Most effective amateur practice routines?

[Chris Patterson]

I know threads like this already exist, but for some reason, trying to play amateur level practise routines for me dosent work, I cant actually do them!

I know ive only started playing, but recently Ive been hitting 35-40 breaks quite reguarly, around at least 1 or 2 per week. (at least 25+). But when I use the practise routines suggested, I cant do them... at all! For example, the line up of four reds in one line, and a line of three reds beside them above the black, blocking each other. (have to pot the free red and get on black and play next free one etc etc.) or even the black on its spot itself, and pot it and leave a good position to pot the next black, to repeat as much as possible.

Although i try to play position, and can play OK, position in matches, in practise, im hopeless!

What are the most effective and rewarding practice routines, for an amateur, or newbie like myself? (not just positional practice, but potting etc.)

I know i might have confused you guys, but I think this is abit weird..

[jrc750]

Ime at about your level (44 highest break) and i think what your describing is a bit too far advanced. Try doing the more straightforward (still bleeding hard !) line-up
http://fergalobrien.ie/practice3.html
this gives you more scope if you run out of position (every 4th or 5th shot in my case lol) and you dont get too sickened off so quickly, but as they say practice will make perfect

[Chris Patterson]

ive tried line up about two times, but im absolutely terrible at it, because i dont know whether the balls in a line or putting me off, because their in the ways if i may play down the table, or what it is, but i can only pot about 3 or 4 at the most. Lol, i know this is terrible, but im much better in a match, but should i just keep practising, and use a bit of trial and error on the position?

[jrc750]

Well if you can get 40 breaks you cant be that bad ?? i just use gentle screws and follow thro's, trying to never touch a cushion, and maybe more importantly avoiding running into other balls. What you could try just to get yourself going is to pot the balls in any order at all, (ie dont bother going red colour red) may get your confidence going ?

[Watford]

Do you mean you've tried it two times?

I shake my head and send you back to try again young impatient one :snooker:

[WeBz]

if you cant do the line up successfully try just using the colours on their own placed near the black spot(randomly). go from yellow,green etc..

that's quite a good practice. and pretend they are match balls.
im havin similar problems, i play well in practice but not as good in the match. im very loose in praccy and knock balls in with ease. im only a 35 breaker aswell. not as often as you though.

www.youtube.com/neilmaxman
give this guy a message, hes a grade A coach, he might be able to help.