Billiards Digest articles in chronological order

NOTE - On the CD-ROM, each title listed below links to a PDF file
that can be viewed or printed from the CD-ROM.

The other CD-ROM in the series is: Volume I - Mechanics, Shots, Drills

Click here to purchase one or both of the CD-ROMs in the series

click here for information on other instructional products available from Dr. Dave Billiards

Concentration and Focus

• Concentration (Billiards Digest - April, 2002) - how to focus and avoid distractions at the table
• Winning (Billiards Digest - July, 2002) - how and why to maintain focus on winning
• Boredom (Billiards Digest - March, 2004) - great pool can and should be boring, but it requires focus
• Focus (Billiards Digest - June, 2006) - the importance of focusing on making a shot when there are secondary considerations

Confidence and Consistency

• Getting Out of a Slump (Billiards Digest - January, 2003) - how to deal with and work you way out of a slump
• Luck (Billiards Digest - April, 2003) - how to use luck to create confidence
• Mistakes (Billiards Digest - August, 2004) - how to accept and learn from mistakes
• Missing (Billiards Digest - November, 2004) - learning to accept that misses are part of the game, and learn from them
• Courage (Billiards Digest - May, 2007) - identifying and dealing with fears to create courage

Competition and Winning

• Pressure (Billiards Digest - June, 2002) - how to deal with and use pressure
• Intimidation (Billiards Digest - March, 2003) - how to deal with unhealthy intimidation and use healthy intimidation
• Sportsmanship (Billiards Digest - June, 2003) - showing respect and sportsmanship at the table
• Talking (Billiards Digest - July, 2004) - talking is OK during social pool, but not during competitive matches
• The Opponent (Billiards Digest - January, 2005) - sometimes you just play the table, but it is important to know your opponent's strengths and weaknesses
• The Comeback (Billiards Digest - April, 2005) - learning how to come from behind, and trusting it
• Adversity (Billiards Digest - August, 2006) - how to recognize and deal with an opponent's unsportsmanlike behavior
• Cheating (Billiards Digest - June, 2007) - how to deal with a cheating opponent

Composure and Self Control

• Composure (Billiards Digest - December, 2002) - how to deal with mistakes and disappointments
• Megan’s Journal (Billiards Digest - July, 2003) - the self image of a champion
• Take it Easy (Billiards Digest - November, 2005) - how to avoid and deal with tension and learn to stay relaxed

Attitude and Dedication

• Vision (Billiards Digest - February, 2003) - watch as much great pool as you can you help you visualize how to play
• Honesty (Billiards Digest - January, 2004) - being honest to yourself about the hard work it takes to excel
• Looking Good (Billiards Digest - October, 2004) - don't let the desire to look good affect your game
• Commitment (Billiards Digest - March, 2005) - the importance with checking in with yourself concerning your level of commitment
• Success (Billiards Digest - December, 2006) - the importance of relaxation and having fun in improving

Self Improvement and Development

• Upward Mobility (Billiards Digest - October, 2002) - don't sandbag in a league or tournament system ... aim higher
• Coachability (Billiards Digest - August, 2003) - how to be open to and benefit from coaching
• Sharing (Billiards Digest - December, 2003) - sharing of knowledge is important to the game
• Association (Billiards Digest - September, 2004) - why it is important to interact with top players
• Passion (Billiards Digest - May, 2005) - learning how to find passion and reward in sharing
• Change (Billiards Digest - October, 2005) - the courage and benefits associated with change
• Learning (Billiards Digest - May, 2006) - learn from others with different abilities and perspectives
• Misinformation (Billiards Digest - January, 2007) - example of how misinformation limits development
• Missing Out (Billiards Digest - October, 2007) - the many nuggets that can be found in instructional books
• Looking Inward (Billiards Digest - March, 2008) - examine and document your pool game through journaling
• Pushing The Envelope (Billiards Digest - June, 2008) - take chances and be creative when practicing or playing for fun to find and develop new skills
• Flying Blind (Billiards Digest - January, 2009) - practicing with your eyes closed can eliminate fears and create insight

Mechanics and Fundamentals

• Square One (Billiards Digest - October, 2008) - practice the stroke by itself, without balls
• Steady As She Goes (Billiards Digest - January, 2006) - the importance of fundamentals and staying still
• Tempo (Billiards Digest - May, 2002) - the importance of consistent tempo and pre-shot routine
• Finding the Line (Billiards Digest - July, 2005) - the important fundamental of alignment
• Shooting (Billiards Digest - April, 2004) - when aiming and shooting, focus on the object ball
• Drill Baby Drill (Billiards Digest - February, 2009) - practice simple shots to develop precision muscle memory
• Thinking (Billiards Digest - February, 2004) - practice fundamentals and skills so you don't have to think when you play
• Shattered Beliefs (Billiards Digest - April, 2008) - the action of the cue ball doesn't depend on the type of stroke, only the result of the stroke
• Fear of English (Billiards Digest - May, 2008) - English should be avoided when unnecessary, but it is critical to top-level play
• Walking (Billiards Digest - September, 2005) - the importance of walking around the table and into a shot
• Stroke (Billiards Digest - November, 2002) - focus on your stroke when targeting cue ball tracks with draw and follow
• Eyesight (Billiards Digest - August, 2005) - excellent eyesight isn't an absolute requirement in pool
• Starting Over (Billiards Digest - September, 2006) - playing with the opposite hand can create appreciation and perspective

Shot Making and Skills

• Trying (Billiards Digest - August, 2002) - focus on pocketing balls, and practice more and try less hard with position play
• Gimmicks (Billiards Digest - September, 2007) - basic aiming systems and gizmos don't account for throw
• Speed (Billiards Digest - February, 2007) - the importance of finding your favorite shot speed
• Spin (Billiards Digest - November, 2003) - learning to use the full non-miscue area of the cue ball
• The Pool Mind (Billiards Digest - November, 2006) - learning to deal with complexities (like English variables) instinctively
• Imagination (Billiards Digest - April, 2009) - creative use of rail-first shots with English
• Kicking with Vision (Billiards Digest - February, 2008) - practice multiple-rail kicks without systems to develop feel
• Adaptive Thinking (Billiards Digest - July, 2006) - applying the Corner-5 System to kick shots
• Spot on the Wall (Billiards Digest - September, 2008) - using "spot on the wall" as an alternative to the Corner-5 and Plus Systems
• The Break (Billiards Digest - April, 2007) - how to improve your 9-ball break
• Jump Draw (Billiards Digest - August, 2008) - using ball hop off a rail to delay draw or follow
• Jump Twist (Billiards Digest - December, 2007) - the outrageous object ball jump shot

Position Play

• Position Play (Billiards Digest - September, 2002) - practice position fundamentals to help it become more natural and accurate
• Precision (Billiards Digest - September, 2003) - the importance of being precise with position planning
• Precise Points (Billiards Digest - May, 2009) - playing for an exact position target will help your game
• Trouble (Billiards Digest - August, 2007) - playing position off a rail for better position above balls
• The Cue-Line Reference (Billiards Digest - March, 2006) - a useful position track reference for cut shots close to a rail
• Staying Centered (Billiards Digest - May, 2004) - learning how to get to the ever-important center of the table
• References (Billiards Digest - June, 2004) - adjusting relative to the center-of-table reference track
• Position Principles (Billiards Digest - March, 2009) - play for multiple-rail position routes through the center of the table
• When Less Is More (Billiards Digest - November, 2008) - less speed is sometimes required with draw cut shots to get the desired cue ball path

Strategy, Planning, and Creativity

• Running Out (Billiards Digest - May, 2003) - planning and keeping perspective to run out a table
• Planning (Billiards Digest - December, 2004) - run-outs require planning and problem solving
• Moving Forward (Billiards Digest - January, 2008) - planning backward and forward to identify a key ball and run-out plan
• Memory (Billiards Digest - October, 2006) - the importance of experience and memory in planning and shot selection
• Creative Vision (Billiards Digest - June, 2005) - creativity requires practice and dedication
• 8 Ball (Billiards Digest - February, 2006) - the importance of planning in 8-ball
• A Plan for 8 Ball (Billiards Digest - March, 2007) - playing for natural position routes with 8-ball patterns
• Breaking Rules (Billiards Digest - November, 2007) - straight-pool break shot strategy

Equipment and Surroundings

• Environment (Billiards Digest - February, 2005) - learning to become comfortable with surroundings and table conditions
• Adjusting (Billiards Digest - April, 2006) - learning how to adjust to a table's conditions
• When Things Aren’t Working (Billiards Digest - July, 2007) - dealing with and adjusting to equipment problems and differences

Miscellaneous

• Sensitivity Training (Billiards Digest - October, 2003) - stereotypes and political incorrectness in pool
• Purity (Billiards Digest - December, 2005) - straight-pool's place in pool
• Easy 8 Ball (Billiards Digest - July, 2008) - some interesting 8-ball variations fun for practice
• Equal Offense One Pocket (Billiards Digest - June, 2009) - an interesting 10-ball one-pocket variation as a fun game

Billiards Digest articles in chronological order

• Concentration (Billiards Digest - April, 2002) - how to focus and avoid distractions at the table
• Tempo (Billiards Digest - May, 2002) - the importance of consistent tempo and pre-shot routine
• Pressure (Billiards Digest - June, 2002) - how to deal with and use pressure
• Winning (Billiards Digest - July, 2002) - how and why to maintain focus on winning
• Trying (Billiards Digest - August, 2002) - focus on pocketing balls, and practice more and try less hard with position play
• Position Play (Billiards Digest - September, 2002) - practice position fundamentals to help it become more natural and accurate
• Upward Mobility (Billiards Digest - October, 2002) - don't sandbag in a league or tournament system ... aim higher
• Stroke (Billiards Digest - November, 2002) - focus on your stroke when targeting cue ball tracks with draw and follow
• Composure (Billiards Digest - December, 2002) - how to deal with mistakes and disappointments
• SAMPLE: Getting Out of a Slump (Billiards Digest - January, 2003) - how to deal with and work you way out of a slump
• Vision (Billiards Digest - February, 2003) - watch as much great pool as you can you help you visualize how to play
• Intimidation (Billiards Digest - March, 2003) - how to deal with unhealthy intimidation and use healthy intimidation
• Luck (Billiards Digest - April, 2003) - how to use luck to create confidence
• Running Out (Billiards Digest - May, 2003) - planning and keeping perspective to run out a table
• Sportsmanship (Billiards Digest - June, 2003) - showing respect and sportsmanship at the table
• Megan’s Journal (Billiards Digest - July, 2003) - the self image of a champion
• Coachability (Billiards Digest - August, 2003) - how to be open to and benefit from coaching
• Precision (Billiards Digest - September, 2003) - the importance of being precise with position planning
• Sensitivity Training (Billiards Digest - October, 2003) - stereotypes and political incorrectness in pool
• Spin (Billiards Digest - November, 2003) - learning to use the full non-miscue area of the cue ball
• Sharing (Billiards Digest - December, 2003) - sharing of knowledge is important to the game
• Honesty (Billiards Digest - January, 2004) - being honest to yourself about the hard work it takes to excel
• Thinking (Billiards Digest - February, 2004) - practice fundamentals and skills so you don't have to think when you play
• Boredom (Billiards Digest - March, 2004) - great pool can and should be boring, but it requires focus
• Shooting (Billiards Digest - April, 2004) - when aiming and shooting, focus on the object ball
• Staying Centered (Billiards Digest - May, 2004) - learning how to get to the ever-important center of the table
• References (Billiards Digest - June, 2004) - adjusting relative to the center-of-table reference track
• Talking (Billiards Digest - July, 2004) - talking is OK during social pool, but not during competitive matches
• Mistakes (Billiards Digest - August, 2004) - how to accept and learn from mistakes
• Association (Billiards Digest - September, 2004) - why it is important to interact with top players
• Looking Good (Billiards Digest - October, 2004) - don't let the desire to look good affect your game
• Missing (Billiards Digest - November, 2004) - learning to accept that misses are part of the game, and learn from them
• Planning (Billiards Digest - December, 2004) - run-outs require planning and problem solving
• The Opponent (Billiards Digest - January, 2005) - sometimes you just play the table, but it is important to know your opponent's strengths and weaknesses
• Environment (Billiards Digest - February, 2005) - learning to become comfortable with surroundings and table conditions
• Commitment (Billiards Digest - March, 2005) - the importance with checking in with yourself concerning your level of commitment
• The Comeback (Billiards Digest - April, 2005) - learning how to come from behind, and trusting it
• Passion (Billiards Digest - May, 2005) - learning how to find passion and reward in sharing
• Creative Vision (Billiards Digest - June, 2005) - creativity requires practice and dedication
• Finding the Line (Billiards Digest - July, 2005) - the important fundamental of alignment
• Eyesight (Billiards Digest - August, 2005) - excellent eyesight isn't an absolute requirement in pool
• SAMPLE: Walking (Billiards Digest - September, 2005) - the importance of walking around the table and into a shot
• Change (Billiards Digest - October, 2005) - the courage and benefits associated with change
• Take it Easy (Billiards Digest - November, 2005) - how to avoid and deal with tension and learn to stay relaxed
• Purity (Billiards Digest - December, 2005) - straight-pool's place in pool
• Steady As She Goes (Billiards Digest - January, 2006) - the importance of fundamentals and staying still
• 8 Ball (Billiards Digest - February, 2006) - the importance of planning in 8-ball
• The Cue-Line Reference (Billiards Digest - March, 2006) - a useful position track reference for cut shots close to a rail
• Adjusting (Billiards Digest - April, 2006) - learning how to adjust to a table's conditions
• Learning (Billiards Digest - May, 2006) - learn from others with different abilities and perspectives
• Focus (Billiards Digest - June, 2006) - the importance of focusing on making a shot when there are secondary considerations
• Adaptive Thinking (Billiards Digest - July, 2006) - applying the Corner-5 System to kick shots
• Adversity (Billiards Digest - August, 2006) - how to recognize and deal with an opponent's unsportsmanlike behavior
• Starting Over (Billiards Digest - September, 2006) - playing with the opposite hand can create appreciation and perspective
• Memory (Billiards Digest - October, 2006) - the importance of experience and memory in planning and shot selection
• The Pool Mind (Billiards Digest - November, 2006) - learning to deal with complexities instinctively
• Success (Billiards Digest - December, 2006) - the importance of relaxation and having fun in improving
• Misinformation (Billiards Digest - January, 2007) - example of how misinformation limits development
• Speed (Billiards Digest - February, 2007) - the importance of finding your favorite shot speed
• A Plan for 8 Ball (Billiards Digest - March, 2007) - playing for natural position routes with 8-ball patterns
• The Break (Billiards Digest - April, 2007) - how to improve your 9-ball break
• Courage (Billiards Digest - May, 2007) - identifying and dealing with fears to create courage
• Cheating (Billiards Digest - June, 2007) - how to deal with a cheating opponent
• When Things Aren’t Working (Billiards Digest - July, 2007) - dealing with and adjusting to equipment problems and differences
• Trouble (Billiards Digest - August, 2007) - playing position off a rail for better position above balls
• Gimmicks (Billiards Digest - September, 2007) - basic aiming systems and gizmos don't account for throw
• Missing Out (Billiards Digest - October, 2007) - the many nuggets that can be found in instructional books
• Breaking Rules (Billiards Digest - November, 2007) - straight-pool break shot strategy
• Jump Twist (Billiards Digest - December, 2007) - the outrageous object ball jump shot
• Moving Forward (Billiards Digest - January, 2008) - planning backward and forward to identify a key ball and run-out plan
• Kicking with Vision (Billiards Digest - February, 2008) - practice multiple-rail kicks without systems to develop feel
• Looking Inward (Billiards Digest - March, 2008) - examine and document your pool game through journaling
• Shattered Beliefs (Billiards Digest - April, 2008) - the action of the cue ball doesn't depend on the type of stroke, only the result of the stroke
• Fear of English (Billiards Digest - May, 2008) - English should be avoided when unnecessary, but it is critical to top-level play
• Pushing The Envelope (Billiards Digest - June, 2008) - take chances and be creative when practicing or playing for fun to find and develop new skills
• Easy 8 Ball (Billiards Digest - July, 2008) - some interesting 8-ball variations fun for practice
• Jump Draw (Billiards Digest - August, 2008) - using ball hop off a rail to delay draw or follow
• Spot on the Wall (Billiards Digest - September, 2008) - using "spot on the wall" as an alternative to the Corner-5 and Plus Systems
• Square One (Billiards Digest - October, 2008) - practice the stroke by itself, without balls
• When Less Is More (Billiards Digest - November, 2008) - less speed is sometimes required with draw cut shots to get the desired cue ball path
• Flying Blind (Billiards Digest - January, 2009) - practicing with your eyes closed can eliminate fears and create insight
• Drill Baby Drill (Billiards Digest - February, 2009) - practice simple shots to develop precision muscle memory
• Position Principles (Billiards Digest - March, 2009) - play for multiple-rail position routes through the center of the table
• Imagination (Billiards Digest - April, 2009) - creative use of rail-first shots with English
• Precise Points (Billiards Digest - May, 2009) - playing for an exact position target will help your game
• Equal Offense One Pocket (Billiards Digest - June, 2009) - an interesting 10-ball one-pocket variation as a fun game

Click here to purchase one or both CD-ROMs in the series