The difference between timing and rhythm.  Believe it or not we all have rhythm!  When it comes to pool both timing and rhythm are important.  Timing is how long it takes to get ready for a shot.  Stance, warm up strokes, etc.  Rhythm is the cadence of your game, or to put it another way, the rhythm of moving from one shot to the next.

Timing and rhythm are different for everyone.  You have heard the term "in the groove" and that really refers to rhythm.  Taking the same practice strokes, whether it is one, two, five, or ten, every time.  That is something each player has to develop and your body then becomes accustomed to that.  How many times have you done only one or two practice strokes and then missed the shot when you normally take 4-5 practice strokes?  You probably said, I rushed it.  You probably did.  Try to take the same number of strokes each shot but do NOT count your strokes.  They will become second nature.  If it does not feel right then STOP.  Start over.  Rhythm is very important.

Timing is also important but in my opinion not as important as rhythm.  Timing can throw your game off as well.  Remember, it is the time it takes to execute your shot.  If you vary your timing then your rhythm can be off as well.

To determine your best timing and rhythm you need to practice.  That is all there is.  You can try a different number of practice strokes until you feel comfortable and confident.  Timing can also be practiced to become a routine.  In fact, the mere act of shooting a cue ball should be routine.  The less you have to think about things the better your shot, and game, will be.

Billiards has been around for a long time.  So has competition.  Billiard leagues combine these to make the sport competitive and fun.  In the book PRECISION POOL by Gerry Kanov and Shari Stauch, they say "This is a sport, a game, a form of recreation enjoyed by millions of people.  But it can be a difficult and frustrating  sport for untold millions-and you- if you're not enjoying it.  Accept the Challenges, embrace the difficulties, revel in the mastery of each new skill, no matter how trivial at first glance. There's not a professional player in all the pool circuit that will tell you they've mastered the art of cue sports.  What they have mastered is the love of pool, and the thrill of discovery in a sport that will endlessly challenge them for as long as they weild a cue.We wish the same for each of you!"

I agree.  If you are not having fun playing pool then you should find something else to do.  You are always learning.  You are always watching.  You are always practicing.  That is what NAPA is all about.  You the player, becoming better, becoming more competitive, becoming part of a team, and becoming a leader, a teacher, a mentor.  If you love something then it is easier to to tolerate frustration, enjoy competition, encourage friendship, and promote the game and the league.

I will be giving tips each week to help every level of player from those just beginning to those who think they have mastered the game.  I will invite each of you to also give me your comments, suggestions, and remarks to make the blog, and the league, better. 

I look forward in starting this series and continue it as long as there is interest.