Dec 12 2004
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
I am often approached by players who say “I want to get better. How do I become a better player?” They may play in leagues or play socially with their friends, but they insist they want to take their game to the ‘next level.’ That’s great. I’m always very excited to meet or hear from any player who is as interested and as passionate about this game as I am. I am very willing to share any experience or insight that might be helpful, upon request.
Well, here’s the catch. Ya’ gotta put your money where your mouth is. Meaning, most of the time, when players ask me what I’ve been doing to improve my game, they don’t realize that not only do I read about pool, watch and study the pros, and take formal instruction I also put in the time. I practice for hours and hours a day and that’s the only way I have been able to come as far as I have in the past six months. My practice is structured to focus on specific areas of my game. I practice with a purpose and I don’t just bang balls around.
Practice, to me, does not mean playing in leagues or playing socially. Practice means, as The Monk tells us: taking action, measuring my progress, making adjustments, and consistently repeating these steps. I have a regimented practice program that I follow. Any player that does not believe that this will benefit them has either not given it a serious try or was not working on the right things. You cannot develop your fundamentals by playing in leagues and tournaments every night.
When other players ask me what they can do to improve their game, my number one answer is always “practice,” because no amount of accumulated knowledge can compare to the training and conditioning of your body. It is not productive to complain about your progress if you are not working hard. I encourage you to get out to the table and hit balls.
It saddens me to see players with great potential not give themselves a chance because they don’t take the time to strengthen their weaknesses. It offends me when people think that I have accomplished so much simply with instruction and videos alone. On the contrary, if I don’t practice at least a couple hours a day, I notice an immediate difference in my stroke.
The bottom line is: Actions speak louder than words. Don’t be disappointed by your performance when you’re not playing up to your potential. The only way to improve is to invest the time. No amount of instruction, leagues/tournaments, books, or videos will help you accomplish your goals if you don’t help yourself. Practice is fun. Let’s pile rocks.
Thanks to all the readers for your constant support.
