The importance of setting yourself realistic goals.

[cyberheater]

I know. I'm stupid.

For the last year or so when I've been practising I would just set the balls up in practise positions and try and pot. If I missed it didn't matter because I would replace the missed ball and have another go. And so it went on. Realistically. I wasn't going to complete the line up etc... not at my level so I didn't mind missing etc...

More recently I have decided complete paired back my practice routines. As others have mentions. I now start off with 15 red line up with one below the black and one above the blue spot in a straight line. And I do not progress to any other routines until I have completely potted all 15 reds without flukes. Ideally I attempt to not use any cushions either.

I've been off the snooker table for 5 weeks due to a broken ankle and was a bit rusty on Monday and it took me two hours to complete all 15 reds. Many times I would be break down on the last 1 or 2 reds. Today I did it on my third attempt. My positional skills is much improved.
I also completed the colours on my second attempt.

I've realised for me that it's the only way to improve. To set myself realistic targets and don't move onto the next exercise until I've completed them. Tough love.

[Removal man stevie]

Ya big show aff trying to scare me before wee ever play

[cyberheater]

Ya big show aff trying to scare me before wee ever play

LOL. It's amazing how quickly I fall back into bad habits when I play someone vs solo practise.

[Removal man stevie]

Is your club pay by hour or a meter system ?

[Byrom]

Yeah good advice - especially replacing the shot that you missed and not just move on to the next shot or set it all up again - patience required - I think equally as important to vary the routines focus them on weak points in your game and when you do vary the routines and set targets - work on keeping yourself consistent in your pre-shot routine technique and pace around the table in practice as you would in a match.

Mix it up by playing different styles of players too - too much solo play I am told is not good - 50 50 they say. I think it depends on your love of the game - I enjoy solo play and I find the best way I gain confidence and improve is regular solo practice if I can find the time.

I notice you started you quote by putting yourself down - I would suggest you stop doing this NOW - try and be be more positive and confident in yourself and brush things off quick stay in the present and move on. Being assured and calm around the table and off it is very important I think.

If I was removal man I'd get practicing.

[cyberheater]

Is your club pay by hour or a meter system ?

One is meter the other is coin slot. Both are £2 a hour.

Yeah good advice - especially replacing the shot that you missed and not just move on to the next shot or set it all up again - patience required - I think equally as important to vary the routines focus them on weak points in your game and when you do vary the routines and set targets - work on keeping yourself consistent in your pre-shot routine technique and pace around the table in practice as you would in a match.

Yes. Trying very hard to do that.

Mix it up by playing different styles of players too - too much solo play I am told is not good - 50 50 they say. I think it depends on your love of the game - I enjoy solo play and I find the best way I gain confidence and improve is regular solo practice if I can find the time.

Yes I enjoy solo practice. Maybe some folks need it more then others.

I notice you started you quote by putting yourself down - I would suggest you stop doing this NOW

It's just a feel that I could have made a lot more progress if I had done this from the start.

[Removal man stevie]

A never practices am lucky if a play one a week

[cyberheater]

A never practices am lucky if a play one a week

Practice has helped me a lot but luckily I've had time on my hands for the last year or so.

[Removal man stevie]

It's hard just because the type of work but a keep saying al get down more meant to ask what is your pals MAC CUE like ?

[Byrom]

A never practices am lucky if a play one a week

I'm a cynic - Played a few players that said they had - not been playing much - in reality they'd practiced 20-30 hours a week for a number of years - I sense a bit of kid ology on this thread maybe.

I say this Steve because you obviously love the game and own a number of lovely cues - once a week don't fit with that passion really now does it? - come on own up you are never off the table are you? - In fact I would not be surprised if you said you slept on or under one

Be interesting to see who wins when you two play - hope you post your result.

[cyberheater]

It's hard just because the type of work but a keep saying al get down more meant to ask what is your pals MAC CUE like ?

Very simple one piece ash with black ebony but. A smooth action with a very solid hit and not whippy. Very nice.

[Removal man stevie]

A would love to play for hours a day but a don't . Yes we will make it best of 5 and post up results at both ends

[jb134]

£2 per hour is about right. The price of table time is becoming a joke!

[markz]

£2 per hour is about right. The price of table time is becoming a joke!

My local Rileys in Wolverhampton charge £11 per hour with discounted day rate £9 per hour. Absolute joke, £2 at working men's club I use and tables much better.

[Removal man stevie]

My local Rileys in Wolverhampton charge £11 per hour with discounted day rate £9 per hour. Absolute joke, £2 at working men's club I use and tables much better.

For that money a would want a Mach table with heaters