Billiards, Beginner/Novice Player looking for insite Options

[devilsden97]

Before the summer began, I decided I wanted to pick up a "hobby," when I mean hobby, I was refering to something I could do, on my own as entertainment. (i kinda guess thats the definition of a hobby lol) Randomly one night I went with some buddies to shoot pool, and Ive been going regularly ever since.

Im begining to think its time to get a little more serious about it. After about 3 months of shooting, I can see improvment. Im using the house's cue sticks, but I always use a 19oz stick, and check to see how "warped" it is. Now I am thinking its time to get my own. I saw this thread:

http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showto...amp;hl=POOL+CUE

After checking out the links and such, I believe I will purchase the cue that jdog1365 suggested.

My question now is, what else? Is there anything else anyone would suggest to purchase? (scuffer etc) Keep in mind I'm a novice and I am not looking to go to any type of pro tour.

Any suggestions on practice techniques? or literature? (ie things to read or do to improve) EDIT: Lessons? anyone know where/how ud go about finding where or if there offerd. Idk if i really want to spend money on them, but id still like to know about them.

Thanks

This post has been edited by devilsden97: Aug 12, 2008 - 9:12 AM

[lubu]

This is how I work with the cueball. I dont actually do safe shoots, but rather a presetup for my next shoot, so if I hit this ball Ill want to place my cue ball somewhere so that the next shoot will be easy. Lets imagine the face of the cue ball and place a compass direction on it so you have N,S,W and E.

Lets say you are hitting a ball straight into the pocket and you want the cueball to:

a. to roll forward, you would place a topspin on it.
b. to come back, a backspin
c. to rollback but to the left, a backspin in the direction of SW, viceverse for the other side
d. to roll forward but to the right, topspin in the direction of NE
e. to stop completely, you will want to shoot between the backspin position and the middle position, rise the cue slightly and hit it fast.

It will be a bit differerent with angle shoots, you will get the idea.
Thing to remember is dont think of making a safe shoot, just think of placing the ball where its easier for you for the next shoot. The only time you will be thinking of making a safe shoot is when you cant pocket anyball on the table.