Practice can be anything you make it to be. To some it is a necessary chore that must be endured in order to get better. For the lucky ones like yourself, pool practice is an activity that you eagerly look forward to because you enjoy hitting pool balls. You relish the chance that every single shot offers for discovering some insight that could take your game to a higher level. With the proper perspective, practicing pool is your surest way to substantial and lasting improvement in your game. And when practice is looked at correctly, it can be as enjoyable, if not more so, than playing.

I have written many other books prior to this one, but none that focused on the art of practicing pool. Capelle s Practicing Pool, which fills this void, is a companion guide to my Play Your Best Series of instructional books. While this book contains over 200 exercises, its main purpose is to teach you to teach yourself to play pool as well, if not better, than you imagined possible. Since most of your time is spent playing or practicing, it only makes sense that you be able to take care of your game when you are not with your instructor.

The book is for players of all levels of skill. Everyone is encouraged to read Chapter 1, which presents ideas for learning and for becoming a great student. After studying this chapter, new players should turn to Chapter 2, Fast Start, which presents exercises that will help you build a solid foundation. All other players should start with Chapter 3, Fundamentals First. When you have your fundamentals in top working order, then you are prepared to tackle the other elements of the game.

The other chapters are placed in what I feel is a logical progression. Nevertheless, experienced players should feel free to skip around and to put together a program that is best suited for your current needs. Chapter 14 discusses the elements of a successful practice session, and it offers lists, which you can use to help in putting together your agenda. Chapter 1 presents the Champion's Checklist, which you can use to take an inventory of your skills so you'll know what areas need your attention right now.