Equipment | Billiard Coach - Mike Fieldhammer

Thirty-One Tips: 15. Stay Positive

Posted on 15. Jan, 2011 by Mike Fieldhammer.

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Always Stay Positive and Keep Your Sense of Humor
After weeks of waiting, Johnny finally received the break cue I sold him. We’ve all been beside ourselves with excitement to run to the pool room and try out a new cue. The break cue arrived last Wednesday, but Johnny had to put the party on ice for one more night. He had to take his gal out to dinner on her birthday. What strength! I’m not sure I could have resisted slipping in a few minutes at the table to christen the new gear. Finally on Thursday, he gets his big break.

Miscue on break sends tip flying from Johnny101 on Vimeo.

I felt the pain. I also had an uncontrollable urge to laugh my butt off! Shadenfreude! We had a phone call the next morning and I assured him we’d get everything fixed as quickly as possible and we had a great laugh over the crazy situation. I also told John that I had the greatest respect for his ability to post the video and have a laugh at himself.

Video viewers: the two parts that send me through the roof is when at around 1:22 he does the “Charlie Brown” move. Priceless! Then, I love how John optimistically checks the pockets for his tip. He knows it was an exceedingly bad break, yet he hopes he pocketed something.

I believe making the best of a tough situation is the mark of a true winner. Johnny shows a great attitude dealing with this bad luck.

You’re the best Johnny! You show us all how to take a tough blow, be proud of it, and trudge onward with a smile.

Be sure to check out Johnny’s web site: A Journey Into Billiards

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Thirty-One Tips: 9. Carry Nail Clippers

Posted on 09. Jan, 2011 by Mike Fieldhammer.

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There are many items that come in extremely useful in your cue case. The one non-pool related item that I feel is the most important is a quality nail clippers. Snag a nail or collecting some dirt under a nail? Fix the situation on the spot. I consider having multiple nail clippers a necessity for any pool player. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked to loan my clippers to a friend. I always hesitate to do so. Secretly, I tisk my friend and fish around in my case and pretend not to find it. A little white lie. My clipper is far too valuable to let it out of my sight. I’ll bet I’ve got twenty pair laying around my house. The best two have a permanent place in my grooming routine. One in my bathroom perched safely on a shelf and the other in my cue case in a secret alcove for emergence use only.

Revlon is the best.

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Thirty-One Tips: 6. Take Care Your Cue

Posted on 06. Jan, 2011 by Mike Fieldhammer.

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Equipment Tip: Be Careful Loaning Out Your Cue.

Be judicious about letting others hit balls with your cue. I am in the business of selling cues, so I’ve got to give people the opportunity to shoot with whatever cues I’ve got in my case. My advice to others is the opposite. Take care of your cue and avoid placing it in a dangerous situation. A general rule of thumb is that it’s usually okay to let someone better than you hit a few balls with your cue, but not someone who isn’t as skilled as you. Reason? Better players will most often know how to care for a cue and will be respectful of your gear. They also might give you helpful advice on the tip shape, feel of the cue, weight, or shaft condition. It might be worth listening to their advice to tune up or improve your cue.

Limited Edition D-12 Samsara Cue For Sale

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Thirty-One Tips: 4. Cue Tip Confidence

Posted on 04. Jan, 2011 by Mike Fieldhammer.

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Equipment Tip: Don’t skimp on cue tips. Whatever your choice of cue tip is, you must be pleased with the tip’s shape and condition. Nothing else will do. This will give you confidence in your gear and will translate to a confident stroke.