*CORRECTION:* At 8m50s, the spin diagram should show top-right spin (not top-left). Sorry. *Table of Contents:* - Intro [0:00] 1. Keep It Simple [0:35] 2. Leave Correct Angles [3:21] 3. Plan Three Balls Ahead [5:29] 4. Come into the Line [6:53] ---- 4a. end-game patterns [9:11] 5. Use Cushions as Brakes [10:22] 6. Pocket Balls in Groups [11:30] 7. Solve Problems Early [12:22] 8. Master the Table Center [13:13] ---- 8a. 45˚ rule [13:24] 9. Play Smart Shape [14:59] ---- 9a. play for corners instead of sides [15:08] ---- 9b. play for long-side shape [16:03] ---- 9c. bring the CB back along the line [16:52] ---- 9d. stay off the cushions [17:22] ---- 9e. keep the CB reachable [17:50] 10. Master Position Off Hangers [18:15] - Wrap-Up [19:17] *Supporting Resources:* - position control and pattern play resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-ball-control/ - 30˚ rule peace sign for visualizing the natural angle: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/peace-sign/ - 45˚ rule resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-ball-control/45-degree-rule/ - online pool tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/ - hangers resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/hanger/ - Top 10 Pool Shots Amateurs Play Wrong … and How to Play Them Right: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-B9Aaspp7sy8.html - Top 10 Pool Strategy Errors Amateurs Make … and How to Prevent Them: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-92Mx7jmef6I.html - Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots (VEPS): drdavebilliards.com/videos/veps/ - Video Encyclopedia of Nine-ball and Ten-ball (VENT): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vent/ - Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB): drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-ball/
Dr.Dave you're perhaps the best pool coach on RU-vid! I like your precise approach, long term thinking, and an attitude towards excellence and hard work. No cheap gimmicks! I have both versions of your book and I keep referring to them all the time. Thanks for all the effort you put into making these videos freely for pool lovers all over the world.
@@DrDaveBilliards Do you ever play 9 ball but they gotta go all in one pocket I do about six racks a day of it and each time is a different pocket. If you don't hot your ball or rail/make you put another ball on the spot instead of ball in hand. Sometimes I do the same with rotation but most people like the nine all version better. Let's say you make a bad hit and no balls can be put back on table in that case I do a kick shot as my penalty.
Dr. Dave, you are awesome! Recently joined a CPA league team, after not having played pool in a good fifteen yrs. Watched a few different tutorials, found them to be hard to follow, full of useless banter or bad attempts at being funny. Then I saw one of yours, and BOOM ! Easy to follow, really great narration. Nice flow, guests, humour and great advice to boot. When I did play back in the day, I was a good intermediate player, and I love the game. So I joined the league as a three, and have quickly jumped to a solid four, and I definitely owe a good part of that to you. I also practice quite a bit , which is essential. So thank you and all involved, keep up the great work.
You and Tor Lowry are fantastic teachers. Both of you have helped improve my game. Can’t wait to start playing again! Appreciate the hard work for these videos. See ya next vid.
Check out the "Smart Runout Pool" 3-video series near the bottom of the page here. They show how everything is applied in game run-out situations: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-ball-control/
Thanks Chris. I'm glad to hear it. As I am sure you understand, this video took a lot of time and effort to put together. I think it was time well spent. Catch you later. PS: Should we expect to see some entries from you soon for the BU Exam Challenge: billiards.colostate.edu/challenge/2020-bu-exam This seems like the kind of thing you would be all over. Good luck!
The following should also be required viewing for anybody interested in pool (especially league players): etiquette video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8UdqaV05Kuk.html fouls and rules video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xo52NlpB4FQ.html
Thanks! This video was a big help in me getting a better understanding. I got to the point where almost run a rack, but I end up with bad position right before I run out. I will run out very rarely, only 4 times I have broke and ran 8 ball since I started playing in February this year.
Every video I watch of the Good Doctor's I learn something..I am an 'instinct" player from back in the day (60's-70's)..and was pretty darn good...but I see there is so much I didn't know..These videos have got me excited again..Some lessons/shots blow my mind...Dr.Dave does an excellent job of explaining the technique/strategy..Thanks.
So much good information. I will watch monthly as a refresher as I do not have all strategies in my game. Thank you for putting in the time, now my turn to do the work.
Way to go Dr Dave... this should help a lot of people... those who take the time to watch these videos will learn a lot for when we get back to playing. I like the way you interact by telling the players to pause & think for themselves... it makes them figure out their own pattern & then show them the correct way or an easier way... well done my friend!!!
Sir you are a gift to the pool community! Thank you for all the tips and advice my game has been 10x better since watching your videos! Thank you very much! :)
I wish I saw this video back in March 2020 when quarantine first started! I have my own table at home and this is easily one of the best videos I've watched. I'm applying a lot of this to my 8 Ball game and the improvements are obvious! Thank you, Dr. Dave!
Your videos are the absolutely the best, because you don't just have excellent advice, but you always explain the reasons why it's good advice, so it really teaches people understanding. I love how you always test things scientifically too. Also, you really do explain things clearly, using lots of examples, with "direction" lines on screen & CB hit spot clearly showing where you're hitting the it. I have a question: at 5:15 why do you do a stop shot as if you're doing a slow draw (which creates a stop-shot) instead of a faster just-below-center hit on the CB to get the same result? - isn't the 2nd way easier where less can go wrong?
I'm glad you like my stuff. Concerning the stop shot, you are right that when the CB is close to the OB like this, a more-centered hit with faster speed is better. At longer distance, a lower tip and slower speed is better since the CB will drift less if there is a slight angle or if your aim is off a bit.
@@stevewenger7260 I'm glad you think so. I already have 460+ videos posted, so that should keep you busy for a while. I also plan to continue to release new videos about once a week on average.
Nothing wrong with watching things multiple times and revisit them periodically. FYI, the video description (above) has a list of all of the principles, which might be handy to print, along with links to useful supporting resources. Enjoy!
That’s still a pretty makable shot to win the game 3:44. But that’s what I need to perfect in my game not settling with we’re the ball ends up controlling the cue ball take a lot of practice I appreciate videos like this!
Agree. That shot is makeable. But the shot at the 8 with the improved approach is unmissable! If you want to see more videos and info related to pattern play, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-ball-control/ Enjoy!
FYI, I have lots of info and videos dealing with this useful technique, showing how it can be used in various game situations, here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/ Check it out.
I've been racking 15 balls and then shooting at any ball and trying to keep a run going as long as I can but my breaks aren't good enough to spread the balls out enough and I end up stuck with a cluster of balls around the foot spot. I know playing on a 7' table is going to leave more clusters but I should be able to get a better spread than I do I assume. I should probably start with maybe only 6 balls like the first few RDS levels though but I also want to get better breaks so I'm probably going to practice those next time I go and play. I've definitely been getting better since watching your videos though. I finally see the difference with how I have been aiming my shots compared to how much easier it is to aim when my vision center is aligned over the shot line. I guess I am cross-eye dominant and I just had always aimed with my right eye and learned to compensate or to see the shots at a slight angle but it's not feasible to do that for every shot, especially longer shots, and it explains why what I thought were straight shots would always hit left of where I was aiming or thought I was aiming I guess. When I get everything right though it seems so much easier than I thought it was. You just point the cue straight at the cue ball and to the corresponding point to contact the object ball and make sure its all lined up in a straight line and then send it lol. It's easy to see if the cue and point you are aiming at are straight or not when you have your vision center aligned. I'm starting to pocket a lot more shots and I am getting to the point where pocketing the ball is less the focus and position play is what I need to start working on.
One more thing I'd like to ad is when I'm deciding to take solids or stripes, I think of 2 things, what shot do I want before I make the 8 AND how can I "divide the table in half" shortening the distance I have to run. For example, if only the 13 is on one side of table but the rest of stripes are on the bottom half of the table and I have to travel less, I'd probably take stripes. It's easier to take care of problem balls when you have less distance, in my opinion. However, pool is all about the geometry and physics that a player sees it, so creativity is so unique to the individual that it's always anyone's game.
VEEB-I (drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-ball/disc-i/) covers 8-ball post-break strategy in excruciating detail. Creativity is important, but it also helps to have knowledge and experience.
@@DrDaveBilliards Yes. I agree. I'm only saying that sometimes I'd rather take a hanger or a ball on one side of the table in order to divide the table in half. I see you do a lot of videos on how to get down table. I don't see a lot of videos on "dividing the table in half" with less distance. It's so much easier to run out. The ball before the 8 and "dividing the table in half" are important when deciding to take a suit.
@@poolhustlersinc The "6. Pocket Balls in Groups [11:30]" section basically covers this. The table can sometimes even be divided into thirds or quarters (in addition to halves), depending on how the suit is grouped.
@@DrDaveBilliards I think creativity, with the rules of Geometry and Physics are important here. Basic principles are also important. That's why many pool players don't learn. Thank for you the uploads. I've been watching you for years. Keep on with the physics and Geometry of the game! There's no one better at that than you. I'm all about creativity. Which applies the geometry and Physics but people pay less importance when you have them mastered. Keep instructing on.
Thank you Dr Dave! When you ask us to pause the video and think about what we would do, it's a really good idea and really makes us think - thank you! For some of the positions, it's difficult to see the angles, eg sometimes I couldn't tell if there was a slight cut to the left or the right (which would have a big impact on what options are available to me). I'm not sure how you would make it clearer ... maybe (in some positions) drawing a line showing the direction of the OB resulting from a full CB hit? I hope it's ok that I commented twice. Thank you once again for your superb & helpful videos.
I could also walk the camera around the table so the viewer could see everything from every angle. If there were an easy way for me to get an overhead view from high up, that would be even better, but it's not really possible with my setup. Thanks for the input.
You are the best! I am confused on bringing the cue ball back along your shooting line on ALL rail cut shots? Could you do a video on that? Don't seem possible to me
We cover this in detail on VEPS-II: drdavebilliards.com/videos/veps/disc-ii/ It works only when the OB is off the cushion a little within about a ball's distance. Using the right combination of draw and outside spin for each angle makes it possible.
Well done! Another great video! Excellent points all around. You make the game look so easy! Once i get back home ill be attempting and uploading exam 2! Need my diploma haha
Great video Dr. I’d love to see something about how to play with glasses. When I started playing, I didn’t use anything. Then I got contacts and everything was so clear. I like to get down low, and with contacts, everything was crisp. I use only glasses now and can’t get into my usual stance without looking above my lenses.
Your videos are always helpful and I definitely recommend them to people of all amature skill levels (1-9 APA)... I'm an 8 and I realize every time I watch 1 that I still have a lot to learn and I always pick up a thing or 2. As always, thanks for the great content!
Hmm...this video that you uploaded just helped me learned something new and helpful. And some several things I know about it is to “TAKE IT EASY”, “THINK BEFORE YOU TAKE A SHOT” and so on. Oh, and you also need to think fast ‘cause you only got 30 seconds for each shot and you can only call out “extension” once for each shot.
... but the “technique” part of pool is where the most challenge and fun are. But I guess if you don’t have access to a table, a simulator can be fun too.
Great video thanks Dr. Dave! I've been practicing lately playing Virtual Pool 4 about an hour a day. At least I'm still able to stay ontop of my game lol I'm missing a lot less now, I still miss some of the hard shots I miss in real life but it's all good experience. I can't wait to see how I play against people who haven't played any pool during this lockdown lol the top down view 2D pool games aren't the same but Virtual Pool 4 has the camera angle chin view it's like real life :D I gotta stop trying to get fancy I make some unbelievable bank shots in real life and in the game but they are risky and there's a lot of times I shouldn't try a bank when I have an easier shot, that's why I lost some of my games in league, I should leave those types of shots for playing for fun, there are times when a bank does give better position play but not as often
FYI, lots of other good ideas for how to improve your game without access to a pool table can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/advice/practicing-with-no-table/
17:36. I try to think of the "inside rectangle" or "smaller rectangle". Leave the cue ball inside the imaginary rectangle formed by the intersections of the 1st adjacent diamonds. Unless position demands that you leave closer to a cushion. But don't live left on the edge! That gives you plenty of room to hit hard or soft enough with control.
DrDaveBilliards can you teach us how to play positions when object ball is deep into pocket and cue ball on the other side of the table, how to bring cue ball in different parts on the table?
@@DrDaveBilliards I seen these but you did not show when ball is deep into pocket, almost falling in... its a bit tricky and different esoecially if cue ball is at oposite side or at oposite rail..
Actually, I do have a Doctorate of Pool (DP) from the Billiard University ... this is a real thing: billiarduniversity.org/testing/alumni/ I also have a PhD in mechanical engineering, which I taught for 30 years, hence the teaching experience.
@@kevingutierrez8630 I am a professional instructor, not a pro player, so I play only in amateur tournaments occasionally. I don't have any tournament match videos, but I have lots of videos of me paying near the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/dr-dave/
I would really appreciate a top spin follow video on how to achieve maximum follow with certain ball to ball lengths and ball to rail lengths. If someone knows of a video please send me the link.
If you hit high enough on the CB and the CB isn't so close to the OB that a double hit might be a concern, the CB-to-OB distance isn't important (although, more aim accuracy is required at larger distance). If the OB is too close to the cushion, the CB will stall. Lots of info and videos dealing with this topic can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/follow/roll-and-overspin/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/follow/rail-dribble/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/follow/force/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/follow/effects/ Enjoy!
Dr. Dave: A lot of us have been without access to a pool table for quite a while. Any particular recommendations for breaking off the rust when all this is over?
Great video, Dave, as always! But this is why I prefer snooker over pool. Every time you show how NOT to play a shot/run out you still run out. You are far less likely to get punished in pool for bad shots or a bad shot selection.
interesting using the 5 ball there to setup for the 8 thats where im kind of foggy on playing shape...i kind of figured out bank shots myself one day just messing around..it took some deep thought and soem thought that many people i play wiht dont seem to have patience for its not soemthing i see or figure out right away knowing exactly where to hit each ball it depends alot on where both balls ar eon the table for bank shots..the methiod i found anyway
Bank shots should be avoided like the plague. They are miss-able, even by top players, especially the ones with cut angles. But if you are forced into a bank, there are good aiming systems to help, per the videos at the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/
@@DrDaveBilliards i just watched the bank shots the diamonds 1-2 is what i figured out myself just messing aorund i didnt know the other methods but the video puts it more into perspective i look forward to trying these methods next time i play..soem explanations made sense why i missed seom shots i used the diamonds as guides...1-2 seems like the method i was using. im going to try that 1 and 3-4 i think it was that one seemed useful for shots i was missing..the second example
At 1:47 on the shot on the orange 13, did you put a trace of left hand side, look at he cue ball rebound? Your diagram shows a centre ball hit. Is this just a slight mistake in aiming of the centre of the cue ball or is the diagram incorrect?? Many thanks!!
I think that is cut-induced spin (CIS) picked up off the OB. As with throw, this effect is greater with stun shots. For more info, see the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/
Great instruction, appreciate you sharing, Dr. Dave. One thing I'm confused about is at 13:24. What happened to the thirty degree rule on a rolling ball cut shot? To get the forty five degree rule to take effect did you adjust your cueing by hitting slightly below center on the cue ball?
Thank you, and you're welcome. Concerning the shot at 13:24, see the spin diagram in the upper-right part of the screen where I show where the tip is hitting the CB. On that shot, the backspin mostly wore off on the way to the OB, resulting in a stun shot with the tangent line heading into the end cushion at close to 45 degrees.
@@DrDaveBilliards Of course, I usually catch that spin diagram in the corner. Fell asleep on this one. Makes perfect sense now. I own numerous DVDs of yours including one that references any cue ball hitting the end rail at a 45 degree angle will take a path toward the middle of the table. A great bit of information to know along with the 30 & 90 degree rules. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply back with clarification!
At 3:15 I’m just wondering if you couldn’t have just shot that stripe at a low speed and slowly roll up a little for a straight in shot on the 8? I’m thinking it was unnecessary to have to bump the Solid but it’s hard to tell the angle from a video.
The risk is going too far and snookering yourself, especially if you hit the ball too thin. You don’t want to hit it full at slow speed where it might throw for a miss.
hey dave...at 3:33 why not also consider draw with inside in addition to str8 draw? at least that'd get the CB more down table as u did a couple of minutes earlier
More people have trouble when the ball is on the cushion. For more help with these, see the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/rail-cut/aiming/
I don't have a specific video on this, but the videos and info here might help: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/grip/technique and billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/ I hope that helps.
Hey Dr. Dave, in your tip 5, you said not to finesse, but I noticed in the next tip, it seems like that was a bit of finesse to get on the 10 -- it was a very slow roll. Why did you choose to finesse the shot in that case and not use the rail braking tip? Was the 12 in the way and too risky, or was it just the more logical option? Thanks
What about on an english pool table where shots like 2:30 (long pot up rail into corner pocket) are very difficult. Could you maybe make some pattern play tutorials for English pool tables
I think all principles are the same. You just need to be more accurate and avoid rail cut shots, banks, combos, and jumps (and any low-percentage shots) like the plague and play defense more.
Friend I don't know how to explain my doubt, but here I go: in the graph of the white ball, I am left wondering if it is that the black point is at the limit of the circle. Are you applying maximum effect? or below the maximum? I ask since that circle is inside another larger white circle. I hope you understand, sorry my English, I usually speak Spanish. Greetings.
Check out the illustrations, videos, and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/maximum/ and here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/tips-and-percentage/
See the purchasing info and advice here: drdavebilliards.com/products/info-advice/ The TIPOPAB book/video and BU video series are probably what you want.
Thank you! The more you learn and practice, the more you learn that there is more to learn and practice. That's one thing that makes pool so awesome. I seem to learn something new almost every day.
Question. Do they actually have a pocket billiards app that players can set up let's say a one Pocket situations to help teach less skilled players different defensive plays? I realize it is not the same as a real table but some might see a better way in the long run.
Great content as usual. I do have a favor to ask. Is it possible that you could cover straight pool strategies? Straight pool is my favorite game and my goal is to run 80 balls by the end of the year. Any tips on how I should go about reach this goal? I guess given the fact that I can't play pool at the moment, I should push the goal off into next year but assuming stuff opens up by summer, how would you recommend going about this goal? Should I cross-train by playing 9 ball? You should know that my current skill level, according to the BU exam, is 102. (I practiced it twice; with more practice, I think I could get to 110 or something). I'm spamming you with many questions over several videos; sorry. :(
One of these days, Bob Jewett (past straight pool collegiate champion) and I are going to work on VESP (Video Encyclopedia of Straight Pool). Hopefully, we will find time for it after the COVID-19 things clears.
