John Schmidt Talks About Pool Fundamentals (Video)

This is Part 1 of 3 parts on fundamentals. It was very cool to hear someone of John's caliber talk about what he feels is important. I found some of these insights very helpful. I think you will too.

It’s no coincidence that many top poker players are equally skilled at the pool table -- and you can’t chalk it all up to The Color of Money style hustling that many gamblers gravitate towards. Many of the same skills necessary to play poker well are the very same ones that excellent pool players possess, especially when it comes to the ability to stay focused for hours at a time and all of the necessary practice and preparation that goes on behind the scenes.

Competing in pool is different than playing for fun with your friends or practicing. Competing implies that your primary intent... is to win the game or the match. This should not be confused with your focus during each shot, which should not involve the idea of winning or losing, missing or making the ball but a very present moment awareness with little or no thoughts at all. The actual shot dynamics is its own topic (check out the question/answer about approaching each shot.)

Competing is not a time for practicing or experimenting but a time to apply what you have practiced. The idea of "playing the percentages" has more to do with your overall strategy to give yourself the best chance of winning...

In many past articles, I’ve focused the fundamental mechanics of playing solid pool. Much of the information I have given has been in the shape of principles as they relate to alignment, aiming, stroke and mental effectiveness. Hopefully some of the ideas, tips and “secrets” I have given you have provided benefit to your game. The fact that we are all a little different in form and ability, and the fact that there are players who have success with many different styles proves that there is no ONE way of playing pool right. However, tried and true fundamentals hold up over time and under pressure...

In this new addition to the private lesson video series, John goes through a rack of nine ball and mentions some key points. If you're like me, you'd really appreciate knowing what a champion like John Schmidt considers in order to run out a rack. Here's another opportunity...

PoolBum Gear is now open for business. I am busy building my inventory but there are lots of pool books to check out and a growing inventory of cues. Stop by if you just want to "window shop" or are in the market for some strong educational books or DVDs to bring up your game.

Pool has been described as 20% mechanics and 80% mental. I don't think "mental" is the right word for the 80% that's not physical. "Mental/Emotional" comes a little closer to the truth but isn't it either. The way I see it, 20% mechanics, 10% mental (your thought processes and tactical planning) and 70% something else would better describe it. What is that "something else?"

There may not be a single word for the relaxed focus and clear headed determination (without trying too hard) that is key to playing top notch pool. However, there is a single word for an opponent's attempts to disturb that "something else." - Sharking.

Playing pool is like dancing. Not only your shooting form, but also your movements in-between shots. The way you walk, carry your cue, chalk up, look at the table, line up, and eventually stroke the cue all give clues to how well you play as well as effect your results on the table.