where did you play? alone in the basement? ive read and seen same instructions on multiple books and videos, i guess if you dont study the game you dont know
The average player at a bar never buys pool-related books like "the science of pocket billiards" or road stories, let alone actually read it. The average don't have licensed pool coaches in person or via volumes of videos. The average just grab a stick and bang balls for decades and never take it to a professional level.
Setting the bridge height/parallel cue like that is something nobody ever taught me. I put it into practice last night and was able to make the cue ball dance around the table with top more than I ever have before. Things just got interesting, thanks!
A bit of knowledge can go a long way. Spend a bit more time on the internet learning the fundamentals and you'll skyrocket your game. Anything you care about is worth researching!
Down the rail- easiest shot in the game, should never miss on a flat table: 1. Hit the ball and cushion at the same time 2.Play lots of side towards the pocket (inside spin/check side) 3. Play with an amount of top spin 4. Hit it firmly Then when the ball comes off the cushion by a small amount, invert the spin away from pocket to outside/running side 1 tips worth, no top or bottom. And make sure cue is perfectly flat or wont work. Play with medium firm pace
These are great tips especially because I play pool often so I'm gonna try these techniques and see how I can improve my game. Thanks for this video Gareth
I know the fundamentals and try to make sure I'm doing them all when playing... BUT... since watching this vid I've been playing a lot better... it was how I was holding the cue at the back that you mentioned that has helped. Big difference now after doing what you said. Thanks Gareth for help.
People don't realize holding your backhand is virtually 90% of the game that's the secret all those books have been written on pool don't mean nothing but this information the reason the backhand is so important it's because during the backswing you need to take the fingers off the stick to keep it straight you don't realize normally the stick is going up in the air and then the problem is when you hit the cue it kills the cue ball and you get no action on it.
Hi Gareth, recently I started trying to get my front foot flat and even weight across foot. Prior to this, I think I was putting more weight on the outside edge of my front foot, and my body would shift forward a smidge when I shoot. My stance seems steadier after making this change. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on feet, knees, stance, weight distribution. Can you make a video this stuff please.
Fantastic video, that with learning your cue will set you up nicely. I started that method years ago after breaking pinky finger and I noticed by chance game improvement strange things. But treat it like a sniper
Excellent demonstration of the most crucial fundamentals, nice one mate! 👍 I'm a big fan of yours, watched a video of you having a knock with Selby earlier, great stuff, you've got a sub 👌 PS - Could you do a video of how to practice without just boring "drills" please? I know some drills are essential but I have my own table at home and get a bit sick of playing myself! 🙃
You can make drills less boring by keeping track of your progress and using progressive drills. Unfortunately a key to improving one's game is to practice the shots you hate the most: shooting over another ball, cut shots near the rail, shooting the cue ball when it's on or near the rail - you get the picture! But then when one of those shots comes up during a match, you'll think to yourself, "I've got this!"
@@garybkatz I hate ALL shots! 😫😅 But yeah, that's what I try to do at home and I'v found that straight pool is a great way of seeing every type of shot. And indeed there are certain shots I don't fancy as much as others so need extra work 👍
@@OffGridMadMan I bet there's some shots you're pretty good at - so-called "bread and butter shots." For me, it's cut shots into the side pocket. I just see them very well, for some reason, even really tough angles. Wish I saw certain other shots as well!
@@garybkatz I have an eye for them too! I also like anything a little bit off straight. But I have real trouble with cuts down the rails as my pockets are very tight. Plus the tables are nowhere near as reactive as American tables so it's really hard work manoeuvring the cue ball. It's the greatest game regardless ainnit! 👍
to simple. There are times you have to elevate the back of your cue. You see it in every pro match. To draw the cue ball back when on or close to the rail your have to jack up the back of your cue.
When he raised the back of the cue as an example of what not to do I was embarrassed. I used to do that ALL THE TIME. 🙋🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ What a great simple video.
This have instantly improved my game. I come back from time to time to watch this, cuz when the pressure is too much I tend to forget. I have mad problems with my grip? It’s not loose enough and I don’t follow thru with my shots as I’d like
Gareth apologies if you have a video up already but could you do a video please on how to hit the ball when it’s up against the cushion please? Especially for like a long pot please if you have could you link me please thanks
Ive always played like that as in it came naturally. Thats exactly how i have become from early messups so you mold yourself to using the bridge in place. I do see some players even some pros having a claw like grip bridge hand and it infuriates me especially on these fast snooker tables or pool tables as the slightest of deviation and its off. Good video though 👍
Think I’ve been using a U between my thumb and fingers my whole life! 🤣 never even crossed my mind to bring the thumb closer into a V but can’t wait to try it! And different levels of bridge hand….why did that never cross my mind! 😂 Great video thanks👏
I feel lucky to have found this video tonight! I’m gonna practice this for sure. Hey we might be related I had a great great grandmother named Fannie Potts
@@nakkadu the club he jointly owns is with the guy that developed the super fine cloths they use in Ultimate pool how much better do you expect them to be???
Can you make a video about how much to bend my body? For example, Jimmy White, Filler, Trump, and you, turn their upper body in a torsion fashion. Ronnie doesn't do that. Why?
This is all well and good IF you have a thumb to rest upon. I don't, I use my knuckles in the same way and to great effect. Adapt, compromise and overcome
Hi Gareth. I'm trying to have the hybrid cue made for playing Chinese 8 ball. But manufacturers won't do it. Could you recommend one that will? Thanks!
What about a closed bridge? I know in the snooker world and pool in the UK in general is strictly open bridge. Here in America, we use both open and closed bridges. Is one better than the other? For an established player, not really. I routinely switch between both styles. Strictly a feel thing for a particular shot. For a beginner, a closed bridge can train them to stay down on the shot and not lift their stick up like many do.
English snooker and pool cues are tapered, unlike American cues. A closed bridge works differently on a tapered cue than it does an American one. That's why american players can use a closed bridge but UK ones don't.
@andym901 Makes sense. I've never used a snooker cue so I can't say how it would feel with a closed bridge. I have played quite a bit of snooker over the years with my 'American' cue.
The only situation I can think of raising the butt if you are, really close to the object ball or cushion and need to do a delicate touch, like screw back or stunning the cue and to avoiding pushing when close to object ball. Raising the butt is a sign you are in a spot of trouble don't do it if possible. Getting through the cue ball where possible on all shots, not decelerating on the shot is the key as well as everything in this video. Also Gareth says firm grip, most would advise a light grip because the cue action needs to compliment the flowing follow through not tighten up and kill that classy smooth follow through. Watch a Steven Lee video how he cues. Or watch Mick Hill videos.
Good clean direction. However, you mention having a 'firm' grip with the back hand - whilst most instructors suggest to have the lightest grip possible. What you do clearly works for you. Just curious is a firm grip is the advice now or if that might be an older school practice?
i dont think he means you should grip it hard, just a solid grip so it doesnt feel loose on impact. the amount of gripping (on the moment of impact) really depends on how much power the shot requires, power draw needs a bit firmer grip on the point of impact, but you dont grip it so firm in the back swing part of the shot where you open the fingers, only on the impact
Nice play n discuss idol keep on tutorial of playing billards tnx more vlogs n god bless
One of the best instructional pool videos I've ever seen. A huge thanks for sharing!
This came as news to me. Only been playing for 30 years. Please continue with this content so I can see what else I may have missed!!!!
This came know to me as well. And I’m also playing your years
where did you play? alone in the basement? ive read and seen same instructions on multiple books and videos, i guess if you dont study the game you dont know
The average player at a bar never buys pool-related books like "the science of pocket billiards" or road stories, let alone actually read it. The average don't have licensed pool coaches in person or via volumes of videos. The average just grab a stick and bang balls for decades and never take it to a professional level.
Been trying for about 20 years😂. Would love a lesson or two to bring me on a bit
@@JH-fk8owdon’t need to be a dick about it mate. This will be helpful to a real lot of people
Nice touch on the basics👌🏾🙌🏾
Important to get them right to get better😊
Excellent content in a time frame that is beyond reasonable. Thank you a thousand times.
Setting the bridge height/parallel cue like that is something nobody ever taught me. I put it into practice last night and was able to make the cue ball dance around the table with top more than I ever have before. Things just got interesting, thanks!
A bit of knowledge can go a long way. Spend a bit more time on the internet learning the fundamentals and you'll skyrocket your game. Anything you care about is worth researching!
Less swerve so your potting just improved dramatically
This video needs more views! Great lesson.
Fantastic video, Gareth. Getting the basics right is key. Be great if a future video could focus on Down the cushion potting!
Down the rail- easiest shot in the game, should never miss on a flat table:
1. Hit the ball and cushion at the same time
2.Play lots of side towards the pocket (inside spin/check side)
3. Play with an amount of top spin
4. Hit it firmly
Then when the ball comes off the cushion by a small amount, invert the spin away from pocket to outside/running side 1 tips worth, no top or bottom. And make sure cue is perfectly flat or wont work. Play with medium firm pace
Wow.. this is a million dollars explaination..this is what I have been looking for all this while. Tq so much
Wow this is awesome! In all my years of playing, I've never heard of this but it makes so much sense with how you explained it! Great lesson!!!!
How to make a bridge? That's crazy. That's the foundational basics
Amazing instructor big respect to this guy
These are great tips especially because I play pool often so I'm gonna try these techniques and see how I can improve my game. Thanks for this video Gareth
Great video, I never would have thought this was where I was lacking. It all comes from the basics
In my years playing,I never look at the basics like that....pool 101.....THANKS FOR SHARING.
Champ, please keep the videos coming. We love the content
Great lesson
Thanks for another enlightening video coach Gareth, much appreciated.
Thank you Gareth, hopefully more of these to come 👍
Great video Gareth,it would be an interesting video to show how the cue ball should be struck when it's tight against the cushion/rail.
Great lesson on important fundamentals!
Constantly learning, always working on fundamentals! So important! Thanks Brother! 🙏🏼😎
Thank you very much Gareth.
Excellent guidance
Wow... Great stuff... Thanks Gareth👍.
Lovely advice thanks
Please keep posting
I know the fundamentals and try to make sure I'm doing them all when playing... BUT... since watching this vid I've been playing a lot better... it was how I was holding the cue at the back that you mentioned that has helped. Big difference now after doing what you said. Thanks Gareth for help.
Same!
People don't realize holding your backhand is virtually 90% of the game that's the secret all those books have been written on pool don't mean nothing but this information the reason the backhand is so important it's because during the backswing you need to take the fingers off the stick to keep it straight you don't realize normally the stick is going up in the air and then the problem is when you hit the cue it kills the cue ball and you get no action on it.
3:53 send this to your mom
What a great video, awesome work Gareth. So easy to understand and really helpful
Hi Gareth, recently I started trying to get my front foot flat and even weight across foot. Prior to this, I think I was putting more weight on the outside edge of my front foot, and my body would shift forward a smidge when I shoot. My stance seems steadier after making this change. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on feet, knees, stance, weight distribution. Can you make a video this stuff please.
Merci pour le partage de votre savoir et le Québec salue vos performances.
Fantastic video! Great work Gareth! 👍😊 🎱
Thank you so much mr Potts
Gareth, SUPERB video, thanks.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 - bridge hand settings...I had no idea...
I thank you, my game has improved
This was sensational. Thanks Gaz.
Brilliant tips 🎉
Thank you sir, I will follow your advice
Fantastic video, that with learning your cue will set you up nicely. I started that method years ago after breaking pinky finger and I noticed by chance game improvement strange things. But treat it like a sniper
Long time fan👏👏👏! Finally your own channel! Thank you for the explanation!🙏🙏
Wow. I've been playing for years. never knew this. Can't wait to try now. Thanks!!
Excellent demonstration of the most crucial fundamentals, nice one mate! 👍 I'm a big fan of yours, watched a video of you having a knock with Selby earlier, great stuff, you've got a sub 👌
PS - Could you do a video of how to practice without just boring "drills" please? I know some drills are essential but I have my own table at home and get a bit sick of playing myself! 🙃
You can make drills less boring by keeping track of your progress and using progressive drills. Unfortunately a key to improving one's game is to practice the shots you hate the most: shooting over another ball, cut shots near the rail, shooting the cue ball when it's on or near the rail - you get the picture! But then when one of those shots comes up during a match, you'll think to yourself, "I've got this!"
@@garybkatz I hate ALL shots! 😫😅 But yeah, that's what I try to do at home and I'v found that straight pool is a great way of seeing every type of shot. And indeed there are certain shots I don't fancy as much as others so need extra work 👍
@@OffGridMadMan I bet there's some shots you're pretty good at - so-called "bread and butter shots." For me, it's cut shots into the side pocket. I just see them very well, for some reason, even really tough angles. Wish I saw certain other shots as well!
@@garybkatz I have an eye for them too! I also like anything a little bit off straight. But I have real trouble with cuts down the rails as my pockets are very tight. Plus the tables are nowhere near as reactive as American tables so it's really hard work manoeuvring the cue ball. It's the greatest game regardless ainnit! 👍
Becoming a better pool player 'always' start with the fundamentals. The bangers start with pocketing balls.
to simple. There are times you have to elevate the back of your cue. You see it in every pro match. To draw the cue ball back when on or close to the rail your have to jack up the back of your cue.
Thanks Gareth. I know my bridge is my weak area and truly appreciate your awesome tips!!!
Thanks, Gareth!
This is brilliant I don’t think a lot of us realise what we have been doing wrong for years untill now . Usually just get down and play 😂
I really appreciate the information 😎
My own ignorance thought I knew what I was doing with the cue.. thanks for the advice! I'm off to try :)
You can also change the angle while keeping your bridge hand the same everyone is different
Awesome video can't wait to practice this drill
Awesome
When he raised the back of the cue as an example of what not to do I was embarrassed. I used to do that ALL THE TIME. 🙋🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️ What a great simple video.
Afan of your game POTTS from Tanzania🇹🇿🇹🇿
this helped me out alot wow
This have instantly improved my game. I come back from time to time to watch this, cuz when the pressure is too much I tend to forget. I have mad problems with my grip? It’s not loose enough and I don’t follow thru with my shots as I’d like
Brilliant
Excellent for chiming the peanut shots over the rails time after time - thanking you Mr Putts
Great scientific content
Never heard this before .. will share this
Wow thanks so much for this video mr potts
Gosh i saw this late........very helpful
Thanks man love it
What a great video! I had no idea!
Nice explanation! And I like the way you say “Bottom” 😂😂😂😂
Explained perfectly!
Thanks.
Gareth apologies if you have a video up already but could you do a video please on how to hit the ball when it’s up against the cushion please? Especially for like a long pot please if you have could you link me please thanks
Gareth reminds me of "Bald and Bankrupt" but with hair lol
Try keeping the cue flat playing down the pub when the table is to close to the wall
Ive always played like that as in it came naturally. Thats exactly how i have become from early messups so you mold yourself to using the bridge in place. I do see some players even some pros having a claw like grip bridge hand and it infuriates me especially on these fast snooker tables or pool tables as the slightest of deviation and its off. Good video though 👍
Lets go Gorst and Kristina!
I always thought my tip was a bit big, been holding the cue back to front😅 thanks.
awesome technique education, i don't think anyone has ever coached on this before
Yup good thanks.
Think I’ve been using a U between my thumb and fingers my whole life! 🤣 never even crossed my mind to bring the thumb closer into a V but can’t wait to try it! And different levels of bridge hand….why did that never cross my mind! 😂 Great video thanks👏
I have been telling people this for 40 years. Great tip.
Thanks, i never knew the back hand grip should be
3:53 how did bro not laugh
Perhaps you can add on tutorial the loop bridge as there are certain shots where the v shape is not effective
Gracias Sensei
I feel lucky to have found this video tonight! I’m gonna practice this for sure. Hey we might be related I had a great great grandmother named Fannie Potts
Could you explain about your aiming system?
As a club owner I bet his staff love Gaz telling players to “squeeze the cloth”
Leaving lines all over the tables
Get better cloths then....people should play properly like he's saying in this video
@@nakkadu the club he jointly owns is with the guy that developed the super fine cloths they use in Ultimate pool
how much better do you expect them to be???
@@memphisbulls1859 Fast cloths that I play on in competition don't show finger marks......that's all I know 🤷🏻♂️
Open n close motion with the grip hand - say no more!
Great tip thank you I am practically blind with no central vision so can't see where I actually contact the White when I contact the White
Can you make a video about how much to bend my body? For example, Jimmy White, Filler, Trump, and you, turn their upper body in a torsion fashion. Ronnie doesn't do that. Why?
I believe it just helps put the shoulder in line with the elbow, chin, and bridge hand. A lot of pool and snooker players do it from what I’ve seen
Cool story bro 👍
This is all well and good IF you have a thumb to rest upon. I don't, I use my knuckles in the same way and to great effect. Adapt, compromise and overcome
I like this. Now I see
what should ur dominant hand be used for or does it not matter?
Hi Gareth.
I'm trying to have the hybrid cue made for playing Chinese 8 ball. But manufacturers won't do it. Could you recommend one that will? Thanks!
Cheers mucker 🍻
what do you think of players who put their chin on the cue? is this a good thing or not?..thanks.
Hi Mister Potts, you forgot explain what to do with foots
Great lesson cheers, could anyone tell me do you have the heel of your palm on the table or raised with the bridging hand thanks
Your palm is flat when you can get you hand on the table, it's more solid. Only raise palm if you have to, like if you have to bridge over balls.
@@Deadeye1967 Thanks for this
What about a closed bridge? I know in the snooker world and pool in the UK in general is strictly open bridge. Here in America, we use both open and closed bridges. Is one better than the other? For an established player, not really. I routinely switch between both styles. Strictly a feel thing for a particular shot. For a beginner, a closed bridge can train them to stay down on the shot and not lift their stick up like many do.
English snooker and pool cues are tapered, unlike American cues. A closed bridge works differently on a tapered cue than it does an American one. That's why american players can use a closed bridge but UK ones don't.
@andym901 Makes sense. I've never used a snooker cue so I can't say how it would feel with a closed bridge. I have played quite a bit of snooker over the years with my 'American' cue.
in any situation that I should make my backhand higher when I want to do backspin? like long distance ball for example? thanks
The only situation I can think of raising the butt if you are, really close to the object ball or cushion and need to do a delicate touch, like screw back or stunning the cue and to avoiding pushing when close to object ball. Raising the butt is a sign you are in a spot of trouble don't do it if possible. Getting through the cue ball where possible on all shots, not decelerating on the shot is the key as well as everything in this video. Also Gareth says firm grip, most would advise a light grip because the cue action needs to compliment the flowing follow through not tighten up and kill that classy smooth follow through. Watch a Steven Lee video how he cues. Or watch Mick Hill videos.
Good clean direction. However, you mention having a 'firm' grip with the back hand - whilst most instructors suggest to have the lightest grip possible. What you do clearly works for you. Just curious is a firm grip is the advice now or if that might be an older school practice?
i dont think he means you should grip it hard, just a solid grip so it doesnt feel loose on impact. the amount of gripping (on the moment of impact) really depends on how much power the shot requires, power draw needs a bit firmer grip on the point of impact, but you dont grip it so firm in the back swing part of the shot where you open the fingers, only on the impact
🎯💯