In disciplines where i have had (relatively) recent coaching (pool, tennis, Pickleball), i have found it invaluable to have an insightful coach/mentor who can identify weaknesses that are in my blind spots - and identify and prioritize drills that i didn’t realize i needed.
There are sometimes exercises (as an alternative or supplement to coaching) that can expose those weaknesses For example Bob Jewett has some progressive run out drills for a pool. Doing those I found that I was often failing in similar situations (e.g. shooting when the cue ball was on a rail and i therefore needed a different, more awkward bridge). I spent years practicing pool without ever doing focused practice on that skill.
I often find people are blind to there biggest addressable weakness
Thanks for the comment, Chad! I completely agree with you about the value of having a skilled instructor identify weaknesses. I had a similar experience with an instructor named Jon Smith in New York, who pointed out that I was hitting my chest with the cue on some shots, which was affecting my stroke. By adjusting my stance I was able to improve my stroke.
One way to work on those weaknesses is to track misses in games, but I really like what you suggest about identifying them through drills like Bob Jewett's progressive drills. Those types of practice/focus can really expand our shot repertoire.
Re: what to practice
In disciplines where i have had (relatively) recent coaching (pool, tennis, Pickleball), i have found it invaluable to have an insightful coach/mentor who can identify weaknesses that are in my blind spots - and identify and prioritize drills that i didn’t realize i needed.
There are sometimes exercises (as an alternative or supplement to coaching) that can expose those weaknesses For example Bob Jewett has some progressive run out drills for a pool. Doing those I found that I was often failing in similar situations (e.g. shooting when the cue ball was on a rail and i therefore needed a different, more awkward bridge). I spent years practicing pool without ever doing focused practice on that skill.
I often find people are blind to there biggest addressable weakness
Thanks for the comment, Chad! I completely agree with you about the value of having a skilled instructor identify weaknesses. I had a similar experience with an instructor named Jon Smith in New York, who pointed out that I was hitting my chest with the cue on some shots, which was affecting my stroke. By adjusting my stance I was able to improve my stroke.
One way to work on those weaknesses is to track misses in games, but I really like what you suggest about identifying them through drills like Bob Jewett's progressive drills. Those types of practice/focus can really expand our shot repertoire.