October 18, 2004
An Interesting Letter and Concept
Dear Monk,I really enjoy your books, Tim. I am reading "I Came to Win” at this time. Just got a good start.
I have read your story on “Shootout in Taos ". Loved it, and I am not a book reader. I also have “Point the Way". I haven't the means to take personal lessons from you so I am trying to learn through your books. I still want to trip to Denver sometime to meet you.
I am well past my prime, yet am trying to be a player to be reckoned with in tournaments. I play against the likes of David Mattlock, Jesse Bowman, Terry Young, Jim Waldon, Gabe Owens, Coy Lee Nicklson, Marty Hildbrand, Jr. Brown, etc, etc. Nothing like trying to handle the best around.
I have a Gold Crown 1 to practice on with double shimmed pockets. My biggest worry up until now was making the shots. I always noticed at tournaments that all the good players didn't miss shots they usually got out of position.
Otherwise they would run the table. My downfall was missing a key shot and running out of position. I have finally come to learn a stroke that makes balls from every where. I copied this stroke from Henry Granis, out of Denver.
Henry's back doesn't allow him to play anymore, but he is truly one of the finest players I ever had the pleasure to meet and watch. The stroke is a tilted, downward stroke through the cue ball. You finish with your tip on the cloth after every shot except the high cue ball follow through and even then the tip almost hits the cloth at finish. I was always taught to keep the stick level but this makes more of the tougher shots and makes me feel I can't miss. Henry almost never missed a shot. In fact I watched him practice 9 ball once by throwing the balls out, taking cue ball in hand and running rack after rack. In fact after 2 hours of practice I never saw him miss a single shot. I would like your thoughts.
Thanks,
Mike Goscha, Sidney, NE
A reply from The Monk:
After receiving this letter I decided to go down into the basement and try out the “shooting downward theory” of pocket billiards. At first it felt awkward. On one shot I wanted to move the cue ball forward for position and normally I use a dead level stroke for this kind of shot.
During my run I was not comfortable with the downward motion of my cue. I wanted to deliver a follow stroke and did not feel the flow of a level stroke. My punch stroke seemed to back up. It did not give me that dead stop action I desired.
I had to work at it to make it stop. I had to really think about what I was doing. It did not come natural. And my draw shots were not accurate. Still, I continued to test this out. I am always hoping to discover the ultimate secret that will eliminate the long hours of personal training. I am the type who has to practice, practice, practice.
My friend from Chicago came down and wanted to play a game or two. Two or three is more like it. I engaged him in an afternoon of eight ball and proceeded to work my way into a major slump. After a while, with my downward motion I could not make a ball and was totally confused.
My conclusion is that we need to do what is best for us. I have mastered the four strokes of pool and I did this with a level stroke. I use a level cue on all strokes. So I will have to stay with the level stroke. I really don’t think you can master the four strokes of pool with a downward motion of the cue stick.
As for the follow-through that placed the tip on the cloth after each shot, I think these players raise their shooting arm at the end of their stroke to “hit the finish”. This forced the cue tip to the cloth.
Feel free to give it a try. I did find that the object ball raced away from my cue ball faster with the downward stroke. At first I thought I was on to something. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Search for better ways.
Keep an open mind. If it works, then stay with it. If it does not work, then move on. Take action, measure your progress and make adjustments. If it works, write to me right away. Maybe together we can discover the “mother lode.”
Master Of Art In Pocket Billiards
Ready For You
The home study training course is now available for all players who aspire to reach the master level in this game. If you desire to reach the master level in pocket billiards, I would urge you to consider this program. This is the first genuine home study course available in the game today. I work with you step by step until we reach the goals you have set for yourself.
I am accepting a limited amount of students into this program. Players have signed up from four different countries so far. If you are interested, email me and I will send you a personal letter with all the information you need. Join this unique family of players who intend to change the entire industry. Let us all put the “art” back in the art of pocket billiards.
Tournament Preparation
You must be ready to play when the director calls your name. I am going to give you ten steps that will move you closer to the next level. We’ll take one at a time.
Step 2 Expect good rolls. Almost all tournament winners come through the brackets with a good roll. It is part of the game. Say to yourself “I get good rolls” over and over. Burn this affirmation in your mind. Let it become “you”.
Step 3 Take advantage of your good rolls. Getting good rolls is one thing. You must be able to take advantage of them. Burn this affirmation in your mind. Let it become “you”.
A New Master Has Arrived
Eric Nelson, Chicago, has agreed to work with
me on the Masters of Art in Pocket Billiards
program. He will be a student as well as a
fellow trainer. Eric is already a BCA
recognized teacher. He has dedicated hours
upon hours helping players all across the
mid-west both in pool halls and in his
private studio at his house. If you take a lesson from Eric, try to get there around suppertime. His beautiful wife is the best cook on this side of the Mississippi river. He brings great skills to the game and has a passion for helping others. Mr. Nelson will be working with our master students in the Chicago area.
Keep It Cool
(a side note from Samm's Side Pocket)
Have you ever been in a match and discovered that your body temperature began rising uncontrollably? Did you notice your hands getting clammy? Or, did you begin sweating profusely? These do not sound like very attractive characteristics, but many of us are victims to one or more of them.How do we prevent this from happening? How do we maintain the basic 3 C's (Calm, Cool, and Collected) during a match? Unfortunately, there is no key ingredient or magic pill to make this happen. There are, however, some ways to lower your body temperature and help you keep your cool during your match.
• Dress cool, and comfortably. If your body is sensitive to temperature changes, it may be time to do some shopping. Look for tournament apparel that is loose-fitting and comfortable to play in. I don't buy anything that I can't shoot pool in. If you want to win, think "function over fashion."
• Wash your hands. Before or during your match, wash your hands with cool to cold water. Not only does it help lower your body temperature, it will help wake you up. Make sure your hands are completely dry before playing.
• Drink lots of water and make sure it's available. Most large tournaments supply water for the players. Bring your own water bottle and refill it before matches. That way, you'll always have it with you and you won't have to wonder if you're drinking from the right cup. Drinking cold water hydrates and replenishes the body better than soft drinks or beer.
• Don't forget to breathe. Long, slow, deep breaths between shots help supply plenty of oxygen to the brain and slow down your heart rate. Find a solid breathing pattern for yourself and sustain it during your match. Also, make sure you breathe when you're shooting. Don't hold your breath.
• Walking/strolling between matches. Keeping the circulation going between matches is better than sitting around, waiting to see who your next opponent is. It also helps to keep the muscles loose and relaxed.
• Get a towel. Trust me, once you start keeping a towel on your case, you'll find many uses for it. It helps keep your hands dry too.
• Get help. If all else fails, consider using a glove or hand talc. Some people just have naturally clammy, moist hands and there is nothing that will change it. If your clammy hands are affecting your ability to create a smooth, stable bridge, it may be time for reinforcement.
Notice what works for you. Everyone is different. What you do that day or what you eat may even affect how your body reacts. Staying calm, cool and collected conditions your body to consistently perform at high levels.
So, the next time you begin feeling a bit warm and flush, don't let that feeling consume you. Keep it cool while shooting pool.
Take Five From The Monk
Take five free lessons from The Monk.Click on the link and begin your unique training here and now.
I am making the cd’s available on line. For the next few weeks I will be recording some new material. You can learn while you drive your car. Learn while you lay on the beach. Learn while you are working at your desk. The cd’ program is very helpful in mastering the inner game of pocket billiards.
The Four Strokes of Pool
Changing the Script
The 101 Laws for Success
Changing the Script (subliminal)
Listen and learn while you drive.