What is the best way to get used to a full size table?

[daoc2006]

Hi,

I would like some advice on how to get used to the angles and distances of the potting on a full size table. I usually play on an 8 foot table in a pub which is fairly good. But I would like to really try and improve my play on a full size table.

I did play on one today for a good 3 hours. It was really lovely to play on. Quite tough at the beginning but i kind of got used to it a bit. My main problem is just adjusting. Oh and long pots on a full size - VERY hard.

I think one of my problems is just not being able to see clearly some angles when the distance between the balls are more than 7 foot.

To some extent. If you are a bit short sighted, are you basically going to struggle?

[bongo]

Experience of Experience

I think the word you are expecting to hear for this answer is the annoying term experience. Yes, it can only be learnt when you have served the 'apprentiship'. To me, a full size Snooker table is very small, long shots just look quite close really. I am short sighted, I don't wear specialist Snooker glasses, or indeed any glasses at all for Snooker, I don't struggle, at this moment, I am wearing glasses, I don't wear them for Snooker, I don't struggle, but with glasses for Snooker it would be a lot clearer.

My advice would be to just stick at it, and just try to adjust to the angles if you make a mistake, practice long shots and don't expect your game to suddenly improve over night. For your current game situation on the table, try to get a qualified coach to help your actual technique, as the 'theory of Snooker' which I like to call it, is the furthest online coaching can go, the coach with you at the table assists you to 'put it into your game' if you know what I mean.

It is a vague question, what are you exactly struggling on, is it your cueing, you think you cannot send the cue ball straight? or uncomfortable technique on the table to consistently strike the cue ball were you want to?

Tables can affect the difficultly of 'playing the angles'. A nice, level table with a nice cloth and cushions, not worn, seem to be easier to play the angles than a worn, not-level table, it is harder to control. It is something I have found, it isn't a perfectly true statement, but I have found from my experience what I have put above.

As I mentioned, it is a difficult question to answer online, but I hope what I have put here helps you.

Good luck, and do tell us how you get on!

bongo

[daoc2006]

Thanks for your reply on the forum, some great points and a great help. I think my main problem is that word experience. I dont have many hours under my belt on a full size. All though I wasnt doing bad at all by the end of my practice session. Its just a question of getting fully used to all the angles, distances and things involved.

My cue action I think is not so bad. Some of the players down my end think I have some good potential, they also mension that I could develop into a pretty handy player also because I am also very strong on left handed shots also when I need them. (I can pot very nearly as well on short range / mid range as right handed and do fairly deep ish screws and good top spin left handed so that cuts down rest play)

I will be going down tomorrow for another practice for 2 hours. I think I have to just get used to the distances and angles, they are different from an 8 foot table for example. Which of course all comes from experience.

I think you would agree with this though. A full size table is really beautiful to play on though, you have so much room and balls dont keep covering up each other etc.

One extra thing, I dont know about you but at the moment it takes pretty immense concentration to play on a full size because of the size, anything can be missed if you are not as familar with the size as I will be overtime.

One other thing is the manivuring of the cue ball over longer distances is tough. I think my cue power isnt so bad though. Today i was practising deep screws. Dead straight black off spot I managed to screw the cue ball back off the cushion to land right on the side of the table on the cushion. About 8 feet all together ish or slightly more.

[Blondie]

Hi,

I would like some advice on how to get used to the angles and distances of the potting on a full size table. I usually play on an 8 foot table in a pub which is fairly good. But I would like to really try and improve my play on a full size table.

I did play on one today for a good 3 hours. It was really lovely to play on. Quite tough at the beginning but i kind of got used to it a bit. My main problem is just adjusting. Oh and long pots on a full size - VERY hard.

I think one of my problems is just not being able to see clearly some angles when the distance between the balls are more than 7 foot.

To some extent. If you are a bit short sighted, are you basically going to struggle?

..........don't know if you've tried this practice drill Daoc, in the vid below, [21 ball line up from middle pocket to opposite middle pocket, cue ball at baulk]. I use regularly, helps you to get a 'feel' for 'angles at distance', plus also helps increase 'long potting accuracy' at distance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm9CbohRMcU&feature=related

And as you can see, takes a while to get into it, the drill looks a lot easier in the vid than what it is in reality, but I'd recommend it to you.

Good luck with it all....

[daoc2006]

Well, no I dont know anyone who is well up on the game and dont really have any suitable practice partner. I have a mate who likes snooker but hes one of those who doesnt really take it all that seriously + he does Everything wrong.

An excerise Ive been doing recently is just spreading all the balls on the table and potting randomly, that way Im sure to get used to alot of angles and pots after a bit.

I will try that excerice to, for long potting like in that vid.

Thanks for the help.

[CoachGavin]

Perhaps you could find someone on here to play on a regular basis? Coaching might also benefit you. It all depends where you live really. Most people on here are keen players and probably wouldnt mind giving you a game.