APA skill level 3 matchup: What can a level 3 do to move up the ranks? Avoid "Now What?" moments.

So many pool players think they can improve their game by watching pros play matches. While it is fun to do so, and I do it as well, it is unlikely to improve your pool game. If you are a low handicap player, like a skill level 3 in APA (American Poolplayers Association), you are unlikely to learn much about billiards by watching professional players. You should watch amateur gems because they are making the same kinds of mistakes you are probably making. The greatest pool player in history, Efren Bata Reyes, said: "I learned the basics of the game from the good players...but I learn all the complicated shots from watching the bad players." In this match two of my students, Robin Hamlet and Mark Paradine, take each other on in a match. During the match, we discuss mistakes they made and how to avoid them. These kinds of mistakes, which I call "Now What?" moments, come up in almost every match low handicap players ever play. It comes when they have an easy shot on a ball, they get completely focused on it, they do not see what is coming next, and after they make the ball they look up and think, "Now What?" It is often better to NOT make a ball if it is going to leave you in a position where you have to break out balls for your opponent. Choosing to not make a ball is a legal defensive play under APA rules. This is in contrast to players pretending to miss a ball in order to keep their handicap low. It is desirable to let you scorekeepers know that you are not trying to make a ball, and are therefore playing a defensive shot, when doing so. This provides adequate information to accurately determine you future handicap rating. We often see these "Now What!" moments when the player has ball in hand. They place the cue ball in exact line with the object ball, make the easy shot, and then look at the rest of the table and say "Now What?". These moments that turn the tide of a pool match can be easily avoided but you have to train yourself to look ahead. The commentary in this video is made by Jim Brauker, certified PBIA and ACS pool instructor at Jim's Place Billiards and Bar ion Coldwater Michigan. If you want to improve your pool game find a PBIA instructor near you and change your experience. Set, Pause Finish and win.

[@BooksNGuns]

She's a cutie! Looks like she works out, too. Plus, she's into pool? #Keeper
This was a great format that isn't common on RUclips. I got a few great tips about shot choice. I enjoyed this. 2 thumbs up.

[@booboojones2590]

Great video. It was a pleasure to watch although I do have a question. I just started playing ‘seriously’ about a month ago and a wondering why you don’t play straight pool with players at this level. In my ( naive? ) mind, could still teach your concepts, etc but the players would have more options while learning the game. Just a random thought …