Another great video! The "lack of consequences" aspect of practice is where Hendry says the discipline comes in, doing a line up, miss a shot, set it up and start again, bring consequences and create pressure for yourself as you try to get further than your personal best, or have a tricky pot when you're close to the end and know an error now will put you right back at step one.
Also pace and tempo. In a match, we may sit and watch our opponent play and when it's our turn, you may be 'starting up' again in some way. In practice, even if we miss, we may keep shooting and has a lot different flow and pace
Great video there. To make a line up more challenging you can always try to clear the reds in order from the top cushion. That makes you play for a specific ball each time. Really like the focus on practising a particular situation.
Really great Steve…my game seems to be improving lately due to me taking my time, pre shot routine, walking around the table between shots and concentrating that little bit more. It’s so easy to get lazy and revert to bad habits so I’m being much stricter but not too strict that it effects my natural rhythm.
Makes perfect sense. Easier pots in line ups with the knowledge you will land on something. Similar with the scattered open frame practice. This and the likelihood that frames against someone will end up with 2 or 3 reds on the cushion , a couple of colours safe and not going at your regular practice pace. The rule of thumb with regards to highest break vs line up highest break is a good indicator as well.
These vids are getting more and more fluent and professional all the time. At club level, tables always get disorganised and messy really quickly leading to problems that line-up practice doesn't help you with, so I'm loving these 'real game' scenario insights. Thanks Steve! More real life stuff please!
This is why i never do line ups a lot of the guys rave about there line up breaks but i dont see great skill too it id rather set balls up like a frame break off etc.
Hi steve, I am the opposite, my practice is good, have a couple of frames before my match, if I play poor in the frames I seem to win my match with ease!!!!!! See Darren lock, break for life, recommended your channel, Barry starks and Stephens, I watch all of these........ every one gives great advice, and myself still improving, in the last 16 of a local doubles tournament and team winning cups every season now 😊
As you mentioned about trying too hard to win. Ronnie said the same in Stephen Hendry’s video about concentrating on his own performance and the results will take care of themselves. It’s a philosophy I’ve tried to adopt and low and behold my results improved significantly
Fantastic video, Steve. This sums me up 100%. I'm a bit confused though on something! My highest line up is a total clearance of approx 130. Are you then saying my highest ever break in a frame is likely to be 65, or an average standard of regular 65's? My highest break is actually 87, but I regularly only knock in about 20, hence why I find the video really good
Hi Matthew, As a general rule, if you take someone's highest line up break (130) and chop it in half (65), that will be around about what they are generally capable of on their BEST day in a frame. So your highest EVER is 87 on your VERY BEST day, but on average you'll make 20-30 ish in a frame, with the highlight every 6 months ish being half of your line-up high break (130 ÷2 = 65). Hope that makes sense. It works very well as a general rule of thumb 👍
Instead of the line up on most practice sessions, maybe practice more of the cluster of balls around the pink because this is where most players breakdown including pros.I actually think this is the best video you’ve done 👏👏👍
My dilemma at the moment is that I'm even struggling in practice and don't know why 🤷🏻♂️ it really knocked my confidence and started affecting my actual match play. 😩☹️
You should quit the sport. Obviously you do not have the minerals or skill to compete. Give up and play Mickey Mouse pool on the baby table. Apart from that I hope you prove me wrong.
Hi Phil, My honest advice: don't worry about it! Honestly, we all go through these dips as players where we feel like we can't do anything right. But knowing that is useful. I get it, pros get it, you get it. We all get it. Don't worry. Keep on doing the right things and it will all come good again. You just have to ride it out. Stay relaxed and just accept its part of the process and playing any sport. Highs and lows. Peaks and troughs. Don't worry. You'll come good again 👍🙂
@@BartonSnooker thanks for the words. I know you're right in everything you said and I know it will come good if I keep with the right processes and aim for consistency. 👍🏻👍🏻
Excellent content here Steve. I'm sure anyone thats played any competetive matches can relate to most if not all of the items you've raised. 👍 Its a very good point you make about trying TOO hard. Are there any routines you could suggest to try and replicate match anxiety/pressure?
Hi Jason, Cheers! The thing you have to do in practice to put yourself under pressure, is do things that actually matter and have consequences. One example for you. If I'm having an hour's practice on my own, the first thing I might do is clear a line up completely. It I don't do that, then I can't carry on and do anything else. Last week I cleared it all, and then missed the last black off the spot. So, I had to do it again. Then the second go I was completely focussed as I didn't want to have to do it again. So try and find something at your level that holds you to a high standard and puts consequences and pressure on you.
@@BartonSnooker Thanks for the reply Steve. Thats great advice. I am fortunate to have access to a table that is sadly in a room that is too small for most length of table shots and no opponents to practise with. Never had a structured practise really which really finds you out when playing matches. I've been trying to play match type frames on my own to see if this improves my match game. Not really sure if it will tbh🤷♂️ also i'm the worlds worse tinkerer especially with delivery as decel is a common headache for me especially on long pots😡😬
@@jason147h6 yeah, the structure finds a lot of people out. I provide practice routines for people that is split into sections. The sheet shows each routine, how long to spend, record your results etc. That way, you've always got a goal in mind and can track your progress.
hello barton really great video . i must say ... i have a req to make ..can u make a video regardng retipping the cue .. and also which tip you use .. ans which tip must be used if the person play most of the shots strike harder thanks:)
Another great video, thanks. Do you have any tips on preventing dents in the cloth on the colour spots? I have had my table for just over a year and play a lot of practice (so balls off the spots) and there are definite impressions on the high colour spots. Would you recommend spot stickers?
Psychology and mental strength. Jimmy White knows all about this. One of the most if not the most naturally gifted player with insane ball control losing 8 frame leads in the crucible? Yet Stephen Henry methodically dominated for 10 years. Sports psychologists help.
@BartonSnooker thank you. A lot of it is thanks to your videos. My practice is only a third of what it used to be volume wise, so I need to make sure I do the right things like you have shown in this video. Thank you.
Steve why is your nose pointing to the left? Are you turning your head that much that it even crosses the line of the cue? Normally right handed players have their nose pointing slightly to the right because it is anatomically quite straining to bend the neck that much so that the nose lines up parallel to the cue, but you do even more than that it seems. Please elaborate!
If you're on about the thumbnail image, it's just because you're not looking right down the line of the cue. If you're looking right down the line of the shot, my head will be straight as you see with all players 👍
I always put a red on the black cushing or on side cushings to give me confidence of potting them, are your tables the same size pockets on the Star tables?
@@BartonSnooker Obviously, that's why i keep crushing practise. No way i'm letting up. Still some matches can be a pain. For me the line-up is still important for muscle memory.
@@phildre1974 hi. No, I totally get it. I just meant it as inspiration. The better you become as a player, the more you just beat opponents with ease 💪
Another great video!
The "lack of consequences" aspect of practice is where Hendry says the discipline comes in, doing a line up, miss a shot, set it up and start again, bring consequences and create pressure for yourself as you try to get further than your personal best, or have a tricky pot when you're close to the end and know an error now will put you right back at step one.
If you can play well in practice be happy, I can't play well in either 😂😂
Also pace and tempo. In a match, we may sit and watch our opponent play and when it's our turn, you may be 'starting up' again in some way. In practice, even if we miss, we may keep shooting and has a lot different flow and pace
Excellent point 👍
Great video there. To make a line up more challenging you can always try to clear the reds in order from the top cushion. That makes you play for a specific ball each time. Really like the focus on practising a particular situation.
Really great Steve…my game seems to be improving lately due to me taking my time, pre shot routine, walking around the table between shots and concentrating that little bit more. It’s so easy to get lazy and revert to bad habits so I’m being much stricter but not too strict that it effects my natural rhythm.
Steve with folded sleeves looks gangsta!
Much love as always! Thanks for all your input and advice, it's makes a tremendous difference in our game.
That's for sure bro 😎
Fantastic coach...top lad is Steve, be good to see you soon mate sending much love si
thank you, I landed break from maximum two colors to 6 after watching your videos. God Bless you.
What a great idea for a video this is right up my street in relatability
It always comes back to the basics. Like building a house.. It won't stand without a solid foundation.
great video steve ! So can u do one on best practice routines outside of line ups
You are an awesome coach, thanks!
Really great video again mate, well done.
Well done. Thanks again.
Thanks Steve another great video, I will try this next time I go for practice.
I'm a beginner, 1 and half yer practice (15/20 break), and really lose control of the white ball. Thanks for your alert in this video.
Makes perfect sense. Easier pots in line ups with the knowledge you will land on something. Similar with the scattered open frame practice.
This and the likelihood that frames against someone will end up with 2 or 3 reds on the cushion , a couple of colours safe and not going at your regular practice pace.
The rule of thumb with regards to highest break vs line up highest break is a good indicator as well.
Thx for sharing your skillz really a Great Lesson 👏🏽
As always so helpful information. Thank you!
These vids are getting more and more fluent and professional all the time. At club level, tables always get disorganised and messy really quickly leading to problems that line-up practice doesn't help you with, so I'm loving these 'real game' scenario insights. Thanks Steve! More real life stuff please!
Cheers Mark. Thanks for the support and kind comments 👍👍
Hope you're good 😀
Excellent explanation.
Last two videos proper quality content mate
Great tutorial. Thanks
Just another great lesson😊
Very good explainded 🙏🙏
This is why i never do line ups a lot of the guys rave about there line up breaks but i dont see great skill too it id rather set balls up like a frame break off etc.
Thanks!
That is Right that there is no pressure in practice
Great video steve. You are Awesome
Great video Steve ❤Hoping your well mate! In practice there is no pressure!!
Cheers Ian. I'm really good thanks. Hope you're all good 👍🙂
Hi steve, I am the opposite, my practice is good, have a couple of frames before my match, if I play poor in the frames I seem to win my match with ease!!!!!! See Darren lock, break for life, recommended your channel, Barry starks and Stephens, I watch all of these........ every one gives great advice, and myself still improving, in the last 16 of a local doubles tournament and team winning cups every season now 😊
Great video again
As always sir ❤
I love you bro u are a good coach .
As you mentioned about trying too hard to win. Ronnie said the same in Stephen Hendry’s video about concentrating on his own performance and the results will take care of themselves. It’s a philosophy I’ve tried to adopt and low and behold my results improved significantly
Awesome 👍 All these mind tricks are things we do to make sure we can keep improving and bettering ourselves.
I think this is from inner tennis . you are not trying to win you trying to make a great stroke with the right timing ,spin and direction.
Fantastic video, Steve. This sums me up 100%. I'm a bit confused though on something! My highest line up is a total clearance of approx 130. Are you then saying my highest ever break in a frame is likely to be 65, or an average standard of regular 65's?
My highest break is actually 87, but I regularly only knock in about 20, hence why I find the video really good
Hi Matthew,
As a general rule, if you take someone's highest line up break (130) and chop it in half (65), that will be around about what they are generally capable of on their BEST day in a frame.
So your highest EVER is 87 on your VERY BEST day, but on average you'll make 20-30 ish in a frame, with the highlight every 6 months ish being half of your line-up high break (130 ÷2 = 65).
Hope that makes sense. It works very well as a general rule of thumb 👍
Thanks Steve
You are awesome...keep rocking mate🤘
Thank you so much. Cheers 👍
Instead of the line up on most practice sessions, maybe practice more of the cluster of balls around the pink because this is where most players breakdown including pros.I actually think this is the best video you’ve done 👏👏👍
great video 🙌🙏👍
My dilemma at the moment is that I'm even struggling in practice and don't know why 🤷🏻♂️ it really knocked my confidence and started affecting my actual match play. 😩☹️
You should quit the sport. Obviously you do not have the minerals or skill to compete. Give up and play Mickey Mouse pool on the baby table.
Apart from that I hope you prove me wrong.
Hi Phil,
My honest advice: don't worry about it!
Honestly, we all go through these dips as players where we feel like we can't do anything right. But knowing that is useful. I get it, pros get it, you get it. We all get it.
Don't worry. Keep on doing the right things and it will all come good again. You just have to ride it out.
Stay relaxed and just accept its part of the process and playing any sport. Highs and lows. Peaks and troughs. Don't worry. You'll come good again 👍🙂
@@BartonSnooker thanks for the words. I know you're right in everything you said and I know it will come good if I keep with the right processes and aim for consistency. 👍🏻👍🏻
Excellent content here Steve. I'm sure anyone thats played any competetive matches can relate to most if not all of the items you've raised. 👍 Its a very good point you make about trying TOO hard. Are there any routines you could suggest to try and replicate match anxiety/pressure?
Hi Jason,
Cheers!
The thing you have to do in practice to put yourself under pressure, is do things that actually matter and have consequences.
One example for you. If I'm having an hour's practice on my own, the first thing I might do is clear a line up completely. It I don't do that, then I can't carry on and do anything else.
Last week I cleared it all, and then missed the last black off the spot. So, I had to do it again. Then the second go I was completely focussed as I didn't want to have to do it again.
So try and find something at your level that holds you to a high standard and puts consequences and pressure on you.
@@BartonSnooker Thanks for the reply Steve. Thats great advice. I am fortunate to have access to a table that is sadly in a room that is too small for most length of table shots and no opponents to practise with. Never had a structured practise really which really finds you out when playing matches. I've been trying to play match type frames on my own to see if this improves my match game. Not really sure if it will tbh🤷♂️ also i'm the worlds worse tinkerer especially with delivery as decel is a common headache for me especially on long pots😡😬
@@jason147h6 yeah, the structure finds a lot of people out.
I provide practice routines for people that is split into sections. The sheet shows each routine, how long to spend, record your results etc.
That way, you've always got a goal in mind and can track your progress.
hello barton really great video . i must say ... i have a req to make ..can u make a video regardng retipping the cue .. and also which tip you use .. ans which tip must be used if the person play most of the shots strike harder thanks:)
Another great video, thanks. Do you have any tips on preventing dents in the cloth on the colour spots? I have had my table for just over a year and play a lot of practice (so balls off the spots) and there are definite impressions on the high colour spots. Would you recommend spot stickers?
Psychology and mental strength. Jimmy White knows all about this. One of the most if not the most naturally gifted player with insane ball control losing 8 frame leads in the crucible? Yet Stephen Henry methodically dominated for 10 years. Sports psychologists help.
Was it Steve Davis who said…. If you can play like it means nothing, when it means everything you are halfway there.
Maybe another way to look at is when u are practicing u are against yourself so when u play against someone u are used to competing against somebody
My highest is 43 in practice, 41 in a lineup, and 36 in a match. I am close to breaking 40 in a match. I am going to change my practice a little now.
Awesome. Well done Ben 👍
@BartonSnooker thank you. A lot of it is thanks to your videos. My practice is only a third of what it used to be volume wise, so I need to make sure I do the right things like you have shown in this video.
Thank you.
Hello Barton tell me heavy cue stick vs light cue stick and sometimes I miss shot & i can't screw back
Steve why is your nose pointing to the left? Are you turning your head that much that it even crosses the line of the cue? Normally right handed players have their nose pointing slightly to the right because it is anatomically quite straining to bend the neck that much so that the nose lines up parallel to the cue, but you do even more than that it seems.
Please elaborate!
If you're on about the thumbnail image, it's just because you're not looking right down the line of the cue.
If you're looking right down the line of the shot, my head will be straight as you see with all players 👍
I haven't been playing great for a while now. Im not sure why. Any advice, to help me get back on track.
I always put a red on the black cushing or on side cushings to give me confidence of potting them, are your tables the same size pockets on the Star tables?
Good idea. My pockets are just a normal club size. Not as tight as a Star table 👍
@@BartonSnooker ok thanks
Do you play in a league in a club ?
My thing is opposit i cant play gud in practice but in match my focus is better n my potting too 😂
How about run of the balls. Opponents hitting every shot with force, hitting 4/5 cushions and leaving nothing. Drives me mad
Run of the ball can be frustrating. The better you are as a player, the less that matters.
@@BartonSnooker Obviously, that's why i keep crushing practise. No way i'm letting up. Still some matches can be a pain. For me the line-up is still important for muscle memory.
@@BartonSnooker Btw not a knock on your content, always appreciated, helped me massively
@@phildre1974 hi. No, I totally get it. I just meant it as inspiration. The better you become as a player, the more you just beat opponents with ease 💪
😕😕😕😕
Because you are playing the man...when you should be playing the table