tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68735601766012449612024-02-19T01:40:38.342-08:00Tips and TalkMark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-86162605051351436022014-06-08T17:12:00.000-07:002014-06-08T17:12:34.290-07:00Two National ChampionshipsLindenwood University now has two National Champions in only their second year of having a billiuards team. Landon Shuffett and Briana Miller both had convincing wins and the rest of the team finished well also. Sharik Sayed finished 3rd, Sean Sommers 7th, Jaydan Hergott 9th, and Dan Otto was 25th.<br />
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As the coachI was pleased with the finishes but even more proud of their professionalism. Great job everyone, next up 2015.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-43036301307722283892014-06-05T05:30:00.000-07:002014-06-05T05:30:46.177-07:00Team USA/ Mosconi Cup 2014<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFEvAg6RFnxrS-OT6Bsk_dBj0PgFBFqWihYEsNyFVxh1w6MHVc_vGL7kWvCywter7VyJAfcLLx-7HMaRSIq9UPWiKkb3NQ_001u6RkkjB0Wx2sXqcyhVDegcwbtxE8CJmUwG1Qzi6jMU/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFEvAg6RFnxrS-OT6Bsk_dBj0PgFBFqWihYEsNyFVxh1w6MHVc_vGL7kWvCywter7VyJAfcLLx-7HMaRSIq9UPWiKkb3NQ_001u6RkkjB0Wx2sXqcyhVDegcwbtxE8CJmUwG1Qzi6jMU/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team USA/ Mosconi Cup 2014<br />
Invading the BUD/S Training Facility<br />
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In preparation for the December showdown in Blackpool, England the players were brought to Coronado, Ca. for some real team building exercises courtesy of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Honor, integrity, respect, discipline, and work ethic are core components of all winning teams and especially those that travel in harms way.</td></tr>
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<br />Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-113317978733621132014-05-17T06:38:00.000-07:002014-05-17T06:38:24.351-07:00Mosconi Cup Team 2014I was named captain of the 2014 Mosconi Cup Team USA and am very proud to come back as the captain after playing in the first two Mosconi Cups ever and pocketing the final winning 9-Ball for Team USA in the first ever match. This is one of my fondest memories and career highlights.<br />
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I have chosen to put a lot into the preparation for this match in an effort to win the Cup and promote pool here in the U.S. May 22-26 we will all meet as a team for the first time in San Diego, CA. The players who make up Team USA and will be attending are Corey Deuel, Justin Hall, Jeremy Sossei, Oscar Dominguez, Justin Bergman, John Schmidt, Shane Van Boening, and Brandon Shuff and asst. captain Don Wardell.<br />
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The previous teams that were not unified enough to compete at the level of Team Europe and we are going to address this matter straight away. We will be heading to the Naval Special Warfare Center, home to the U.S. Navy SEALs to get inspired and motivated but to also get insights into team building, work ethic, discipline, brotherhood, and winning in tough circumstances. This is an experience not available to the public and requires permission from several sources including the base commander who has still not fully approved but we are very hopeful for the experience.<br />
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We as a team will also lead some training clinics that we will use to fundraise for the Naval Special Warfare Foundation and ParaVets. We will have multiple team meetings regarding our time here and in the future. We will then spend a couple of days training at On Cue Billiards, La Mesa, CA and hold a Mosconi Cup style match. <br />
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I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard for this all to become reality including Don Wardell and Mike Durbin along with Matchroom Sports and PartyPoker.net.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-25914332917849670612013-11-17T11:51:00.000-08:002013-11-17T11:51:36.460-08:00Lindenwood Lions Billiards Team ImprovingThe Lions currently sit at 5-0 on the year, including a complete sweep of the largest collegiate billiards tournament of the year, held at the University of Michigan. 16 schools sent teams for the three day and three separate tournament format and the Lions won all three events.<br />
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We have improved and now have some experience. We train hard, compete, and are trying to put a new face on the sport. I ask that you maintain a 3.0 g.p.a. The primary aspect of this team is to lead by example, character and moral values are paramount. I insist upon proper conduct, sportsmanship, honor, integrity, leadership, and respect, along with personal accountability.<br />
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We presently have a state of the art training facility that would make professional players jealous. The training consists of utilizing a great mental and physical approach to the game that under pressure becomes overwhelming firepower. The presentation of great attitudes and technique is unsettling for players unprepared to compete at this level and has proven to shake their confidence mid-match.<br />
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Players that are members of the team are from all over the world, Nepal, Singapore, China, Italy, Spain, and all corners of the U.S. Most of them are scholarshipped athletes that are here to get a great education, become a better person, and possess a tremendous pool game. <br />
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I am looking for my next recruit and have scholarship money for anyone interested in becoming a member of the billiards program and has the academics to enter college. Curious? Contact Mark Wilson at 618-888-2333 or send an email to <a href="mailto:stlshooter@hotmail.com">stlshooter@hotmail.com</a> .Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-46546365858536302062013-09-20T07:36:00.000-07:002013-09-20T07:36:50.702-07:00Play Great Pool -the book is complete and available.The book is back from the printer and represents years of effort. I insisted on the reading to be motivational, inspirational, while also being educational. I consider the book to be a textbook and not a one-time read type of thing. Explanation of the physics and bio-mechanics using sound principles and not opinion based assumption. How to acquire the skills with specific training exercises, check points to see that you are progressing, along with trouble shooting guidelines when struggles crop up.<br />
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The goal is to enable you to teach yourself using a designed system that will shorten the long way to superior proficiency. Any pool player interested in becoming a better player, no matter what their present skill set, will derive much benefit along with insights into the specifics of how to train. <br />
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The book is hardbound and full color, the cost is $70 and for this introduction free domestic shipping. You could order yours by mailing a check or money order to:<br />
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Mark Wilson<br />
8561 Prairietown Rd.<br />
Dorsey, Illinois<br />
62021<br />
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I could not be more proud of this book and feel that the results are better than I dreamed, I am certain that you will feel the same. I would also like to thank all of the friends and supporters who had to endure with great patience the waiting for completion of something that represents my life goal.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-64049162052119255932013-03-02T19:06:00.002-08:002013-03-02T19:06:28.492-08:00Lindenwood Lions Billiards TeamThe Lions have been training since September for the National Collegiate Billiards Championship. Last Saturday, February 23rd, 2013, three of my players qualified to play in the Nationals in late July. We had 23 players compete from five Universities for four positions. <br />
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Stephen Wyatt (Lindenwood) won 1st place over Ben Reynolds (University of Arkansas) qualified in second place. The Lindenwood ladies swept the two qualification spots with Federica Bertolini 1st and Kelly Zahn 2nd. <br />
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I could not be more proud of all of my team's performance as everyone played to their best. Each player carried themselves with a pride and stroke technique that indicates future success and has become the Lindenwood Billiards team calling card. Great job everyone.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-52073546691127185632012-06-25T04:22:00.000-07:002012-06-25T04:22:49.119-07:00The book that I always wanted to write.<div>
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I have been working along on finishing the pool playing instructional book and we are well into the final parts of editing and installing the pictures and diagrams. While there is still much to complete the conclusion is within sight. This book is going to give pool players of all skill levels a chance to get much better, now and forever. My dream was to leave a mark on the sport with this book and help others discover that same feeling which I found so long ago. When I began to attempt to get better with my playing, pool instruction was almost unheard of and the instructional books were vague and unclear. Education is the only way to grow the sport. Because pool playing at a high level is so difficult, players get lost along the way, assuming that they just cannot get it perhaps because they just do not seem to have any natural ability. That is the quick and obvious way to assess why their proficiency is much less than other players, and well beneath their own desired playing stature. This book will be a complete guide to teaching yourself to play high level pool and I am certain that I will be satisfied with the contents, derived from great research and nearly 40 years of practice, I hope that you, the reader, will be pleased with the material and presentation, including the motivational aspects that have been lacking in our sport. The blessing of seeking and training regularly with the top players in pool for such a long time has given this book an authentic look at what it really takes to become great. Everybody would not get to be so blessed as to have access to the material gathered within the book and I really wanted to share this with you, and all players in the future that sincerely wanted to get better but had little idea of where to start. Thanks for your time...mw </div>
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The assistant coach and team doctor, Don Wardell, was very helpful, as we had 12-15 future team members each day. Everyone is so energetic, positive, and ambitious, that it creates a very exciting atmosphere and already a sense of pride. All of those that participated improved their play, understanding of pool, what the expectations will be, and once we get to the fall semester the team will be quite formidable.<br />
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Lindenwood University is an athletic driven university, and they are very proud of all of their sports teams and 47 National Championships. Several months ago I was selected as the head coach and asked to form a billiards team. The University wants a first rate program and I was tasked with producing that goal. The school is willing to provide to these student/athletes maximum support, to include scholarship awards for deserving team members. The criteria for the scholarship awards are; academics, character, and billiards. You will need to be interested in becoming a great pool player, while obtaining a great education, and possess the qualities of being a good person. The scholarships must be earned every day, and this will require a tremendous work ethic. Grades, attendance, and attitude, are only some of the criteria that will be required. Upon completion of the program, you will have leadership skills and success as your future because of the hard work and commitment.<br />
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Professional players have inquired about the results of the mini-camp and stated that they will stop by and assist. The billiard publications have lent support, along with the entire billiards community. This will be historic for the sport and begin a rebirth for the future. I am very excited to give a maximum effort to producing the finest team ever. <br />
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Comments, questions, or concerns, please call me at 1-618-888-2333, also check out <a href="http://www.lindenwood.edu/">www.lindenwood.edu</a>Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-48052372565115470932012-02-11T12:59:00.000-08:002012-02-11T16:49:10.048-08:00Isles Yacht ClubI have just returned from a great week of teaching 40 of members of the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gordo, Florida. The club members get together and play several "in house" leagues, have traveling teams, and play tournaments. Bob Spencer has generated the pool enthusiasm in the club and further nurtures it by creating a wonderful environment to play and learn under. This is attractive to the general membership and has become a source of pride among the many great people that are involved with this tremendous and unique place. The players are all people that are ambitious, educated, successful, and attentive, which makes teaching so much more rewarding. They have all found the pool passion and their skills are growing fast. I am personally so honored to be invited to work with them, and motivated by their willingness to put forth effort, there is little surprise why these individuals are unilaterally great examples of over achievers' that win in life.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-42074189587096335692012-02-04T12:21:00.000-08:002012-02-04T13:02:13.101-08:00Exciting NewsI am so excited to announce that I have just been selected to be the coach of the Lindenwood University Billiard Program. The duties will entail pioneering a new direction to grow and create interest in the sport. We will be competing against other schools and local league teams. The practices and training will be carefully designed to establish Lindenwood as the premier billiards school in the world. We will also be able to award some scholarships to aid recruiting and stimulate enrollment. The University operates in a first class fashion and the billiards program will be conducted from the same ideals of excellence. This opportunity is for those ambitious,energetic,and enthusiastic students that are overachievers in both academics and billiards, who will ultimately become successes in life. We are aiming for the individual that understands the difference between training for a sport and playing a game. Please give me a call at 618-888-2333 for additional information. mwMark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-38734339466799147042012-02-03T20:27:00.000-08:002012-02-03T20:59:49.361-08:00A Pool Lesson with Jerry Briesath DVDJerry's new instructional video just came out with 4.5 hours of material that provides very illuminating details of the topics. I helped Jerry prepare the material over the last year and also appear on the video demonstrating the techniques described. Much of the instruction offered has fresh and unique content that has never been presented elsewhere. This video will greatly aid any student regardless of current ability and spur interest in training. I am certain that you will enjoy the perspective of Jerry who has dedicated himself to teaching the sport for his entire life. Those experiences are shared within this DVD and will improve your personal pool playing now and in the future. New found enthusiasm for skill development is also contained with the best pool instructional video ever. You can obtain your copy from either myself at (618-888-2333) or Jerry's site, poollessons.com. The purchase price for the three disc set is $70 shipping included. This is sincerely a must have item for anyone that seeks better playing skills and all instructors, as it will increase your fun and trim years off of the learning cycle.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-16307773580210901332012-02-03T20:06:00.000-08:002012-02-03T20:27:43.271-08:002012 Derby ExperienceJust back from another Derby City Classic and what a great time. I worked for Accu-Stats again doing commentary on 25 separate matches. The playing was stellar, and every year the standard moves higher. The qualifications for the straight pool tournament require that you are one of the top eight players to produce a high run. This year for the first time all eight qualifiers ran in excess of one hundred balls and one player did not qualify despite a high run of 103. The lowest run to qualify was 108. During a practice session John Schmidt produced a run of of 247 and missed a "dead combo" in the side pocket according to John, who is a funny guy with a great personality. Bustamante put on a show in the 10-Ball event and played so well that despite the tough table he was able to just over power the table with dynamic break shots and tremendous pocketing power. However the thing that was more evident than ever was the top flight pro players ability to shoot with power and accuracy. Along with this trained ability came shooting balls softer than ever with dramatic results in terms of position play. These skills are really only available on true championship conditions of Simonis cloth and Diamond Pool Tables that are very level.The fun and excitement of this event places it as the best American pool tournament experience that anyone can have today. I will see you there next year.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-76267650036736441932012-01-01T07:52:00.000-08:002012-01-01T08:04:26.997-08:00Pool 2012I am looking forward to the 2012 Derby City Classic, as this event has really become the premier pool event in the U.S.A. Also early this year I will complete my instructional book after many years of effort and I know many are looking forward to seeing what I have created, especially my wife who fears that I will never conclude my dream of writing a book. Once the book is finished then I intend to be playing more pool and travel. Happy New Year to all. mwMark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-63543335064568144582011-02-02T08:08:00.000-08:002011-02-02T10:25:50.436-08:002011 Derby City ClassicI was invited to commentate for Accu-Stats during the 9 days of the Derby City Classic. This was a wonderful experience. Educational, motivating, and inspirational, are all feelings that I took away in addition to the fun and humor of the proceedings. The video's that were created are some of the best pool ever played and the general level of play is better every year. The first discipline was Banks, with 387 entrants. Corey Deuel played Allen Hopkins, this was a very entertaining match that began with Deuel playing four consecutive shots all while playing safe on each shot due to the difficulty, yet he pocketed each shot and then again was forced to play a shot for safety. Deuel continued to perform and kept Hopkins in check while earning the first two games with a flawless performance. Hopkins then turned the match around playing equally well and tied the match at two games apiece. The final game was two balls each and Allen Hopkins played a very unconventional two cushion shot, "cross side bank", and ran the needed three banks for the match. All of the John Brumback matches were very enlightening as well except his final loss, which the late hour fatigue cost him his usual quality performance. When you watch John take on so many "off angle" shots that are needed to win but difficult to play, you will be very impressed with his success rate even though he is the two consecutive time winner of this event. The majority of players encounter the difficult bank shot and recognize the lower percentage success rate of such a shot and then allow themselves less focus and a more general stroke approach, which fulfills the low percentage result. The "Brumback" approach utilizes a consistent high quality stroke delivery and follow-through and in addition to not allowing shot difficulty to degrade the stroke quality he also generates tremendous mental intensity beforehand when others allow themselves to "let down" due to the idea that they will probably miss anyway. John would decide what to do, set up to the shot and cue up to the cue ball just to measure the circumstance, and then stand up and really apply all of his mind to the shot. This seemed to heighten commitment, add clarity, focus, and definition to the visualization of the perfect result and with this extra effort he would produce amazing results time and again. I have tried to explain what he does, but I really know his video matches will be even better to learn from should you look for these elements that are described. His example is very motivating and the most graphic display of what it takes to play high performance pool at any game.<br /><br /><div align="left"> The next event was One Pocket with 317 entrants. The finals was two unexpected players, Shane Van Boening playing Earl Strickland and this was a very entertaining match. In general the One Pocket was not played as technically sound as in other years throughout the tournament, and the matches were not that memorable.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> The Nine Ball event drew 293 players and held many exciting matches. The semi-final match was stellar with Neils Feijen playing Shane Van Boening and qualifies as a "must see" match that holds a crucial shot that fans will talk about for eternity. I have watched Neils Feijen for some years and he has always been a good player but this year he proved to everyone that he is among the elite in all games, I was very impressed with his performance. Athletic, focused, and confident apply to him and a better representative of the sport could not be found. The final match was Dennis Orcollo against Shane Van Boening and after Shane failed in the first rack Dennis won and broke and ran four more games to take a 5-0 lead. Soon thereafter Dennis earned a game and broke and ran out for the title. These two matches held stellar performances to watch and it was an honor to commentate this part of pool history. Lee Van Corteza and Rodney Morris also played very well and warrant your attention as well as Jonathon Pinegar playing Corteza.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> The "Fatboy 10 Ball Challenge" is always my favorite event as this is played single elimination, race to 15 games, $1000 entry fee, 16 players. The first round had Ralf Souquet playing Shane Van Boening and the final score was 15-13 and was both exciting and well played with a number of break and run outs and the score flipping back and forth. Ralf lost but might have played the better pool. Then Fransisco Bustamante played Raphael Martinez and won a game in the middle of the match and proceeded to break and run out 6 more times producing stellar shot making along the way. This was a very compelling performance and an indication of the high level of exceptional play witnessed throughout the nine days.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> The summary of my trip is that perhaps the best players have now moved the game of pool into an "art form". The break shot, kicking speeds and purposeful direction applied to the kicking game, terrific shot making, and great safety shots, adds up to a "new standard". The players that displayed the ability to set the pace of this "new standard" and bear observation to improve your game are; Fransisco Bustamante, Darren Appleton, Neils Feijen, Shane Van Boening, Lee Van Corteza, Earl Strickland, Ralf Souquet, Dennis Orcollo, and Shannon Daulton. While some of these players were not described much in this story they all performed at the highest level and I encourage you to obtain videos of their efforts for your own development. You can do so by calling Accu-Stats at 1-800-828-0397 or going to the web site, <a href="http://www.accu-stats.com/">www.accu-stats.com</a> , you will be rewarded, educated, and entertained.</div>Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-66080605761940662912010-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:002010-11-15T20:06:09.241-08:00EARLy results from Steve Mizerak 10 Ball ChampionshipThe king of American players, the most talented pool player of the last 30 years and the most misunderstood, would have to be Earl Strickland. Eight years removed from winning a major title, Earl pocketed the final 10 ball to win the Steve Mizerak Pro Tour Championship undefeated. He beat, Barbagallo 9-4, Rodney Morris 9-2, Palmari 9-2, Mika Immonen 9-6, Darren Appleton 9-8 and Shawn Putnam 9-5 and in the finals again 11-6. Unlike other players, Earl has not only to win against the opponent, but also win the battle over controlling himself, which in the past has proven to be the more difficult challenge. His patented break and run, "up tempo" playing style that makes him a fan favorite was not in evidence on the final days of this title hunt, as the break failed repeatedly and the cue ball often scratched. Earl won this title on experience and good decisions, displaying the maturity of his 49 years of age. This match is set to air on Fox Sports Dec. 11th, and 13th, in High Definition which is great for pool, but the commentator's facial blemishes really are more apparent than you realize until it is too late. The final match is a race to 11 games, but Earl thinks that the match is to 9 games and then wins his 9th game, raises his cue over head and yells, "I did it!" He then goes to shake hands with an unamused Shawn Putnam who just sits there looking irritated, but finally has to share a laugh as he realizes Earl has made a sincere mistake. Earl's facial expression is really priceless and is captured along with his self commentary during rack 15. After sharing much of my pool life with Earl, I was really happy for him to reclaim some of his past glory and I must tell you that he is not the terrible person many others portray him to be. He is very passionate regarding the sport and sometimes expresses his feelings poorly and without thinking through the perception of his statements. I have been frustrated at times with his antics, but I have also seen him do some of the most benevolent acts of kindness for people that does not get mentioned. I am of the opinion that if you are a selfish person, I may still like you but you will have to be without other flaws. If you are a generous person, and especially if you love pool, then I can forgive many other faults, as I myself am not even perfect. This was another great accomplishment, in such a class event, ... long live the king.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-87276821959368788362010-08-04T14:22:00.000-07:002010-08-04T14:44:27.401-07:00John Schmidt provides great insights and motivationDuring the 2010 Derby City Classic, John Schmidt produced a straight pool run of 171 balls. He then provided a player review of that dramatic run available from Accu-Stats Video Productions, <a href="http://www.accustats.com/">www.accustats.com</a> . John is very articulate and willing to share the thoughts associated with great pool playing at the highest level. This is also very motivational and uplifting in regards to the sport, which I must say is refreshingly positive and instructive and just the 171 ball run is entertaining without the tremendous audio. Most top players do not think about the sport this deeply or are unable to share their thoughts as clearly without being condescending or arrogant so as to convey superiority. John comes across with sincerity, and tries to illuminate the things to make your game better. Along with his attention to detail, he speaks to the audience as an equal, and no matter the amount of expertise that you already have you will for sure learn at least a few things that carry over to any pool game. Players interested in playing better pool could not get a lesson that would provide more for themselves.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-10230645648043457302010-02-04T21:04:00.000-08:002010-02-04T21:37:23.786-08:00The Derby City Classic 2010I have just returned from the D.C.C. (Derby City Classic) and this was one of the most uplifting experiences that I have had with pool in some time. I was really impressed with the standard of play and general professionalism displayed by the players. The events available to play in are many and varied. The week began with Bank Pool and with more than 350 entries, John Brumback won in dominant fashion over pool legend and personal favorite Efren Reyes in the final. Brumback was the defending champion and with complete control excelled beyond the closest competition easily. Next up was One Pocket and Scott Frost won and was so happy as this sort of validates his career despite already being recognized as a great player by his peers. The single elimination, $500 entry fee plus $4000 added, race to 15 games of 10 Ball event went off with 16 players that concluded with Efren Reyes victorious over Johnny Archer. This was a very memorable match as Archer played exceptionally well and still lost 15-11 to the flawless match that Reyes played. I do not feel that anyone else could have beaten Johnny's performance in this one except Efren. Afterward I felt that if I had traveled from California and watched this single match and then went home, it would have been worth it. This match is so inspiring and motivating to see, and then simply wish to play better yourself. Then the straight pool had several big runs with John Schmidt leading the way producing a run of 171 on video and ultimate winner of this event, Charlie Williams running a 125 to beat Schmidt in the semi-finals. Then Efren struck again in the 9-Ball winning the title over Rodney Morris. Efren's victory in the semi's over Shannon Murphy was the most exciting match of the 9 day event and needs to be seen. The All-Around title went to Reyes as well as the additional $20,000 prize and what a great week it was again. Be sure to check out these and all of the other great matches from this event if you are sincere in wanting to play better pool from Accu-Stats.com and I must say the video of Schmidt's 171 ball run with the player review is an absolute must for anyone wanting to play play great pool and hear the inner most thoughts of a great player that is willing to explain and share with those of us so keenly interested.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-40256880797153922372009-07-17T13:56:00.000-07:002009-07-17T14:13:02.535-07:00Accuracy and Eye MovementWhen I used to watch Steve Mizerak play great pool I was always struck by the volume of eye movement that he employed. Before setting up to the cue ball he would stand and visually align the shot and several eye shifts would always occur. Then he would bend over and set the cue tip up to the cue ball and visually confirm that the shot appeared accurate and true. This was not some superficial and cursory glance but rather his eyes would move slowly back and forth between the cue ball and the target. Prior to taking a practice swing and without any body movement simply his eyes would shift and his forehead would get these deep wrinkles as he would really examine the accuracy several times. This pattern was strict and would take place on all shots, in this exact manner, without variation. This pattern of care with the initial set up was uniform and choreographed and requires a little more work than someone would willingly put forth who is unaware of this extreme need.The addition of this degree of care and exactness translates to consistency through a disciplined repetitive approach. Be prepared to put forth more effort and energy than you ever dreamed was required for playing high performance pool, so now you have the secret of excellence.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-55674104043815652322009-05-28T14:39:00.000-07:002009-05-28T14:53:59.581-07:00Latest Discovery for ExcellenceRecently much has been written about the 10,000 hour rule. What this rule states is that to become expert at any topic it requires 10,000 hours of focused effort. This requires more time and effort than the uninitiated amateur player realizes, as they hope for some immediate results or finding the secret that the pro's know and will not release to them. The secret to aiming for success with pocketing tough shots, how to consistently make bank shots, and using "english" for great position play. Apply yourself for 10,000 hours of serious effort and you will find the results that you desire, irrespective of your natural ability, hard work conquers all. What this all means is that great pool playing is a product of pool being your lifestyle not something to fill idle hours.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-6433902903513521292009-05-15T14:09:00.000-07:002009-05-15T14:34:06.460-07:00PartyPoker.netWorldPoolMastersClass and style is how the Matchroom team conducts the business of running billiard events worldwide. The television presentation will be on Fox Sports in the U.S. The quality of the play will be as great as advertised, and equal to the production. I attended the event as an interested fan and also one of the commentators for the exciting event with the most unforgiving of formats, race to eight games, single elimination. Jim Wych and Phil Yates are the professional broadcasters that immediately accepted me and made me feel welcome into their world. Their expertise made me sound better and I must thank them both for the fun and understanding patience of my personal broadcasting deficiencies. Both of them are truly team players only interested in making the best event possible and not ego driven legends of the sport. The behind the scenes efforts of the entire production team is considerable in terms of detail, which you will notice on the telecasts of the fifteen matches to air. Please check out matchroomsport.com for more information, until next time, MarkMark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-43907508018365439322009-04-30T21:03:00.000-07:002009-04-30T21:14:36.358-07:00Keep the Head and Body StillI am always interested at how many professional players exhibit some body motion when attempting to deliver the pool cue to within a one millimeter point on the cue ball. This movement occurs when they feel pressure and are uncertain and nervous. Amateur players do this often but you might expect that from them, but pro players I would think are beyond faltering because of pressure. The point here for you is to be sure that when you feel nervous redouble the effort to remain still beyond the stroke delivery. The only movement is eye motion and the actual swing of the cue. The head and body must remain still to obtain supreme accuracy. Check on yourself when you feel the "heat" of battle and you will be playing better pool.Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6873560176601244961.post-30765977468090227192009-04-24T07:08:00.000-07:002009-04-30T21:03:00.201-07:00My New CueThe most important thing about your pool cue is that you are totally pleased with the instrument that will become an extension of your arm. I am very picky about my cue and sensitive to any nicks or scuffs, I can even feel someone else's hand oil if they grab my cue and use it for a short time. My rules are this; you may borrow my car, or you could dance with my wife, but put my pool cue down!A new cue is just so inspiring, as always make sure to pocket the first shot so that it begins life positive. Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Durbin</span> built this cue from a concept that we had at a pool tournament a month ago and Monday he called to say that I should come and pick it up. What a beautiful cue with maximum playability and all of my basic <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">specifications</span>, 61" and 18.5 ounces. Somehow the cue has classic cosmetics but a modern look to it and I am asked about it upon setting out to play each day. I have never had this amount of interest and it is great pride that I respond to all. The cue has vibrant green veneered points with the center ebony, the forearm is gleaming and the prettiest figured maple ever, a black lizard skin wrap, and below that is a small ebony area with diamond and dots to match the diamonds in the points. The rings and diamonds are made of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">abalone</span> shell that is very eye catching and pretty, I have never seen trim rings this eye catching and unique. The joint is white with my preferred G-10 glass/epoxy pin that plays great in terms of feel transfer. Somehow all of this comes together so tastefully so as not to be gaudy despite being ornate which is a tribute to Mike's design. He then produced a matching Break cue and I have been trying to play much better just to live up to my cue's standards. Soon I hope to have some pictures posted. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mw</span>Mark Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00099019913582791247noreply@blogger.com0