Precision Pool, 2nd Edition

267 Pages·2007·14.228 MB·English

by  Gerry Kanov, Shari Stauch

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Second Edition
Precision
Gerry Kanov
Shari Stauch
Human Kinetics
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Kanov, Gerry, 1949-
Precision pool / Gerry Kanov and Shari Stauch. -- 2nd ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-7387-5 (soft cover)
ISBN-10: 0-7360-7387-6 (soft cover)
1. Pool (Game) I. Stauch, Shari, 1962- II. Title.
GV891.K33 2008
794.7'3--dc22
2007033448
ISBN-10: 0-7360-7387-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-7360-7387-5
Copyright © 2008, 1999 by Gerry D. Kanov and Shari J. Stauch
All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any
electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying,
and recording, and in any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of
the publisher.
The Web addresses cited in this text were current as of July 2007, unless otherwise noted.
Acquisitions Editor: Jana Hunter; Developmental Editor: Anne Hall; Assistant Editor: Cory Weber; Copyedi-
tor: John Wentworth; Proofreader: Anne Rogers; Indexer: Dan Connolly; Permission Manager: Carly Breeding;
Graphic Designer: Fred Starbird; Graphic Artist: Tara Welsch; Cover Designer: Keith Blomberg; Photographer
(cover): Klaus Stemmler/Zefa/Corbis; Photographer (interior): Jason Zwiker, unless otherwise noted; Photo Asset
Manager: Laura Fitch; Visual Production Assistant: Joyce Brumfield; Photo Office Assistant: Jason Allen; Art
Manager: Kelly Hendren; Associate Art Manager: Alan L. Wilborn; Illustrators: Paul Harris and Gerry Kanov;
Printer: Custom Color Graphics
We thank Pivotal Fitness of Summerville, South Carolina, and Ewa and Mitch Laurance for assistance in providing
the photo shoot locations for this book.
Human Kinetics books are available at special discounts for bulk purchase. Special editions or book excerpts can
also be created to specification. For details, contact the Special Sales Manager at Human Kinetics.
Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
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To our better halves, Laura and Jeff, who remind us that pool is FUN,
even when we miss . . .
Contents
Foreword  vii
Acknowledgments  ix
Introduction  xi
The Shooter’s Checklist . . . 1
Chapter
Aim and Vision . . . . . . . . .29
Chapter
Cue Ball Control . . . . . . . . .45
Chapter
Game Breaks . . . . . . . . . . .65
Chapter
Critical Shots . . . . . . . . . . .85
Chapter
Position Play . . . . . . . . . .123
Chapter
Pattern Play . . . . . . . . . . .135
Chapter
iv
Safety Play . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Chapter
Situation-Specific Shots . .165
Chapter
Match Strategy and
Chapter
Tactics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Mind–Body Toughness . . .199
Chapter
Practice Made Fun . . . . . .221
Chapter
Glossary  235
References  239
Index  241
About the Authors  247
v
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Foreword
I
n Precision Pool, Gerry Kanov and Shari Stauch take you step by step through
the great game of pocket billiards. As two of the most respected and well-known
writers in the sport, they complement each other terrifically as they manage to
entice the novice, educate the avid player, and fulfill the desires for perfection of
the skilled professional. In a concise and easy-to-understand format that includes
text, diagrams, and photos, they convey the wisdom and vast knowledge that come
only from years of experience.
I wish a book like this had been available when I first started playing. I think of
the hours I could have saved with a coach at my side, instructing me along the way.
Sure, there was the occasional kind-hearted veteran who would lend advice as I
was learning early on, and by virtue of watching great players I picked up a lot of
knowledge, but generally I had to seek to improve using the trial-and-error method.
The same is not true for you.
This book is so much more than your average book on the basics of pool. I have
played for over 25 years and won all of the major championships in the sport, yet
this book is a resource I can turn to even now. Whether I want a reminder of the
fundamentals or an idea for a new practice drill, Precision Pool has it covered.
To sum it up, Precision Pool speaks to players at all levels of ability. The book is
accessible to everyone, it’s easy to understand, and it gives you the tools to take
your game to the level you choose. What level that is will be your choice. Have fun,
and good luck!
Ewa Laurance, “The Striking Viking”
World Champion
Member of the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame
vii
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