When I lived in California I worked at job that allowed me to actually play all the pool I wanted. I was in the pool hall at noon every day of the week and stayed there until around 7:00pm, like I said all the pool I wanted. I started an in house pool league that really took off and is still in existence as the longest running co-ed pool league in southern California.
This opportunity did wonders for my game. I did drills everyday, (the drills that you can find in my E-book,) for about an hour and a half. I played in tournaments every week, played in the league, and took some lessons. In other words I played a lot of pool, and playing a lot of pool is what this article is all about, one has to play a lot of pool to get better at the game.
Well I don't have the time to play a lot of pool anymore, and like those who are in the same boat as I am, I would still like to improve my game. At the very least I would like to maintain as high a level as I can, while playing only once or twice a week. How can I go about doing this? The answer to that question is, make every minute on the table count.
Since in my opinion consistency is the basis of this game, you have do the same thing every chance you get play. When you first get on a table do a set of drills, as your first drill I would suggest the second drill in my E-book, there is a diagram of the drill at the end of this article. Do a whole rack of balls on this drill (15 balls).
Next thing you should do is, any shot that you fine you are having trouble making in competition, use as a drill shot, and do a whole rack of balls doing that shot. The drills in my E-book are designed from shots in competition so you will probably find your shot in there, or at least a version of it.
After and only after you have done these drills decide what you want to do for the rest of the day. Do you want to get into some heavy competition? Look for some one your equal or better and concentrate on doing your best. Concentrate during the time you are at the table making your shots, making the best of your opportunities, and don't worry about what your opponent is going to do when you miss. I know this is easier said than done, but it is essential.
Do you want more time on the table? Then find an opponent against whom you can win the majority of the games and again concentrate on your game and don't worry about what your opponent does after you miss.
Notice in both of the above scenarios you pay attention only to your game not your opponents. We all want to improve our game, but some of just don't have the time that is needed to do that. We must therefore make every minute count.
