In this Issue:

Student Letter
Punch The Perfect Hole
"Run To The Finish Line"
"Connect With The Monk"
The Final Workshop

Letter From A Student

On my punch stroke, I have noticed when I hesitate for just a moment on the backstroke and then deliver the stroke I get very nice results. I am beginning to notice a difference in that stroke and my follow and draw stroke.

I have always had a hard time understanding what you meant by "the stroke determines the track line", but now I see, there is a definite difference between how these are delivered. It is in the delivery. I think I started to notice it on a subconscious level first and then suddenly came to the realization, and then was able to duplicate it while thinking, feeling it.

I also notice a dramatic difference when I imagine the cue tip punching a perfect hole in the cue ball with my stroke.


My student sent in this short letter. I am always amazed when a player breaks through to a higher level simply by understanding the principles of a fine stroke. Once you master this concept, you become unlimited possibility. The stroke determines the track line. Until you possess this knowledge, you will remain in that ‘guessing game’ called, “I hope I get position on the next ball”. Once you become the master of the four strokes, you will be on your way to a new and exciting game.

It is time now to get ready for the fall season. At this time I usually deliver my training message that it is time for us to leave the golf course and get in touch with our stroke. I will do something different this year. I will offer you a training program. You have been with me for a long time and I appreciate that. I enjoy our friendship together and wish for your success with all my heart. I have a nice little training program called The Four Strokes of Pool. It outlines exactly what you must do to gain mastery over your stroke and is filled with exercises designed to help you master this elusive skill. If you would like a copy of this e-book training program, email me today. monkbilliardacademy@yahoo.com

I will send it along to you as my gift. There is no charge. You must assure me you have studied the following article.

Run To The Finish Line

In all that you do, from this day forward, be measured. In your steps, in sitting, walking, eating, sleeping, be measured for you have begun the race. You will run to the finish line. You will never look back. You will prevail. In all that you do, be focused on your skill development. Run to the finish line. You have not crossed it yet, but when it comes in sight, begin to run harder until you at last, cross that golden ribbon. Even if you have a big lead, run. If you are behind, run. In all that you do, be composed.

Do not let time dictate what you do. When you awaken to the early morning sun, be measured. When you practice, be composed, when you eat, sleep, come and go, be composed. Know who you are and where you are going.

When it comes to making balls, you cannot miss shots. There is no value in missed shots. Make sure you put the object ball into the pocket.

We do not think about the next game or the next score. A composed person is always in the here and now, the moment. What happens in this game has nothing to do with how it will turn out. We run to the finish line.

You must train yourself to be fully focused on all shots from this day forward. All shots, in practice, to begin a game, or to end a game require your complete focus.

You must learn how to compete. It is not enough to strive for a good performance. A competitive player focuses on the match. Compete. Beat your opponent. Run to the finish line regardless of the score. Any time you are at the table, you have the chance to control your opponent. Compete. Your key word is “Compete”.

There can be only one thing going through your mind when facing a winning shot. See the shot, know the stroke shoot the shot. Be professional. Do not bring anything else into play. Compete to win. Run to the finish line.

At no time will you ever let up. When you compete, you will focus on making the shot at hand. Put our opponent away. Run to the finish line.

Mental toughness means you make the shot!

Get yourself into the match. Get all your feelings into the match. This is all you have, the match in front of you. Get into it. All thoughts are on the match. Become one with the match you are playing. Compete.

You are defined by each stroke you take in this game. Every shot, every stroke, including your pre shot routine, is an expression of who you are in the world of competition.

That which you face in this game is not going to change. Nothing can change what is on the table. You must deal with it as it is. You have no choice but to play it as it lies. As a competitor, you are expected to deliver the right stroke at the right time. Never give up. This is your test. Do you deserve to be a competitor? To be counted among the champions, you must never give up. You must fight with all you have to take your place among the world of competitors.

Connect With The Monk

Here are some links to activities involving The Monk and his students over the past two weeks. Tap on the o0nes that interest you.

You Can Win With A Plan
Last Chance for Last Workshop
Grab a Future Collector's Item

Tournament This Weekend

Entry fee is $25 per player and includes a state tee shirt.

For more information and to register, call Cindy Smith (918)245-5828, Mary Scheer (918)335-2929, or Sandy at (918)355-255, or go online to the Oklahoma Pool Site

May All The Rolls Go Your Way

The Monk