SO ACTUALLY- a BIG shout out to Rob for allowing me to film! I never thanked him in the video! And allow me to plug CAMELBACK CROSSFIT right here! Rob is actually the owner, and this entire team is part of the crew there. They are all in great shape, lookin like the Top Gun Beach Volleyball Scene Stand-in’s everytime they walk into our hall 💪🏼 and he leads by example… pretty sure he could squat my Honda… Clearly their formula works at Camelback Crossfit if anyone is looking to get back in shape in the new year!!!
LMAO that line is TRADEMARKED my guy!! 😂 I WILL be back with another rack soon-ish. Finishing up some other projects. But I see you’ve been holding it DOWN for us! Love all the new stuff you’re adding. But yea…be back soon!!
I couldn’t believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤯🤯🤯 I’m happy I filmed this so shortly after that, because I was excited man. Love it when the team comes together like that! Thanks Kirk!!!! 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼
Only since you asked 😂....check out your alignment on the break, rack two for example. The back of your cue is out to the (your) right and you're striking the CB with a tad bit of left, causing you to not hit the head ball completely square (which you can tell from the CB going to the long rail after contact). The first and last racks were better and you did pocket a ball on those. I noticed this in your last video too where you commented on dry breaks, your alignment was the same and you were hitting the right side of the head ball pretty consistently. So, I'll disagree with others who are advising to move the CB around. I think sharpening up your alignment a bit is the key here 👊🏻😎
Well shit D………. Lol……… that is seriously enlightening…… 🤯…. I have not noticed that before!…….. Making this video was now worth it LOL thank you dude haha I will work on slowing it down a little to ensure proper alignment + contact!
@drewvonporte Absolutely, no problem! I try not to offer unsolicited advice or critiques on people's game because I know it can come across as arrogant or condescending, even if that wasn't the intent. But since you genuinely seemed to be asking for some feedback, I thought I'd give my input. And I'm certainly not an expert on the matter, but I do think the line up and just off square contact with the head ball is at the heart of the dry break issue. Of course there always is the possibility that, for the first time ever in my life, I'm wrong here😂🤣 I break head on as well and when the hit is good and square, the cue ball will land and sit somewhere around center table and a ball from the second row will go into the side pocket. That's typically my goal on the break. The slowing down that you mentioned will certainly help as well. When I feel like my break is suffering, making sure that I'm not rushing thru the back swing is one of the first things I'll focus in on.
@@drewvonporteAlso, I just realized that the way I worded that was likely confusing...by "second rack" and "first and last racks" I actually meant "second rack that you broke" and "first rack that you broke" and didn't mean first and second racks of the game!! Annoying that I didn't catch that!
Lol I had to watch all 4 of my breaks to piece it together but I got it!! 🤣🤣 No I really think you are on to something here man, and finally seeing a major flaw in the break! It’s perfect
Elevating the cue a couple degrees helped my head ball break . It floats across the felt as opposed to rolling - minimizing friction maximizing energy transfer - and it often squats center table
Jerry thank you man!!! I felt totally screwed that whole rack until that LAST safety. I remember walking over to Ron and saying “Okay… that should do it… whew…” Thanks man!! 👊🏼👊🏼
My breaks always had good spread, but a lot of dryness :D For me what started to make a difference was to move the cue ball up to the first diamond on the long rail and 1 1/3 diamonds on the short rail. Then I just set the cue on the rail and use index and middle finger to provide support. Hit the head ball dead center focusing more on the stroke and follow through than adding a ton of power. I'm making more balls on the break and get about the same spread. Disclaimer: Others that have tried it say it doesn't work for them, so who knows, but I guess it's worth a try haha
Also been watching a lot of Ultimate Pool and after watching Chris Melling I've been trying to be more conscious of hitting my breakouts with more control and not just smashing into things at full speed. That's one of the first things I noticed is how he often just tickles the balls so now I'm trying to do more ball tickling myself.
Dude I’m all about the ball ticklin’ right now… idk WHY I fired at that breakout 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️ Chris is my hero, and often who I look to when I want to revamp some things in my game. Watching him FORCES me to slow my backstroke down, which we all know is a huge factor
@drewvonporte haha nice! And same, he's probably my favorite player to watch. So creative and smooth, sees the pattern in about 2 seconds. Great shooting btw!
Fun match to watch. Early in the match you talked a bit about combos. There’s an apa match with a 2 playing. Her opening shot she had ball in hand and set up on a combo. Ewe Lawerence was commentating and said never ever shoot a combo unless you have nothing else. Even the pros avoid combos because they’re easy to miss no matter how simple they look. I’ve noticed that with pro player matches. They will opt for safe rather than the conbo unless going for an easy 9 ball win. So, I avoid them as much as possible. I do have a bad habit of wanting to play caroms. I’m not very good at them, but too often think I can make that ball. That’s why I’m stuck as a 5-6.
Lol I do the same with caroms! I know George, I hear the same often from the pros, but the UP guys make it look easy 😩😩 As I read this, I’m watching Jayson Shaw at the Mosconi use ball-in-hand to combo the 5 and 6…… LOL 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Great shooting Drew. Next time you post scores from matches it might be a good idea to explain the APA scoring system. Those who don’t know APA may wonder why you won 5-0 and the score you put down in the chart was 3-0.
@@drewvonporte Lewis was wrong. Drew was right 😊😊😊😊 Congratulations on your recent nuptials. To stay happily married for a long time, memorize the following 3 words whether you mean them or not: 'I was wrong' (it's kept me married for 45 years now).
hey drew i am commenting on your question about how the hell do i improve my break, #1 not the most important but will help, buy a cue specifically for breaking. #2 much more important, practice breaking! i am talking 30 to 50 racks of just practice breaking the break shot is one of the most important shots of pool. is practicing breaking boring or monotonous ? well it is only you and how much effort you apply to the task at hand that will determine how your break develops. good luck and keep practicing. as doctor dave always says. love your channel keep it going good luck and bless the pool gods!
Hagan! Man I DO have a cue for breaking!! I’m debating on changing the tip though… should I go phenolic??? Or just a hard leather break tip?! I have been here and there, about 10 racks at a time… i did that tonight before our playoff match. Think it helped?!?
@6:25 Being on the rail hinders your touch. If safety, I like thinning the 10, top rail, and go to the top side of the 9 with the 14 as additional block. You have more of the cue which will increase your accuracy. @27:45 I like top to bounce up between the 8/4 for the 11 or 15. Skilled players fall into the low outside trap because if feels so natural, but too much traffic here. The recovery probably should have been a kick 1 pocket speed and leave the cue near the bottom rail. @35:15 Unfortunately, I can😂. Poor Ron Not much to critique here. You played well. Some very good safes from you, which I like to see. Congrats on 2nd place.
@6:25 when you’re right, you’re right ryu! Like I said, I never made a good decision on this shot unfortunately… just shot… poor form! @27:45 I like that. The kick crossed my mind, but I def woulda made it bc Idve had no shape!! 🤣🤣 Thank you Ryu!!! 💪🏼👊🏼💪🏼 Ron will dazzle you one day, you’ll see!
I’ve gotten better at combos lately by not focusing on 1st ball to second ball but 1st ball to cushion past second ball if that makes sense. Basically looking past the second ball and focusing on where I want to hit the cushion or sometimes edge of the pocket with the first ball.
1:36 a good shot is to take the 13 first and go to the rail and up into the left side of the 3. Clears your problem and the 15 (you shot first) would be great insurance in addition to the 9 or 14.
The cat’s right, per usual… Ya know, I just started dating combo’s again, after a really bad breakup in 2023…. I misread that and thought it was a much easier combo when I first analyzed the break! NO NEED to see a combo in that rack…. Iiiiidiot! Thank you 9Lives!!!!!!
@@drewvonporte 🤣🤣 I will not encourage that kind of self-talk. 🤣🤣 You have too good an attitude for that. As for my idea, you know I'm only suggesting and trying to help (but you know how much I like attacking the problem right away...if at all possible). Sometimes I'm afraid to say anything because cats take it the wrong way. I'm glad you're a cool cat! We're all trying to improve. 🎱💙
@@9livespool oh I know PoolCat! And I DO appreciate you chiming into my 8-ball scenarios! Very important to attack trouble 🤌🏼🤌🏼 you don’t have to convince me of that!
Different tip positions? Or different cue ball positions on the table?? 😅 I do kind of mess with different positions. I b*tched about dry breaks a lot here… but I actually made a ball on 2-3 breaks 🤣🤣 just used to complaining I guess
APA SL 6-6 here so take this with a grain of salt, but personally I’ve found much more success in 8 ball using a second ball break. I find the natural path of the balls in an 8 ball rack doesn’t lead toward pockets, so I embrace the randomness “required” to kiss a ball in with the second ball break. I would say I make a ball 8/10 times and have a shot on a ball very regularly as well. Hope this helps!
As I continue to watch the video I see you did mention the second ball break, I’d like to add that I find that the balls usually cluster at a somewhat specific speed and I can control that by breaking a bit herder or softer depending on the table. That being said, it’s a hand rack and everything on a break as a result is somewhat up to chance anyway
I am soooo hesitant to shoot the 2nd ball break Schwifty!! The clusters are NOT fun to deal with!! But- I did switch to a 2nd ball break briefly during tonight’s match. Gonna have to see how that went!!
@ I totally understand that! 8 ball on a bar box has enough traffic to navigate as it is, adding clusters is definitely not ideal! I switch my break up if I’m getting no love with the second ball, but as far as head ball breaking goes I just break from different places and hit em square, which you’re already doing, only other thing I can think of is to mess with the speed possibly. I’ll keep an eye out for the next vid!
Try and slightly elevate the cue on the break , it will lose less momentum on the way to the rack, and often pop and drop in the middle of the table - transferring all of its energy into the rack
Re tripod height. Why not put some compact weights together to take with you to add to the feet? @21:45 good thing you didn't break with clusters. :P @26:12 moderate draw from the 8 should have(?) missed the 12 and seen you safely to the short rail away from the corner. From what DrDave has suggested max draw may have seen you scratching in the cross corner.
You’re right that I should have tried to avoid 12 contact… total wild card 🥴🥴 The tripod top is a flexible steel bar that holds the camera, THAT’s whats wobbling… the feet are fine. But I think the wobble was a fluke, I will retry tonight in playoffs 🦃
Why an odd number of weeks? Are there buys? As to combos, get over the fear. You need them in your game. That and caroms. Play some straight pool. You will need both if you want to run balls. Some good suggestions and observations on your break. Remember Dr Dave? lol. Breaking from the center watch the 2 second balls. Rob always put 2 stripes there. The objective is to make one of the 2 stripes in the side. Most of your breaks they hit the side rail below the side pocket. Which means hit the cue ball a little lower. Happy Holidays. And congrats on MVP.
if you're still struggling on the break, try to learn to pop break. I've found I make balls a lot more if I can get that cueball in the air to avoid some traffic for a bit. Not sure if that has anything to do with it but just my experience. Can't hurt to test it out!
I can’t consistently POP …. But when I do, its always a good break!!! Good way to see that the cue ball avoids collisions when it’s got hangtime! I’ll add it to the list 😅
Here recently I havent been making a ball on 8 ball from hitting the head ball, so ive switched to the 2nd ball break and ive been making a ball more consistently, the problem is the spread isnt as good tho.
Hit topspin on your breaks and try and get a more square hit. A ball should drop in the side pocket and the cue ball should stay in the middle of the table if you hit it right
It sounds so easy…………………. I try this… hard to control for me. The topspin sometimes sends it flying forward. But THIS was the break I was using for a long time with success before the 💩hit the🪭!!! Haha thanks Eric!!! A good reminder
@@drewvonporteYou’re welcome, I also choke up on my grip to get a better snap. It’s ideal to be able to get the cue ball to jump slightly after contact with the head ball so the top spin wears off
For your break: SVB said the best odds of making a ball on the break is the have the cue to the right of where you have it on game 3. Try moving it to the right slightly past the the first diamond.
I know you watch UP, and if you look at how they break up balls, they def go into them much softer than you would expect, but really its just about going into them at the speed required right. As for stun over, not sure why you would think 600+ players don't stun over, I'd prob be inclined to stun that over, and imo its actually a safer shot when you are a little flat on the ball, because having to play top with spin from a little distance just isn't as accurate for most as a firm straight bottom stun. Looking forward to the UP trial run. There should be a special patch for a clean-sweep with no games lost, thats just crazy.
See, I feel like the UP guys absolutely demolish the break!! And get the cue bend and all that, but maybe it just varies between different players… or I’m not seeing it right. I’ve taken something off the break the past month, to no avail. So I’ve switched (like in this match) to absolutely crushing the break as hard as I can with SOME control. It seems like it helped, just getting more movement… but I will take it into consideration Adam. Yeah, ya know, after re-watching my commentary to do the edits, Idk why I said that about stunning over lol. I’ve got no script and say dumb things sometimes, and was WAITING for someone to say something about it haha right on cue dude. Right!!!! SUPER SWEEP!! Glad someone appreciated it! I couldn’t effing believe it!! (Though Sam let Ryan win 2 games… but didn’t let him score a point, no)
@@drewvonporte I meant breaking up clusters (that 9 breakout in the last rack). As for THE break, yes, hit it hard lol. They have a big advantage in UP tournys (and any high-level 8ball tourny), with new cloth, fresh balls, you get a nice tight rack with a lot of spread. Used cloth, used balls, even if all well maintained, you just have to hit it hard and hope, and every table, rack, racker etc is different, so I don't think there is really a 1-size-fits-all solution to the 8 break other than hit it hard and try a few breaks on the table you're playing on before league starts. I do this with 9ball often just to get a feel of how the wing-ball break is working. I will fallback to a 2nd ball break if the cloth or balls are subpar, just seem to get a better spread when facing poor playing conditions. Only suggestion I would have for the break would be to try and squat the cue ball in the middle, but when hitting hard thats easier said than done, and even with a lot of practice I still only pull that off cleanly
OooOoooOooo haha you are right man, they do the “cannons” so so softly… I’ve been doing that recently, but just went unhinged there for that one for some reason…. Ok, that makes me feel better that I should be cranking this break. I’ve been able to control it at this pace, so hopefully it will start to go in my favor 🤞🏼🤞🏼 Thanks for the tips! As always
@ I thought we still had the stronger team but I thought it would be closer. Doesn’t help when your two best players can’t seem to make a ball between them. Well played in this one. Another good video
Do you play 15 weeks? We need 6 to qualify to play in playoffs, city tournament… but 8 to qualify for MVP 6 isn’t enough!!! You can have a REALLY high PPM with only 6 👀👀👀
Like I said, Ron moved up to a 6 and then lost 5 straight until he went back down to a 5 😭 but its OK!!! It happens to all of us! He has now won… 7-8(?) straight!!! And LIKELY moving back to a 6 any minute now…. Don’t hang on your skill level too hard Kev, just play the table 👊🏼
Man I feel you gotta walk around the table more. I think there was a shot here to do a safety and break out your balls. One is off of the 7 and go one rail back behind the 4-8 cluster. Edit 21:13 is what I mean
It’s an axe throwing bar with 4 diamonds LOL I have never had anyone comment on floor distraction before??……….. what’s distracting?? More distracting than an elaborately ornate rug?…. Genuinely curious!!
Your hitting the rack to hard for the table. Figure out you soft med and hard breaks and in practice see which one gives you the best spread along with making at least one ball.
I’ve tinkered with this. On these tables it’s very hard for me to get a good spread with a soft break…. At least I think I will try and make 3 levels of breaks and chart them and see though!
1 ball width from the center diamond ..cue ball in-between 1st and 2cd diamond...and put just 1/2 tip top....1/2 tip outside.....that's the break.....tempo.....stroke through till the tip hits the felt... practice stroking all the way the joint in your standing warm ups bubba just to get the muscle memory....💪💯🦛
Hey Kirk! We had a rough start! We got 2 new guys, Tony’s brothers, on the team now. One of them, Joe, and myself won nonstop the first half of the session, while Ron lost 5-6 straight after becoming a 6. Now, Ron has won 7 straight, and bringing us back around!
Rob didn't skip leg day.
SO ACTUALLY- a BIG shout out to Rob for allowing me to film! I never thanked him in the video!
And allow me to plug CAMELBACK CROSSFIT right here! Rob is actually the owner, and this entire team is part of the crew there. They are all in great shape, lookin like the Top Gun Beach Volleyball Scene Stand-in’s everytime they walk into our hall 💪🏼 and he leads by example… pretty sure he could squat my Honda…
Clearly their formula works at Camelback Crossfit if anyone is looking to get back in shape in the new year!!!
First thing I noticed. Lol.
Who’s interested in how next week’s video is gonna turn out?!?! 🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♂️
LMAO that line is TRADEMARKED my guy!! 😂
I WILL be back with another rack soon-ish. Finishing up some other projects. But I see you’ve been holding it DOWN for us! Love all the new stuff you’re adding. But yea…be back soon!!
SNAP!!! BUSTED 🚨🚔🚨🚔!!!
Hahaha we’re patiently waiting!!!
Nice! We had a 14 point night once. It got us to first place for the session by one point. It was epic.
You played very well in this match . Game 3 defence was on point for sure , it won that game no doubt .
That was clutch!!! Thank you Scott!!! I couldn’t believe I actually came out on top there!!! 😮💨😮💨😮💨
Drew.... that was 4 good games of shooting. Nicely done.
4 eh?? OUCH!!!! How’d I do tonight though?!???
@@drewvonportemy bad... so easy looking I skipped one.
Congrats on getting into second place, bro!
I couldn’t believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤯🤯🤯
I’m happy I filmed this so shortly after that, because I was excited man. Love it when the team comes together like that!
Thanks Kirk!!!! 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼
Love the Wow.... Nice shooting Drew & the team too!
Danny B! Thank you!!!
Wow- Idk wtf I was thinking hahaha
@@drewvonporte in NYC you need 6 matches in a session to qualify for MVP! Little different.
Thats not enough!!! It’s easy to have 2.5 PPM in only 6 matches haha I had 13 this session btw 💪🏼💪🏼 hahaha
Only since you asked 😂....check out your alignment on the break, rack two for example. The back of your cue is out to the (your) right and you're striking the CB with a tad bit of left, causing you to not hit the head ball completely square (which you can tell from the CB going to the long rail after contact). The first and last racks were better and you did pocket a ball on those. I noticed this in your last video too where you commented on dry breaks, your alignment was the same and you were hitting the right side of the head ball pretty consistently. So, I'll disagree with others who are advising to move the CB around. I think sharpening up your alignment a bit is the key here 👊🏻😎
Well shit D………. Lol……… that is seriously enlightening……
🤯…. I have not noticed that before!……..
Making this video was now worth it LOL thank you dude haha
I will work on slowing it down a little to ensure proper alignment + contact!
@drewvonporte Absolutely, no problem! I try not to offer unsolicited advice or critiques on people's game because I know it can come across as arrogant or condescending, even if that wasn't the intent. But since you genuinely seemed to be asking for some feedback, I thought I'd give my input. And I'm certainly not an expert on the matter, but I do think the line up and just off square contact with the head ball is at the heart of the dry break issue.
Of course there always is the possibility that, for the first time ever in my life, I'm wrong here😂🤣
I break head on as well and when the hit is good and square, the cue ball will land and sit somewhere around center table and a ball from the second row will go into the side pocket. That's typically my goal on the break.
The slowing down that you mentioned will certainly help as well. When I feel like my break is suffering, making sure that I'm not rushing thru the back swing is one of the first things I'll focus in on.
@@drewvonporteAlso, I just realized that the way I worded that was likely confusing...by "second rack" and "first and last racks" I actually meant "second rack that you broke" and "first rack that you broke" and didn't mean first and second racks of the game!! Annoying that I didn't catch that!
Lol I had to watch all 4 of my breaks to piece it together but I got it!! 🤣🤣
No I really think you are on to something here man, and finally seeing a major flaw in the break! It’s perfect
Involved in sweeps but never 14-0. Did you threaten to give Sam the boot? Weak 2-0😂
Elevating the cue a couple degrees helped my head ball break . It floats across the felt as opposed to rolling - minimizing friction maximizing energy transfer - and it often squats center table
This is great advice!!! Thanks Joe!! 👊🏼👊🏼
Very cool... I was hoping for some more of your content!
THANKS 😊
Thanks Shane!!! 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼💪🏼
Great defense im game 3. Easy to second guess after the the fact but the decisions during heat of the battle are typically the best.
Jerry thank you man!!! I felt totally screwed that whole rack until that LAST safety. I remember walking over to Ron and saying “Okay… that should do it… whew…”
Thanks man!! 👊🏼👊🏼
My breaks always had good spread, but a lot of dryness :D For me what started to make a difference was to move the cue ball up to the first diamond on the long rail and 1 1/3 diamonds on the short rail. Then I just set the cue on the rail and use index and middle finger to provide support. Hit the head ball dead center focusing more on the stroke and follow through than adding a ton of power. I'm making more balls on the break and get about the same spread. Disclaimer: Others that have tried it say it doesn't work for them, so who knows, but I guess it's worth a try haha
Def worth a try! I used to bridge from the rail for the break years ago!!
Also been watching a lot of Ultimate Pool and after watching Chris Melling I've been trying to be more conscious of hitting my breakouts with more control and not just smashing into things at full speed. That's one of the first things I noticed is how he often just tickles the balls so now I'm trying to do more ball tickling myself.
Dude I’m all about the ball ticklin’ right now… idk WHY I fired at that breakout 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
Chris is my hero, and often who I look to when I want to revamp some things in my game. Watching him FORCES me to slow my backstroke down, which we all know is a huge factor
@drewvonporte haha nice! And same, he's probably my favorite player to watch. So creative and smooth, sees the pattern in about 2 seconds. Great shooting btw!
@@marlinfisher11 thank you man!!! 👊🏼👊🏼
Nice plane, bro! Surprised your team is in fifth place?
Fun match to watch. Early in the match you talked a bit about combos. There’s an apa match with a 2 playing. Her opening shot she had ball in hand and set up on a combo. Ewe Lawerence was commentating and said never ever shoot a combo unless you have nothing else. Even the pros avoid combos because they’re easy to miss no matter how simple they look. I’ve noticed that with pro player matches. They will opt for safe rather than the conbo unless going for an easy 9 ball win. So, I avoid them as much as possible. I do have a bad habit of wanting to play caroms. I’m not very good at them, but too often think I can make that ball. That’s why I’m stuck as a 5-6.
Lol I do the same with caroms!
I know George, I hear the same often from the pros, but the UP guys make it look easy 😩😩
As I read this, I’m watching Jayson Shaw at the Mosconi use ball-in-hand to combo the 5 and 6…… LOL 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
14:43 dude you can totally hold that ball for the right corner pocket 🙂↔️
Great shooting Drew. Next time you post scores from matches it might be a good idea to explain the APA scoring system. Those who don’t know APA may wonder why you won 5-0 and the score you put down in the chart was 3-0.
👀 @13:40 …….. I mean, I didn’t spend 10 minutes explaining it, but I did mention it!
@@drewvonporte Lewis was wrong. Drew was right 😊😊😊😊 Congratulations on your recent nuptials. To stay happily married for a long time, memorize the following 3 words whether you mean them or not: 'I was wrong' (it's kept me married for 45 years now).
@ hahaha love this Lewis!!! Thank you so much man!!!
hey drew i am commenting on your question about how the hell do i improve my break, #1 not the most important but will help, buy a cue specifically for breaking. #2 much more important, practice breaking! i am talking 30 to 50 racks of just practice breaking the break shot is one of the most important shots of pool. is practicing breaking boring or monotonous ? well it is only you and how much effort you apply to the task at hand that will determine how your break develops. good luck and keep practicing. as doctor dave always says. love your channel keep it going good luck and bless the pool gods!
Hagan! Man I DO have a cue for breaking!! I’m debating on changing the tip though… should I go phenolic??? Or just a hard leather break tip?!
I have been here and there, about 10 racks at a time… i did that tonight before our playoff match. Think it helped?!?
@6:25 Being on the rail hinders your touch. If safety, I like thinning the 10, top rail, and go to the top side of the 9 with the 14 as additional block. You have more of the cue which will increase your accuracy.
@27:45 I like top to bounce up between the 8/4 for the 11 or 15. Skilled players fall into the low outside trap because if feels so natural, but too much traffic here. The recovery probably should have been a kick 1 pocket speed and leave the cue near the bottom rail.
@35:15 Unfortunately, I can😂. Poor Ron
Not much to critique here. You played well. Some very good safes from you, which I like to see. Congrats on 2nd place.
@6:25 when you’re right, you’re right ryu! Like I said, I never made a good decision on this shot unfortunately… just shot… poor form!
@27:45 I like that. The kick crossed my mind, but I def woulda made it bc Idve had no shape!! 🤣🤣
Thank you Ryu!!! 💪🏼👊🏼💪🏼 Ron will dazzle you one day, you’ll see!
Watched a few of your matches on here and i thought you played some real good patterns particularly in this one! Whats your fargo?
My fargo is inaccurate lol 🤣 it’s too high if you ask me, at 607, robust 48. I never play fargo-things so
But thanks a lot!!! I appreciate that!!! 👊🏼💪🏼
I’ve gotten better at combos lately by not focusing on 1st ball to second ball but 1st ball to cushion past second ball if that makes sense. Basically looking past the second ball and focusing on where I want to hit the cushion or sometimes edge of the pocket with the first ball.
Oh?….. well thats awfully curious……
I might try that next time! Likely more “accurate” honestly!
1:36 a good shot is to take the 13 first and go to the rail and up into the left side of the 3. Clears your problem and the 15 (you shot first) would be great insurance in addition to the 9 or 14.
The cat’s right, per usual…
Ya know, I just started dating combo’s again, after a really bad breakup in 2023….
I misread that and thought it was a much easier combo when I first analyzed the break! NO NEED to see a combo in that rack…. Iiiiidiot!
Thank you 9Lives!!!!!!
@@drewvonporte 🤣🤣 I will not encourage that kind of self-talk. 🤣🤣 You have too good an attitude for that. As for my idea, you know I'm only suggesting and trying to help (but you know how much I like attacking the problem right away...if at all possible). Sometimes I'm afraid to say anything because cats take it the wrong way. I'm glad you're a cool cat! We're all trying to improve. 🎱💙
@@9livespool oh I know PoolCat! And I DO appreciate you chiming into my 8-ball scenarios!
Very important to attack trouble 🤌🏼🤌🏼 you don’t have to convince me of that!
@@9livespoolYou should see the crap I put DVP through😂😂😂
It’s insightful 🫠🫠🫠
Try different tip positions on the cue ball when breaking. Might help to change the direction of the balls coming out of the rack.
Different tip positions? Or different cue ball positions on the table?? 😅
I do kind of mess with different positions. I b*tched about dry breaks a lot here… but I actually made a ball on 2-3 breaks 🤣🤣 just used to complaining I guess
APA SL 6-6 here so take this with a grain of salt, but personally I’ve found much more success in 8 ball using a second ball break. I find the natural path of the balls in an 8 ball rack doesn’t lead toward pockets, so I embrace the randomness “required” to kiss a ball in with the second ball break.
I would say I make a ball 8/10 times and have a shot on a ball very regularly as well. Hope this helps!
As I continue to watch the video I see you did mention the second ball break, I’d like to add that I find that the balls usually cluster at a somewhat specific speed and I can control that by breaking a bit herder or softer depending on the table.
That being said, it’s a hand rack and everything on a break as a result is somewhat up to chance anyway
I am soooo hesitant to shoot the 2nd ball break Schwifty!! The clusters are NOT fun to deal with!!
But- I did switch to a 2nd ball break briefly during tonight’s match. Gonna have to see how that went!!
@ I totally understand that! 8 ball on a bar box has enough traffic to navigate as it is, adding clusters is definitely not ideal!
I switch my break up if I’m getting no love with the second ball, but as far as head ball breaking goes I just break from different places and hit em square, which you’re already doing, only other thing I can think of is to mess with the speed possibly. I’ll keep an eye out for the next vid!
Thanks brotha 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 it’s a work in progress 🫠 going to be practicing my break exclusively in next session I can squeeze in
What camera are you using?
Iphone 15pro
Try and slightly elevate the cue on the break , it will lose less momentum on the way to the rack, and often pop and drop in the middle of the table - transferring all of its energy into the rack
THIS is what I’m starting to tinker with!!! Trying to get a POP 💥
@@drewvonporte i didnt mean to comment twice haha it bugged on me
Re tripod height. Why not put some compact weights together to take with you to add to the feet? @21:45 good thing you didn't break with clusters. :P @26:12 moderate draw from the 8 should have(?) missed the 12 and seen you safely to the short rail away from the corner. From what DrDave has suggested max draw may have seen you scratching in the cross corner.
You’re right that I should have tried to avoid 12 contact… total wild card 🥴🥴
The tripod top is a flexible steel bar that holds the camera, THAT’s whats wobbling… the feet are fine.
But I think the wobble was a fluke, I will retry tonight in playoffs 🦃
@@drewvonporte I wasn't thinking about the extension being the weak point.
One of the old timers at my pool hall has good advice for the break. "Put the cue ball here and hit it like hell." Hope this helps!
FINALLY SOMEONE TALKING SOME SENSE AROUND HERE
@@drewvonporte ooh cool, when is he showing up?
8 ball in the 2nd rack for your opponent cut into the bottom right all day. Pinch draw it into the rail, little faster than pocket speed.
James you crazy!!!! That is an unhinged cut!!!!
Ida tried to play bottom left pocket speed, if it doesn’t go, at least it throws a wrench in my plans!
Why an odd number of weeks? Are there buys? As to combos, get over the fear. You need them in your game. That and caroms. Play some straight pool. You will need both if you want to run balls. Some good suggestions and observations on your break. Remember Dr Dave? lol. Breaking from the center watch the 2 second balls. Rob always put 2 stripes there. The objective is to make one of the 2 stripes in the side. Most of your breaks they hit the side rail below the side pocket. Which means hit the cue ball a little lower. Happy Holidays. And congrats on MVP.
Fuggles! Right on, I will go back now and look over the 2balls behind the head ball!
Thank you v much man 😁😁😁😁😁😁 Happy Holidays dude!
if you're still struggling on the break, try to learn to pop break. I've found I make balls a lot more if I can get that cueball in the air to avoid some traffic for a bit. Not sure if that has anything to do with it but just my experience. Can't hurt to test it out!
In other words treat the 8ball rack as if it was 10 ball and study corey duel or shanes 10 ball break
I can’t consistently POP …. But when I do, its always a good break!!!
Good way to see that the cue ball avoids collisions when it’s got hangtime!
I’ll add it to the list 😅
Thanks brotha!!! 👊🏼👊🏼
Here recently I havent been making a ball on 8 ball from hitting the head ball, so ive switched to the 2nd ball break and ive been making a ball more consistently, the problem is the spread isnt as good tho.
Exactly why I don’t like the 2nd ball break 🥴🥴🥴🥴
Hit topspin on your breaks and try and get a more square hit. A ball should drop in the side pocket and the cue ball should stay in the middle of the table if you hit it right
It sounds so easy………………….
I try this… hard to control for me. The topspin sometimes sends it flying forward. But THIS was the break I was using for a long time with success before the 💩hit the🪭!!!
Haha thanks Eric!!! A good reminder
@@drewvonporteYou’re welcome, I also choke up on my grip to get a better snap. It’s ideal to be able to get the cue ball to jump slightly after contact with the head ball so the top spin wears off
For your break: SVB said the best odds of making a ball on the break is the have the cue to the right of where you have it on game 3. Try moving it to the right slightly past the the first diamond.
That guy’s pretty good! I’ll mess with that!
@@drewvonporte If you try it, let me know how it works for you.
@ i will!!
What part of Arizona are you in?
Phoenix! You gonna come offer me a lesson?!
@ I was thinking about it lol.
@ i could use it 😅😅😅
I know you watch UP, and if you look at how they break up balls, they def go into them much softer than you would expect, but really its just about going into them at the speed required right. As for stun over, not sure why you would think 600+ players don't stun over, I'd prob be inclined to stun that over, and imo its actually a safer shot when you are a little flat on the ball, because having to play top with spin from a little distance just isn't as accurate for most as a firm straight bottom stun. Looking forward to the UP trial run. There should be a special patch for a clean-sweep with no games lost, thats just crazy.
See, I feel like the UP guys absolutely demolish the break!! And get the cue bend and all that, but maybe it just varies between different players… or I’m not seeing it right.
I’ve taken something off the break the past month, to no avail. So I’ve switched (like in this match) to absolutely crushing the break as hard as I can with SOME control. It seems like it helped, just getting more movement… but I will take it into consideration Adam.
Yeah, ya know, after re-watching my commentary to do the edits, Idk why I said that about stunning over lol. I’ve got no script and say dumb things sometimes, and was WAITING for someone to say something about it haha right on cue dude.
Right!!!! SUPER SWEEP!! Glad someone appreciated it! I couldn’t effing believe it!!
(Though Sam let Ryan win 2 games… but didn’t let him score a point, no)
@@drewvonporte I meant breaking up clusters (that 9 breakout in the last rack). As for THE break, yes, hit it hard lol. They have a big advantage in UP tournys (and any high-level 8ball tourny), with new cloth, fresh balls, you get a nice tight rack with a lot of spread. Used cloth, used balls, even if all well maintained, you just have to hit it hard and hope, and every table, rack, racker etc is different, so I don't think there is really a 1-size-fits-all solution to the 8 break other than hit it hard and try a few breaks on the table you're playing on before league starts. I do this with 9ball often just to get a feel of how the wing-ball break is working. I will fallback to a 2nd ball break if the cloth or balls are subpar, just seem to get a better spread when facing poor playing conditions. Only suggestion I would have for the break would be to try and squat the cue ball in the middle, but when hitting hard thats easier said than done, and even with a lot of practice I still only pull that off cleanly
OooOoooOooo haha you are right man, they do the “cannons” so so softly… I’ve been doing that recently, but just went unhinged there for that one for some reason….
Ok, that makes me feel better that I should be cranking this break. I’ve been able to control it at this pace, so hopefully it will start to go in my favor 🤞🏼🤞🏼
Thanks for the tips! As always
Think your team needs to represent the USA in the next Mosconi 😜🇪🇺🇪🇺🇪🇺
😭😭😭
Too soon JB!…. I really thought we had a good crack at it this year 😭
@ I thought we still had the stronger team but I thought it would be closer. Doesn’t help when your two best players can’t seem to make a ball between them.
Well played in this one. Another good video
@ thanks dude!!!
I know. Shane and fedor seemed to be on cruise control 😩😩
We won 14-1 once, and 13-0 a couple times.
Nice!! I’m almost glad that we didn’t 3-0 the first one…. The pressure would’ve been IMMENSE….!!!!!!!!!!!!
Move cue ball location for break
I tinker with that! Some places get me scratching more than others but THAT i think is the biggest key here Mike!!! 💪🏼
we all know you just wanted to play me in the playoffs. good match see you later
THE CROWD DEMANDS YOUR SACRIFICE ROB!!! SEE YOU IN A FEW HOURS!!!
8? we only need 6! IMO should be at least 8. HSL have harder time getting that many though
Do you play 15 weeks?
We need 6 to qualify to play in playoffs, city tournament… but 8 to qualify for MVP
6 isn’t enough!!! You can have a REALLY high PPM with only 6 👀👀👀
@@drewvonporte - yup 15 weeks. we need 8 total (4 in current session) to qualify for tricups/playoffs.
Wow you have to play more than half the session to play playoffs 👀
Im a 6 that just moved up as well i lost my first match to a 5
Like I said, Ron moved up to a 6 and then lost 5 straight until he went back down to a 5 😭 but its OK!!! It happens to all of us!
He has now won… 7-8(?) straight!!! And LIKELY moving back to a 6 any minute now….
Don’t hang on your skill level too hard Kev, just play the table 👊🏼
@drewvonporte I moved down to a 5 in both 3 times now ik the feeling
@ oh man, you’re just teeteringggg…!
You need to hit that next level!
@@drewvonporte working on it
That is no 6. Ggs
🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
Man I feel you gotta walk around the table more. I think there was a shot here to do a safety and break out your balls. One is off of the 7 and go one rail back behind the 4-8 cluster.
Edit 21:13 is what I mean
You’re probably right dude 😭😭 Need to slow down and plan the right runout!
This flooring is just such an odd choice for a pool hall since it is really distracting
It’s an axe throwing bar with 4 diamonds LOL I have never had anyone comment on floor distraction before??……….. what’s distracting?? More distracting than an elaborately ornate rug?…. Genuinely curious!!
@@drewvonporte I just find reflective surfaces distracting 😅
Your hitting the rack to hard for the table. Figure out you soft med and hard breaks and in practice see which one gives you the best spread along with making at least one ball.
I’ve tinkered with this. On these tables it’s very hard for me to get a good spread with a soft break…. At least I think
I will try and make 3 levels of breaks and chart them and see though!
1 ball width from the center diamond ..cue ball in-between 1st and 2cd diamond...and put just 1/2 tip top....1/2 tip outside.....that's the break.....tempo.....stroke through till the tip hits the felt... practice stroking all the way the joint in your standing warm ups bubba just to get the muscle memory....💪💯🦛
Love this 💪🏼💪🏼 I’ll get there!!
Those look like some real crappy billiard balls you guys are playing with..
Theyre not bad!!!! Can’t tell if you’re being facetious 🫠🤔
@@drewvonporte No man..they look like a cheap set to play a league with..
Im not a billiard ball connoisseur… but they’re def better than bar table balls lol idk man 🤷🏻♂️ maybe thats why I miss so much!!!!!!!
Nice plane, bro! Surprised your team is in fifth place?
Hey Kirk! We had a rough start! We got 2 new guys, Tony’s brothers, on the team now.
One of them, Joe, and myself won nonstop the first half of the session, while Ron lost 5-6 straight after becoming a 6.
Now, Ron has won 7 straight, and bringing us back around!