Over to John Inglebys (head EABA Coach). We had a half hour match which I won by 2 points, first time I had got anywhere near John on his own table. Played OK and got my arm going.
Now the coaching bit. John had me hitting a straight ball and gradually positioned my feet so my cue arm was away from my body. Simply doing this was enough to give me an extra 2 inches on my follow through. However it also meant I could not hit a ball. He also had to adjust my head position and back arm position.
I gradually started hitting the ball better and introduced a nice pause in the stroke.
To aid this he has a specially designed cue called a 360 Degree Cue rather interesting as with it I could not even hit a ball. I would cue up the shot swing back and the tip misses the cue. Quite staggering how it works. I would watch the videos for further information see Gravity cue videos.
After three hours I was gradually getting the shots and feeling quite good with my game. Its going to take many hours to practice to stop playing my old style but I will put the effort in to improve my game long term.
I have work this week so monday is my next practice day.
Simply hitting the balls with that cue was so difficult. I gradually got going with it and could hit the ball failry often towards the end. I would recommend this cue to anyone suffering with cue action problems.
Sunday 21 November 2010
Lots of Changes
Due to working nights I have had to leave the Macclesfield League until February which is a pity as I was quiote enjoying it and playing ok. Had a few decent breaks a couple of high forty breaks and a 50 odd.
I have been getting quite fed up with Billiards lately not because I have lost a lot of games but because I know I am much better than most of the players I am playing. For example the chap I played in the Bury league last weelk could pot a bit but could not play an in off to save his life unless it was hanging over the pocket. I lost by about 10 points after giving him 70 start.
When you play someone who is rubbish you tend to play billiards and generally leave the balls together when you miss a shot. This leaves them an opening which they may score five off. When they only have to score 60 or so to win they can quite often beat you.
If I get a break or something then things are different but they tend to leave the balls very awkward whereas when you play a decent player they nearly always leave the balls in a decent position certainly in mid table at the least.
After much thought I have decided to concentrate on simply getting better. I get regular 20,30 and 40 breaks. Then I also get the odd 50,60 and rarely higher breaks but these tend to be when I play the longer matches.
So I have decided the only thing to do is improve my cue action. Several people have commented that I do not have enough follow through. This is due to several faults developed over the years. These include being half blind, being rather fat and simply not trying to sort out my stance and grip many years before.
For snooekr this has not been a problem I have always been able to pot a decent ball but I am prepared to ruin my current game in order to replace it with something better. Going right back to basics.
I have been getting quite fed up with Billiards lately not because I have lost a lot of games but because I know I am much better than most of the players I am playing. For example the chap I played in the Bury league last weelk could pot a bit but could not play an in off to save his life unless it was hanging over the pocket. I lost by about 10 points after giving him 70 start.
When you play someone who is rubbish you tend to play billiards and generally leave the balls together when you miss a shot. This leaves them an opening which they may score five off. When they only have to score 60 or so to win they can quite often beat you.
If I get a break or something then things are different but they tend to leave the balls very awkward whereas when you play a decent player they nearly always leave the balls in a decent position certainly in mid table at the least.
After much thought I have decided to concentrate on simply getting better. I get regular 20,30 and 40 breaks. Then I also get the odd 50,60 and rarely higher breaks but these tend to be when I play the longer matches.
So I have decided the only thing to do is improve my cue action. Several people have commented that I do not have enough follow through. This is due to several faults developed over the years. These include being half blind, being rather fat and simply not trying to sort out my stance and grip many years before.
For snooekr this has not been a problem I have always been able to pot a decent ball but I am prepared to ruin my current game in order to replace it with something better. Going right back to basics.
Saturday 13 November 2010
Practice Silktown Macclesfield 500 up
Had a knock with Wayne Holbrook last Wednesday we have started playing 500 up to give us both a target.
I started playing some of the best billiards I have managed for a long while, I had 5 breaks in the 30's and a couple of 40's, I never missed a ball, Wayne was also playing proper billiards normally he tends to pot and throw in some billiards. He really played well considering I played well beyond my normal standard.
I won 500-410 but the match was really interesting, Wayne had a lovely break of 21 with some the best long distance cannons I have seen. I threw in a little break of nursery cannons I got about 11-12 nice little touches before reaching the pocket and playing an loser. I also ran a 40 break off the red ball which was nice.
Waynes really going to try and stick with billiards and avoid potting as we both feel this is the way forward. Neither of of missed many pots as we hardly played any difficult ones, things are getting better my luck has ccertainly changed and I am playing with more side and more follow through.
I started playing some of the best billiards I have managed for a long while, I had 5 breaks in the 30's and a couple of 40's, I never missed a ball, Wayne was also playing proper billiards normally he tends to pot and throw in some billiards. He really played well considering I played well beyond my normal standard.
I won 500-410 but the match was really interesting, Wayne had a lovely break of 21 with some the best long distance cannons I have seen. I threw in a little break of nursery cannons I got about 11-12 nice little touches before reaching the pocket and playing an loser. I also ran a 40 break off the red ball which was nice.
Waynes really going to try and stick with billiards and avoid potting as we both feel this is the way forward. Neither of of missed many pots as we hardly played any difficult ones, things are getting better my luck has ccertainly changed and I am playing with more side and more follow through.
Bury League
Played well on the Monday after Chester finally got some running and won an easy match scoring 145 in 8 visits.
English AM
Went over to Chester for the English AM, my group consists of Dennis Marr, Peter Shelley, Wayne Holbrook. Not good prospects over 90 minute matches.
I played Dennis first I managed a very quick start getting 48 first visit, I scored a few more and got abotu 80 ahead before Dennis got going, he was out for revenge after me beating him in Cambridge. He soon got going and had 52, 53 and a few 40 breaks without me scoring much more. I got a few chance and scored 20's but eventually lost by quite a few. Thats the problem with longer matches the better player will generally win over the longer matches.
On the table next to me Peter Shelley was set, getting 200,170,100 in three visits poor old Wayne hardly had a visit. I was playing Peter next so I was rather worried. Peter out played me however I did win the string and managed to get 40 ahead, before he set off, I played very well in the few chance I got. Mainly because when he did miss he left you in a good billiards position I lost biut scored nearly 250 points and Peter got 500, So I did ok and he didnt make a 100 only a 97.
I played Wayne next the less said the better it was a crap game, I won by 30 points but we both played really poorly. Not a bad days practice for £ 20 entry and i gained 5 points in the rankings.
I played Dennis first I managed a very quick start getting 48 first visit, I scored a few more and got abotu 80 ahead before Dennis got going, he was out for revenge after me beating him in Cambridge. He soon got going and had 52, 53 and a few 40 breaks without me scoring much more. I got a few chance and scored 20's but eventually lost by quite a few. Thats the problem with longer matches the better player will generally win over the longer matches.
On the table next to me Peter Shelley was set, getting 200,170,100 in three visits poor old Wayne hardly had a visit. I was playing Peter next so I was rather worried. Peter out played me however I did win the string and managed to get 40 ahead, before he set off, I played very well in the few chance I got. Mainly because when he did miss he left you in a good billiards position I lost biut scored nearly 250 points and Peter got 500, So I did ok and he didnt make a 100 only a 97.
I played Wayne next the less said the better it was a crap game, I won by 30 points but we both played really poorly. Not a bad days practice for £ 20 entry and i gained 5 points in the rankings.
Tuesday 26 October 2010
Bury League
Played up at Prestwich Conservative Club, I arrived late due to really bad traffic and was relegated to playing doubles. Never mind at least it was a game and I played with Dave Samuels who's a decent player.
We had lost the two singles games, one by 45 and the other by 15. We were giving about 30 start and so the aggregate was going to be very difficult to make. We gave it a good try and managed to win quite comfortably but failed to get the aggregate they managed lots of flukes, in fact i have never seen so many in one night.
It was all over by 9.30pm and me and Dave stayed for a game of doubles. it was ok we won by about 40 points after an hours play. No breaks again, I managed a couple of 20's and a 36 in the doubles afterwards.
Hopefully I can play better as the season goes on as it's a struggle with the tables, handicaps and in particular the players who I have drawn who all don;t really know how to play proper billiards, again when I get a chance at the top I am scoring 20-30 points so I know I am playing well.
We had lost the two singles games, one by 45 and the other by 15. We were giving about 30 start and so the aggregate was going to be very difficult to make. We gave it a good try and managed to win quite comfortably but failed to get the aggregate they managed lots of flukes, in fact i have never seen so many in one night.
It was all over by 9.30pm and me and Dave stayed for a game of doubles. it was ok we won by about 40 points after an hours play. No breaks again, I managed a couple of 20's and a 36 in the doubles afterwards.
Hopefully I can play better as the season goes on as it's a struggle with the tables, handicaps and in particular the players who I have drawn who all don;t really know how to play proper billiards, again when I get a chance at the top I am scoring 20-30 points so I know I am playing well.
Friday 22 October 2010
Macclesfield League
Played in the Macclesfield League last night, I have finally realised why I am playing so badly in the league matches. Basically the players are mainly snooker players and a lot of them really poor players. The lad I played last night had absolutley no idea how to play and in-off.
He could pot a little, but I still lost after giving him 100 start first to 100. After a few shots I was just spending my time trying to get the balls into a reasonable position. Usually one ball was on the rail and as he had no idea of how to keep three balls in play it was always an unhill struggle.
I got two or three 20 breaks but that was all, he beat me by 16, it's simply staggering how many flukes he also got, I suppose you will if you smash the balls around the table.
Wayne Holbrook also suffered a bit of the same He played Norman Dyson who again spent most of his time potting. Wayne lost by a similar amount. Your heart is simply not in this game when you are not leaning anything from these players.
He could pot a little, but I still lost after giving him 100 start first to 100. After a few shots I was just spending my time trying to get the balls into a reasonable position. Usually one ball was on the rail and as he had no idea of how to keep three balls in play it was always an unhill struggle.
I got two or three 20 breaks but that was all, he beat me by 16, it's simply staggering how many flukes he also got, I suppose you will if you smash the balls around the table.
Wayne Holbrook also suffered a bit of the same He played Norman Dyson who again spent most of his time potting. Wayne lost by a similar amount. Your heart is simply not in this game when you are not leaning anything from these players.
Wednesday 20 October 2010
EABA Rankings
Check out the EABA rankings, managed my highest position 17 yep that's SEVENTEEN.
Eaba Rankings - click here for details, quite a few players I expected to be above me such as Ron Bickerdike, a very long way to go yet I may not win another match of course.
Wayne Holbrook is a very credible 24 on the list. He was unlucky not to beat Gary Norman.
Eaba Rankings - click here for details, quite a few players I expected to be above me such as Ron Bickerdike, a very long way to go yet I may not win another match of course.
Wayne Holbrook is a very credible 24 on the list. He was unlucky not to beat Gary Norman.
Bury League
For some reason I am still playing a little hot and cold. One minute I am playing really well and the next game really poor.
I am still getting reasonable breaks in the the Macclesfield league, but i have struggled in the both the Prestwich and Bury Leagues, Not really sure of the reason but I think its lack of concentration as a lot of the players are only average.
I player Wayne on Monday 500 up at Silktown and managed to get 60 in front before his potting kicked in and he overtook me. We both played average, getting 20's and 30's. Neither of us got to the top or really showed any sign of outstanding play. Just at the end Wayne need about 5 points and I finally managed to get a lovely position at the top and scored a very quick 28 to win. Strange game.
Monday night played in the Bury League, ended up getting drawn for the doubles. Again for 20minutes I hardly had a shot but eventually I got a chance and ran in 17, 22, 18, 21. Which finished off the game and we were easy winners. Just happy to get a win but I am getting used to the table now.
Tuesday off the Heaton Park Social for another match with Steve Cannon. I played on the left table which is a little worn but fast. I had a knock with Steve and made 5 breaks of 25 in 30 minutes. He score 16.
My match was a strange affair I was giving 68 start first to 100, I'm on -48 he was on + 20.
Again for 20 minutes I did not score, neither did he he was completely hopeless and just kept leaving the balls on the rail or in a general mess. Eventually I got a chance and scored lots of 15-20 breaks to win 100-61 he scored 41 and half those were flukes by slamming the balls around the table.
Ah well it's a win although not happy.
I am still getting reasonable breaks in the the Macclesfield league, but i have struggled in the both the Prestwich and Bury Leagues, Not really sure of the reason but I think its lack of concentration as a lot of the players are only average.
I player Wayne on Monday 500 up at Silktown and managed to get 60 in front before his potting kicked in and he overtook me. We both played average, getting 20's and 30's. Neither of us got to the top or really showed any sign of outstanding play. Just at the end Wayne need about 5 points and I finally managed to get a lovely position at the top and scored a very quick 28 to win. Strange game.
Monday night played in the Bury League, ended up getting drawn for the doubles. Again for 20minutes I hardly had a shot but eventually I got a chance and ran in 17, 22, 18, 21. Which finished off the game and we were easy winners. Just happy to get a win but I am getting used to the table now.
Tuesday off the Heaton Park Social for another match with Steve Cannon. I played on the left table which is a little worn but fast. I had a knock with Steve and made 5 breaks of 25 in 30 minutes. He score 16.
My match was a strange affair I was giving 68 start first to 100, I'm on -48 he was on + 20.
Again for 20 minutes I did not score, neither did he he was completely hopeless and just kept leaving the balls on the rail or in a general mess. Eventually I got a chance and scored lots of 15-20 breaks to win 100-61 he scored 41 and half those were flukes by slamming the balls around the table.
Ah well it's a win although not happy.
Monday 11 October 2010
ABC #2 Cambridge
Picked up Steve cannon who I may point out was still in bed when I arrived (lazy Git), met Wayne Holbrrok at my house and over the Woodhead to pick up John Ingleby. Quite a car full and the 3 hour trip went quite quickly.
All the crew were there quite a nice club tucked away on an industrial estate the table looked very nice and first round I drew out Dennis Marr. He is always in the top 16 so I knew it was a tough draw.
We set off and I had a few really nice flukes to get me going 4 if I remember rightly and I scored off each one much to Mathew Suttons amusement who was watching. We played for an hour the table was very difficult and I had to avoid playing with side other wise the balls over reacted every time. Dennis was also suffering from the table and with 5 minutes to go I was 40 in front. he got going and scored a really nice 40 to tie the match but left himself an unlucky double baulk which he failed to score off. The bell went and we had to play an additional 5 minutes.
He broke off and I won the string putting him in. He scored seven and I got in and made a nice 21 off the red and potted his ball along the way. I left him baulked but he left me on again I scored 5 before the bell went.
Certainly my best ever result against a player who is quite capable of massive breaks he had a 200 last year in an ABC and a 135 in the league over in Liverpool.
My next game was against Ron Agnew who is just such a tough player to beat, Managed to scrape a lead by potting and a little luck he came back strongly and for 30minute I never had a shot but at the end I got a nice 23 and a 29 to pull away before the bell went. Certainly happy with that result but not my next draw Mr Mumford he really is out of my league.
We were on a really crap table number 7 If I remember, I held him for the first 30 minutes and had a 27 and a 29 in two visits before he turned on his top of the table games and knocked in 40,50,50,81 etc.
I scored 145 points he managed 300 so I did OK in the limited table time I had, A great day for me.
I finally met Robert Marshall who had a great 200 break with his new cue, he is such a calm modest chap he lost to Geoff Brassington who managed to run out with a 107 in the last 10miutes.
Wayne managed a win in the main draw, but Steve lost to Chris taylor but not by that much only 100 or so points, last time I played Chris he beat me by 300. A good day for all and a safe trip home.
All the crew were there quite a nice club tucked away on an industrial estate the table looked very nice and first round I drew out Dennis Marr. He is always in the top 16 so I knew it was a tough draw.
We set off and I had a few really nice flukes to get me going 4 if I remember rightly and I scored off each one much to Mathew Suttons amusement who was watching. We played for an hour the table was very difficult and I had to avoid playing with side other wise the balls over reacted every time. Dennis was also suffering from the table and with 5 minutes to go I was 40 in front. he got going and scored a really nice 40 to tie the match but left himself an unlucky double baulk which he failed to score off. The bell went and we had to play an additional 5 minutes.
He broke off and I won the string putting him in. He scored seven and I got in and made a nice 21 off the red and potted his ball along the way. I left him baulked but he left me on again I scored 5 before the bell went.
Certainly my best ever result against a player who is quite capable of massive breaks he had a 200 last year in an ABC and a 135 in the league over in Liverpool.
My next game was against Ron Agnew who is just such a tough player to beat, Managed to scrape a lead by potting and a little luck he came back strongly and for 30minute I never had a shot but at the end I got a nice 23 and a 29 to pull away before the bell went. Certainly happy with that result but not my next draw Mr Mumford he really is out of my league.
We were on a really crap table number 7 If I remember, I held him for the first 30 minutes and had a 27 and a 29 in two visits before he turned on his top of the table games and knocked in 40,50,50,81 etc.
I scored 145 points he managed 300 so I did OK in the limited table time I had, A great day for me.
I finally met Robert Marshall who had a great 200 break with his new cue, he is such a calm modest chap he lost to Geoff Brassington who managed to run out with a 107 in the last 10miutes.
Wayne managed a win in the main draw, but Steve lost to Chris taylor but not by that much only 100 or so points, last time I played Chris he beat me by 300. A good day for all and a safe trip home.
Practice
As far as practice goes this year I have not managed to get much time on the table, however I have managed a few games with Wayne Holbrook and had three lessons off John Inglelby.
I have spent 6 or 7 hours trying top of the table again trying a few set pieces from John Ingleby. This has proved very difficult but also very interesting. I sometimes make 30-40 breaks or nothing but I see a definate improvement to my game around the spot.
Indeed last week I had my first 100 break using this practice method which was very pleasing. I scored around 40 at the top then ran away and managed to play some red ball before going back to the top. I broke down as usual on a simple pot.
I have spent 6 or 7 hours trying top of the table again trying a few set pieces from John Ingleby. This has proved very difficult but also very interesting. I sometimes make 30-40 breaks or nothing but I see a definate improvement to my game around the spot.
Indeed last week I had my first 100 break using this practice method which was very pleasing. I scored around 40 at the top then ran away and managed to play some red ball before going back to the top. I broke down as usual on a simple pot.
Leagues
I have managed to find several new leagues to play in this year. I have decided not to play in the Huddersfield league due to the distances involved each week, unless they are really short of players.
I am going to play in the Prestwich League with Steve Cannon on a Tuesday and the macclesfield league on the Thursday at Nick Dysons club in Macclesfield with Steve Cannon, as you may recalled I played for Disley gold club last year.
There is also another small league in Bury which I have decided to try it has a few good players in it, like Phil Spring who goes in the odd ABC.
My first games in these leagues have resulted in mixed results, in the Bury league, I have played only two games and won them both but not made any breaks at all.
In the Macclesfield League I have played 3 won 2 and lost 1. I have made a few breaks of note 27 and 30 in game 1, 27 and 44 in game 2 and a nice 51 in game 3 but still lost.
The Prestwich League I have won one and lost one no breaks recorded only a couple of 20's.
I am going to play in the Prestwich League with Steve Cannon on a Tuesday and the macclesfield league on the Thursday at Nick Dysons club in Macclesfield with Steve Cannon, as you may recalled I played for Disley gold club last year.
There is also another small league in Bury which I have decided to try it has a few good players in it, like Phil Spring who goes in the odd ABC.
My first games in these leagues have resulted in mixed results, in the Bury league, I have played only two games and won them both but not made any breaks at all.
In the Macclesfield League I have played 3 won 2 and lost 1. I have made a few breaks of note 27 and 30 in game 1, 27 and 44 in game 2 and a nice 51 in game 3 but still lost.
The Prestwich League I have won one and lost one no breaks recorded only a couple of 20's.
ABC Leeds
For those of you following my billiards you will recall that I had not actually won a single game in the main event of an ABC in the 5 or so I entered last year.
Whether this was due to me being rubbish or simply getting bad draws I don't know. I did win a couple of games in the plate events. I have decided to enter as many ABC's this year as I can simply because it's the only day off I can be certain of this year as I am working extra hours due to my wife being made redundant.
Off to Leeds with Wayne Holbrook who drove up to my house from stoke. The usual crew were there I think they had 54 entry's which was quite a healthy field.
I drew a chap called Steve Best from the North East, I knew I was in for a difficult match I had seen several decent breaks from him in the records and Ron Bickerdyke told me he was a good player. I played really well I did get a couple of flukes early on which helps and I scored 20 off one really outstanding fluke. After half an hour I had a 90 point lead I got a series of 20-25breaks and managed a 232 - 143 win to get the elusive ABC win.
In the next round I was slaughtered by John Murphy who despite my best efforts score 343 - 143. I felt I played well against him and had a couple of breaks 32 and 39 mainly off the red for some reason. he was really nice afterwards and told me he was really impressed with my progress in the last year.
Wayne Holbrook lost in the main comp but made up for his poor performance by getting to the quarter final of the plate. He would agree that he did not play well over the day but still managed a couple of wins.
Whether this was due to me being rubbish or simply getting bad draws I don't know. I did win a couple of games in the plate events. I have decided to enter as many ABC's this year as I can simply because it's the only day off I can be certain of this year as I am working extra hours due to my wife being made redundant.
Off to Leeds with Wayne Holbrook who drove up to my house from stoke. The usual crew were there I think they had 54 entry's which was quite a healthy field.
I drew a chap called Steve Best from the North East, I knew I was in for a difficult match I had seen several decent breaks from him in the records and Ron Bickerdyke told me he was a good player. I played really well I did get a couple of flukes early on which helps and I scored 20 off one really outstanding fluke. After half an hour I had a 90 point lead I got a series of 20-25breaks and managed a 232 - 143 win to get the elusive ABC win.
In the next round I was slaughtered by John Murphy who despite my best efforts score 343 - 143. I felt I played well against him and had a couple of breaks 32 and 39 mainly off the red for some reason. he was really nice afterwards and told me he was really impressed with my progress in the last year.
Wayne Holbrook lost in the main comp but made up for his poor performance by getting to the quarter final of the plate. He would agree that he did not play well over the day but still managed a couple of wins.
Just when you thought it was all Over
Due to constant nagging by various people I have decided to carry on with the blog in a small way for the next year. The time is the issue but I will try to make an effort. There is lots to put on so watch this space.
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Thanks to Everyone
This is the last entry and concludes MY BILLIARDS YEAR.
The year seems to have gone very quickly and I don't know where to start. Well I firstly want to thank all those people who have assisted me I can't name them all you know who you are but here are a few in no particular order.
Martin Goodwill, thanks mate your website and book set me on the right path, it's been great to have someone and somewhere to turn to as in this area there simply is no billiards of any standard. I helped a tiny little bit with Martins book so in a very small way I feel part of history.
Paul Dunning always there to give me a shove in the right direction your advice has been great. I will get the advanced exam done soon.
EBOS and the EABA. These organisations keep the sport alive, and have many great players and helpers who give up their time to ensure people like me get to play the great game.
John Ingleby who has given me great advice on cue action and the mental side of the game and was instrumental in me breaking through into the 50+ breaks.
Clive Scott and his team of refs, they turn out every time Clive even turns up for the Police Comp. Clive your a star I don't know how you manage it all, but without you I don't think any of these matches would start on time.
All the players who have helped me and made me feel welcome. Every single player has offered advice and support. Although you all took every chance to give me a good beating.
Roy Bacon for giving me several good thrashings but some wonderful coaching as well.
I would also like to thank my wife Paula for putting up with my expensive hobby. I know you don't understand Billiards but I have enjoyed it, it's all over now and I suppose I will have to start doing the lawn again.
The 250,000 people who have read this silly blog from all over the world seeing the hits on my world map kept me doing the updates.
Billiards is a wonderful sport much harder than snooker but is so rewarding, all you snooker players out there take up or play Billiards you will not regret it it's the greatest cue game of them all.
The year seems to have gone very quickly and I don't know where to start. Well I firstly want to thank all those people who have assisted me I can't name them all you know who you are but here are a few in no particular order.
Martin Goodwill, thanks mate your website and book set me on the right path, it's been great to have someone and somewhere to turn to as in this area there simply is no billiards of any standard. I helped a tiny little bit with Martins book so in a very small way I feel part of history.
Paul Dunning always there to give me a shove in the right direction your advice has been great. I will get the advanced exam done soon.
EBOS and the EABA. These organisations keep the sport alive, and have many great players and helpers who give up their time to ensure people like me get to play the great game.
John Ingleby who has given me great advice on cue action and the mental side of the game and was instrumental in me breaking through into the 50+ breaks.
Clive Scott and his team of refs, they turn out every time Clive even turns up for the Police Comp. Clive your a star I don't know how you manage it all, but without you I don't think any of these matches would start on time.
All the players who have helped me and made me feel welcome. Every single player has offered advice and support. Although you all took every chance to give me a good beating.
Roy Bacon for giving me several good thrashings but some wonderful coaching as well.
I would also like to thank my wife Paula for putting up with my expensive hobby. I know you don't understand Billiards but I have enjoyed it, it's all over now and I suppose I will have to start doing the lawn again.
The 250,000 people who have read this silly blog from all over the world seeing the hits on my world map kept me doing the updates.
Billiards is a wonderful sport much harder than snooker but is so rewarding, all you snooker players out there take up or play Billiards you will not regret it it's the greatest cue game of them all.
Scratched from Semi Finals
Got back from Norfolk and found out I had been scratched from both Billiards and Snooker Semi Finals in the Stalybridge League as I missed the cut off dates. Well rather petty if you ask me as we had plenty of time to play and I had arranged one of the games. That's the price you pay for playing in a National Competition.
Their loss I think they were afraid I was going to walk away with all the Silver this year. Rather left a sour taste though as these were going to be my last entry on the blog. What else can I say but what a bunch of tossers.
Their loss I think they were afraid I was going to walk away with all the Silver this year. Rather left a sour taste though as these were going to be my last entry on the blog. What else can I say but what a bunch of tossers.
Jock McGregor - Derby Sunday 9th
Went off to to Derby on Sunday with Steve Cannon to play in Jock Mcgregor handicap at the Beaconsfield Club.
All the usual crew were there Clive and Peter along with most of the players. David Rees was on crutches after a hip replacement. I played Eddie Fielding in the first round and lost but it was a really good match.
I was getting 60 start and managed to get a couple of 30 breaks putting Eddie under pressure, he had had a 37 first visit and right at the end got a 58 and held off my late challenge to win by 8 points. I was disappointed but it was a really great game one of the best I have played in this year.
I watched Steve play, he lost but managed to score over 100 points. Jon Bagley was playing what a nice guy and a really great player he had a fantastic 177 amongst other breaks, his potting is awesome but contrary to reports he plays quite a few inoffs and cannons as well.
I really enjoyed the day met Derek Townend who is a nice chap and is a lodge member. I watched Steve Crosland play, he really is lovely to watch such great all round play, his mate Jim McCann can also play they are very similar in style.
I managed to win a couple of round in the plate and managed another semi final losing to Brian Hoole I just lost my potting for the whole game very poor. I found out Steve had won his first match ever against Colin Lewis and managed a 25 break. Well done mate.
Really enjoy this comp just light fun for the day, Hope your trapped nerve gets better Billy looked like you were suffering.
All the usual crew were there Clive and Peter along with most of the players. David Rees was on crutches after a hip replacement. I played Eddie Fielding in the first round and lost but it was a really good match.
I was getting 60 start and managed to get a couple of 30 breaks putting Eddie under pressure, he had had a 37 first visit and right at the end got a 58 and held off my late challenge to win by 8 points. I was disappointed but it was a really great game one of the best I have played in this year.
I watched Steve play, he lost but managed to score over 100 points. Jon Bagley was playing what a nice guy and a really great player he had a fantastic 177 amongst other breaks, his potting is awesome but contrary to reports he plays quite a few inoffs and cannons as well.
I really enjoyed the day met Derek Townend who is a nice chap and is a lodge member. I watched Steve Crosland play, he really is lovely to watch such great all round play, his mate Jim McCann can also play they are very similar in style.
I managed to win a couple of round in the plate and managed another semi final losing to Brian Hoole I just lost my potting for the whole game very poor. I found out Steve had won his first match ever against Colin Lewis and managed a 25 break. Well done mate.
Really enjoy this comp just light fun for the day, Hope your trapped nerve gets better Billy looked like you were suffering.
Thursday 6 May 2010
6th May - Finals Day
Got up at 6am and repeated my day exactly as yesterday, Swim and Sauna followed by Breakfast. Went through my relaxation routine. All set to go I will update the blog later if I can get access to the computer.
I have drawn Jim Malcolm from Strathclyde, he was the only one to beat me yesterday (only by 6 points) so I am out for reversing the result today.
Geoff Mayer lost 2 yesterday but managed to get through on count back Derek was a little unlucky as he was pipped by a handful of points by Gareth Wakeford who had also won 3 games.
Played Jim over 90 minutes and lost by 12 points rather annoyed as I was leading until 3 minutes to play. He knocked in a 38 break from no where to pip me at the end. Rather a sad end losing in the semi final but no disgrace as he has won the title a couple of times. I had a little bit of bad running in the middle of the game which let him catch me up. But I was generally quite pleased. There is always next year I had a few of the players come up to me and congratulate me on how well I had done so my efforts were well received.
Jim went on to beat Gareth Wakeford in the final so at least I got beat by the eventual winner.
Clive Scott and Peter Cooper as usual performed a sterling job in running the comp.
That finishes my year of billiards, I will be updating my blog with one or two last bits and bobs over the next couple of days. After that I am not sure what to do many people have asked me to carry on but it has taken a huge effort to maintain the site and my billiards efforts over the year.
I have drawn Jim Malcolm from Strathclyde, he was the only one to beat me yesterday (only by 6 points) so I am out for reversing the result today.
Geoff Mayer lost 2 yesterday but managed to get through on count back Derek was a little unlucky as he was pipped by a handful of points by Gareth Wakeford who had also won 3 games.
Played Jim over 90 minutes and lost by 12 points rather annoyed as I was leading until 3 minutes to play. He knocked in a 38 break from no where to pip me at the end. Rather a sad end losing in the semi final but no disgrace as he has won the title a couple of times. I had a little bit of bad running in the middle of the game which let him catch me up. But I was generally quite pleased. There is always next year I had a few of the players come up to me and congratulate me on how well I had done so my efforts were well received.
Jim went on to beat Gareth Wakeford in the final so at least I got beat by the eventual winner.
Clive Scott and Peter Cooper as usual performed a sterling job in running the comp.
That finishes my year of billiards, I will be updating my blog with one or two last bits and bobs over the next couple of days. After that I am not sure what to do many people have asked me to carry on but it has taken a huge effort to maintain the site and my billiards efforts over the year.
Wednesday 5 May 2010
5th May Day 2 - Round Robin Qualifiers
Got up a 6am for some reason, could not get back to sleep so went for a swim and a sauna, the place was quite busy lots of swimmer I was surprised. Got changed and went for a knock on the tables, no one around at 7-30am quite glad to find a free table as they have all been booked up.
Quick half hours practice played quite well. Did a few run throughs along the rail as per John Inglby instructions. off to breakfast and then coach over to a snooker club in Beccles.
Quite well organised 6 x 1hours matches in a group of 7. The tables were poor but I started off really well I ended up playing my fellow team mate Derek Hey who thrashed me last year. Quite a close game but managed to win in the end had a couple of 20 breaks.
Next played Tony Web from Gloucester, thrashed him getting a 51 and a 34. Played Gareth Wakeford who plays in a few of the ABC's. he played very well getting a few 20's but I played well in the second half winning with a 34 break at the death. He was not happy.
Played Jim Malcolm from Strathclyde next he played well and at the end I scored 37 to be 7 points ahead with a couple of minutes to play. He managed to score a dozen and beat me by 6.
Played Bruce Duncan from Glasgow next I played pretty well as he is a tough player I got 39 and won buy quite a lot.
Last but no least I had to play Geoff Mayer who has won the title for the past 11 years, he already had a 70 break in the last match, so I knew I was up against it. I played really well for the last 20 minutes getting 28, 27 and 39 in three consecutive visits to win by 30 odd.
That put me in the finals with 5 wins from 6 as the number one seed.
Peter
(216) 27,28,39 v Geoff Mayer (179)
(226) 21,29 v Derek Hey (187)
(238) 51,34 v Tony Web (147)
(215) 34 v Gareth Wakeford (181)
(175) 37 v Jim Malcolm (182)
(281) 39 v Bruce Duncan (159)
No matter what happens in the morning, I am over the moon with my day I never missed a ball that was on and played the best I have for a long time. I really showed em that I can now play this game. Geoff came up to me after and said he had never seen anyone so improved over a year. If only he knew how much effort time and money I had put in. Well what a way to end the year and maybe I can win the semi and final in the morning.
Revenge really is sweet!
Quick half hours practice played quite well. Did a few run throughs along the rail as per John Inglby instructions. off to breakfast and then coach over to a snooker club in Beccles.
Quite well organised 6 x 1hours matches in a group of 7. The tables were poor but I started off really well I ended up playing my fellow team mate Derek Hey who thrashed me last year. Quite a close game but managed to win in the end had a couple of 20 breaks.
Next played Tony Web from Gloucester, thrashed him getting a 51 and a 34. Played Gareth Wakeford who plays in a few of the ABC's. he played very well getting a few 20's but I played well in the second half winning with a 34 break at the death. He was not happy.
Played Jim Malcolm from Strathclyde next he played well and at the end I scored 37 to be 7 points ahead with a couple of minutes to play. He managed to score a dozen and beat me by 6.
Played Bruce Duncan from Glasgow next I played pretty well as he is a tough player I got 39 and won buy quite a lot.
Last but no least I had to play Geoff Mayer who has won the title for the past 11 years, he already had a 70 break in the last match, so I knew I was up against it. I played really well for the last 20 minutes getting 28, 27 and 39 in three consecutive visits to win by 30 odd.
That put me in the finals with 5 wins from 6 as the number one seed.
Peter
(216) 27,28,39 v Geoff Mayer (179)
(226) 21,29 v Derek Hey (187)
(238) 51,34 v Tony Web (147)
(215) 34 v Gareth Wakeford (181)
(175) 37 v Jim Malcolm (182)
(281) 39 v Bruce Duncan (159)
No matter what happens in the morning, I am over the moon with my day I never missed a ball that was on and played the best I have for a long time. I really showed em that I can now play this game. Geoff came up to me after and said he had never seen anyone so improved over a year. If only he knew how much effort time and money I had put in. Well what a way to end the year and maybe I can win the semi and final in the morning.
Revenge really is sweet!
4th May Potters Norfolk Police Finals
Well the big day has arrived all the hard work this year is going to be put to the test over the next 3 days. As you will probably recall last year I entered the Billiards in the Police Championship as no one else wanted to play.
I got absolutely thrashed by all these old retired officers who seemed to be able to score at will from any position on the table. So I set my stall out to return this year after spending 12 months playing this mad game to try and get my revenge.
Stockport to Hopton on Sea 224 miles. Five hours due to traffic but the sun was out and I felt good. Potters is lovely On arrival I booked in and met smoe of the regular lads who manage to get here every year. Straight into the Swimming pool and Sauna to recover from the trip.
A nice meal and a few Gin and Tonics in the bar.
Nine oclock of to bed to tired to stay up.
I got absolutely thrashed by all these old retired officers who seemed to be able to score at will from any position on the table. So I set my stall out to return this year after spending 12 months playing this mad game to try and get my revenge.
Stockport to Hopton on Sea 224 miles. Five hours due to traffic but the sun was out and I felt good. Potters is lovely On arrival I booked in and met smoe of the regular lads who manage to get here every year. Straight into the Swimming pool and Sauna to recover from the trip.
A nice meal and a few Gin and Tonics in the bar.
Nine oclock of to bed to tired to stay up.
Friday 30 April 2010
Stalybridge League - 1/4 Finals Billiards and Snooker
Thought I was already in the 1/4 finals but there was one extra round. Played last night over at Staly Vegas Snooker Club, Stalybridge playing a chap called Vas Patel in the next round giving him 36 start in a single frame of snooker. He played well at the start and left me nothing and I ended up 50 behind before I managed to snooker him a few time and ran in a couple of 12 and 15 breaks. Once I had caught him up I simply picked him off and snooker him to death.
I won by clear brown, blue and pink. Quite happy with that result a tough game.
In the Billiards I played Mick Campbell another young lad who cold pot really well. I struggled as usual against a snooker player one ball was always on the cushion after he had missed a pot. I double baulked him loads of times and struggled to get any breaks my highest was 29.
He was on +20 handicap so he had to score 80 I am on - 80 so I had to get 180 to win.
I just made it by about 15 points but it was a real battle never got going at all. 2 Semi finals supposed to be next week but I have the police competition instead. Going to rearrange them for Monday.
I won by clear brown, blue and pink. Quite happy with that result a tough game.
In the Billiards I played Mick Campbell another young lad who cold pot really well. I struggled as usual against a snooker player one ball was always on the cushion after he had missed a pot. I double baulked him loads of times and struggled to get any breaks my highest was 29.
He was on +20 handicap so he had to score 80 I am on - 80 so I had to get 180 to win.
I just made it by about 15 points but it was a real battle never got going at all. 2 Semi finals supposed to be next week but I have the police competition instead. Going to rearrange them for Monday.
Tuesday 27 April 2010
Police Snooker coming up next week
I have been a little slow updating the blog recently as I have either been working or away from home. I intend to make a big effort this week, must change my tip I have damaged it on the Sunday at Pontins, that's the problem with these talisman tips, they are great but if you bang them they break up. I'm not worried about the comp next week as they bed in so quickly.
I might try a few different types in the summer the Mike Woolridge ones look good and I saw a new Elk master that looked good. Signed up for the Summer snooker league so should be good to keep my arm going till September.
I might try a few different types in the summer the Mike Woolridge ones look good and I saw a new Elk master that looked good. Signed up for the Summer snooker league so should be good to keep my arm going till September.
Monday 26 April 2010
World Snooker Sheffield
Steve managed to arrange some tickets for Sheffield, I usually drive but we decided to go on the train so I could have yet another drink.
The train was only £ 13.50 from Manchester and bang on time, the Crucible had been done up since last year but it seems to have lost a little of its charm. They have put all the prices up a couple of beers was £ 8. Rather a lot when we usually have about 10 and sometimes watch a bit of the snooker as well. You never see any of the players hanging around now, you always used to see Terry Griffiths or Davis around. We always saw Jimmy white and Taylor knocking around around. it's almost as if they don't want to be seem mixing with the public which is very sad.
Watched Selby V Hendry in the morning, Selby destroyed Hendry just as Hendry used to do to everyone else. He simple never missed. I don't think Hendry was playing poorly he just never got out of his chair. The one chance he got he won the frame in one visit. Selby was showing off at the end a bit disrespectful to a truly great past champion.
A few more beers and we watched Joe Perry V Ali Carter, Joe played really well winning 5 frames in a row and never missing a ball, but eventually his luck ran out and he lost the last 3, a brave effort showed he is a great player.
More beer and watched Ding V Murphy in the evening session. Both players were great Ding got a 137. Murphy went on to win but we missed the last couple of frames as we had to stagger off for the train back. Great day out these players really are great. the standard was really high most frames being won in one visit, we saw several hundred breaks lots of 80-90's, and on the tight tables we had played on at the weekend.
The train was only £ 13.50 from Manchester and bang on time, the Crucible had been done up since last year but it seems to have lost a little of its charm. They have put all the prices up a couple of beers was £ 8. Rather a lot when we usually have about 10 and sometimes watch a bit of the snooker as well. You never see any of the players hanging around now, you always used to see Terry Griffiths or Davis around. We always saw Jimmy white and Taylor knocking around around. it's almost as if they don't want to be seem mixing with the public which is very sad.
Watched Selby V Hendry in the morning, Selby destroyed Hendry just as Hendry used to do to everyone else. He simple never missed. I don't think Hendry was playing poorly he just never got out of his chair. The one chance he got he won the frame in one visit. Selby was showing off at the end a bit disrespectful to a truly great past champion.
A few more beers and we watched Joe Perry V Ali Carter, Joe played really well winning 5 frames in a row and never missing a ball, but eventually his luck ran out and he lost the last 3, a brave effort showed he is a great player.
More beer and watched Ding V Murphy in the evening session. Both players were great Ding got a 137. Murphy went on to win but we missed the last couple of frames as we had to stagger off for the train back. Great day out these players really are great. the standard was really high most frames being won in one visit, we saw several hundred breaks lots of 80-90's, and on the tight tables we had played on at the weekend.
Saturday 24 April 2010
EBOS Welsh Open
Off to Pontins Prestatyn for the Welsh Open, my friend Steve Cannon was coming along with the girls, they were going to do some shopping whilst we played.
We arrived at 9-30am on the Saturday and booked in we were only staying one night as the venue for once was only 65miles away. The tables looked really nice Star heated with Strachan cloth. Had a few practice shots with Steve and the balls were skidding off the shaved nap, pockets really tight not much room for error touch the sides and the ball bounces out.
Makes you realise how good these pro players are really tough to pot on these. My first game was against Liam Clark, the little git beat me again, but I played fairly well. I scored 185 in the hour Liam scored 218 after grabbing a couple of 20 breaks with a few minutes to go. I was leading for quite a while but he was just that little bit better than me.
Next was David Sneddon rather a tough draw that one. For the first 20 minutes I was actually in from scoring about 70 points Dave seemed to be struggling, then he got a 40, and followed it next visit with 102. A very nice break of all round play, he play the most wonderful drop cannons I have ever seen every one fell perfectly at the top. He also played some really difficult run through losers along the cushion. Awesome. He then proceeded to knock in 30 or 40 every visit scoring 339 to my 121 I was quite lucky to get than many he never looked like missing.
Last but not least one of my favourite players Bem French, since he beat me he is now no longer one of my favourite players. I scored 141 Bem got 297. He is a really interesting player to watch once he gets the red into the middle of the table he is simply deadly he scored 12 hazards off the white and 13 off the red in the game. He also seems to pot quite well considering he is always moaning he can't pot but he managed some really nice long pots. I'm just not going to talk to him Again.!!??
Ah well I expect a good thrashing in this draw but I enjoyed it nice to play some different players.
Steve managed to get thrashed again just like me but he did manage to score 75 points in each game and over 100 in one match so he was quite pleased. Not bad for his 10th game. In the plate I was unlucky drawing Roy Bacon again. I started off quite well getting a 20 and a 38 break and was 89-5 ahead in the 200 up game. Roy came back strongly getting a 30 and a 40 and managed an easy win in the end 200-142 I simple didn't score in the last half of the game.
Steve was playing Ron Agnew on the table next door. Ron played really well getting 20 or 30 every visit, for an old bloke he can really play and when he is on song he is great to watch.
Had a great weekend plenty of drink and food.
We arrived at 9-30am on the Saturday and booked in we were only staying one night as the venue for once was only 65miles away. The tables looked really nice Star heated with Strachan cloth. Had a few practice shots with Steve and the balls were skidding off the shaved nap, pockets really tight not much room for error touch the sides and the ball bounces out.
Makes you realise how good these pro players are really tough to pot on these. My first game was against Liam Clark, the little git beat me again, but I played fairly well. I scored 185 in the hour Liam scored 218 after grabbing a couple of 20 breaks with a few minutes to go. I was leading for quite a while but he was just that little bit better than me.
Next was David Sneddon rather a tough draw that one. For the first 20 minutes I was actually in from scoring about 70 points Dave seemed to be struggling, then he got a 40, and followed it next visit with 102. A very nice break of all round play, he play the most wonderful drop cannons I have ever seen every one fell perfectly at the top. He also played some really difficult run through losers along the cushion. Awesome. He then proceeded to knock in 30 or 40 every visit scoring 339 to my 121 I was quite lucky to get than many he never looked like missing.
Last but not least one of my favourite players Bem French, since he beat me he is now no longer one of my favourite players. I scored 141 Bem got 297. He is a really interesting player to watch once he gets the red into the middle of the table he is simply deadly he scored 12 hazards off the white and 13 off the red in the game. He also seems to pot quite well considering he is always moaning he can't pot but he managed some really nice long pots. I'm just not going to talk to him Again.!!??
Ah well I expect a good thrashing in this draw but I enjoyed it nice to play some different players.
Steve managed to get thrashed again just like me but he did manage to score 75 points in each game and over 100 in one match so he was quite pleased. Not bad for his 10th game. In the plate I was unlucky drawing Roy Bacon again. I started off quite well getting a 20 and a 38 break and was 89-5 ahead in the 200 up game. Roy came back strongly getting a 30 and a 40 and managed an easy win in the end 200-142 I simple didn't score in the last half of the game.
Steve was playing Ron Agnew on the table next door. Ron played really well getting 20 or 30 every visit, for an old bloke he can really play and when he is on song he is great to watch.
Had a great weekend plenty of drink and food.
Thursday 22 April 2010
Macclesfield Team Final Liberal Club Macc V Silktown
Played Silktown in the Final of the Knockout cup, played at Macclesfield Liberal Club on quite nice but very slick tables. I had drawn my mate Wayne Holbrook and we played first.
I was giving him 45 start for some reason when he should be giving me a start with his potting. I got off to a good start and quickly caught him up. Getting a couple of 20's, I got to 145 when Wayne knocked in a nice 50 break, I was pleased for him as it was his first 50 break in a match.
I score 11 and then Wayne managed a 15 and a 20 to win by 49.
It was quite a good quality match and taking the handicaps into consideration I only just lost. So not a disaster.
Ken went on next and won and Geoff went on last and lost by a lot giving them a 2-1 victory. Not a bad match and nice to be in a final.
I was giving him 45 start for some reason when he should be giving me a start with his potting. I got off to a good start and quickly caught him up. Getting a couple of 20's, I got to 145 when Wayne knocked in a nice 50 break, I was pleased for him as it was his first 50 break in a match.
I score 11 and then Wayne managed a 15 and a 20 to win by 49.
It was quite a good quality match and taking the handicaps into consideration I only just lost. So not a disaster.
Ken went on next and won and Geoff went on last and lost by a lot giving them a 2-1 victory. Not a bad match and nice to be in a final.
Thursday 15 April 2010
Stalybridge League - Individual Handicap 1/4 Final
Played Phil Vidler in the Stalybridge League, handicapped individuals. He is on +25 I'm on -100 so another big start.
We both played rubbish. My highest break was 13 in 200 points, Phils highest was 7. I don't know what went wrong there I suppose it was just one of those games. I won 100-48 which meant he only scored 23 points but it was total tripe. I ended up playing pot his ball and double baulk about 30 times, there was just no other shots on.
What ever luck there was I got several flukes but got nothing off them. A really strange game best forgotten I think by both of us.
We both played rubbish. My highest break was 13 in 200 points, Phils highest was 7. I don't know what went wrong there I suppose it was just one of those games. I won 100-48 which meant he only scored 23 points but it was total tripe. I ended up playing pot his ball and double baulk about 30 times, there was just no other shots on.
What ever luck there was I got several flukes but got nothing off them. A really strange game best forgotten I think by both of us.
Tuesday 13 April 2010
Practice Crucible Stockport
Wayne rang and said he was free for a few hours today, so we met at Stockport and had 3 hours. The table wasn't brilliant and we both got off to a shakey start. Neither of us played well I won by about 100 points but there was hardly anything in our games I got quite a few low 30 breaks and Wayne did the same. It really shows when you have not put the practice in.
Towards the end of the session I began to play quite well getting long losers and some top of the table. Still missed quite a few balls. Wayne seemed quite rusty and his potting wasn't as good as usual. We have a final coming up on Thursday in the Macclesfield league so he was glad of the practice. Wayne highest break was 30 mine 35.
Towards the end of the session I began to play quite well getting long losers and some top of the table. Still missed quite a few balls. Wayne seemed quite rusty and his potting wasn't as good as usual. We have a final coming up on Thursday in the Macclesfield league so he was glad of the practice. Wayne highest break was 30 mine 35.
Monday 12 April 2010
Referees Examination
Met Ron Hope over at Chorlton for my Refs exam, lasted about an hour and half managed to pass the exam a few tricky questions but nothing to bad mostly common sense.
Have to wait for my certificate, also get a tie and blaser badge. Not to bad only £30 or so. I will be able to ref a few games with Wayne Holbrook or if Clive is short of a ref.
Have to wait for my certificate, also get a tie and blaser badge. Not to bad only £30 or so. I will be able to ref a few games with Wayne Holbrook or if Clive is short of a ref.
Thursday 8 April 2010
Practice Practice Practice
Not had a 50 break for a few weeks now and I have realised I have hardly spent anytime on the practice table, I have played lots of matches but really have neglected solo practice.
So with the Welsh Open coming up and the Police Nationals I must get out and get some hours on the table starting Monday. I have a couple of Semi finals in the Stalybridge League coming up and a final in the Macclesfield League.
My cold has just about cleared up, so no excuses next week so head down and get on with it. Quite looking forward to a knock now there are a couple of new shots I want to try out from Malta.
Missing my Tuesdays with Wayne Holbrook, he has a new job so we have not had a game for a few weeks.
29 days left till the Police Nationals, although I dont stand a chance of winning, there are some really good players, my aim it to qualify out of the round robin stages. I won 1 game out of 5 last year so I hope to improve on that this year.
So with the Welsh Open coming up and the Police Nationals I must get out and get some hours on the table starting Monday. I have a couple of Semi finals in the Stalybridge League coming up and a final in the Macclesfield League.
My cold has just about cleared up, so no excuses next week so head down and get on with it. Quite looking forward to a knock now there are a couple of new shots I want to try out from Malta.
Missing my Tuesdays with Wayne Holbrook, he has a new job so we have not had a game for a few weeks.
29 days left till the Police Nationals, although I dont stand a chance of winning, there are some really good players, my aim it to qualify out of the round robin stages. I won 1 game out of 5 last year so I hope to improve on that this year.
Monday 5 April 2010
EBOS Malta -better late than Never
Monday - off to the Airport with Steve Cannon have booked with Malta Bargains a very basic Hotel to save money, Checked in at Manchester and there were only 3 flights out the terminal was basically shut, the Zurich flight left at 8pm the PIA flight at 8-30pm and our flight at 9-30pm. So the place was shut no shops open at all couldn't get a bottle of water or sweets.
The flight was on time no problems and well within our luggage limits, no extra charge for my cue case by Air Malta who were a great Airline. No charge for snooker cues and meals were included along with free soft drinks. I was still really ill and wanted to be at home but I couldn't let Steve down.
We arrived at Malta and Bags and cues arrived straight away and transfer bus was waiting straight to hotel which was a little scruffy but fine for 4 nights as we had only paid £ 268 for the flights and hotel half board. which worked out at £ 10 per night half board.
I didn't sleep at all due to coughing all night but break fast was nice a cooked English and lashings of tea and toast were great. The next day were had to be at the Dolmen Spa Resort Hotel by 2pm, we were going to get a taxi but the hotel reception said it was 5 minutes walk, we took the chance and it was only 2 streets away. The Dolmen was nice, the table looked OK although when I played on them they ranged from good to very very poor.
The comp got under way and I played Joe Delaney who was playing instead of Steve Lock, I played really badly, he played really steady getting about 6 or 7 x 30 breaks. I did nothing.
I played Chris Taylor and again played really poor, I just couldn't see the balls with my nose and eyes streaming. I should be tucked up in bed.
I wrote the day off and went to watch United get thrashed with Steve the 8 gins did help me sleep for a few hours but not sure I should have mixed it with the Anti-biotics.
The next day was very similar I played badly, I did manage a win over Guy Heys from Jersey, I don't really know how but I scrapped home, I was pleased just to win a game. The rest of my games were poor I did play well against John Murphy he only won by about 40 in the end after I took a lead and held it for the first 45 minutes. He was a bit out of sorts I think.
The tables were really poor, one table 9 rolled off by 3 inches in one corner Chris Taylor was not impressed especially when his ball ran off hit the cushion twice and missed the bag by two inches when he was on a nice break. I know the table is the same for both players but these were rubbish. I rely on my long in offs a lot and I could hardly get any to go in, I also missed loads of middle in offs, which I hardly ever miss.
That night we were all going out for a Chinese but I went to bed with a few beers and gins. Steve played quite well considering he had only played 4 or 5 times, he set himself a target of 75 points in the hours and managed to get this every time except when he played Rob Hall, he only got 67.
In one game he scored over 100 points which was not bad. It took me a couple of comps before I managed that. He enjoyed it and we managed to get some beer drank and watch some football.
On the Thursday we turned up to play the plate, I was feel a tiny bit better as I had stopped coughing so much and had managed a few hours sleep. On arrival poor old Clive was in despair, not only had he had to change all his tables plans this week but the EBSA had dismantled 7 tables overnight which meant no plate.
I rely on the plate as I will never qualify for the main draw so I was furious, all that way and no plate disgraceful. Steve wasn't happy either. We met some of the other lesser players who also weren't best pleased. But there was nothing we could do.
They week was still fun but soured a little, the Maltese players were great and played a really high standard of billiards, I refereed Joe Grech, he was first class getting 102,54,56 in three visits. Really massive crowds when ever they played. Steve was playing Michael White when Paul Mifsud was playing and there were 134 watching the two tables.
I enjoyed the comp but I probably wouldn't go back unless EBOS were doing the whole thing as they know how to run a comp properly, leave it to Clive Scott and you never have any trouble.
Looking forward to the Welsh next not so far off, hopefully feel a bit better for that one.
The flight was on time no problems and well within our luggage limits, no extra charge for my cue case by Air Malta who were a great Airline. No charge for snooker cues and meals were included along with free soft drinks. I was still really ill and wanted to be at home but I couldn't let Steve down.
We arrived at Malta and Bags and cues arrived straight away and transfer bus was waiting straight to hotel which was a little scruffy but fine for 4 nights as we had only paid £ 268 for the flights and hotel half board. which worked out at £ 10 per night half board.
I didn't sleep at all due to coughing all night but break fast was nice a cooked English and lashings of tea and toast were great. The next day were had to be at the Dolmen Spa Resort Hotel by 2pm, we were going to get a taxi but the hotel reception said it was 5 minutes walk, we took the chance and it was only 2 streets away. The Dolmen was nice, the table looked OK although when I played on them they ranged from good to very very poor.
The comp got under way and I played Joe Delaney who was playing instead of Steve Lock, I played really badly, he played really steady getting about 6 or 7 x 30 breaks. I did nothing.
I played Chris Taylor and again played really poor, I just couldn't see the balls with my nose and eyes streaming. I should be tucked up in bed.
I wrote the day off and went to watch United get thrashed with Steve the 8 gins did help me sleep for a few hours but not sure I should have mixed it with the Anti-biotics.
The next day was very similar I played badly, I did manage a win over Guy Heys from Jersey, I don't really know how but I scrapped home, I was pleased just to win a game. The rest of my games were poor I did play well against John Murphy he only won by about 40 in the end after I took a lead and held it for the first 45 minutes. He was a bit out of sorts I think.
The tables were really poor, one table 9 rolled off by 3 inches in one corner Chris Taylor was not impressed especially when his ball ran off hit the cushion twice and missed the bag by two inches when he was on a nice break. I know the table is the same for both players but these were rubbish. I rely on my long in offs a lot and I could hardly get any to go in, I also missed loads of middle in offs, which I hardly ever miss.
That night we were all going out for a Chinese but I went to bed with a few beers and gins. Steve played quite well considering he had only played 4 or 5 times, he set himself a target of 75 points in the hours and managed to get this every time except when he played Rob Hall, he only got 67.
In one game he scored over 100 points which was not bad. It took me a couple of comps before I managed that. He enjoyed it and we managed to get some beer drank and watch some football.
On the Thursday we turned up to play the plate, I was feel a tiny bit better as I had stopped coughing so much and had managed a few hours sleep. On arrival poor old Clive was in despair, not only had he had to change all his tables plans this week but the EBSA had dismantled 7 tables overnight which meant no plate.
I rely on the plate as I will never qualify for the main draw so I was furious, all that way and no plate disgraceful. Steve wasn't happy either. We met some of the other lesser players who also weren't best pleased. But there was nothing we could do.
They week was still fun but soured a little, the Maltese players were great and played a really high standard of billiards, I refereed Joe Grech, he was first class getting 102,54,56 in three visits. Really massive crowds when ever they played. Steve was playing Michael White when Paul Mifsud was playing and there were 134 watching the two tables.
I enjoyed the comp but I probably wouldn't go back unless EBOS were doing the whole thing as they know how to run a comp properly, leave it to Clive Scott and you never have any trouble.
Looking forward to the Welsh next not so far off, hopefully feel a bit better for that one.
Sunday 28 March 2010
Lack of Games
Due to flu I have been in bed for the last three days, still not cleared up so I have not managed to get any games in this week, just hope I'm ok to fly on Monday. I will update the blog when I have something to report.
Wednesday 24 March 2010
Oldham Snooker Academy
Off for a practice with Mark Carrington, its a bit of a trip up to Oldham but worth it as the tables a cheap and lovely.
Mark wanted to player snooker tonight I had work so could only play 6-30pm-10pm.
I felt really great and was looking forward to it, Mark had already had a game with Michael Wild another pro who's going to Malta for the EASB comp. Mark started off well but I really nailed down the energy and stance techniques I had been shown.
It began to tell on him it's quite subtle but eventually it really began to put him off, standing just on the edge of his peripheral vision, Cue ready, positive. After an hour or so he said he felt as if something was wrong, and that he didn't feel up to much tonight.
In the mean time I had played very steady snooker lots of little breaks 15-20's and I knocked in a 35. I felt a bit sorry for Mark and I said to him I would stop putting him off in the next frame.
He looked at me blankly and said what did I mean? I hadn't done anything. I said lets just play and you will understand. He won the next frame with a 41 and a 38 break. I kept out of his way sat down and tried to look dejected. He immediately played better.
In the next I said all bets are off and carried on. I won the next 2 frames getting a couple of 40 breaks and in the last frame 35 and a 44 break just missed the black by a fraction for 51. I lost 6-4 to a player head and shoulders above me ex pro who gets regular century breaks, I was delighted with that result and the way the energy battle had gone.
6 weeks ago I would have said this whole thing was mad but it really works well, it is quite hard to do but once you get into the zone its easy. Mark could not believe me when I tried to explain what I had been doing.
Must get a bit of Billiards in this week after all Malta is not far away.
Mark wanted to player snooker tonight I had work so could only play 6-30pm-10pm.
I felt really great and was looking forward to it, Mark had already had a game with Michael Wild another pro who's going to Malta for the EASB comp. Mark started off well but I really nailed down the energy and stance techniques I had been shown.
It began to tell on him it's quite subtle but eventually it really began to put him off, standing just on the edge of his peripheral vision, Cue ready, positive. After an hour or so he said he felt as if something was wrong, and that he didn't feel up to much tonight.
In the mean time I had played very steady snooker lots of little breaks 15-20's and I knocked in a 35. I felt a bit sorry for Mark and I said to him I would stop putting him off in the next frame.
He looked at me blankly and said what did I mean? I hadn't done anything. I said lets just play and you will understand. He won the next frame with a 41 and a 38 break. I kept out of his way sat down and tried to look dejected. He immediately played better.
In the next I said all bets are off and carried on. I won the next 2 frames getting a couple of 40 breaks and in the last frame 35 and a 44 break just missed the black by a fraction for 51. I lost 6-4 to a player head and shoulders above me ex pro who gets regular century breaks, I was delighted with that result and the way the energy battle had gone.
6 weeks ago I would have said this whole thing was mad but it really works well, it is quite hard to do but once you get into the zone its easy. Mark could not believe me when I tried to explain what I had been doing.
Must get a bit of Billiards in this week after all Malta is not far away.
Sunday 21 March 2010
Prestwich Billiards & Snooker League
Went off to play Mark captain of the Heaton Park Social Club last night we had been corresponding via email regarding me playing next year at the league is much closer than the Macclesfield League to my house.
They play 150 up off handicap the lowest being -45. There seems to be a few decent players in the league the highest breaks being around the 50-70 mark most years. He is on -45 along with 2 or 3 other players.
We played 2 games of billiards 150 up, I won easy in the first getting a couple of 30's, the club was very hot and noisy with kids running around and load music being a Saturday night, didn't bother me to much.
It was a nice table very fast but easy to judge the pace I managed to pick it up quite quickly tonight, the bags were generous but a little tight if you caught the edge. He had 4 sets of balls most of which were poor but the aramiths looked OK you could make one decent set from the two sets he had. So we played with my balls. I played a steady game nothing to fancy as I had to get used to the table.
He played a little better in the second game but reverted to some potting his snooker background showing through. With a little practice on this table some serious bit breaks could be made. Once I got the pace and sheer size of the pockets you could pot from anywhere.
We played a couple of games of snooker to finish off, I played steady in the first winning by about 30. In the second I had found the pace and knocked a lovely little 53 break which included a fantastic piques shot. My white had finished just tight up behind a red in to the middle bag. I had seen Roy do the shot in Austria and the other Friday he showed me the shot along with the massee shot. Cue right in the air little flick and the red sailed into the middle and white screwed back bounced off the rail and perfect on the black. A little lucky but thanks Roy Bacon for that one. Mark was really impressed with that one
I played a bad positional shot for one of the last 5 reds and missed a long straight red in the yellow pocket. Mark potted two reds and a pink. I then knocked in a long red and cleared the remaining reds. I missed and cleared the colours to the black. I won by 100 points. Perhaps I should give up billiards and go back to snooker.
Not sure what to do with that league the standards certainly better than the Stalybridge League and most of the Macclesfield League. I think I should move to Teesside, Cambridge or Boston maybe even Norfolk at least there is some decent billiards around. Hopefully next year the Frodsham League should be a tester.
They play 150 up off handicap the lowest being -45. There seems to be a few decent players in the league the highest breaks being around the 50-70 mark most years. He is on -45 along with 2 or 3 other players.
We played 2 games of billiards 150 up, I won easy in the first getting a couple of 30's, the club was very hot and noisy with kids running around and load music being a Saturday night, didn't bother me to much.
It was a nice table very fast but easy to judge the pace I managed to pick it up quite quickly tonight, the bags were generous but a little tight if you caught the edge. He had 4 sets of balls most of which were poor but the aramiths looked OK you could make one decent set from the two sets he had. So we played with my balls. I played a steady game nothing to fancy as I had to get used to the table.
He played a little better in the second game but reverted to some potting his snooker background showing through. With a little practice on this table some serious bit breaks could be made. Once I got the pace and sheer size of the pockets you could pot from anywhere.
We played a couple of games of snooker to finish off, I played steady in the first winning by about 30. In the second I had found the pace and knocked a lovely little 53 break which included a fantastic piques shot. My white had finished just tight up behind a red in to the middle bag. I had seen Roy do the shot in Austria and the other Friday he showed me the shot along with the massee shot. Cue right in the air little flick and the red sailed into the middle and white screwed back bounced off the rail and perfect on the black. A little lucky but thanks Roy Bacon for that one. Mark was really impressed with that one
I played a bad positional shot for one of the last 5 reds and missed a long straight red in the yellow pocket. Mark potted two reds and a pink. I then knocked in a long red and cleared the remaining reds. I missed and cleared the colours to the black. I won by 100 points. Perhaps I should give up billiards and go back to snooker.
Not sure what to do with that league the standards certainly better than the Stalybridge League and most of the Macclesfield League. I think I should move to Teesside, Cambridge or Boston maybe even Norfolk at least there is some decent billiards around. Hopefully next year the Frodsham League should be a tester.
Friday 19 March 2010
Snooker Individuals Stalybridge League
Off to the Parkbridge Institute for my snooker match, playing a young lad Aarron Chambers bit worried about this one as I am giving him 39 start in a single frame match and these young lads are usually fearless potters.
First shot I went inoff in the middle pocket. Not happy but made up for it with a nice 36 break next visit and missed a tough black off it's spot. He potted a couple of reds and no colours I potted a long red and got 26. Finished the game off with most of the colours 97 - 47 win to me, he potted 2 reds and the yellow.
Happy with that result puts me in the quarter finals.
First shot I went inoff in the middle pocket. Not happy but made up for it with a nice 36 break next visit and missed a tough black off it's spot. He potted a couple of reds and no colours I potted a long red and got 26. Finished the game off with most of the colours 97 - 47 win to me, he potted 2 reds and the yellow.
Happy with that result puts me in the quarter finals.
Macclesfield League
Played at Disley Golf Club against Macclesfield Liberal Club Norman Routledges Team, he went on first against Geoff Yeoman, he played very well and finished with 32, 81 and 42 unfinished. Not bad in three visits. I went on second and played the other old chap who's name escapes me.
Steve Cannon had come along to watch.
I felt a little odd during the game not really relaxed or up for the game. I won by mainly potting I don't like the table much. Richard went on last and won, 6-2 to us with the aggregate.
I realised afterwards that Steve had interrupted my relaxation techniques, I usually sit in the car and get myself ready, I couldn't with Steve around.
Steve Cannon had come along to watch.
I felt a little odd during the game not really relaxed or up for the game. I won by mainly potting I don't like the table much. Richard went on last and won, 6-2 to us with the aggregate.
I realised afterwards that Steve had interrupted my relaxation techniques, I usually sit in the car and get myself ready, I couldn't with Steve around.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Email Me
I get hits from all over world, I am interested in what you think of the blog and in particular Billiards and Snooker. Why not send me an email let me know what cue sports you have played and to what level and a little bit about yourself.
If you wish to I will publish a few of the replies. I am interested in particular those areas of the world such as Russian and America where English Billiards is not well Known.
I am also gathering information on leagues which play English Billiards if you are a member of a league send me the details web address, email and a few details about the league so I can put a link on the blog. Thanks once again for all your support.
Peter Stanyer
p_stanyer1@hotmail.com
If you wish to I will publish a few of the replies. I am interested in particular those areas of the world such as Russian and America where English Billiards is not well Known.
I am also gathering information on leagues which play English Billiards if you are a member of a league send me the details web address, email and a few details about the league so I can put a link on the blog. Thanks once again for all your support.
Peter Stanyer
p_stanyer1@hotmail.com
Oldham Snooker Academy Practice
Met Mark Carrington up at Oldham for a practice, we have not managed to get a game for nearly 3 weeks due to work.
We played Snooker first, the tables really are nice lovely Strachan Matchroom tables with very fast cloth. Well worth the 8 miles trip. Mark won the first game which was scrappy, I played well in the second and had a couple of 20 breaks, Mark took the third and I played well in the fourth to set up a tie break.
I played steady and got 38 in front but left Mark an easy opener with the balls spread across the table. He cleared up with a 66 break missing a difficult black for a possible 73.
Holding him to 3-2 of level start cheered me up and I played really well solid with my new less firm grip working well. I potted some lovely balls and used the relaxation and energy techniques well. Mark remarked how solid I looked and played.
90 minutes of billiards next , I played well at the start and got a few ahead, Mark played a little shaky to start with and then got going. He scored 11 points and then made it up to 56 by potting the red and could have just carried on if I had not called the hazard limit. He could compete at quite a high level in this game just by potting alone, but he does want to play properly. I beat him with a small 20 break at the end. My highest was about 35 nothing to shout home about but steady and I played some great shots during the match including a couple of decent run throughs and a couple of 90 degree kiss cannons.
We played Snooker first, the tables really are nice lovely Strachan Matchroom tables with very fast cloth. Well worth the 8 miles trip. Mark won the first game which was scrappy, I played well in the second and had a couple of 20 breaks, Mark took the third and I played well in the fourth to set up a tie break.
I played steady and got 38 in front but left Mark an easy opener with the balls spread across the table. He cleared up with a 66 break missing a difficult black for a possible 73.
Holding him to 3-2 of level start cheered me up and I played really well solid with my new less firm grip working well. I potted some lovely balls and used the relaxation and energy techniques well. Mark remarked how solid I looked and played.
90 minutes of billiards next , I played well at the start and got a few ahead, Mark played a little shaky to start with and then got going. He scored 11 points and then made it up to 56 by potting the red and could have just carried on if I had not called the hazard limit. He could compete at quite a high level in this game just by potting alone, but he does want to play properly. I beat him with a small 20 break at the end. My highest was about 35 nothing to shout home about but steady and I played some great shots during the match including a couple of decent run throughs and a couple of 90 degree kiss cannons.
Tuesday 16 March 2010
Sports Psychologist Visit 4/4
My final session, where have the past 4 weeks gone time seems to fly when you are enjoying yourself. My session today was about three things, Procrastination, Anchoring and Confidence.
The first section was regarding not putting off things if your are bad at a shot do not put off trying to sort out the problem, don't blame others or the table or the cue, keep focused. Do not keep coming up with excuses as to why someone is better than you. These moments interrupt your mind and game state.
We touched on Anchoring, if you have a game where you played really well, then try to remember the moment. Focus on the feeling your were having, the table, the breaks everything try to immerse yourself in that happy moment and try to bring that moment to today's game remember the feeling of the win and use it to focus your mind.
Confidence was the next subject I think I surprised him with my confidence levels, I have never been shy especially after all that Police training and having to deal with the public. If you are too confident you can appear arrogant and people may not like you so a fine balance is required.
I asked the question 'Can you be over confident, IE making undue risks in a game' the answer was NO. You must control the confidence and the outward display of confidence but inside you can never have too much.
12 hours of intensive soul searching and relaxation techniques is very hard to put in words and I am not sure I have the skills to do so in full, but I am going to try and write a full debrief of the main points. For example even after 12 hours I was able to watch the players in the English AM championship and analyse them and get a feel of their state and energy levels. If was clear me Martin was uncomfortable in his match against Phil Mumford. He looked slightly edgy and not as composed as normal despite playing very well.
I will post a full report in a few days when I have had more chance analyse the conclusions. The one thing I would say at this state is all those players out there who feel that this is a load of nonsense well all I can say is you are wrong, this is one of the most important things I have learnt from the sessions, any player who feels they do not need coaching in these skills is missing out on improving their game but the ability to understand other people better.
Someone said to my not so long ago, 'Why are you seeing a Psychologist is there something wrong with you?' I answered 'No' ,
I was wrong there was something wrong with me and that was I had ignored my mind and body for years, these are more important than a good cue action. As it is your mind that tells the body how to hold the cue and how to pot and how to play. If you improve your mind your game will follow.
The first section was regarding not putting off things if your are bad at a shot do not put off trying to sort out the problem, don't blame others or the table or the cue, keep focused. Do not keep coming up with excuses as to why someone is better than you. These moments interrupt your mind and game state.
We touched on Anchoring, if you have a game where you played really well, then try to remember the moment. Focus on the feeling your were having, the table, the breaks everything try to immerse yourself in that happy moment and try to bring that moment to today's game remember the feeling of the win and use it to focus your mind.
Confidence was the next subject I think I surprised him with my confidence levels, I have never been shy especially after all that Police training and having to deal with the public. If you are too confident you can appear arrogant and people may not like you so a fine balance is required.
I asked the question 'Can you be over confident, IE making undue risks in a game' the answer was NO. You must control the confidence and the outward display of confidence but inside you can never have too much.
12 hours of intensive soul searching and relaxation techniques is very hard to put in words and I am not sure I have the skills to do so in full, but I am going to try and write a full debrief of the main points. For example even after 12 hours I was able to watch the players in the English AM championship and analyse them and get a feel of their state and energy levels. If was clear me Martin was uncomfortable in his match against Phil Mumford. He looked slightly edgy and not as composed as normal despite playing very well.
I will post a full report in a few days when I have had more chance analyse the conclusions. The one thing I would say at this state is all those players out there who feel that this is a load of nonsense well all I can say is you are wrong, this is one of the most important things I have learnt from the sessions, any player who feels they do not need coaching in these skills is missing out on improving their game but the ability to understand other people better.
Someone said to my not so long ago, 'Why are you seeing a Psychologist is there something wrong with you?' I answered 'No' ,
I was wrong there was something wrong with me and that was I had ignored my mind and body for years, these are more important than a good cue action. As it is your mind that tells the body how to hold the cue and how to pot and how to play. If you improve your mind your game will follow.
Sunday 14 March 2010
Darley Dale
Off to Darley Dale after a nice cooked breakfast. Semi final of the English Am, Martin Goodwill V Phil Mumford. Mathew Sutton V Dominic Mullhall.
We arrived 30 minutes early, and there were quite a few people I knew. I saw Clive Scott and Peter Cooper. Phils Dad and Roger Morgan turned up later in the day, It was nice to see him.
Bem fench and Brian Dix also arrived Bems great I must get up to him house for a practice once the league has finished.
I watched Martin and Phils game first. Martin looked a little rattled when Phil knocked in a 200 in 16 minutes a really outstanding controlled break. Martin responded with a 449, he started off and really looked like he was struggling once he got to 100 he relaxed a little and played better. Once he got to 200 he looked in full flow simply brilliant.
Phil kept going and several other massive breaks later, the interval came where they swapped tables and played from where they left off. The second half was interesting I watched the Sutton game. He played steady getting a 136 but seemed not to be trying to hard. Dominic played really fast and struggled but they both scored decent amounts.
I really enjoyed the games, Phil came back at Martin who pulled out a really great break at the end to finish it off. Simply a great day with some outstanding Billiards. Steven Cannon enjoyed it and managed to get Martin and Roger to sign his copy of Martins book.
Took Roy off to the Manchesters Gay Village for a bite to eat. Saw a few strange sights wandering the streets. I dont think he has ever seens anything like that before.
We arrived 30 minutes early, and there were quite a few people I knew. I saw Clive Scott and Peter Cooper. Phils Dad and Roger Morgan turned up later in the day, It was nice to see him.
Bem fench and Brian Dix also arrived Bems great I must get up to him house for a practice once the league has finished.
I watched Martin and Phils game first. Martin looked a little rattled when Phil knocked in a 200 in 16 minutes a really outstanding controlled break. Martin responded with a 449, he started off and really looked like he was struggling once he got to 100 he relaxed a little and played better. Once he got to 200 he looked in full flow simply brilliant.
Phil kept going and several other massive breaks later, the interval came where they swapped tables and played from where they left off. The second half was interesting I watched the Sutton game. He played steady getting a 136 but seemed not to be trying to hard. Dominic played really fast and struggled but they both scored decent amounts.
I really enjoyed the games, Phil came back at Martin who pulled out a really great break at the end to finish it off. Simply a great day with some outstanding Billiards. Steven Cannon enjoyed it and managed to get Martin and Roger to sign his copy of Martins book.
Took Roy off to the Manchesters Gay Village for a bite to eat. Saw a few strange sights wandering the streets. I dont think he has ever seens anything like that before.
Saturday 13 March 2010
Practice Roy Bacon
Roy was coming down from Scotland to pick up a old scoreboard for his new snooker room, I had arranged for him to stay at my place on the friday and saturday.
Friday I had arrange a match / practice at the Parkbridge Institute. We arrived at 7.15pm and were playing for 90 minutes then he would show me a few shots top and nursery's hopefully.
The table was very fast the ball really shoots off the rails and the pockets were really tight. My hope was just to stay close to his score.
I managed in the first hour to stick with him and got about 8 in front. I had a couple of decent break the highest of the night 42 and a 28 and a 29. Roy struggled a little on the table but his quality of striking and use of side was simply brilliant. As time went on the better player as usual starts to pull away and sure enough he made 41 of the red and a nice 39. He won by about 130 in the end.
He then played a series of really great nursery shots and showed the juniors some interesting half ball shot to give them a start. Nice club with the coal fire table was really tight but fast quite difficult for a match. I enjoyed it though. I held my own.
The main things I learn are shot selection is vital, playing the right shot is so important. Quality rather than quantity. Play the inoffs in the middle before an easy cannon.
Everytime I see someone play I learn a few shots Roy showed me the masse shot thats certainly one to practice for the future.
Friday I had arrange a match / practice at the Parkbridge Institute. We arrived at 7.15pm and were playing for 90 minutes then he would show me a few shots top and nursery's hopefully.
The table was very fast the ball really shoots off the rails and the pockets were really tight. My hope was just to stay close to his score.
I managed in the first hour to stick with him and got about 8 in front. I had a couple of decent break the highest of the night 42 and a 28 and a 29. Roy struggled a little on the table but his quality of striking and use of side was simply brilliant. As time went on the better player as usual starts to pull away and sure enough he made 41 of the red and a nice 39. He won by about 130 in the end.
He then played a series of really great nursery shots and showed the juniors some interesting half ball shot to give them a start. Nice club with the coal fire table was really tight but fast quite difficult for a match. I enjoyed it though. I held my own.
The main things I learn are shot selection is vital, playing the right shot is so important. Quality rather than quantity. Play the inoffs in the middle before an easy cannon.
Everytime I see someone play I learn a few shots Roy showed me the masse shot thats certainly one to practice for the future.
Friday 12 March 2010
Berry Cup - Stalybridge B v Mossley B
Off into the Hill's again Mossley a small Village tucked away in the Hills, the town is in two parts Upper and Lower Mossley they don't get on, the Upper hates the Lower, the Lower can't stand the Upper.
We were desperate for a win, If we lost we were out and if we won we really needed a 4-1 to guarantee the semi final a 3-2 might do depending on other results. I picked up my mate Steve and we went for a hours practice in the Palace Club, he played rubbish. I didn't do much better.
On arrival in Mossley Mick was playing Snooker and won by 30 he played quite well. Billiards next their Captain went on lad called Darren Beswick, I had played him before Christmas when my handicap was scratch so I was getting 80 start and beat him by 105. My handicap was now -80 the same as him.
I felt really relaxed I went through my routine outside of relaxation techniques. I went in and he scored 15 first visit including a couple of really interesting flukes. He is the only other player in the league who can actually play this game and I set about playing good billiards, the table is great but the balls are very light so I stuck to cannons until I felt how much they threw off. I started to place the ball well in the D about an inch or so wider than usual, I got a couple of long losers and then never missed one all night.
He was totally destroyed within 10 minutes, I almost felt as if I was sucking the life out of his shots and he just kept getting worse. I got 6 x 20+ breaks 20,21,21,23,25,26 almost one after another and I won by 125 he only scored about 55 points. I think this was my best overall performance my average for the night must have been pretty high.
Steve went on and lost on the black he was quite unlucky the lad potted a fantastic pink. Roy our Captain lost at Billiards by a dozen, but Steve and Mick won the doubles. 3-2 to us.
This means Mossley have to beat Parkbridge 4-1 away from home to get through.
Not a bad night I again felt good, confident and positive. Looks like this game is in the mind after all.
We were desperate for a win, If we lost we were out and if we won we really needed a 4-1 to guarantee the semi final a 3-2 might do depending on other results. I picked up my mate Steve and we went for a hours practice in the Palace Club, he played rubbish. I didn't do much better.
On arrival in Mossley Mick was playing Snooker and won by 30 he played quite well. Billiards next their Captain went on lad called Darren Beswick, I had played him before Christmas when my handicap was scratch so I was getting 80 start and beat him by 105. My handicap was now -80 the same as him.
I felt really relaxed I went through my routine outside of relaxation techniques. I went in and he scored 15 first visit including a couple of really interesting flukes. He is the only other player in the league who can actually play this game and I set about playing good billiards, the table is great but the balls are very light so I stuck to cannons until I felt how much they threw off. I started to place the ball well in the D about an inch or so wider than usual, I got a couple of long losers and then never missed one all night.
He was totally destroyed within 10 minutes, I almost felt as if I was sucking the life out of his shots and he just kept getting worse. I got 6 x 20+ breaks 20,21,21,23,25,26 almost one after another and I won by 125 he only scored about 55 points. I think this was my best overall performance my average for the night must have been pretty high.
Steve went on and lost on the black he was quite unlucky the lad potted a fantastic pink. Roy our Captain lost at Billiards by a dozen, but Steve and Mick won the doubles. 3-2 to us.
This means Mossley have to beat Parkbridge 4-1 away from home to get through.
Not a bad night I again felt good, confident and positive. Looks like this game is in the mind after all.
Thursday 11 March 2010
No Nails / Gum
I have just been thinking about my previous post 3/4, I have described it all fairly well, as well as I could. Something else has just occured to me that I have only just noticed.
I gave up smoking two or three years ago and used the Nicorette gum which worked and finally I went from that to normal chewing gum. I would usually go through a packet a day either a couple of small ones or a large packet of 25. I have not really bothered about this I just found it helpful and better than smoking, since my session on Monday I have not bothered with the chewing gum or bitten my nails.
I find that rather odd as I have made no effort to stop the chewing gum, it was never mentioned in the session. I still have some in my car certainly something has made me more relaxed and less anxious. I am not sure whether the relaxation techniques are working but something has changed.
I gave up smoking two or three years ago and used the Nicorette gum which worked and finally I went from that to normal chewing gum. I would usually go through a packet a day either a couple of small ones or a large packet of 25. I have not really bothered about this I just found it helpful and better than smoking, since my session on Monday I have not bothered with the chewing gum or bitten my nails.
I find that rather odd as I have made no effort to stop the chewing gum, it was never mentioned in the session. I still have some in my car certainly something has made me more relaxed and less anxious. I am not sure whether the relaxation techniques are working but something has changed.
Visitors
Had a few new visitors this week in particular from Saudia Arabia, Moldova, Bosnia and my first hit from Nepal. Also lots of hits from America and Canada this week, the maps fairly useless as it does not show most of the hits unless you pay for the service shame as its quite useful in other ways.
Still getting around 1000 direct hits per week and 10,000 google search hits a week. Are there really that many people in the world who are interested in English Billiards I'm really amazed.
Thanks for all the support.
Still getting around 1000 direct hits per week and 10,000 google search hits a week. Are there really that many people in the world who are interested in English Billiards I'm really amazed.
Thanks for all the support.
New Mill Practice with Mike Holding
Off the New Mill no match but I had arranged to have a knock with Mike Holding. He was there when I got there and we had a nice little game of Billiards 200 up off level start. At this point one of the A Team players arrived Steve Whiteley and said he would play the winner.
I was a bit bothered as I really wanted to play Mike as we had been trying to get together and go over a few shots for several months. Mike is only just learning the game after converting from snooker, he is an accomplished snooker player and by all accounts used to knock in decent breaks.
His billiards was quite good for a learner much better than mine when I started. It made me realise just how far I had come in the last 10 months. Mike knew the half ball quite well and has played a couple of games when the team have been short plus he has watched quite a bit in the club and on the internet. He got a few 15-19 breaks and they were not just potting quite a few cannons and he also played some nice thick run through shots. I won by a bit but he did quite well.
I played Steve next 200 off level start I thought I was going to get thrashed when he started off with a 46. But I plugged away and got a few 20's. I lost in the end but only by a few points 200-183 I was quite happy with that as Steve has had lots of breaks this year in the league, Paul Dunning knows him and rates him a good player. Mike dropped out and I played Steve off handicap, He's on -40 I'm on 70, 110 start to 200 up. I played quite well and thrashed Steve I won by 120 and had a nice little 44 and a 31. He described my handicap as a Bandits handcap.
I don't think he enjoyed that game, I played Mike next off handicap, I give him 20 odd start and he played much better and was 60 ahead needing 18, I pulled it back and I needed 2 to win and missed a simple straight pot off the black spot. He got the red in the middle and won. Quite an interesting game. Once he learns the tactics and some more shots he will be hard beat as he has a nice cue action and pots very well. Long days billiards but I did enjoy the games.
I was a bit bothered as I really wanted to play Mike as we had been trying to get together and go over a few shots for several months. Mike is only just learning the game after converting from snooker, he is an accomplished snooker player and by all accounts used to knock in decent breaks.
His billiards was quite good for a learner much better than mine when I started. It made me realise just how far I had come in the last 10 months. Mike knew the half ball quite well and has played a couple of games when the team have been short plus he has watched quite a bit in the club and on the internet. He got a few 15-19 breaks and they were not just potting quite a few cannons and he also played some nice thick run through shots. I won by a bit but he did quite well.
I played Steve next 200 off level start I thought I was going to get thrashed when he started off with a 46. But I plugged away and got a few 20's. I lost in the end but only by a few points 200-183 I was quite happy with that as Steve has had lots of breaks this year in the league, Paul Dunning knows him and rates him a good player. Mike dropped out and I played Steve off handicap, He's on -40 I'm on 70, 110 start to 200 up. I played quite well and thrashed Steve I won by 120 and had a nice little 44 and a 31. He described my handicap as a Bandits handcap.
I don't think he enjoyed that game, I played Mike next off handicap, I give him 20 odd start and he played much better and was 60 ahead needing 18, I pulled it back and I needed 2 to win and missed a simple straight pot off the black spot. He got the red in the middle and won. Quite an interesting game. Once he learns the tactics and some more shots he will be hard beat as he has a nice cue action and pots very well. Long days billiards but I did enjoy the games.
Practice Silktown Macclesfield Tuesday
Not played for a few days so I was quite looking forward to a game with Wayne Holbrook. I arrived a little late after the alarm on my car stopped working. He was on the far left table which I really dont like it throws off and each cushion seems to give a different reaction.
I set my stall out and relaxed and threw out the negative thoughts of the table and pushed my energy levels up as best I could. (You must all think I'm mad)
We started and Wayne got a series of outstanding flukes all over the table, quite incredible really, but they didn't bother me I refused to get upset or let them affect me. We carried on playing and after an hour we were pretty level neither of us played well or badly just avergae and Wayne was about 20 infront. As time went one I really felt I was wearing him down with my positive attitude and all of a sudden I started playing a bit better and within the next hour I had about 10 breaks over 20 with a high of 34.
The better I played the worse Wayne played, even his usually outstanding potting started to go wrong. Now was this just luck, run of the balls or was it to do with mental attitude. I just don't know. I won by at least 100 points in the end which is very unusual as Wayne is such a tough player to beat there is usually only a handful of points between us. I enjoyed the match I'm not sure Wayne did.
I set my stall out and relaxed and threw out the negative thoughts of the table and pushed my energy levels up as best I could. (You must all think I'm mad)
We started and Wayne got a series of outstanding flukes all over the table, quite incredible really, but they didn't bother me I refused to get upset or let them affect me. We carried on playing and after an hour we were pretty level neither of us played well or badly just avergae and Wayne was about 20 infront. As time went one I really felt I was wearing him down with my positive attitude and all of a sudden I started playing a bit better and within the next hour I had about 10 breaks over 20 with a high of 34.
The better I played the worse Wayne played, even his usually outstanding potting started to go wrong. Now was this just luck, run of the balls or was it to do with mental attitude. I just don't know. I won by at least 100 points in the end which is very unusual as Wayne is such a tough player to beat there is usually only a handful of points between us. I enjoyed the match I'm not sure Wayne did.
Sports Psychologist Visit 3/4
I have delayed putting up this posting as I have not really felt happy with the way I wrote it and this is the third draft and I am still not happy with this one, but I feel it’s the best of the bunch.
The difficulty is putting into words something that you have to take on trust it has no real physical form rather a mental form or perception of emotions and feelings.
I’m not really into all this emotional feely touchy stuff and I tend to view tree huggers with amusement however I am determined to view these lessons with an open mind and as an ex tough macho policeman it’s been quite hard to do as I am not one for getting in touch with mine or anyone else’s emotions.
Here goes then, over to Huddersfield still some tiny patches of snow left it’s exactly 3 months since the first snow in December quite impressive it’s lasted 3 months on the hills.
On arrival we went over a few things from last time and I explained I had had some success with the relaxation and anti vampire techniques in particular. Today’s meeting was about EFT and negatives.
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and it’s a method of mind and body healing, although I am no expert and have deliberately avoided looking things up on the internet a form of mind over matter in this case the body, this seems to be quite a well known subject.
We started off with Negatives these are those things that perhaps would affect your game or your attitude to a game, for example there is a club I play at where I dislike the table and the balls are very old and poor but they insist on playing,I dislike the table as it's tight, the balls are very old and not the correct weight. This means that my immediate thoughts are not about winning or getting my concentration and energy levels right but negative thoughts such as ‘oh not that club again I hate that table’ or ‘When are they going get some new balls those old ones are rubbish’.
These negative thoughts tend to ruin everything else and intrude into your mind before and during the match, so we can use the EFT methods to address these negative thoughts and actions. These techniques form part of the solution to your mind set, so we have energy levels, relaxation techniques and positive thoughts, the negatives can then be banished by a form of meditation or I think he described it as mental acuptunture, we can tap certain meridian points (I know this sounds mad but let me finish) and say or assure ourselves that these problems will not affect us such as the table or balls or lighting or the audience etc and in theory we should be able to get on with the game.
I am not sure about this it seems a little far fetched however I was assured that it works and should make a difference. He asked me to inform him of any phobia or something that bothers me which he could try and treat using this method. I couldn’t think of anything but after a few minutes I decided on a physical issue which had nothing to do with billiards. This was I have always bitten my nails not to any great extent but it has always bothered me.
He went through the technique which only took about 3-4 minutes. I had a little internal laugh as I am quite convinced that it was a load of crap and that just saying to yourself that I had no need to bite my nails and tapping my face and chest would make no difference.
As you can see at this point most sane people would be rather sceptical and how I have had great difficulty writing a lot of this down. I can understand the principles and thoughts behind this but I am not sure I actually believe in this. He assures me he has had great success in treating people this way.
The session went by very quickly and we managed to get a few shots done on the table and he demonstrated just how important the balls are. He had a ball which did not match the weights and showed me just how a few grams can affect the angle of the losers and cannons.
I usually write up my blog within a few hours but this has had me thinking, it’s now Thursday and I still haven’t posted anything yet. However as I am sat here writing this blog I can say this that I still haven’t bit my nails since that session, maybe there is something to this after all as soon as a feel my hand going towards my mouth a sort of mental note says don’t do that, it’s quite strange almost a little disturbing.
The difficulty is putting into words something that you have to take on trust it has no real physical form rather a mental form or perception of emotions and feelings.
I’m not really into all this emotional feely touchy stuff and I tend to view tree huggers with amusement however I am determined to view these lessons with an open mind and as an ex tough macho policeman it’s been quite hard to do as I am not one for getting in touch with mine or anyone else’s emotions.
Here goes then, over to Huddersfield still some tiny patches of snow left it’s exactly 3 months since the first snow in December quite impressive it’s lasted 3 months on the hills.
On arrival we went over a few things from last time and I explained I had had some success with the relaxation and anti vampire techniques in particular. Today’s meeting was about EFT and negatives.
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and it’s a method of mind and body healing, although I am no expert and have deliberately avoided looking things up on the internet a form of mind over matter in this case the body, this seems to be quite a well known subject.
We started off with Negatives these are those things that perhaps would affect your game or your attitude to a game, for example there is a club I play at where I dislike the table and the balls are very old and poor but they insist on playing,I dislike the table as it's tight, the balls are very old and not the correct weight. This means that my immediate thoughts are not about winning or getting my concentration and energy levels right but negative thoughts such as ‘oh not that club again I hate that table’ or ‘When are they going get some new balls those old ones are rubbish’.
These negative thoughts tend to ruin everything else and intrude into your mind before and during the match, so we can use the EFT methods to address these negative thoughts and actions. These techniques form part of the solution to your mind set, so we have energy levels, relaxation techniques and positive thoughts, the negatives can then be banished by a form of meditation or I think he described it as mental acuptunture, we can tap certain meridian points (I know this sounds mad but let me finish) and say or assure ourselves that these problems will not affect us such as the table or balls or lighting or the audience etc and in theory we should be able to get on with the game.
I am not sure about this it seems a little far fetched however I was assured that it works and should make a difference. He asked me to inform him of any phobia or something that bothers me which he could try and treat using this method. I couldn’t think of anything but after a few minutes I decided on a physical issue which had nothing to do with billiards. This was I have always bitten my nails not to any great extent but it has always bothered me.
He went through the technique which only took about 3-4 minutes. I had a little internal laugh as I am quite convinced that it was a load of crap and that just saying to yourself that I had no need to bite my nails and tapping my face and chest would make no difference.
As you can see at this point most sane people would be rather sceptical and how I have had great difficulty writing a lot of this down. I can understand the principles and thoughts behind this but I am not sure I actually believe in this. He assures me he has had great success in treating people this way.
The session went by very quickly and we managed to get a few shots done on the table and he demonstrated just how important the balls are. He had a ball which did not match the weights and showed me just how a few grams can affect the angle of the losers and cannons.
I usually write up my blog within a few hours but this has had me thinking, it’s now Thursday and I still haven’t posted anything yet. However as I am sat here writing this blog I can say this that I still haven’t bit my nails since that session, maybe there is something to this after all as soon as a feel my hand going towards my mouth a sort of mental note says don’t do that, it’s quite strange almost a little disturbing.
Sunday 7 March 2010
Jack Karnehm Billiards from the Top
Just spent 3 hours watching the second video from Jack Karneham. It's a really boring DVD but at the same time really interesting as I understand now what it's trying to get over.
The shots he plays at the top are all repeat shots of the same scoring pattern. He seems to have such great touch, my feeble efforts at the top of the table seem so pathetic when I compare the two. I have no idea how to start with attempting these shots.
Roy Bacon is coming down from Scotland to collect his score board from Mike Holding so I am hoping to get a couple of hours coaching from him on the Friday at my local club. I know I should just stick with my all round half Ball play but TOTT is the way to score big breaks in quick time. Going to Darley Dale on Saturday to see the English Amateur Semi Finals hopefully with Roy and Steve. Can't wait for that the standard should be high still don't know who to support Goodwill who has helped me so much, or the slight underdog Phil Mumford who is also such a nice chap.
As Martin has already won the title I think Phil deserves a chance this year and he has played really well so far.
Looks like we finished in third place in the Huddersfield Leagues I have just checked the tables one more point would have put us second. Only 9 points separate the top 10 teams after 20 games.
The shots he plays at the top are all repeat shots of the same scoring pattern. He seems to have such great touch, my feeble efforts at the top of the table seem so pathetic when I compare the two. I have no idea how to start with attempting these shots.
Roy Bacon is coming down from Scotland to collect his score board from Mike Holding so I am hoping to get a couple of hours coaching from him on the Friday at my local club. I know I should just stick with my all round half Ball play but TOTT is the way to score big breaks in quick time. Going to Darley Dale on Saturday to see the English Amateur Semi Finals hopefully with Roy and Steve. Can't wait for that the standard should be high still don't know who to support Goodwill who has helped me so much, or the slight underdog Phil Mumford who is also such a nice chap.
As Martin has already won the title I think Phil deserves a chance this year and he has played really well so far.
Looks like we finished in third place in the Huddersfield Leagues I have just checked the tables one more point would have put us second. Only 9 points separate the top 10 teams after 20 games.
Thursday 4 March 2010
Practice Steve Cannon
Went to the Place club for a knock with Steve before our games in the Berry Cup. Met him at 6 and we had a nice game of Billiards, he played quite well I have to give him 80 start as per the league.
This proves quite hard as he managed to get a couple of 20 breaks, I clawed my way back in with a nice little 25 and a 41 missing a sitter in the middle off his ball to leave a drop cannon. Idiot why does this happen.
I won by about 21 in the end, but a little more practice and I wont be able to take him off -80.
Off to Stalybridge and Steve played well in his snooker winning on the pink after giving 35 start. I played a young lad I had thrashed only 3 weeks ago. Not tonight though he had about 20 flukes by smashing the balls around and trying to pot he really had no idea what to do but when the lucks with you there is nothing you can do, I lost by loads he very nearly out scored me I had to score 200 he only had to get 75.
Never mind the leagues nearly over now just the individuals to play and the last cup match.
This proves quite hard as he managed to get a couple of 20 breaks, I clawed my way back in with a nice little 25 and a 41 missing a sitter in the middle off his ball to leave a drop cannon. Idiot why does this happen.
I won by about 21 in the end, but a little more practice and I wont be able to take him off -80.
Off to Stalybridge and Steve played well in his snooker winning on the pink after giving 35 start. I played a young lad I had thrashed only 3 weeks ago. Not tonight though he had about 20 flukes by smashing the balls around and trying to pot he really had no idea what to do but when the lucks with you there is nothing you can do, I lost by loads he very nearly out scored me I had to score 200 he only had to get 75.
Never mind the leagues nearly over now just the individuals to play and the last cup match.
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Huddersfield League - New Mill B V Springwood B
Final trip to Huddersfield for the Year, we are playing the league winners in the final game. There are 5 points between the top 9 teams. John Bowden scraped another win he had 11-1 flukes when I arrived.
I went on second and had already got myself ready, I had tried to relax and made sure I kept the Vampires away by not mixing with my team mates and avoiding talking to any one. I felt comfortable and tried to project the right energy levels I think it worked Paul Raynor was missing everything and I got 40-50 in front. I had a couple of 20 breaks and won by about 57 in the end, not bad considering I was giving 20 start.
Derek Hey went on last and won by just 2 to give us a three nil win. depending on other results that may put us in line for a possible second or play off for third.
I went on second and had already got myself ready, I had tried to relax and made sure I kept the Vampires away by not mixing with my team mates and avoiding talking to any one. I felt comfortable and tried to project the right energy levels I think it worked Paul Raynor was missing everything and I got 40-50 in front. I had a couple of 20 breaks and won by about 57 in the end, not bad considering I was giving 20 start.
Derek Hey went on last and won by just 2 to give us a three nil win. depending on other results that may put us in line for a possible second or play off for third.
Practice Crucible Wayne Holbrook
Due to my daughters dancing lessons had to move from our normal venue to the Crucible Stockport, played on the main match table. it took a bit of getting used to for billiards but was fine.
We started off and I showed Wayne some of the shots from the JK video, He was quite impressed and managed to get a few of them straight away.
We played for 3 hours and both scored a few middle 20 breaks not a great break day but we both did OK. We scored less than usual but we did both get some really nice shots. I was trying for the top of the table position all the time and got there several times but only mad 20 or so each time and missed out on a massive break whilst on 27 and in prime top. Wayne did the same he missed an ideal chance. But that's the way it goes. A few more months/years practice and I will be much better around the black spot.
Just towards the end of the match I had a perfect chance to play the Kareham shot red tight on the rail 2 feet below the middle pocket and lots of top right and the white flew in the top bag just like the DVD I was over the moon and even Wayne who has loads of cue power was impressed.
I really love this game is just keeps on rewarding your practice and efforts all the time, that one shot has really given me a boost. I ran out a winner if you can call it that by about 20 points. But we had a great time with lots of practice and tactics discussed. I managed to show Wayne a couple of new shots. No big breaks but a great day.
We started off and I showed Wayne some of the shots from the JK video, He was quite impressed and managed to get a few of them straight away.
We played for 3 hours and both scored a few middle 20 breaks not a great break day but we both did OK. We scored less than usual but we did both get some really nice shots. I was trying for the top of the table position all the time and got there several times but only mad 20 or so each time and missed out on a massive break whilst on 27 and in prime top. Wayne did the same he missed an ideal chance. But that's the way it goes. A few more months/years practice and I will be much better around the black spot.
Just towards the end of the match I had a perfect chance to play the Kareham shot red tight on the rail 2 feet below the middle pocket and lots of top right and the white flew in the top bag just like the DVD I was over the moon and even Wayne who has loads of cue power was impressed.
I really love this game is just keeps on rewarding your practice and efforts all the time, that one shot has really given me a boost. I ran out a winner if you can call it that by about 20 points. But we had a great time with lots of practice and tactics discussed. I managed to show Wayne a couple of new shots. No big breaks but a great day.
Monday 1 March 2010
Sports Psychologist Visit 2/4
Monday Night was my second visit, I certainly got something from the first session. I was looking forward to my second visit, for the first few minutes we discussed what I had done since my previous visit and how I had managed to use the relaxation techniques. Mark Carrington had noticed how steady and 'Up for it' I was in my last match of doubles.
We discussed a very strange subject to great lengths. Energy Vampires.
For those of you who don't know these are people who sap your energy. So for example if someone perhaps a team mate comes up to you in your match and says something like 'oh your were really unlucky with that shot you just played why didn't your play this shot instead' They are feeding off you putting doubts in your mind were you really unlucky, will you have more bad luck. ?
There are 5 main type of Vampires and I could identify most of these from within the groups of players I play with. I wont explain all these groups as you really need to go through this process yourself. But they are out there.
The next part was some practice shots in relation to the Jack Karnham video, some really amazing examples from the video and from the Psychologist.
We then moved on to how to defend yourself from various forms of Vampires. How to put your self in a protective bubble which they cannot interrupt. This was very interesting and quite simple to achieve. I really liked this approach I can see it being a very effective a form of one upmanship perhaps or even bordering of cheating without actually doing anything wrong.
We had a cup of tea and slice of cake and moveed on to another subject 'Fear of Failure'. This was also quite interesting, we introduce stress and tension into our game because we do not wish to let the team down or indeed ourselves. Perhaps we don't want to be to the only loser if the team is doing well, so the fear of failure puts added pressure onto our mind which in turn passes onto the body. Again identifying these pressures and using the protection and relaxation methods to counteract this is very important. I had not really thought of this as Billiards is mainly an individual sport.
We also spent some time discussing how we should never try to be perfect in our game. I found this to be the hardest part to understand, but it links in with the above. If we always aim to be 100% perfect then we are bound to fail some of the time, perhaps a poor shot or bad position or bad luck even. This can play on your mind and introduce doubts, however if we decide to be 95% perfect then we know we can have a few bad shots which were expected and therefore we should not worry about them. Again it's about reducing the fear of failure.
The 3 hours flew and before I knew it I was on my way home again, still lots of snow on the hills. A remarkable session very impressive, really gave me a lot to think about.
We discussed a very strange subject to great lengths. Energy Vampires.
For those of you who don't know these are people who sap your energy. So for example if someone perhaps a team mate comes up to you in your match and says something like 'oh your were really unlucky with that shot you just played why didn't your play this shot instead' They are feeding off you putting doubts in your mind were you really unlucky, will you have more bad luck. ?
There are 5 main type of Vampires and I could identify most of these from within the groups of players I play with. I wont explain all these groups as you really need to go through this process yourself. But they are out there.
The next part was some practice shots in relation to the Jack Karnham video, some really amazing examples from the video and from the Psychologist.
We then moved on to how to defend yourself from various forms of Vampires. How to put your self in a protective bubble which they cannot interrupt. This was very interesting and quite simple to achieve. I really liked this approach I can see it being a very effective a form of one upmanship perhaps or even bordering of cheating without actually doing anything wrong.
We had a cup of tea and slice of cake and moveed on to another subject 'Fear of Failure'. This was also quite interesting, we introduce stress and tension into our game because we do not wish to let the team down or indeed ourselves. Perhaps we don't want to be to the only loser if the team is doing well, so the fear of failure puts added pressure onto our mind which in turn passes onto the body. Again identifying these pressures and using the protection and relaxation methods to counteract this is very important. I had not really thought of this as Billiards is mainly an individual sport.
We also spent some time discussing how we should never try to be perfect in our game. I found this to be the hardest part to understand, but it links in with the above. If we always aim to be 100% perfect then we are bound to fail some of the time, perhaps a poor shot or bad position or bad luck even. This can play on your mind and introduce doubts, however if we decide to be 95% perfect then we know we can have a few bad shots which were expected and therefore we should not worry about them. Again it's about reducing the fear of failure.
The 3 hours flew and before I knew it I was on my way home again, still lots of snow on the hills. A remarkable session very impressive, really gave me a lot to think about.
Thursday 25 February 2010
Individuals Stalybridge Snooker
Played at the Parkbridge Institute in my snooker singles, giving 28 start to Barry Broad, the poor chap I knocked in 55 against in the Billiards.
Bit of a close game he is quite a decent player but I picked him off bit by bit and eventually he left me a chance and I got 18 and 16. It was all quite close till the end when he potted yellow green and brown. He missed the blue and left it in the bottom and I cleared up to win by 8.
Steven Cannon won his match and I picked him up to go and play doubles with Mark Carrington at Stockport we were playing two very good players. I hardly potted anything but my safety play was outstanding mm perfect in both frames. We managed a fairly easy win. Mark played quite well getting a couple of important 20 breaks. Quarter finals here we come.
Bit of a close game he is quite a decent player but I picked him off bit by bit and eventually he left me a chance and I got 18 and 16. It was all quite close till the end when he potted yellow green and brown. He missed the blue and left it in the bottom and I cleared up to win by 8.
Steven Cannon won his match and I picked him up to go and play doubles with Mark Carrington at Stockport we were playing two very good players. I hardly potted anything but my safety play was outstanding mm perfect in both frames. We managed a fairly easy win. Mark played quite well getting a couple of important 20 breaks. Quarter finals here we come.
Jack Karnehm DVD
I have just spent 4 really relaxing hours watching a Jack Karneham DVD all about Billiards. The DVD is only 2 hours but watched it twice in 2 days.
I don't know what to say other than WOW. What a damn fine Billiards player he was, sadly he died in 2002. His touch around the top of the table is brilliant and has given me a few extra practice shots to work on.
He has some trick shots or practice shots scattered throughout the tape which I have tried to emulate at my local club. They really test your cueing. I started out with the 10 Shot with the balls wedged in the pocket and after 4 or five goes managed to produce the same shot. Quite simple once you get the top on.
The next shot the red is on the left hand side cushion in line with the pink spot and the white on the brown spot. The object is to hit the red with loads of top left and the red kisses out of the way and the white spins down the rail and into the bag. Tried this shot 20 times without getting it I just couldn't get anywhere near, so I tried a few run throughs against the nap first.
I revisited the previous shot and got it second attempt. Once I realised where to aim I managed it 7 out of 20. Cant wait to try out a few more. Its difficult to see the angles due to the video quality but I will try them all out.
I managed to do get the in off about one foot from a pocket tight on the rails with top left works really well that one the white pops straight in the pocket. Must try the top of the table shots he does.
I don't know what to say other than WOW. What a damn fine Billiards player he was, sadly he died in 2002. His touch around the top of the table is brilliant and has given me a few extra practice shots to work on.
He has some trick shots or practice shots scattered throughout the tape which I have tried to emulate at my local club. They really test your cueing. I started out with the 10 Shot with the balls wedged in the pocket and after 4 or five goes managed to produce the same shot. Quite simple once you get the top on.
The next shot the red is on the left hand side cushion in line with the pink spot and the white on the brown spot. The object is to hit the red with loads of top left and the red kisses out of the way and the white spins down the rail and into the bag. Tried this shot 20 times without getting it I just couldn't get anywhere near, so I tried a few run throughs against the nap first.
I revisited the previous shot and got it second attempt. Once I realised where to aim I managed it 7 out of 20. Cant wait to try out a few more. Its difficult to see the angles due to the video quality but I will try them all out.
I managed to do get the in off about one foot from a pocket tight on the rails with top left works really well that one the white pops straight in the pocket. Must try the top of the table shots he does.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
200000 visitors 4.5million search hits.
I have now received over 200000 hits on the web site. These are unique hits from all over the world. I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to look and read my exploits on this blog.
Billiards is a small world but I have visitors from every continent except for South America and the Arctic. I am simple amazed how word has spread. I hope you all enjoy it and that you appreciate the hard work I have put in to keep up playing at this intensity for the year.
3 Leagues, 7 EBOS events, various other ABC and comps along with some snooker. This has cost me around £ 5000 in total and I have travelled many many miles.
Only a couple of months left now then I can relax and have a week off.
Practice Silktown Macclesfield
Met Wayne Holbrook for our usual Tuesday meeting over in Macclesfield. The table seemed a bit strange today I don't know if the weather can effect it but it was throwing wide and the ball was moving across the nap especially in the right hand corner.
We both struggled and managed a few little 20 breaks. Wayne got 60 in front as he normally does before I started getting going. I got a couple of 27 breaks and manged to pull back a bit.
I then managed another 50 break. Funny really last month I got lots of 50 breaks, 8 in total.
This month only 4 so far but when I have made 50+ its usually been a big break. 82 and 91.
I am happy with the breaks but would rather have lots of 30-40's than a couple of big breaks.
We ended up scoring around the 480 mark in the 2 and half hours. I won by about 10 points nothing in the match at all.
We both struggled and managed a few little 20 breaks. Wayne got 60 in front as he normally does before I started getting going. I got a couple of 27 breaks and manged to pull back a bit.
I then managed another 50 break. Funny really last month I got lots of 50 breaks, 8 in total.
This month only 4 so far but when I have made 50+ its usually been a big break. 82 and 91.
I am happy with the breaks but would rather have lots of 30-40's than a couple of big breaks.
We ended up scoring around the 480 mark in the 2 and half hours. I won by about 10 points nothing in the match at all.
Sports Psychologist Visit 1/4
As I mentioned a few weeks I have been approached by a Sports Psychologist to have group of sessions aimed at helping me with my game in particular on how to bring my relaxed practice game into my match play.
I have avoided looking to much up prior to the visits as I wanted a clear head and no preconceived ideas which may affect the visits or the results. Quite frankly I had no idea what to expect the chap could be useless, very good, a nutter I simply had no idea what to expect.
I also haven't given out any details of who the coach is, my reasoning for that is to wait until the course is over when I will reveal the details as I have agreed to put an advert of the site for him. I will be honest in my assessment of the results. If it works I will be delighted if it doesn't does that mean it won't work for everyone I don't know, the simple fact is many sportsmen have a psychologist who works with them, a few I have spotted on the Internet include most of the top golfers, Poulter, Faldo, Woods. Tennis players have a broad team to help them which includes Murray and most of the top players. Baseball, bowling, darts athletics and even footballers.
For all these groups to take part there must be something of value in it. So here we go.
I arrived at his house and was warmly welcomed he has a nice snooker room with an office attached. We sat and talked for a while and I undertook a small test or exam to find out a little bit more about what type of person I am. The test showed I responded more to visual signs.
After an hour which went very quickly we began to talk about the main areas of dealing with nerves which may affect my game and try to put these into groups or types which could be dealt with. We touched one how different people deal with stress and anxiety.
We also dealt with the different areas of sports coaching available. I never realised how complicated this subject actually was, a bit like billiards there are unlimited options and approaches to the subject. I think the conclusion is that I need a cross between relaxation techniques and peak performance coaching. Each sportsman and the sport they play requires a different approach to get the required result.
My game would benefit from being more relaxed and playing my practice game as my match game so we began to try some relaxation techniques and how to put myself into the zone.
The zone is that relaxed state where the game seems easy every shot is simple and easy and nothing affects you. I have experienced this many times when you get to the table and everything happens for you. I have also had my fair share of games where nothing goes right no matter what you do.
The 3 hours, yep three hours went by in a flash it only seemed like a few minutes. I really enjoyed it, is there something to this? Well yes I really do think that this chap knows his stuff and this might actually be something of great use and not just in sport but in other areas of life. I have tried to keep a clear mind on the subject which has helped. I can see there are ways/areas where I can relax and attempt to get into the zone.
We also talked about energy levels and projecting these energy levels out to other people. This can manifest itself in looking positive, arrogant, bored, down in the dumps and various other feelings. The main thing it took from this was the ability to project an energy level or attitude greater than your opponent. For example if my opponent sees that I am brimming with confidence right from the start what will he feel. He could be confident as well but if I am giving off an aura or energy level greater than him he will begin to feel less confident so I am in effect feeding off his energy levels to bolster my own which gives me an immediate advantage.
It's actually quite hard to describe some of the things we discussed as they seem a bit odd when I am trying to recall them. They seemed to make sense at the time and certainly has given me food for thought. When I look back on matches when I have played badly what signals did I give my opponent I can think of one game in particular where I remember being very down because he was getting all the luck, I let it get to me because after the game I realised the luck was actually quite even. He must have sensed this.
Looking forward to next weeks session now and will try to spent 5 minutes every day just relaxing to try and get in to the zone.
I have avoided looking to much up prior to the visits as I wanted a clear head and no preconceived ideas which may affect the visits or the results. Quite frankly I had no idea what to expect the chap could be useless, very good, a nutter I simply had no idea what to expect.
I also haven't given out any details of who the coach is, my reasoning for that is to wait until the course is over when I will reveal the details as I have agreed to put an advert of the site for him. I will be honest in my assessment of the results. If it works I will be delighted if it doesn't does that mean it won't work for everyone I don't know, the simple fact is many sportsmen have a psychologist who works with them, a few I have spotted on the Internet include most of the top golfers, Poulter, Faldo, Woods. Tennis players have a broad team to help them which includes Murray and most of the top players. Baseball, bowling, darts athletics and even footballers.
For all these groups to take part there must be something of value in it. So here we go.
I arrived at his house and was warmly welcomed he has a nice snooker room with an office attached. We sat and talked for a while and I undertook a small test or exam to find out a little bit more about what type of person I am. The test showed I responded more to visual signs.
After an hour which went very quickly we began to talk about the main areas of dealing with nerves which may affect my game and try to put these into groups or types which could be dealt with. We touched one how different people deal with stress and anxiety.
We also dealt with the different areas of sports coaching available. I never realised how complicated this subject actually was, a bit like billiards there are unlimited options and approaches to the subject. I think the conclusion is that I need a cross between relaxation techniques and peak performance coaching. Each sportsman and the sport they play requires a different approach to get the required result.
My game would benefit from being more relaxed and playing my practice game as my match game so we began to try some relaxation techniques and how to put myself into the zone.
The zone is that relaxed state where the game seems easy every shot is simple and easy and nothing affects you. I have experienced this many times when you get to the table and everything happens for you. I have also had my fair share of games where nothing goes right no matter what you do.
The 3 hours, yep three hours went by in a flash it only seemed like a few minutes. I really enjoyed it, is there something to this? Well yes I really do think that this chap knows his stuff and this might actually be something of great use and not just in sport but in other areas of life. I have tried to keep a clear mind on the subject which has helped. I can see there are ways/areas where I can relax and attempt to get into the zone.
We also talked about energy levels and projecting these energy levels out to other people. This can manifest itself in looking positive, arrogant, bored, down in the dumps and various other feelings. The main thing it took from this was the ability to project an energy level or attitude greater than your opponent. For example if my opponent sees that I am brimming with confidence right from the start what will he feel. He could be confident as well but if I am giving off an aura or energy level greater than him he will begin to feel less confident so I am in effect feeding off his energy levels to bolster my own which gives me an immediate advantage.
It's actually quite hard to describe some of the things we discussed as they seem a bit odd when I am trying to recall them. They seemed to make sense at the time and certainly has given me food for thought. When I look back on matches when I have played badly what signals did I give my opponent I can think of one game in particular where I remember being very down because he was getting all the luck, I let it get to me because after the game I realised the luck was actually quite even. He must have sensed this.
Looking forward to next weeks session now and will try to spent 5 minutes every day just relaxing to try and get in to the zone.
Monday 22 February 2010
Practice / individuals Palace
Went to the palace with Steve Cannon for a practice he is coming to Malta and has decided to enter the competition to get thrashed so we have set out getting a bit of practice before the event as he has not played much billiards.
We played off handicaps i give him 80 start first to 100, I'm on -180 he still has to score the 100. The first game I played average Steve did fine getting a couple of 20's but I made it to 100 before him. The second game we decided to play as our individuals as we had been drawn against each other in the first round.
The second game was much better Steve has a 15 and a 10 and followed it with a 47 which was mainly potting but not a bad effort. I had hardly scored anything just 40 points but from no where banged in a really great 91. This still left me a bit behind but I managed to just get in front and win by 18 very close game.
We played a third game and I won by 5. He's not a bad billiards player he certainly know the half ball. Certainly my best break so far just cant quite make the 100 though 3 more reds.
Friday 19 February 2010
Manchester Snooker League - Fill In
Was supposed to play billiards with Steve Cannon last night but had to cancel due to working in the early hours.
Just getting ready for work when I get asked to play snooker for the Crucible as they were a man short. I could just fit it in on my way to work, managed to get there a 7 and managed a practice game with one of the young lads off the 'B' Team.
I beat him but it was a scrappy game and played our Captain Ady Ladkin a quick frame, it was quick he potted a red and a blue, I went mad and got a 52 and 31 in two visits. My best snooker performance for a while.
My match was a little disappointing I was getting 5 start off a young lad who was quite a good potter as they all are. I managed to get 20 in front and played a shot to nothing on a red. Got the half ball red and ended up going in the top bag.
This left a free ball as the pack was covered with pink and blue. He potted the green and got a 15 break. I played safe again and left him tucked up on the top rail. He hits the pack very thick and flukes a red then proceeds to make 37 from it. I played safe and got a couple of snookers and a couple of the last reds. I played safe on the yellow which he smacked into the center bag and clears up.
I didn't really do anything wrong but that's the way it goes sometimes.
Just getting ready for work when I get asked to play snooker for the Crucible as they were a man short. I could just fit it in on my way to work, managed to get there a 7 and managed a practice game with one of the young lads off the 'B' Team.
I beat him but it was a scrappy game and played our Captain Ady Ladkin a quick frame, it was quick he potted a red and a blue, I went mad and got a 52 and 31 in two visits. My best snooker performance for a while.
My match was a little disappointing I was getting 5 start off a young lad who was quite a good potter as they all are. I managed to get 20 in front and played a shot to nothing on a red. Got the half ball red and ended up going in the top bag.
This left a free ball as the pack was covered with pink and blue. He potted the green and got a 15 break. I played safe again and left him tucked up on the top rail. He hits the pack very thick and flukes a red then proceeds to make 37 from it. I played safe and got a couple of snookers and a couple of the last reds. I played safe on the yellow which he smacked into the center bag and clears up.
I didn't really do anything wrong but that's the way it goes sometimes.
Wednesday 17 February 2010
The Mental Side
I mentioned a few days ago I am going to see a sport psychologist. This is taking place on next Monday. I am very hopeful of a positive result. My research has convinced me this will have an effect on my game. I think the mind contributes 20-45% to the game.
Watch this space after Monday for my reactions and initial thoughts. I have a feeling this could be quite interesting for everyone.
Watch this space after Monday for my reactions and initial thoughts. I have a feeling this could be quite interesting for everyone.
Practice Silktown / New Mill V Lindley
Met up with Wayne Holbrook over at Macclesfield and had a really nice 3 hour session/practice.
We just played with no pressure and discussed shots as they occurred.
He had just had his cue repaired he broke the top half a few weeks back but had managed to buy a new top. He seemed to play well with it. His potting was fantastic today. He never missed a pot all day.
The only thing that bothers me is I think he is neglecting the other parts of the game next time we should practice his long losers. Mine are much better and my resulting position is much better.
Wayne never misses the half ball shots but when the shot needs to be varied a little he struggles.
That said his potting more than makes up for it.
He shot ahead by about 120 points mainly by potting, but eventually he ran out of pots and I pegged him back and got about 50 ahead. Right at the end he managed to get a fine 54 which was a lovely example of potting with the odd cannon to keep him going and he followed it with a 23.
We both had lots of small breaks around the 20-30 mark and it was an interesting day, it's always good to play Wayne as he is a tough player to beat and fairly local.
I was off to New Mill at 7.30 for our match with Brian Cousens team. He really is a great player for an old guy his follow through on his shots is awesome he must push the cue through by 18inches on each shot. he sort off throws the cue out. He managed a 62 and a 53 and followed it with a couple of 20-30 breaks.
I went on second and played the younger member of their team, he is really slow. think of a very slow Eddie Charlton with a little Cliff Thorburn thrown in, then give him a zimmer frame. Yep that's about right. I would rather play a flowing game but that's the draw for you.
I won fairly easily again. He is a potter and I left the red tied up and played cannons off his ball. Eventually he left me a few chances and at the end I got a couple of small breaks 18ish to win by 44.
Peter Atkinson went on last and ended up 60 behind but managed to pull it back to only lose by 18.
Lost 2-1 we really needed to win our last two games to stand any chance of the runner up spot. Our only hope is the other teams slip up and we win our last game 3 nil.
We just played with no pressure and discussed shots as they occurred.
He had just had his cue repaired he broke the top half a few weeks back but had managed to buy a new top. He seemed to play well with it. His potting was fantastic today. He never missed a pot all day.
The only thing that bothers me is I think he is neglecting the other parts of the game next time we should practice his long losers. Mine are much better and my resulting position is much better.
Wayne never misses the half ball shots but when the shot needs to be varied a little he struggles.
That said his potting more than makes up for it.
He shot ahead by about 120 points mainly by potting, but eventually he ran out of pots and I pegged him back and got about 50 ahead. Right at the end he managed to get a fine 54 which was a lovely example of potting with the odd cannon to keep him going and he followed it with a 23.
We both had lots of small breaks around the 20-30 mark and it was an interesting day, it's always good to play Wayne as he is a tough player to beat and fairly local.
I was off to New Mill at 7.30 for our match with Brian Cousens team. He really is a great player for an old guy his follow through on his shots is awesome he must push the cue through by 18inches on each shot. he sort off throws the cue out. He managed a 62 and a 53 and followed it with a couple of 20-30 breaks.
I went on second and played the younger member of their team, he is really slow. think of a very slow Eddie Charlton with a little Cliff Thorburn thrown in, then give him a zimmer frame. Yep that's about right. I would rather play a flowing game but that's the draw for you.
I won fairly easily again. He is a potter and I left the red tied up and played cannons off his ball. Eventually he left me a few chances and at the end I got a couple of small breaks 18ish to win by 44.
Peter Atkinson went on last and ended up 60 behind but managed to pull it back to only lose by 18.
Lost 2-1 we really needed to win our last two games to stand any chance of the runner up spot. Our only hope is the other teams slip up and we win our last game 3 nil.
Friday 12 February 2010
Stalybridge League V Mossley B
Berry Cup match. The team lost 3-2. An interesting match Mark Carrington Lost in the Snooker Singles and so did Steve Cannon it was left to me and Mick to win in the Billiards.
I played another potter a young lad I was giving him 80 start first to 100. He started off with a 10 all pots and felt quite good despite being very tired from working all week. I have had to do a bit more as my wifes work is really desperate at the moment and my boss has picked up a few new contracts.
He broke off and I scored 18 first visit off. It's a lovely table for billiards quite tight in the middle bags but very fast. So doesn't really suit potting the slightest touch on the edge of a bag and the ball bounces out. My average for the game must have been quite high as I hardly had a shot when I didn't score. I got breaks of 21,21,23,25,27 and I finished with an 18 unfinished.
Although I didn't get any big break I was delighted with my game I would rather have all these little breaks than one big one. A few people have told me not to get big break fever and they are right lots of breaks are much better than the odd large one.
I played another potter a young lad I was giving him 80 start first to 100. He started off with a 10 all pots and felt quite good despite being very tired from working all week. I have had to do a bit more as my wifes work is really desperate at the moment and my boss has picked up a few new contracts.
He broke off and I scored 18 first visit off. It's a lovely table for billiards quite tight in the middle bags but very fast. So doesn't really suit potting the slightest touch on the edge of a bag and the ball bounces out. My average for the game must have been quite high as I hardly had a shot when I didn't score. I got breaks of 21,21,23,25,27 and I finished with an 18 unfinished.
Although I didn't get any big break I was delighted with my game I would rather have all these little breaks than one big one. A few people have told me not to get big break fever and they are right lots of breaks are much better than the odd large one.
Wednesday 10 February 2010
NewMill B V Brockholes Bowling Club
Off to Brockholes which a nice little club just down the road from New Mill. Arrived late but never mind.
We got thrashed 3 Nil by the Peakers and Crew. I played David Peaker which was an absolute pleasure he is such a great player he has all the shots and managed a couple of 27 breaks and a nice 43. It ended up a close game but he always had the edge on me I didn't do anything wrong but never really got going.
It's always quite difficult to play in a Sauna, they had the heating on full blast must have been 100 degrees. The one thing I would say it that David and his son are an absolute credit to the Billiard World. They are true gentlemen and a pleasure to get thrashed by. They always ask how my game is going and look at the blog and take a genuine interest in everything I do.
Flights booked for Malta looking forward to that now.
We got thrashed 3 Nil by the Peakers and Crew. I played David Peaker which was an absolute pleasure he is such a great player he has all the shots and managed a couple of 27 breaks and a nice 43. It ended up a close game but he always had the edge on me I didn't do anything wrong but never really got going.
It's always quite difficult to play in a Sauna, they had the heating on full blast must have been 100 degrees. The one thing I would say it that David and his son are an absolute credit to the Billiard World. They are true gentlemen and a pleasure to get thrashed by. They always ask how my game is going and look at the blog and take a genuine interest in everything I do.
Flights booked for Malta looking forward to that now.
Monday 8 February 2010
Marks first Game
Last Thursday marked an historic day, my Friend and mainly snooker player Mark Carrington finally took the plunge and had his first Billiard Match other than practicing with me.
I had a match over in Macclesfield which left Stalybridge short of a Billiard player as there was no way I make both matches as they were 35 miles apart, normally I have managed to play both but the distance was just to great. He was playing at the Parkbridge institute which has the Victorian Snooker room with the Coal Fire.
So Mark stepped in and I missed the game. He has been playing really well in practice lately his control of the balls in particular around the black spot is impressive so I was hoping for a win. He was giving 70 start to a young player and slowly found his feet when he got into positive scoring he came alive and had a 30 and a 20 to win a great first win.
Well done Mark a few more months practice and a few matches and you will be giving up the snooker.
I popped over to Silktown, Macclesfield and only just made the game as both the first games were really quick. I played a potter he was on the same handicap as me and all he wanted to do was pot. He reminded me of Wayne Holbrook a few months back or indeed myself when I first started playing.
He keep potting and made the odd little cannon and managed to get about 50 in front before he left me anything. I stuck to the task and kept getting small breaks around the 15 mark. He was on 130 and I just made 100. I decided to change tactics as I did in the last EBOS event against Brian Moffat and after a few minutes formulated a new game play.
This was the first time I had really come up with a set plan, this being if I am playing a great potter then the way to stop them potting is to not leave the red in an open position. So I deliberately played the red on to the cushion and played inoff his white ball.
I am quite happy playing in off all day in the middle and top but he had hardly played an inoff all through the match. So I stuck with the task and played off his ball and ignored the red unless I could get a small cannon onto the ball.
If there was no shot on I would not pot his ball but leave the balls spread apart. He then thought it would be a good idea to play safe as well, So I played safe for about 15 shots. I then thought why not go for long distance cannons as well all round the angles.
I did this several times and as the red was close to the side cushion it makes the cannon quite easy as you have a large area to play at.
After 15 minutes of this he was really struggling he simply had no idea how to respond. He started potting my ball but of course that leaves me in the D so I have lots of positional choices for a cannon and loser. He also started to miss a few pots as he got frustrated. I looked at the scoreboard and after only a few minutes realised I had scored 90 mainly in 8-10s and fouls where he missed double baulks and needed 4 to win he was on 162 I rang in the 4 in two losers and won.
He commented after the game that I had not left him anything for 40 minutes and I pointed out there was simply no future in potting and that he really should learn the half ball. I have only ever seem 50-70 breaks made to extensive use of potting and they a few and far between.
Once you understand that you can get a inoff or cannon almost anywhere on the table a potter should not trouble you to much no matter how good they are.
The win was nice but it was pure tactics that got me going. I never realised the power of tactics in this game. It was only after advice from people like Phil Davis, Michael White and Roger Morgan that I have started to put together tactics in any real effective pattern, it has taken 10 months to develop my game to the stage where I have been able to compete/score and included any form of defensive play. This was another of those turning points I have experienced it's another thing to add to my billiards game.
I have been approached by a Sports Psychologist with a view to some mind sessions in particular dealing with nerves and match tension. After reading Geets rather strange book which has a couple of hidden gems tucked away maybe this is the next stage to tackle. I have learnt as much as I can about Billiards in the last 10 months maybe the next stage is the mental side of the game. Most people believe that Billiards is 15-40% in the mind. There does seem to be something in this so I have decided to take up his offer and will fully report every detail on the blog for the everyone. Who knows maybe breaking down on 55 in a match was due to nerves or lack of concentration.
Full report over the next four weeks.
High Break in practice now 91 getting very close now.
I had a match over in Macclesfield which left Stalybridge short of a Billiard player as there was no way I make both matches as they were 35 miles apart, normally I have managed to play both but the distance was just to great. He was playing at the Parkbridge institute which has the Victorian Snooker room with the Coal Fire.
So Mark stepped in and I missed the game. He has been playing really well in practice lately his control of the balls in particular around the black spot is impressive so I was hoping for a win. He was giving 70 start to a young player and slowly found his feet when he got into positive scoring he came alive and had a 30 and a 20 to win a great first win.
Well done Mark a few more months practice and a few matches and you will be giving up the snooker.
I popped over to Silktown, Macclesfield and only just made the game as both the first games were really quick. I played a potter he was on the same handicap as me and all he wanted to do was pot. He reminded me of Wayne Holbrook a few months back or indeed myself when I first started playing.
He keep potting and made the odd little cannon and managed to get about 50 in front before he left me anything. I stuck to the task and kept getting small breaks around the 15 mark. He was on 130 and I just made 100. I decided to change tactics as I did in the last EBOS event against Brian Moffat and after a few minutes formulated a new game play.
This was the first time I had really come up with a set plan, this being if I am playing a great potter then the way to stop them potting is to not leave the red in an open position. So I deliberately played the red on to the cushion and played inoff his white ball.
I am quite happy playing in off all day in the middle and top but he had hardly played an inoff all through the match. So I stuck with the task and played off his ball and ignored the red unless I could get a small cannon onto the ball.
If there was no shot on I would not pot his ball but leave the balls spread apart. He then thought it would be a good idea to play safe as well, So I played safe for about 15 shots. I then thought why not go for long distance cannons as well all round the angles.
I did this several times and as the red was close to the side cushion it makes the cannon quite easy as you have a large area to play at.
After 15 minutes of this he was really struggling he simply had no idea how to respond. He started potting my ball but of course that leaves me in the D so I have lots of positional choices for a cannon and loser. He also started to miss a few pots as he got frustrated. I looked at the scoreboard and after only a few minutes realised I had scored 90 mainly in 8-10s and fouls where he missed double baulks and needed 4 to win he was on 162 I rang in the 4 in two losers and won.
He commented after the game that I had not left him anything for 40 minutes and I pointed out there was simply no future in potting and that he really should learn the half ball. I have only ever seem 50-70 breaks made to extensive use of potting and they a few and far between.
Once you understand that you can get a inoff or cannon almost anywhere on the table a potter should not trouble you to much no matter how good they are.
The win was nice but it was pure tactics that got me going. I never realised the power of tactics in this game. It was only after advice from people like Phil Davis, Michael White and Roger Morgan that I have started to put together tactics in any real effective pattern, it has taken 10 months to develop my game to the stage where I have been able to compete/score and included any form of defensive play. This was another of those turning points I have experienced it's another thing to add to my billiards game.
I have been approached by a Sports Psychologist with a view to some mind sessions in particular dealing with nerves and match tension. After reading Geets rather strange book which has a couple of hidden gems tucked away maybe this is the next stage to tackle. I have learnt as much as I can about Billiards in the last 10 months maybe the next stage is the mental side of the game. Most people believe that Billiards is 15-40% in the mind. There does seem to be something in this so I have decided to take up his offer and will fully report every detail on the blog for the everyone. Who knows maybe breaking down on 55 in a match was due to nerves or lack of concentration.
Full report over the next four weeks.
High Break in practice now 91 getting very close now.
Wednesday 3 February 2010
New Mill V Milnsbridge
Over the New Mill Again. Very cold and Icy a fresh covering of Snow over the Woodhead, will this winter never end.
Took it really easy -5 over the top and still snowing rather worried about getting back, Mark Carrington decided to come as well I told him to bring his cue in case we got chance for a knock after.
John Bowden went on first and seemed to be playing very well loads of 20 breaks nearly every visit, he won an easy victory. I went on second again giving about 40 start. I won but did not play that well, I seemed to have no running at all every time I missed I left him on when he missed I got nothing. I managed a 20 and an 18 which put me in front and I won by 30 points.
Peter Atkinson went on last and played quite well and managed to win by quite a lot. His opponent did cause a bit of an atmosphere. The lads will know what I mean by this.!
A 3-0 win was quite nice we have only had one 3 nil which is why we are now third in the league. We have won more than most but that extra point really counts.
Mike was playing on the other table and eventually left and Mark managed to get a few games of snooker in on the other table. looked like he was struggling a bit but he managed a couple of 50 breaks. I had a game of Billiards with Peter we both played well I got a couple of 30s and Peter got a really nice 41, virtually all cannons. Well done mate nice break.
Took it really easy -5 over the top and still snowing rather worried about getting back, Mark Carrington decided to come as well I told him to bring his cue in case we got chance for a knock after.
John Bowden went on first and seemed to be playing very well loads of 20 breaks nearly every visit, he won an easy victory. I went on second again giving about 40 start. I won but did not play that well, I seemed to have no running at all every time I missed I left him on when he missed I got nothing. I managed a 20 and an 18 which put me in front and I won by 30 points.
Peter Atkinson went on last and played quite well and managed to win by quite a lot. His opponent did cause a bit of an atmosphere. The lads will know what I mean by this.!
A 3-0 win was quite nice we have only had one 3 nil which is why we are now third in the league. We have won more than most but that extra point really counts.
Mike was playing on the other table and eventually left and Mark managed to get a few games of snooker in on the other table. looked like he was struggling a bit but he managed a couple of 50 breaks. I had a game of Billiards with Peter we both played well I got a couple of 30s and Peter got a really nice 41, virtually all cannons. Well done mate nice break.
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