Playing with the APA

One night I decided I was going to join the "APA"American Pool Players Association. But I didn't want play on bar tables. I was used to playing on the big tables and didn't know how that was going to impact my game. So I called my local league and went down to shooters riverside. It was real easy to join a team and start playing. The amazing thing about my journey with the APA is that I could play pool and hang out and meet some amazing people. I pretty much have been on the same team since I started. I am 9 in nine ball and an 7 in eight ball.
Everyone kept asking me to try to qualify for the U.S. Amateur Championships.




So I went to Stix Billiards in Rancho Cucamonga ca, and played in the event and won the qualifier to go to Tampa Florida and play at Strokers. My journey there was an exciting one to say the least. As we were descending into tampa it was very beautiful and I was ready to play. I knew I had people back home cheering for me and that meant a lot to me. They ran the event like the professionals that they are and made me and all the players feel welcome. When I arrived at Strokers I started to warm up and adjusted to the new environment since I've never been there before.




The day started with the play at 10:30 am and we were off to races. The tournament board looked even crazier than have ever seen but it was cool.




There were a total of 128 players in all. But I knew I could work the field. I was playing against the top amateurs and short stops in the country. And I have to tell you it wasn't easy. Going to the event was such an exciting experience especially if you love pool.








On the second day the event I had my mind focused and ready to play and win. The other players played there hearts out as well. I felt I played very focused and was happy with the way I preformed. Brian Parks of Bakersfield CA had won the Championships the third time in a row. But I got news for him I'll be back next year to do it again. When I finally got knocked out i decided it was going to take the rest of my time and enjoy Florida.




And I can't believe all this started when I was sitting on my couch and decided I was going to get out and meet new people and play some pool. All I can say is thank you to the APA for putting on such a prestigious event like the U.S.Amatuer Championships.
And if you love pool like I do, I would recommend joining a league. And start having fun!

Bonus Ball "What Happened?"

When Bonus Ball first burst on the seen it seemed like everyone was excited. It was a new game that was to be propelling Billiards to a new height. I remember seeing Johnny Archer and Nick Varner at an exhibition and Johnny talking about something coming up for pool that was big. He was telling the truth! Bonus Ball I believe did in fact did something special for billiards.




It brought together some of the greatest players on earth. It also brought a new element of team play which has never been done before. It was was fun to watch the teams working together and figuring out different strategies. I had thought for the first time that billiards could get on the map like golf or football. I have been playing pool most of my life and wanted to see bonus ball make it.




Bonus Ball Arena is located in Las Vegas Nevada. It seemed like bonus ball struggled all the way to the everyday person like me. Having problems with the contractors and getting the streams to work properly. And now rumors that the players aren't getting paid. Not sure whats true anymore. But i do know this! As frustrated as some of the players are and the people that supported bonus ball.




I believe bonus ball will be back stronger than ever in some form or other. I just hope that the WPBL can over come and make billiards what it should be. For now we ask "what happened to bonus ball?" And when is it coming back? Well I guess we all have to stayed tuned to see what happens. For more info visit:
WPBLTV.com
Just my thought on Bonus Ball!

The Tangent Line

Hi guy I'm back with another tip that will help you improve your position play. I'm amazed how this works and so many people don't apply this to their game. The tangent line is there whether you like it or not. Here's a quick diagram for you and ill explain how it works.


As soon as the cue ball contacts the object ball in this case the 12 ball for the side pocket it deflects and want to travel along the imaginary brown line. This is the path that the cue ball wants to travel on. This helps with position and you have to remember your speed on how hard you hit the cue ball. The harder you hit the cue ball the longer the your angler is and vise versa. By applying this to your game will help you dramatically improve your skills. Professional players know this and that's why they are so consistent. By following the tangent line you will be able to move the cue ball around the table and have excellent position on every shot. Hope this helps you become better players.

Posted by- John Ferguson

Straight stroke

I watch a lot players play pool and I can always tell if someone plays a lot of pool just by the way they hold their cue. Their stance is off balance and they seem to miss the shot. when people ask me why I keep missing those shots. I alway tell them that you have to stick with the fundamentals first. Good bridge, stance, balance ect. Then comes pocketing ability. I believe that you have to have a solid bridge. Open faced or closed bridge. There are different stances but mine is hips pretty square to the table and my right foot forward because I'm left handed. So right handers left foot forward. I like to slightly bend my knees and get comfortable. I like to line my dominate eye over the cue shaft. So my eye lines up with the shot. Some people stand to high over he cue when shooting. I like to get lower on the shot so I can see where I'm shooting. I think if you really evaluate your fundamentals. You can really improve your shot making abilities. I really like helping people with pool because I look at it like I'm helping billiards grow. Please don't hesitate to ask here's my email address. Johnfergy106@yahoo.com


- Posted by John ferguson

Negative thinking

Last night I was playing a match and I found my self playing really well. I was making lots of great shots and I had a lot of confidence in my game. Towards the end of the match my opponent started to catch up and I found myself saying things to myself that seem to kill my confidence. Negative thinking entered my mind for some reason. Most players don't even think about how much of an impact the way you think when you play pool can effect your game. I practice everyday positive affirmations and saying things to myself that make me feel good. Even during a match I remind myself that I am a great player and say positive things. Human nature is to doubt ourselves sometimes in life. But we also have the ability to over come doubt by being confident in ourselves and believing in our abilities.
If your playing pool competitively and you want to improve your game you need have fun playing and don't doubt yourself in certain situations. You might a long shot next and think to yourself "man thats a long shot" instead of saying that say " I can make this one" and shoot with confidence. Commit to the shot and don't be scared to miss. If you think positive about your game you'll find that your game will elevate to the next level. You'll be mentally strong. I hope in writing about what I'm going through with my pool playing experiences can help you and others become better pool players. I also am constantly learning about this game.

- Posted by John Ferguson