel (like Scott Lee) so you might want to get in touch with them to see if they will be in your area.  Also, at any pool hall, someone is usually giving out advice.  Some of it can be good, but a lot of it is bad, but it never hurts to get someone's opinion, just in case it is a gem.

Practicing can end up leading to no gains if you don't do it right.  I think you have to have a purpose and it helps if you have a metric so you can document yourself making progress.  Phil Capelle's book, Practicing Pool, is a good one.  Work on drills and specific skills each time you have a session.  When you start getting frustrated or bored, take a break and maybe just bang some balls around for a bit and go back to it later.