Table of Contents

Preface... 71. Material1.1. The Table... 9I. Playing Area (playability):... 9II. Stability & Sturdiness... 12III. Design... 13IV. Price... 13V. Reputation... 131.2. The Cue... 141.3. Pool Balls... 221.4. Chalk... 252. Rules, Game Variants, and Facts2.1. 8-ball... 272.2. 9-ball... 282.3. Straight Pool... 292.4. Rotation... 312.5. One-Pocket... 332.6. 10-ball... 333. Posture3.1. General Remarks... 353.2. Stance... 363.3. Upper Body and Head... 373.4. Stroke and Leading Arm... 373.5. Bridge... 403.5.1. Handling of the rest (bridge)... 433.6. Consistency... 454. The Program4.1. Aiming... 474.2. General Explanations on Influencing the Cue Ball... 494.3. Attaining a smooth stroke with a straight follow-through 534.4. Standard Shots... 60Digression: Pattern of preparation... 624.5. The 1st Alternate-program... 694.6. Explanation of the Side-Spin (Left or Right English) 714.7. The Stun Shot... 794.8. The Kiss Shot and the Throw Shot... 824.8.1. The Kiss Shot... 824.8.2. The Throw Shot... 864.9. Some small Position Drills... 914.10. Alternative Program II... 944.11. Standard Position Shots... 984.12. Alternative Program III... 108DIGRESSION: - First Habitualizing Exercise: A"Ball ShootingA" - 1134.13. Positioning Drills... 1154.14. Brain Washing Drill... 1274.15. Alternative Program IV... 1294.16. Bank Shot Drills... 1344.16.1 The Tip-Size-English Cushion-System... 1394.17. Special Explanations... 1424.17.1. The Follow Shot Curve... 1424.17.1.1. The Follow Shot Curve in the System... 144Modern Pool4.17.2. The Draw Shot Curve... 1474.17.2.1. The Draw Shot Curve in the System... 1484.17.3. The Draw Shot Curve in Cushion Applications... 1504.17.4. The Follow Shot in Cushion Applications... 1524.17.5. The Automatic Side-Spin... 1534.17.6. The 'Slowing Down' of the Cue Ball... 1554.18. Theoretical Game Sequences... 1584.18.1. Straight Pool... 158Digression: 2. Habitualization Exercise: A"Speed PoolA"... 1854.18.2. 9-Ball... 1864.18.2.1. The Break... 1864.18.2.2. Situation Analysis... 1974.18.2.3. Multi-purpose shots... 2054.18.2.4. Intentional Fouls... 2114.18.2.5. 10-ball Addendum... 2144.18.3 The 8-ball Game... 2154.18.4. The One-Pocket Game... 2204.19. The Cushion Game... 2264.19.1. General Prerequesities... 2264.19.2. One Cushion, Basic System... 2274.19.3. One Cushion First, Mirror-System + Cue... 2294.19.4. Two-Cushion System (Short Rail, Long Rail)... 2354.19.5. Two-Cushion System; Long - Short & parallel shifting 2404.19.6. The Three-Cushion System... 2434.20. Critical Shots... 248

About the Author

Ralph Eckert (born 03/28/1965) is the first certified A International European Instructor". A columnist of high acclaim for various billard magazines, his books have set the highest standards in Europe. More than just an instructor, Ralph Eckert is undoubtedly considered a top European player. His first excursions in the late 80's and early 90's to some Professional Tour tournaments were well rewarded with finishes in the money ranks. Ralph Eckert startedplaying billiards in 1982, joined the national team in 1988 and appeared in many renowned international tournaments, such as the Professional 9-Ball World Championships in Cardiff 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003. In 1999 he landed his first EURO TOUR titel in Antalya on LIVE TV. This, together with other successes in the European 9-Ball Tour 2000, secured him the European crown. Highly regarded as a world class trick-shot artist, he has repeatedly performed to enthusiastic audiences in many parts of the world. His trophy cabinet includesseveral official WPA Artistic Pool titels, such as: European Stroke Champion 2003, US-Open Novelty Shot Champion 2003, World Master in Bank & Kick Shots 2004 and World Champion in Trick & Fancy Shots 2004! Furthermore, Ralph Eckert attended courses in Sport Psycology, Mental Training, Attention & Focus Training, etc. at the University of Heidelberg.

Reviews

"Even before I became a professional, Ralph taught me many things that has had a tremendous impact on my career. When I became a professional his teachings became even more insightful. I can't help but pass on his knowledge to my students and share with my friends on the Pro Tour. In professional tournaments against the worlds best players, I still usethe principles Ralph taught me."Thorsten HohmannWorld Champion 2003