Improving your game - the simple truth

Recently, I have played a couple sessions of Straight Pool vs a very good Phoenix pool players. (I am 3-1 so far). We have both scored just a couple runs over 42 points, many smaller runs and a bunch of really fine difficult shots. We have also both MISSED a bunch of shots that would surprise you. (We were surprised).

My opponent says Straight Pool is very revealing. I can't remember the exact word he used but will find out. Because that word is perfect. It reveals your weaknesses without mercy. I was thinking about that during the drive home. Of course, he is 100% correct.

But also think about it from the other side of the coin. Think about the QUALITY with which players above 750 fargo are able to play. And then how about players over 800 fargo. That's not just raw talent. Talent alone cannot take you that far.

I always say pool is not an action sport, it is a precision sport. Those top players are not just more precise with their aiming or shot-making. No, every single little thing about their entire shot process has been studied and rehearsed to make it the highest quality they can. And to do that their motions must be consistent. Like, really consistent. Like - robotic. Which players have you heard commentators describe as "robotic"? Soquet, Gorst, Fisher, Filler, ... In other words, the very best.

You don't improve your play by learning to pocket more and more difficult shots. No, you improve by improving the QUALITY of every aspect of your shot routine, applied to every single shot, even the easiest/simplest shots. You know, the one's that surprise you when you miss them!

Get it?