9-Ball Drill Question

[Sid_Vicious]

I'm going back to a drill where you put a low number of balls(2 then 3 then 4 then....) in the rack with the nine as the highest ball, breaking and immediately taking ball in hand and strive for 70% runout success, then add another ball and repeat. Two questions for y'all who have used this system:

Do you spot any made balls on the break? If so and there are two balls to spot, do you stick them snugged up behind each other on the head spot or possible spot the second one the other end of the table? Reason I ask is that it impedes your progress is one of those balls is oone you will have to play next for the beginning of the run.

Also, how many samples do you use to establish your progress? I was once told 50, but have found that too boring. Lastly, is 70% too timid of a goal?

Thanks,
Sid

[Cuemage]

Sid,
I would spot a ball, but not more than one. This is a run-out drill after all. As far as longevity, pick a number for your set which allows for maximum concentration. Too many sets tends to dull focus and your learning curve drops. I think I saw Bert Kinister recommend a 75% completion rate before adding a ball to the workout. Hope this helps.

Now where did I put that Scroll of Run-out Drills...hmmmn

Hi, Sid,
I don't spot any pocketed balls during this drill. I am using 6 balls now (1,2,3,7,8,9) when doing this drill.
After I run ten consecutive racks I would add a ball. I haven't added balls in a while just by personal preference. I think 6-ball is perfect for this type of practice.

[Rod]

I've never practiced this drill Sid, and to me it's kind of a tough question. I don't know how well you play, but if your game has dropped a lot and you feel the need for only 3 or 4 balls then so be it. I like Scott's answer with 6 balls, at least you have to stay focused a bit longer each game. I also think with 6 balls the traffic is pretty light. I would leave down any balls made, unless you scratch, then they get spotted no matter how many you play with. That way you have to control the break also, and I think its a better way overall to keep score. Keep score separate each time you practice and you can see improvements. You can do an overall average, but pretty soon it looks like a batting average. I'd say 10 times each time you practice, then move on.

To me the break shot is part of the drill too (although missing the "kill the CB" element), so I never spot. And I often go for the combo from the BIH if possible (I want to practice those too!).