sticks and balls and holes

Press Junket, Vermont Style

2011-05-16T21:17:00.001-04:00

Even though all it really takes to get press coverage in Vermont is a three-legged cow or a new flavor of ice-cream, I'm very, very thankful to the folks in the Vermont media who helped me get the word out about the Green Mountain APA.

Thank you: Mike McCune from WCAX, Kristian Read from Fox 44 and Lauren Ober from Seven Days for profiling me. (Lauren, girl, if you want to see HEELS, go to Barre!)

Here is the FOX 44 interview.
Here is Lauren Ober's blog previewing her article.
Lauren Ober's article.

In other news, I have 16 of my desired 18 teams up and running for the Summer Session - those last two are proving tricky to pin down, but I'll get there!

My office space/pool room is coming along quite nicely. I have two days of solo practice under my belt for the U.S. Open, though the recent pool surge in Vermont has brought a lot of the good players out of the woodwork so I've been playing a lot of practice matches.

Everything has been a lot of work but it beats "the real world" by a mile!

Easy Come, Easy Go

2011-03-30T15:24:00.000-04:00

This is my new motto now that I'm in the "Bidness World."

Alas, seems as though my office deal fell through and I need to go back to stalking craiglist for suitable spaces.

I'm not sure which state I'm in or what day is, but I do know that I'll be getting on another plane today. Maybe my new motto should be, "Another day, another plane."

I'm heading to NYC to teach for four days at Eastside Billiards. I love teaching - especially students who are guinea pigs... um, I mean barter/trade partners. I get to polish up new material to get it ready for everyone else. Yes, James, I'm talking about you!

I had such a super response to building my first Green Mountain APA 8-Ball division (starting Wednesday, May 4th at Van Phan Sports in Burlington, VT) that I'm aiming to start three six-team divisions that week: Tuesday, May 3rd at 7PM, Wednesday, May 4th at 7PM and Thursday, May 5th at 7PM. Lots of team-building work for me when I get back from my teaching trip, but I'm very excited!

Email lford@apaleagues.com for more info on getting your team signed up for some carousing, socializing and maybe even a little pool :)

The Green Mountain APA!

2011-03-26T12:39:00.000-04:00

This picture of me with American Poolplayers Association co-founder, Terry Bell, will serve as my official coming out as the owner/operator of the Green Mountain APA in Vermont.

I'm now building 8-Ball teams to start the week of May 2nd at Van Phan Sports in Burlington, VT.

My area consists of Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille and Washington counties.

Much, much, much more info will be forthcoming, but I'm very proud of this venture and wanted to get the word out ASAP.

While my website and email are being setting up, please contact me at lizford@lizford.net to get yourself, your team or your location set-up to start playing some pool!

Dreams Really Do Come True...

2011-03-16T11:30:00.001-04:00

If I told you that this room was my idea of heaven, you might urge me to dream a little bigger.

Not so fast...

This is my new office space and that conference table there will soon be replaced by a different kind of table.

[Heavenly music plays; A ray of golden sunlight beams through the clouds.]

Yes, after 18 years as a player I'm finally realizing my dream of having a pool table to call my own.

And Liz Ford was never seen again...

I'm Back and I Have a Secret

2011-03-07T13:25:00.001-05:00

Oh, where to start?
The last year has seen me move to and fro, not just geographically but philosophically.
The geographic story is long and boring... so let's just leave it at: my home base is Vermont now, for good!

The philosophical story goes something like this:

Girl meets pool and the two fall in love.

Girl remains loyal and dedicated to pool for years.

Stuff happens to girl and girl decides that it's all pool's fault, pool is evil, et cetera, et cetera, ad nauseum, ad infinitum.

Girl spends year trying to return to "The Real World" (the horrifying episodes of reality, not the horrifying episodes of reality TV.)

Girl manages to remain ambivalent about pool, all the while kicking major pool ass and taking major pool names.

Girl decides that "The Real World" is extremely over-rated.

Girl comes to senses and realizes that if you become an expert at something you love, you don't try to start over with something you don't.

Girl is in process of buying profitable, pool-related business that must remain secret until it is finalized (unless you're one of the 1,000 people I've told about it already.)

In the meantime...

My site, lizford.net, has had an awesomeness make-over.

Check it out, and stay tuned for my three-lettered secret.

My Snappy Answers to PCN-Guy's Stupid Questions

2010-08-11T14:45:00.000-04:00

Hey folks,
I'm back from Norman, Oklahoma - site of the 2010 WPBA U.S. Open.
I finished in the top half there and if I'm not mistaken that bumps me up into the Top 20 of the WPBA's rankings. I would love to finish the year in the Top 16 (who wouldn't?) so stay tuned for more 2010 results. For now, this is an interview I did recently with Pool Cue News and Review (avaible here courtesy of the sexy PCN-dude):

This month, we travel to the fine state of Vermont to check in with the lovely, talented and generally effervescent Liz Ford:

1. I understand you recently moved to Vermont. Is there any truth to the rumor that when you become a resident you are forced to stop washing your hair and listen to Phish all day?

No, but they do pass out fire arms and pints of Ben and Jerry’s with your tax returns.

The fire arms bit is a joke, barely, but the ice-cream part is true. As a Vermont resident, the only condiment or toiletry item I’m only allowed is maple syrup; My hair has never been shinier.

2. The glove. Please explain.

It’s pretty common knowledge that I’m a self-hating glove-wearer. It ruins all my outfits but makes me play better. I have skinny fingers with knobby knuckles (SEXY!) and the glove helps me make a tighter bridge.

3. I’ve been told that after you beat that dude in the US Open 10 Ball event, he broke all his cues. Satisfying, insulting or just some stuff that happened?

I always ask someone who is about to break their cues to donate them to me to sell on eBay: so far I’ve had no takers. He said he just wanted to start fresh. Apparently, he came down to the bar later using a splinter from one as a toothpick.

4. A long time ago, you mentioned on your blog that Eliot Smith is your favorite artist (who I happen to dig as well). Is there anyone else you listen to that’s, oh I don’t know, a little more upbeat?

Let’s give some respect to the dead and at least spell his name correctly: Elliott Smith. I try not to wallow in such angsty music anymore (paging Adams? Ryan Adams?) I could listen to nothing but the Beatles everyday for the rest of my life and feel perfectly content.

5. My latest obsession is pool in the mainstream. How did you score that spot on Time Warp?

Um, they scored me?! Actually, they did come to me after finding my website online. I have a background in science and research so it was a good fit. The guy who hosts the show, Jeff Lieberman, has two PhDs and teaches at MIT, so I was proud to help apply some legit science to pool.

6. Gambling and action. Good or bad for pool?

Ask me again when anybody cares about pool. Oh, I’m sorry, did that sound bitter?

7. Please rank the following Frank Zappa albums in order of importance:

Apostrophe

One Size Fits All

We’re Only In It For The Money

Freak Out

You Are What You Is

I’m just going to pretend that you asked me which FZ albums are my favorites: Live from the Fillmore East and Just Another Band from L.A.

8. Thanks for playing Liz. Anyone deserving of big pimpin’ before you go?

My booth buds over at PoolDawg and of course the irrepressible Dr. Gary C. Borge, DDS.

Back by popular demand!

2010-07-19T16:45:00.000-04:00

I'm not dead. I've been living in Vermont for a while taking a much-needed breather from pool - my first since I started 15 years ago!

Thank you to those of you who've urged me to continue writing, I've listened and now I'm refreshed and ready to continue where I left off.

A few of the highlights from "my time away from pool"
- A 9th place finish at the 2010 WPBA San Diego Classic
- A first-round win at the 2010 Men's US Open 10-Ball

My success during my hiatus has been instructive in and of itself. It seems as though a lot of the chatter in my mind went away and left me with an essential core of my abilities. I'm not saying that I won't be practicing hard again soon, but having perspective and being fresh and full of energy are not without their own merits.

I'll be re-entering the scene with this month's WPBA US Open in Norman, OK. ESPN will begin filming during the quarterfinals, and I'd love to make an appearance!

Of course, I'll be bringing you along in spirit with updates right here...

Gift Packages Keep Getting Better - Awesome deals!!!

2010-02-19T00:01:00.003-05:00

Here is the official press release for my gift packages:

An Adventurous Liz Ford Explores Asia – Share in her Experience!

World domination ain't cheap! Liz Ford, WPBA pro and writer on the game, is one of five players chosen to represent the U.S. at the prestigious Amway Cup in Taipei, Taiwan.
She wants you to share in her Asian experience – connect to her on a personal level and adopt a player to root for in international competition by becoming part of her team.

For a contribution of $60 dollars or more, receive:

- a postcard from Liz while she is in Taiwan
- a signed picture of Liz
- a DVD of stroke-training exercises featuring Liz
- a $10 Gift Certificate from PoolDawg
- Free video of your choice from Accustats (priced at $20 or less)

Liz is known for her accessibility to fans, smart wit and insights into the game. She will be giving daily updates and pictures from her adventure on her blog, Sticks and Balls and Holes. Her contribution to the game depends on help from people like you!

Help me get to Taiwan!

2010-02-16T20:54:00.004-05:00

2010 Contributor Thank You Gift Packages are now available! For a minimum contribution of $60 you get a signed glossy, a stroke-training DVD made by me and a $10 PoolDawg gift certificate!

JUST CLICK THE DONATE BUTTON TO THE RIGHT

Make sure to include any personal message you would like on the photo.

If you are a fan of this blog and would like to see more instructional information, tournament updates and cheeky, home-spun wisdom - please purchase a Gift Package today!

Packages will start shipping on March 1st for those of you who already contributed.

Yee Haw!

Dynamic Shots

2010-02-16T15:13:00.001-05:00

Things get a little more sophisticated... just a little, though.

Objectives: Strengthen the basics of cue ball control by performing many similar, but not identical, shots that emphasize the same principal (e.g. speed control, stun angle control, correctly assessing the natural line, etc.) Mental focus is increased in this section but is still pretty low, as you already have a general plan and are learning by repetition.

I will be throwing in a draw speed control drill for myself and probably a couple of others that fit into this category from Phil Capelle's "Practicing Pool."

Here are some of Johan's drills:

Endless Drill
- Each object ball position represents a different variation of this exercise.
- Start with ball in hand behind the center line, pocket the one and bring the cue ball back past the center line. Re-spot the object ball and shoot until you miss or fail to bring the cue ball across to the upper half of the table.
- Move on to the same exercise with the different object ball positions.

Natural Line
- Object is to pocket the 10 in any pocket with ball in hand and using a rolling cue ball (natural line) to carom into balls 1-9.

The Center Line
- Choose any of the "cue balls" (balls 1-7) and pocket the object ball (15) in either corner.
- The "cue ball" must come to rest in the position zone known as the center line (the rectangular area defined by balls 8-11.)
- The "cue ball" then becomes the object ball and you choose any of the remaining "cue balls" to pocket it with the same positional requirement. Repeat with the remaining "cue balls."
- This drill can be played endlessly by resetting the "cue balls" when you have successfully used them all.

Next up, Dynamic Drills...

Single Shots

2010-02-11T12:18:00.002-05:00

This is where the adventure begins - Single Shots.

Objectives: Strengthen aim, alignment and follow-through by building muscles necessary for stroke consistency, reinforcing hand-eye coordination and creating mental pictures of successful shots. This phase is just about pocketing, with the exception of the cue ball requirements of The Mighty X.

My current plan (Johan's suggestions are in red, my additions are in black) -

One-Arm Drill:
- Place object ball two ball-widths from the end rail
- Walk into the shot as you would normally
- Let cue rest on the rail, dropping your bridge hand and placing it on your leg to support yourself
- Make sure that cue is level
- Using a slow back swing and smooth cue delivery, pocket the object ball in the corner pocket

Bert Kinister's The Mighty X with no practice strokes (Volume 12... available here )

The standard shots from PAT1:

Cushion Scare:
- Pocket the frozen ball (9-ball) from each of the cue ball positions (1-ball through 4-ball.)
- The cue ball is frozen to the rail in all positions
- Johan has a thick accent so when he said "cushion scare" I thought he said "cushions care" meaning take care with shots off the rail. When I mentioned this, he said "No Liz, the cushions don't give a sh*t."

The Cutting Edge:
- Cut each ball in from the center of the table
- Balls are half a ball-width off the rail

Next up... Dynamic Shots

Setting up a Training Program Dutch Style - Introduction

2010-02-03T15:08:00.000-05:00

Over the next few weeks I will be going into each category in depth, but here is the basic recipe for a pre-season training regimen as defined by Johan Ruysink. It is pretty brutal when Johan conducts a training bootcamp with his country's top players (Niels Feijen, Nick van den Berg, et al.) The schedule is for two weeks or more, five days on, two days off - for ten hours per day (broken down into multiple sessions.) The idea behind it is similar to weight-lifting - no pain, no gain. Push yourself hard, and your body and brain will have to work to repair themselves, making you a stronger player in the end.

The system is broken down into five areas of training and each is completed before moving on to the next. These are Johan's terms and then my take on what they mean

1. Single Shots: Rote training focusing on alignment, stroke and aim with very little attention paid to fine cue ball control.
2. Dynamic Shots: Practicing types of shots and cue-ball reactions (stun, natural roll, draw) in situations that are a little different every time.
3. Dynamic Exercises: It's heavy-duty drill time! Evil things, like Bert Kinister's "The Ladder."
4. Playing Formats: Practice games that are played with a partner that make you focus on different objectives.
5. Disciplines and Sparring: Practicing the actual games (playing the ghost, practicing straight-pool, etc.) and then on to playing those games with others.

At the end of each session, 20 minutes of training is thrown in on shots that require a unique body movement or position, like the break, shooting jacked-up or jump shots. The idea is that once you practice these types of shots for 20 minutes your arm and body will be pretty much useless :)

A concept that is essential to this training is that your physical energy should start high and be consumed, but your mental energy should start low and build. In the beginning you are all arm - hitting shots repetitively and at a quick pace without the laser focus that you would use in a match. As you progress through the system, your focus and thinking become deeper. I think there is a nice and logical flow to this kind of program. You make sure that the basics are there and start layering upon them one step at a time.

Next installment... Single Shots

Things I Learned in Belgium and Holland - Part 1 of Many

2010-01-26T18:34:00.001-05:00

I have been having trouble organizing my thoughts about my trip. I am working on posting some of the assessment and training drills but they aren't ready yet. There is so much that I want to share... in the interests of expediency I am going to just start writing things and not worry so much about the big picture.

1. Johan is a fascinating person and it was my pleasure to get to spend the week with him and his family. It felt like the week was one long conversation that was primarily focused on pool but touched on many of the important aspects of life - music, religion, politics, family, philosophy and humor. Johan has played every sport known to man and his life has had many, many incarnations so far (he wouldn't have it any other way.)

2. Pool in Holland started in the Coffee Shops. Not sure why this surprised me at all.

3. I can't believe the lengths I will go to while playing pool to avoid my weaker shots. My problem shots? Cutting the ball without English, using stun (especially near the rails), and draw with speed control among others. My patterns are many times geared so that I can avoid the things that I'm not as good at.

4. Europeans treat the break shot in Straight pool like a break shot. Break shots are left at a slightly shallower angle and are hammered in using stun, stun follow or stun draw.

5. The Dutch think it's weird to put too many things on a sandwich. I taught Johan's kids that Nutella and peanut butter on the same sandwich is not bizarre, it's tasty.

more to come...

European Update and Liz Ford, Writer? (Me make good words)

2010-01-17T18:34:00.000-05:00

After five days of training, I am going to spend the next two in match-ups with two European players, Tamara Rademakers and Katrine Jensen. Johan will be acting as my coach during these sessions, helping me warm up, helping set my mental state before each match, making me take a break if I need it and completing some post-match analyses.

I'm not sure what it's going to be like as I've never had a coach, only instructors. The closest I've come to on-site help is working closely with a few of my scotch doubles partners. I've always been envious of Jasmin and Xiao-Ting for having coaches that travel with them. I'm sure it is good at times and annoying at times, especially when you are losing or you have a bad attitude (a pool-player? never!)

I'm pretty excited, but I have inputted so much information into my brain in the last five days, that it is going to take me some time to be able to collect and summarize my thoughts. When I get back to the U.S. I hope to write formally about my experience over here as it has been illuminating, to say the least.

Columnist Liz is serious, but cuddly.

Speaking of writing, I am now a resident columnist over at PoolDawg. My articles will be geared toward newer players in the hopes of getting more people interested in the game, all from a place that is south of cheeky and north of snarky. Hopefully, that is nowhere near Stfuland. Is that where the people who WRITE IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS live?

It is getting later and I am getting weirder, so time for bed and hopefully dreams of something other than pool.

Ugh, Hello from Belgium...

2010-01-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update to say hello from just south of the Netherlands, in Belgium.

It is day two of my training with Johan Ruysink and my weaknesses are being revealed to me one after another. It is pure torture...

I have hit so many balls in the last 30 hours that I've lost my feel entirely and now I am starting to lose my mind.

I think this is all part of Johan's plan. He has alluded a few times to "breaking me down" and I think he might be achieving his objective.

I long to be a lazy American again :)

Mint Salon

2010-01-12T09:52:00.000-05:00

I wanted to give a plug this morning for my two favorite ladies of hair over at Mint Salon, Allison Burr and Charlene Dougan. Allison cuts my hair and Charlene keeps me blonde (it was her idea in the first place.)

They are offering my readers $50 off cut and color (first-timers only!) Just tell them Liz Ford sent ya. Women and men are welcome.

I have been a regular at their salon since they opened and they were kind enough to help style me for my photos. I never feel more like a New Yorker than when I go to their all-white loft space in Hell's Kitchen. Sometimes I go there just to hang out on the couch :)

This is a picture of their handiwork:

I am off to The Netherlands tonight and I will be keeping everyone updated on how Johan Ruysink does as a drill sergeant.

Picture Preview

2010-01-11T11:37:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I had way too much fun making some new pictures...
Even though there is more work to be done in Photoshop, I thought I'd post a preview.

I chose the image above as the picture that is going to be included in my $60 contributor thank you package (also includes $10 PoolDawg gift certificate and a lesson dvd... still available pre-sale for $50... just click the donate button to the right.)

I want to take a minute to thank, profusely, the people responsible for making this shoot happen:

Photographer: Sam Muglia

Hair: Allison Burr and Charlene Dougan of Mint Salon

Make-up: Willow Mayor
Creative Consultant: Elke Dochtermann

Clothes Stylist: Jennifer Barretta

Production assistants: Greg Thrasher and Haley Deckle

I am getting ready to go to The Netherlands tomorrow night. I'm excited but still in a little bit of denial that I will be leaving the country for nine days. I spent the weekend in Atlantic City at the Blaze Tour finale. I finished one round out of the money, but I was playing very well.

I'll be checking in all this week with updates and some more pictures.

Photo Shoot

2010-01-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow I am going to be taking some new promotional pictures. I have enlisted the help of all my friends to help push me towards a more "marketable" look.

Hmmm, marketable...

I am going to suck it up, quite literally, and push myself to up the sex appeal a little. Just a little, hopefully remaining cute and not at all desperate.

True to form, however, I'm sure that I will find a way to put some humor into the pictures.

The best advice I've gotten so far?:

"Bah, you shouldn’t even worry about it. You’re not going to look desperate unless you decide to really skank it up, and even then you still wouldn’t look desperate. Just have the photographer do a variety of different poses and avoid the sweaters and cardigans."
- Anonymous

I'm not sure I know what anonymous is talking about...

Netherlands Adventure is on Deck

2010-01-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

I'm the one in the picture, I am crazy...

I made the decision a few days ago to book a trip to The Netherlands. I will be going there to work with Johan Ruysink, the official head coach of the country. I met him while I was in Shenyang, China for the World Championships.

I have always admired, what has appeared to me, the European commitment to training and athleticism. My only gauge of this is through the European players that I've met: Physically fit, disciplined, and most importantly taking themselves and the sport seriously. Not coincidentally, their countries take them seriously, too, often paying for them to attend tournaments around the world.

For a long time I've been curious to take a closer look at what players are really doing over there: How do they train? How do they view the sport and their contribution to it? What do they think the future holds for pool? Mosconi cuppage aside, there is no question that a generation of proper training and attitude has given the European players a great advantage over the rest of us stateside.

When I found myself on an airport shuttle with Johan, I saw an opportunity (ie. a captive audience) to do a little investigating. After hearing him talk about a philosophy of training already proven with a cache of champions, I decided to go experience it for myself. Ten hours a day for five days is what I'm set to do next week.

So, why am I crazy?

I am going to be paying for this experience out of my own pocket, with some help from some gracious supporters, but mostly on my own. I'm not sure I know anyone else who decides to do stuff like this, that's why I have to figure that I'm the crazy one.

I take myself and this sport seriously, even as WPBA events have dwindled and the BCA has withdrawn support for players to travel to world ranking events. I would like to set an example for other American players to take themselves seriously and maybe the rest of the country will catch on.

I am still seeking contributions to help fund my insane campaign of seriousness. In a few weeks I will be pimping a $60 contributor gift package including a sexy pic, a ten dollar PoolDawg gift certificate and a DVD lesson given by me. It isn't ready, yet, but anyone who donates $50 or more now will receive the package. Call it a pre-sale.

You can contribute by clicking the "donate" button under the Holland thermometer, please make sure to include your mailing address and any special message you like on the picture.

Help me start dragging our comatose sport towards the light...

Extra Special Opportunity from PoolDawg

2009-12-30T12:01:00.000-05:00

This one is for googans everywhere...

After I said that I wasn't going to stuff this blog with ads, I got word from PoolDawg that they have a Southwest Cue for sale. Wow, the waiting list for one of these babies is about 5 years. The reason why I am pimping their product is that if you buy it through this link,
Southwest Cue
I get a percentage of the sale which I will use for my training and travel expenses for another year on the WPBA..

This is a pretty hot item and someone is going to snatch this cue very soon, so if you are interested get on it!!

Stuff I Like

2009-12-27T19:05:00.001-05:00

I'm spending a quiet day at home today, reading, listening to music and drinking tea. In an effort to raise the cash I need for another year of professional pool, I have joined Amazon Associates. If you follow any of my product links and buy the item, I make training and tournament money. In the interest of trying out all this new-fangled technology, I thought I'd post the products that I am enjoying today.

What I'm reading right now:

What I'm listening to right now:

The electric kettle I used to make my tea:

This blog is about me and my adventures with pool - it is not a web mall. However, no money = no pool. This week, I am going to create a compromise - a web store where you can shop at Amazon and PoolDawg and help me play pool at the same time. This will also keep my blog posts from being filled with ads (like this one!)

If we can be serious for a moment... the Beatles stereo box set is awesome!

Merry Chrristmas

2009-12-21T17:28:00.002-05:00

I got my first Christmas present today: Copies of the PAT tests and DVD's from my friend and supporter, Frank Wojciechowski.

Thanks, Frank!

For those of you unfamiliar with the Playing Abilitiy Tests, there is a nice summary here.

He sent them to me because he is sure that when I go to Holland to train, I will be tested on them. I will be watching DVD number one tonight and will start training tomorrow.

Why I want to go to Holland to train with Johan Ruysink:

- He coaches Nick Vandenberg and Neils Feijen and those guys are awesome
- To see how the Europeans train so that I can enhance how I train myself and others
- To learn 14.1 patterns in a structured way
- To make an investment in my game and be a role model for others to do the same
- To get another stamp in my pool passport

The thermometer to the right shows that I have $850 of the 3k that I need. My wish for Christmas is to bust the top of that thermometer. Click the donate button if you want to help, no amount is too small. Maybe I should go sit on Santa's lap. I can't think of one so please insert your own crude lap-dance joke here :)

Fresh off the tournament trail, I am happy with my playing at The Joss Turning Stone Classic. I won my first two matches before being beat by two deserving opponents. The bad news is that I was one out of the cash for the third time :(

Once again it is time to speak about cash: I am on a mission to support myself through another year of vigorous pool playing. It is a pretty difficult thing to do and I am calling on my large brain to help me find creative ways to make it happen. It's funny how shame goes right out the window when necessity rises. In January I'm planning to hit up two corporations a day for 10k each, in the hopes that one of those 40 will give me 5k. That's basically how it goes in the fund raising business. The good news is that my skin will be so thick that I won't need a coat.

If that is successful... repeat in March.

More than anything, I want to prove to myself and others that a living can be made in this game.

It's my birthday... my buh-buh-buh birthday!

2009-12-15T13:11:00.000-05:00

I was hoping to find the perfect South Park clip to summarize the day...

It's definitely not this one:

This one has the birthday song:

HAHAHAHAHA, this is in fact how I act when I don't get what I want:

What I want this year is happiness and health and maybe a trip to Holland (see thermometer to the right) :)

What to talk about this week?

2009-12-10T14:43:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling the pinch of writer's block these days, I think it is the time of the year. The cool weather and short days make me curl up on the couch with my cat and vegetate. I am in favor of bringing back human hibernation - the best part would be all the eating before hand.

Saturday will bring an end to my laziness as I kick off a week full of tournaments. I will be at the Predator Tour finale at Raxx this weekend and then I leave Wednesday for the Stone. I love having one tournament right after another, I achieve such an intense focus and find that I start playing some of my best pool.

On another note, I am really happy with the way my interview with Jim Murnak turned out. It was strange to watch video of myself talking for 45 minutes. I have to say that part of me doesn't recognize that I am the person talking. I look and sound much more put together than I feel inside but I think seeing it is going to boost my confidence.

I want to thank everyone who supported the fact that I talked about depression. The reason I chose to open up about it is that I have always appreciated when others have done the same. Though I don't wish depression on anyone, I am always comforted when I hear otherwise successful people share their stories - it makes me feel less alone.

Enough poopy stuff!!! If you watched the interview then you heard me talk about going to Holland to go train with Johan Ruysink, the head coach for the Netherlands. I am going to try to make this happen in January.

I have already raised $500 of the roughly $3,000 that I will need. I am starting a new travel fund, the gimmicky thermometer will be returning. That's only $2.50 from each of my Facebook friends if you break it down :)

Help me get to Holland!:

No, not for that !!! For pool, silly.

Well, enough of my internet panhandling for now, the cat just got off my lap so I am free to go practice...

-Liz

Video Interview

2009-11-30T00:43:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

I did a video interview for Jim Murnak over at go4pool.net that you should go take a look at!

I really am a googan. I just googan all over the place - it is almost painful to watch :)

My apologies to Rob Pole of Skyline Billiards, in my nervousness I said that Rob Omen was one of the owners of Skyline! Oops, my bad!

China in Retrospect

2009-11-25T15:18:00.000-05:00

This is what 14 hours on a plane looks like!

Thankfully, I've had a few days to sleep after my jet-setting adventures!

Wow, what a great experience the last few weeks have been:

Florida for three and a half days, play my heart out, finish 17th, board a plane home two hours after my last match, sleep for about a day, barely unpack just swap tropical wear for Siberian, off to China! 30 hours in transit from home to the hotel in Shenyang, one day to adjust, play my heart out again, this time on live TV ** viewed by millions! Finish 17th, one day to rest then it is back on a plane to NYC!!!

And I would do it all again this week if there was another event...

That being said, I am grateful to have two large events this month that don't involve planing and deplaning.
First is the Predator Tour finale at Raxx in West Hempstead, NY on December 12th and 13th.
(Then someone is having a birthday... well more like another anniversary of turning 29...)
Then it is on to one of my favorite events, the Turning Stone Classic! (Dec. 17th-20th in Verona, NY.)

Speaking of gratitude, I would once again like to thank everyone who contributed to help bring me to events this year. I'm pretty misty at the thought of it and China certainly would never have happened without you guys. The updated list is in the right hand column.

Thank you also to my official sponsors: Gary C. Borge, DDS, Chips to Fix, PoolDawg, Pool on the Net, RT9 Designs and Skyline Billiard Club.

PoolDawg is kicking off the holiday season (Chanukah Sameach, Mike!) with some awesome deals at their crazy Black Friday sale. Even better they have a preview going on now!

I hope everyone stuffs their faces tomorrow surrounded by the people who love them (or at least put up with them! Ah family...)

-Liz

** Can't be viewed in Firefox for some reason

China Part Two

2009-11-21T03:07:00.001-05:00

Well, my playing time is over in Asia :(
The good news is that I made the cut for the final 32 single elimination tournament.

China Part One

2009-11-19T03:54:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to say a quick "hello" from China!

The Chinese block access to Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger so I am updating things by email. I can't see what my posts will look like, but hopefully they are okay.

First things first: I am very happy to report that I won my first round match against Pei Chen Tsai from Taiwan, 7-4! She was the winner of this year's China Open.

That win has earned me the right to play China's national hero, Xiaoting Pan, tonight at 9:15 pm (that is 8:15 am NYC time.) I played next to her in the first round and flashbulbs were going off like we were on the red carpet.

This is my second tournament in Asia (I was at the 2008 World Championship in Taiwan) and so far this trip has been much smoother than the first. I didn't really know what to expect the first time around and I was pretty shaky, but everything feels like business as usual at the table this time. I am in disbelief that I am able to stay up for 30 hours, fly half-way around the world, turn day into night and then put forth a good enough game to beat one of Asia's top players. Wow.

This event is starting with 64 players. It is a race to 7, alternating break, double elimination format until there are 32 players left. These players will be randomly drawn into a single-elimination bracket which will be race to 9, winner break. The top 32 are also the players who receive paychecks :)

Jerry Forsyth, our tournament director, has been kind enough to create a bracket here.

As for China in general, the people of Shenyang have been incredibly gracious and helpful and our host hotel is lovely.

I'll be back later with another update!

-Liz

China!

2009-11-16T15:25:00.001-05:00

I'm boarding my 14 hour flight to Beijing and then on to Shenyang for the World 9-Ball Championships! Woo-Hoo!

Thank You, Sponsors!

2009-11-12T12:20:00.000-05:00

I wanted to give a shout out to my featured sponsors for bringing me to the WPBA Tour Championships in Hollywood, Florida:

Skyline Billiards for continuing to be awesome.

Dr. Feelgood, himself, Dr. Gary C. Borge, DDS for also continuing to be awesome.

and finally PoolDawg deserves some love for being awesomely awesome.

Awesome!
-Liz

Coming Back from the Dead

2009-10-28T22:48:00.001-04:00

A gold star if you can name this film!

I was asked by a WPBA fan to blog about making comebacks in matches that look to be over. Unfortunately I have become known for miraculous comebacks. I would rather be known for miraculous dominating of matches :) I escaped from a doozy while at the Pacific Coast Classic in Lincoln City, OR. I was down 6-0 to Rachel Eliazar and came back to win 9-8.

Here is a synopsis of what was going through my head during the match.

Beginning of the match: Okay let's do this!

First rack: I just ran out and shot the 9 Ball into the rail... f*ck!

Second rack: I'll just play a safety here - oh nice shot opponent.

Third rack: I'll just sit here and watch my opponent snap 9 on the break :(

Fourth rack: Ok. We're okay. One shot at a time until we shoot the 8 into the rail argghhhhhhhh!

Ok, it's time to take a bathroom break and flush it!

Give myself a pep talk. Calm down my racing heart. We're fine. We're fine.

(It's matches like this that get you talking to yourself, sometimes in the third person.)

Ok, I am SOOO ready to go now!!!!

Quickly lose two more racks, one of which sees me dogging the 8.

Here is where it really gets interesting. Here is where I am committing to the fact that I will be quitting pool after this match. I'm sure of it. I think I'm going to cry...

Miraculously, some inner, stronger part of myself takes charge and says "WE ARE NOT GOING OUT LIKE THAT."

My whole demeanor changes. I forget about everything else. I'm just going to play. I am aware that I have had control of the table in most of the games. I am aware that I have the ability to win from here.

Seventh game: The first time getting out is the hardest. But. I. Fight. Through. It. 6-1.

Eight game: An open rack. My recent success gives me the confidence I need to get out more comfortably. 6-2. From here I first believe that I am going to win.

Ninth game: Now it is like a little game, moving the beads over one at a time. It is actually fun. 6-3.

Tenth game: Use my experience to get a quick three-foul win. 6-4.

Eleventh game - Thirteenth game: I can't even remember what happened. It's just so fun to keep moving beads over. Up 7-6.

Fourteenth game: Ah, it couldn't go on forever. My opponent gets a game. I'm not sweating it anymore.7-7.

Fifteen game: Grind out the out to get on the hill. 8-7.

Sixteenth game: Out of line on the 9, I am forced to play safe. It gets a little ugly as we both miss tough shots and leave even tougher shots. This continues until I hang the 9 on a full table length straight in shot. My nerves are back a little but I am relying on my experience to see me through the hill-hill game. Thankful just to be there :)

Final game: A two-way shot on a 1/9 carom leaves my opponent safe. The hit is so tough that she has to take a foul and push the 9 out of the way, but ends up creating another, tougher combination. With ball in hand, I have arrived at the moment of truth... the 9 splits the pocket, praise Jeebus!

I have invested so much energy and emotion in this match that it takes me an hour before I stop shaking, but it is worth it.

- Liz

Welcome to Oregon, beaches!

2009-10-14T23:46:00.000-04:00

Mirror Pond Pale Ale by Deschutes Brewery is the greatest beer on earth.

I am here at my favorite WPBA event in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast. Actually, I am at the bar at my favorite WPBA event in Lincoln City on the Oregon coast drinking the nectar of the gods and soaking up some wifi.

I wanted to take some time out and profusely thank my featured sponsors for bringing me to this event.

First, my beloved home room and second home...

Beer interlude

and B, my favorite orthodontist, bowler and all-around sports enthusiasts:

Check out one of his other philanthropic interests, The 2009 Natomas Challenger, here.

Ahhhhhh......

In tournament info, I play Yu Ram Cha, tomorrow, at 1:30 Pacific Time.

That is why I will only have the one beer, though I want all, all the beer.

-Liz

When Rhinos Attack (Damn Nature, You Scary...)

2009-10-07T09:15:00.000-04:00

By rhino, of course I mean rhinovirus. I just got dressed, which is farther than I got yesterday. I spent all yesterday in a replica of the bathrobe that Brad Pitt wore in fight club (only blue, not purple...found by my mother-in-law on ebay.)

All this lying about has given me much too much time to think about the little mini-slump in which I've been.

After playing quite a bit lately (some match-ups, some tournaments) it has become apparent that I have trouble getting out of the "simple" racks. I know that nothing in pool is simple, by "simple" I mean racks where the balls are lying well and it is completely within my capabilities to get out. Routine runouts. Since this was brought to my attention a few weeks ago, I have started to pay attention to it and unfortunately it's true: If I could get out of all the simple racks, I would be beating a hell of a lot of people.

There is a lot of hope in this realization because there are so many difficult things that I am doing well. My break is much better, as is my safety game. I am skilled with difficult recovery positions and with power strokes. I am getting the jump on my opponents but not consistently finishing my job at the table.

When I was in college I majored in Cognitive Science and I still enjoy reading on the subject. One of my favorite authors is best-seller Malcolm Gladwell. After reading "Blink" and "Outliers", I just finished his first book, "The Tipping Point." In "The Tipping Point", Gladwell examines the properties that cause ideas, behaviors and trends to cross over ("tip") from obscurity into the mainstream. He reveals that small and often simple changes in message, messenger and context cause things to "tip." While his writing only concerns how information is passed between people, I think that his premise that small changes often cause the largest differences can be applied to my pool game (of course I always find a way for everything to apply to my pool game!)

It is not a bigger break, kicking like a champion or table-length draw that is going to "tip" me from low-level pro to elite player, it is the management of the small, everyday things like being able to draw the cue ball six inches and not three or twelve.

It is with an eye on this that I am preparing for the Pacific Coast Classic. Even though it might take a while to change, acknowledgment of the problem is the first step towards fixing it.

-Liz

The Great 3-Cushion Experiment

2009-09-27T20:04:00.006-04:00

Hey, that pool table ain't got no holes init!

With the help of my friend and billiards ambassador Ira Lee, I am going to be spending the next few months learning more about Three-Cushion Billiards.

I live about eight minutes from one of the best billiards rooms in the world, Carom Cafe in Flushing, Queens. I have been procrastinating spending some serious time there for a few years now. I know that I have some large gaps in my knowledge that affect my position play and defensive game so I am ready to start learning!

Ira has started supplying me with some training techniques that he has been working on for the past ten years. I'll be sharing some once I can make sense of them myself. Other than that, I have been playing games with good players, having them tell me the right shot to shot. It's still extremely challenging and makes my brain hurt after an hour or so.

Liz

Blog Identity Crisis

2009-09-23T10:55:00.002-04:00

Although I'd much rather be playing pool right now, I am stuck at home trying to come up with a suitable new blog design. Web designer is not one of the hats I wear, so please excuse the multiple personalities that this blog will be cycling through in the next few days.

Liz

Liz Sells Out!

2009-09-22T13:08:00.005-04:00

If you haven't noticed a change around here, I will spell it out more explicitly: After a huge bidding war that included Coke, Pepsi, Denny's and my Nana, Pool Dawg is now the official sponsor of my blog!

You can help me out by visiting them for all you pool supply needs. Just follow the link on the picture of me and Frank at the right.

My personal recommendation? Get yourself you own measle ball. I carry one in my car, and sometimes in my purse. Over time, cue balls get smaller and smaller from colliding with the other balls, especially from high impact shots like the break. (Didn't you ever wonder why the 1-Ball is sometimes a paler color than the 9? It also gets smaller from getting smacked on the 9-Ball break.) Most pool rooms don't change their cue balls very often. A measle ball also offers you more feedback on your practice because you are able to better observe the reaction of the ball.

Yeah, yeah, I'm completely and shamelessly selling out. If you made what I made last year, you would too :)
Buy from Pool Dawg!

Thank You, Sponsors!

2009-09-16T15:30:00.001-04:00

I would like to thank my featured sponsors for bringing me to the 2009 WPBA Colorado Classic!

Dr. Gary C. Borge DDS practices dentistry in California. If there are any Sacramento-area readers out there, visit Dr. Borge and talk pool while receiving his excellent dental care:

Gary C. Borge, DDS
4660 Natomas Boulevard, #120-207
Sacramento, CA 95835
(916) 769-5955

When in New York City, a visit to the Skyline Billiard Club is a must. Skyline is quickly making a name for itself as one of the top "players' rooms" in the country. Check out the live tournament feed at www.ustream.tv/channel/action:

Skyline Billiard Club
2515 McDonald Ave.
Brooklyn, New York 11223
(718) 627-3407

Thank you all again for your support!

- Liz Ford

Hot for Teacher!

2009-09-07T12:25:00.005-04:00

Ok, not really.

I'm more like Doris Day here:

Anywho, the new capitalist in me realizes that I need to promote myself more if I want to make a living! Also, I need to eat.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am available for lessons in the New York City area.

Why should you take a lesson from me?:

- I have received training from some of the country's best instructors.
- I can help you analyze your stroke using video and other feedback techniques.
- Beginners are welcome, but what I teach is useful and illuminating to players of all levels.
- I can't make you better, nobody but you can do that; I will give you tools to make yourself better!
- I love of the game and I get real excitement and fulfillment from seeing people improve.

My fall rates are:
- $50/hour plus table time at Skyline Billiards in Brooklyn
- $60/hour plus table time at any other room in NYC
- $70/hour plus table time at any room within an hour's drive of Queens (two-hour minimum per lesson)

What I expect from you as a student:
- To be there on time and be warmed up!
- To be patient, have an open mind, and not be afraid of practicing!

References are available upon request. Contact me at lizford@lizford.net!

New Video - Help me get Work!

2009-08-18T12:30:00.005-04:00

I created a promotional video for myself - a highlight reel of my TV appearances and some trickshots.

My objective is to get more work entertaining at parties and events. Bookings are high in fiber and an excellent daily source of cha-ching.

I'd like your feedback and also your referrals! Sponsorships are great and a huge help (more please!), but I love working events, meeting people and promoting pool (not to mention getting paid for a tangible service.)

Here is the link to my video:
www.lizford.net/video_client.htm

Here's to hoping that ESPN, The Discovery Channel and AC/DC don't sue me!

-Liz

Newest Sponsor!

2009-08-14T14:53:00.004-04:00

I would like to thank my newest sponsor: New York's own Ron Mason of www.chipstofix.com.

Is your computer FUBAR? Ron is ready to tackle your next technical SNAFU, then maybe he will play you a game of pool at Amsterdam Billiards in NYC.

If you are in New Jersey tomorrow, come see me play at the Predator stop at Comet Billiards in Parsippany.

Most Days I Love My Job...

2009-07-13T14:52:00.001-04:00

Not today. And not for the last three days.

About once a year, everything that can go wrong while traveling to a tournament, does.

It started on Saturday afternoon when I got food poisoning. Continued on Saturday night when my body and brain refused to work during my live stream match. Got even worse yesterday when I tried to go home but had to find a hotel when, after two hours of waiting for my delayed flight, I was too sick to stay upright.

It was a good call because my flight was eventually cancelled. I slept for twelve hours straight and tried again this morning - another flight cancelled. Back to the hotel - another few hours of sleep.

Here I am 20 hours later waiting for another delayed flight.

This traveling business is not for the faint of heart. Luckily, this sort of complete despondency has only hit me a handful of times. I just really want to go home :(

Live Stream

2009-07-11T19:29:00.001-04:00

I dropped a match to Kelly. She is one of the few players against whom it is possible to play well and still lose 9-2.

My 8PM match will on the live stream, opponent TBA. If you are watching it right now you would see me texting this update.

Update

2009-07-11T11:54:00.001-04:00

I won my match last night, against Karen Webb, 9-2. I settled in to my game a little more but felt slightly off all day.

Today I play Kelly Fisher at 4:45. It has been a strange tournament so far with big names like Allison Fisher, Sarah Rousey and Melissa Herndon already on the B-Side. I will try my best not to join them ;)

Match #2

2009-07-10T14:48:00.001-04:00

I won my first match 9-6. I play Karen Webb tonight at 7:30.

I want to take a moment to thank Janet and her staff for running a great event!

The landscape around here is so pretty that it drives me crazy. It looks like bowling balls under a green carpet. Lots of hills and hollers.

The Draw

2009-07-10T10:46:00.001-04:00

The draw is up. I am one of the 16 seeds for this event. My first match is against Jacqui Herrara (sp?) at 11am.

WPBA Satellite: Borderline Billiards

2009-07-09T22:58:00.001-04:00

I'm here in Bristol, Virginasee? Tennessinia? for the WPBA's first ever satellite event. It is at Borderline Billiards, a gorgeous room owned by my lovely friend and fellow pro, Janet Atwell. The name Borderline is no joke. On one side of the street in downtown Bristol you are in Virginia and on the other you are in Tennessee.

The event will be a 64 player field. Pros were given first shot at entering and then the field was opened to everyone. Many of the WPBA's top women are here, as well as regional players looking for a chance to play the pros.

We had a charity Pro-Am to kick things off. This was my team: Jerry, Jim and Joey. We had a great time and helped raise money for the local charity, CHAD.

I'll be back tomorrow with updates!

The Upside of Losing

2009-06-19T19:25:00.001-04:00

$2 beers
Penny slots
Good friends

The Pool Bug

2009-06-19T09:45:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, I can't believe how much I still love pool after all these years. This morning, I am just so excited to get my enormous cappuccino and got hit balls while most of my compatriots are still dreaming (or having nightmares, depending on yesterday's matches.) I think I've officially got the pool bug for life.

Tough Day at the Office

2009-06-18T14:53:00.001-04:00

This is the view from outside of my hotel window. Glorious Michiana.

I had a tough day at the office, today. I lost to Miyuki Sakai 9-7. I played well through out the match as we see-sawed back and forth. I got up 6-5 before the shot clock came out. I have played many, many matches on the shot clock and the majority of the time everything is fine. Today, I just couldn't seem to put it out of my mind. I felt panicky and rushed and got down over the balls too quickly. When I'm talking too quickly, I probably mean on the order of milliseconds. Just enough to throw things off.

Oh well. I'm giving myself a few minutes to grieve and then I'm going to head downstairs and sweat my friends' matches.

Tomorrow, I play the loser of the Sarahs (Ellerby and Rousey.)

Great Lakes Classic

2009-06-18T08:56:00.001-04:00

I just woke up here in Michigan City, Indiana, and I'm ready to play!

My first match is at 11am against Miyuki Sakai.

Goals:
- Put a good stroke on every shot
- Be happy

Thank You, Sponsors!

2009-06-15T12:18:00.002-04:00

I would like to thank my sponsors for bringing me to the 2009 WPBA Midwest Classic!

Dr. Gary C. Borge DDS practices dentistry in California. If there are any Sacramento-area readers out there, visit Dr. Borge and talk pool while receiving his excellent dental care:

Gary C. Borge, DDS
4660 Natomas Boulevard, #120-207
Sacramento, CA 95835
(916) 769-5955

When in New York City, a visit to the Skyline Billiard Club is a must. Skyline is quickly making a name for itself as one of the top "players' rooms" in the country. Check out the live tournament feed at www.ustream.tv/channel/action:

Skyline Billiard Club
2515 McDonald Ave.
Brooklyn, New York 11223
(718) 627-3407

Thank you all again for your support!

- Liz Ford

BCAPL 2009: Special Victims Unit

2009-05-14T23:19:00.010-04:00

I'm back from the 2009 BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships at the Riviera in Las Vegas.

This was my 12th trip to Vegas and it marked the first time that I didn't stay at the Riviera. Vegas is hurting and prices are very, very cheap, so there are great deals to be had at really nice casinos. I thought it was time to upgrade - then I came back down to earth and remembered that I'm a broke @#$ pool-player and booked a room at Circus Circus (Tower, not Manor, thank you very much.)

I never thought I would miss the Riv quite so much, but I guess a hypodermic needle is still a hypodermic needle, it doesn't matter which pool it is floating in.

The good news? Marc "Spain" Vidal and I tore through the Masters Scotch Doubles' field to win the title. Our match scores are posted here. Let's just say it was fun.

I had a completely unspectacular go of things in the Grand Master singles after my 4th place finish last year. I'm a little riled up by my brain-dead performance and it makes me want to seek out some barbox 8-ball tournaments to prove to myself that I can still play the game.

One of the nicest parts of my trip was that I got a chance to connect with some people...

like my sponsor, Gary Borge DDS...

and fellow blogger Melinda Bailey (aka Trigger) ...

before being abducted by some random lunatic vagabonds (love ya, babies!)

I love being in Vegas, but I must admit that all the card games and sports betting can be a bit distracting.

Will I be back for a 13th installment? Right now, I'm saying "maybe/maybe not." Who am I kidding? I think my track record speaks for itself :)

-LF

April Happenings

2009-04-15T14:11:00.003-04:00

I'm back to work on my game after a week of recuperating from the San Diego Classic.

Congrats to Monica Webb for her second straight win! Her steady improvement and will to win have always inspired me, and I am glad to see that those things pay off in the end.

On Monday, I started preparing for the 2009 BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships (May 8th-16th at the Riviera in Las Vegas.) When I lived in Oregon, I spent most of my time playing in bar table 8-Ball tournaments. I have always loved the game, but unfortunately I haven't played it much since I moved to New York. My game as a whole has improved substantially since 2001 so naturally my run-out power has increased, but last year in Vegas I had a little trouble balancing offense and defense to create my best chance at winning. Luckily, Skyline Billiards has a Diamond Smart Table, so I am going to make sure that I am super sharp come May.

I still have some 9-Ball events to prepare for before I head to Vegas. I will be playing this weekend in the JPNEWT tournament at Prime Time Billiards in Sayreville, NJ and next weekend in the Joss tournament at Comet Billiards is Parsippany, NJ.

Lots of work and fun ahead of me...

LIZ

Cream-Crackered!

2009-04-05T20:28:00.000-04:00

I always arrive at WPBA events smiling and full of energy and end up leaving like this. Dead knackered.

I had a good run in the loser's bracket with wins over Ming Ng (9-8) and Rachel Abbink (9-6.) I was very shaky towards the end of my match with Ming. That's the price I paid for allowing some frustration and desire for results creep into my brain.

After that, I was determined to stay positive, level and in the moment. I was rewarded with my best performance of the tournament during my match with Rachel.

I ended up being knocked out by Jennifer Chen. Jennifer was playing great and I quickly found myself down 5-0 and then 6-1. I saved myself from a complete dusting by clawing my way back to 6-5 before Jennifer took control again and won 9-6.

I ended up finishing 17th-24th which is great but doesn't mean as much to me as the psychological freedom that I felt during the event. I have worked very hard over the last six months to overcome the extreme self-criticism that has held me back in the past.

Just to let you know how much positive energy that freedom requires: I will probably sleep 12 hours a night for at least two nights once I get home!

Live Stream Update

2009-04-03T17:59:00.001-04:00

Just to let everyone know: my 3:15 match with Ming Ng is going to be on the live stream (once Julie Kelly and Tracie Hines are done.)

Monsters Inc.

2009-04-03T13:32:00.000-04:00

I lost last night's match to XTP, 9-6. I put forth a very good effort, but girl is a monster.

I was down 4-0 and dug deep to pull back even at 4-4. A missed kick by me let her get ahead 5-4, which she followed up with a break and run. I answered with one of my own. With the score now 6-5, she snapped the nine. My miss on the 3-ball let her get to the hill (it was a side-pocket shot that gives me a lot of trouble and you'd better believe that I'll be practicing it until it's automatic.) She broke and missed the five, leaving me to clean-up. At 8-6, I broke and had to play safe on the one, I left her a sliver of the ball and she came with a match winning shot, back-cutting it the length of the table. This time she made sure that she got out :(

I am proud of myself for making a real match out of what started out as a steam roll. I am also proud that I have been able to maintain the same positive attitude and same consistent play in all variety of situations for the past four months.

My next match will be against the winner of Dawn Hopkins and Ming Ng, at 3:15 this afternoon.

Hiller-Hiller Thriller

2009-04-02T19:25:00.000-04:00

I won my match this morning, against Cindy Sliva, 9-8. It was a long, tough match that was close the whole way. I am very proud of myself because I won by staying as positive as I could. My head is very fuzzy from being sick and nothing looked right, so I had to trust in my fundamentals and my funda-"mentals." My decision making and safety execution were not quite up to snuff and I hope to improve on them in my next match. I play the winner of Xiao-Ting Pan and someone whose name escapes my fuzzy little head tonight at 9:30.

Pass the Kleenex

2009-04-02T01:45:00.000-04:00

I am heading off to bed - the brackets are up and I am playing Cindy Sliva at 11:30 AM. I have been sniffling and snuffling with a nasty cold all week, but when I got on the practice tables earlier it was all business. Despite the cold meds, I felt that familiar calm focus take over. It was very reassuring. Good times, good times.

San Diego!

2009-03-31T14:35:00.000-04:00

I just landed in San Diego for the first WPBA event of 2009. I am very excited to start playing and I will be updating my blog during the event. Today I am going to get settled at the hotel and probably hit the pool. Tomorrow is practice and meetings; Matches start on Thursday. The WPBA will be streaming matches on WPBA.com starting Thursday, so log in check us out!

Thank You, Sponsors!

2009-03-28T17:30:00.000-04:00

I would like to thank my sponsors for bringing me to the 2009 WPBA San Diego Classic!

Special thanks go out to Dr. Gary C. Borge DDS, who practices dentistry in California. If there are any Sacramento-area readers out there, visit Dr. Borge and talk pool while receiving his excellent dental care:

Gary C. Borge, DDS
4660 Natomas Boulevard, #120-207
Sacramento, CA 95835
(916) 769-5955

When in New York City, a visit to the Skyline Billiard Club is a must. Skyline is quickly making a name for itself as one of the top "players' rooms" in the country. Check out the live tournament feed at www.ustream.tv/channel/action:

Skyline Billiard Club
2515 McDonald Ave.
Brooklyn, New York 11223
(718) 627-3407

In Long Island, Raxx Pool Room, Bar and Grill, is the place to play pool (and beer pong!) Once you're done playing the game of your choice, enjoy Raxx's excellent food and full bar.

Raxx Pool Room, Bar and Grill
510 Hempstead Turnpike
West Hempstead, NY 11552
(516) 538-9896

Thank you all again for your support!

- Liz Ford

Getting Ready for The San Diego Classic

2009-03-26T19:44:00.000-04:00

Today, I'm at home with a cold. It's a bummer, but I'm glad it's happening here and now instead of during next week's tournament in Alpine, CA. I want lots of energy to play pool with a little left over for swimming and enjoying the California sunshine.

In order to get ready, I have been practicing my funda-"mentals" (yuk, yuk, yuk.)

Just like I have physical checkpoints during my shot routine that ensure a consistent stroke, I also have mental checkpoints that ensure my mind is consistently focused. These involve: making a complete plan for the shot before I aim and set down, allowing myself to progressively relax and let go with each practice stroke, and finally (during my final pause at address) committing 100% to delivering a quality stroke down my line of aim without any thought of the outcome.

I know my physical fundamentals are sound because I devote time everyday to practicing them in ways that give me proper feedback. Nine times out of ten, if my game starts to break down, it is because I am not practicing good funda-"mentals." The telltale sign of poor funda-"mentals" is if I am consistently having trouble only at the end of the rack.

Other than that, I have been preparing by enjoying my life and the ones that I love.
Aw, shucks!

- Liz

What I'm reading: Ironweed by William Kennedy
What I'm watching: endless House reruns on USA
What I'm listening to: Easy Tiger by Ryan Adams
What I'm drinking: Pink Grapefruit Airborne even though it is a placebo at best, dangerous at worst.

Vacation 101

2009-03-12T09:44:00.000-04:00

I just returned from a little escape to Aruba. I have to admit: I never really understood the whole Caribbean vacation thing. I was brought up (egregiously wrong!) to believe that vacations had to be meaningful and educational and sometimes slightly painful. Thanks, Mom.

Well, it's no wonder that I have always had trouble just letting go and relaxing. This vacation was the start of a whole new education: How to wear bikinis and flip-flops and swim in the sun. There were a few seminars in fruity drink consumption and mandatory conference on sunscreen application, as well.

In all seriousness, I can't think of a better way to prepare myself for the 2009 WPBA season than to hone my relaxation skills and spend a few days on a beach, deliriously happy. I have a special reason to be happy after doing my 2008 taxes. I broke even for the first time last year. I'm not talking about paying the rent, but I successfully covered ALL my pool-related expenses. I am a little behind the ball for 2009, but this news gives me the confidence to push forward toward making a living.

I bring in income through four arms: sponsorships, tournament winnings, giving lessons and doing appearances. My record keeping was good last year and I have an accurate picture of how I did in each area. This makes it easier for me to make goals for the different arms and get a sense of how I can turn myself into a profitable business.

I am proud of myself for working hard, but I value learning to relax a little more. I think I need five more trips to Aruba just to make sure that I've got it down. What can I say - I have always been a perfectionist.

-LIZ

Can't... stop... blogging...

2009-03-01T17:57:00.001-05:00

I realize that it is feast or famine over here at sticks and balls and holes, but I just came across something interesting:

http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2007/02/do-not-delete-video-is-processing-idiot.html

Last summer, I went to Dover Downs to do some trick shots and commentating at Nascar's "Budweiser Celebrity Shootout." They made a show out of it and I'm not sure if it aired or not. A while back, PCN made a comment about me and Joe Rogan being commentators for ESPN. Hey PCN: Here's my audition tape!

:)

2009-03-01T10:35:00.000-05:00

I received my walking papers last night courtesy of Randy Schwager, 7-2.
I was a little lacking in positive energy yesterday. This is the most important component for me when I am competing. It makes everything else (patience, good decision making, heart) come easily. I've found over the last few months that if I take a little more time off between events, my performance is better, probably because I have more energy to stay positive.

I want to give thanks to the Predator Tour for their "Highest Female Finisher Bonus" policy. It is a great incentive for women to play the tour, and yesterday it was a nice little pick-me-up at the end of a very long day!

Still In

2009-02-28T20:19:00.001-05:00

I lost my next match, to Damon Sobers, 7-5. I'd never seen him before, but he shot very well.

Next up, I had a rematch with Steve Lillis. Once again it was hill-hill before I squeeked by, 7-6.

Predator Tour at Comet

2009-02-28T15:49:00.000-05:00

I'm one of 77 players playing today and tomorrow in the Predator Tour event at Comet Billiards. I got a bye, then won my first match against Mark "Gypsy" Pantovic, 7-0.

Now I'm having lunch and watching some accustats matches with my friend, Duane "Wu Tang" Tony.

:(

2009-02-21T14:33:00.001-05:00

I'm out. I lost my match to a very well-playing Bruce Carroll, 9-5. I'm very happy about my play during this event.

Now I'm going to sweat some good winner's side matches with my good friend and sponsor, Holden Chin, before heading home tomorrow.

Quick Update

2009-02-21T11:54:00.001-05:00

I won my match with Greg Antonakos, 9-5. Now is the all-important money round! I love pool, but it is also nice to get paid :) I play Bruce Carroll at noon.

Nighty-Night

2009-02-21T03:08:00.000-05:00

I won my match against Steve Lillis, 9-8.

I truly hope that no one was watching the live stream. The match had it's good moments, but all in all it was some awesomely bad pool.

I am always proud to win this kind of match though, where it is more about endurance and staying positive than about playing well. I do love the fight!

I play Greg Antonakos in a mere seven hours. I lost a hill-hill nail biter with him here in August, so I am excited to take another crack at it!

Liz on AZBilliards Live Stream

2009-02-20T21:00:00.000-05:00

I lost my match with Karen Corr, 9-4. I played well; She played better!

I play Steve Lillis at 10PM on the AZBilliards live stream table.

http://www.azbilliards.com/azbtv/

More WPBA Action

2009-02-20T09:50:00.001-05:00

It is now day two at the Turning Stone. I won my match last night against Caroline Pao, 9-7. It was fun; We both fought really hard and played well.

The WPBA 2009 warm-up continues today as I am set to play Karen Corr at 4PM. 128 players and six of them women. Either these are some crazy odds or Mike Zuglan is hoping for a cat fight to boost attendance :)

Turning Stone Classic XII

2009-02-19T16:19:00.000-05:00

Greetings from sunny Central New York! Did you catch the sarcsam there? It was subtle.

I am glad to be here in one piece. I spent last night driving through white-out conditions on I-90.

I play my friend, and fellow WPBAer, Caroline Pao first round at 8PM. Brackets are online at http://www.azbilliards.com/brackets/showbrackets.php?tourneynum=3189

This picture has nothing to do with Turning Stone. I took it on the subway the other day while I was bored.

January

2009-01-29T13:17:00.001-05:00

2009 has been a pretty quiet year so far. With the first WPBA event not until April, I am training hard for the Turning Stone Classic in February.

Seeking balance, I took a long vacation from pool in November and December to enjoy the other parts of my life. A happy pool player is a good pool player: Not the other way around. In fact, leading a happy and balanced life is my number one goal for 2009. I know that my game, like everything else, will be better for it.

In parting, I'll leave you with my two favorite pieces of advice about pool:

"Focus on delivering a quality stroke, every time, even on the most distasteful of shots." - Mark Wilson

"Don't let this game ruin your life; It's not worth it!" - Mike Zuglan

-Liz

What I'm reading: The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon
What I'm watching: Sober House on VH1
What I'm practicing: 9-Ball Ghost; Drills from Practicing Pool by Phil Capelle
What I'm listening to: In Rainbows by Radiohead
Where I'm surfing: garfieldminusgarfield.net

Now it's time to pay the bills :)

Think you've got what it takes to outwit players from all around the world? Test your skills in our Online Poker Rooms today!

2008 WPBA Season Comes to an End

2008-11-17T13:08:00.000-05:00

I am happy to report that I ended my 2008 season on a high-note, with a 17th Place finish at the WPBA Championships.

I struggled with my game throughout 2008 (mostly mentally) but I am looking forward to a more positive 2009!

Liz on TAR

2008-11-14T09:05:00.001-05:00

I'm pleased to report that my 11:45 AM match against Myhahn Lac will be featured on the The Action Report's live streaming coverage of the WPBA Championships. Visit www.theactionreport.com for more info.

Florida

2008-11-12T09:18:00.001-05:00

I'm on my way to Florida for the last WPBA event of the year. I wanted to, once again, thank my featured sponsors for bringing me to this event: Dr. Gary C. Borge, DDS; Raxx Pool Room; and Skyline Billiards. I have been training hard for this event and I am striving to end the year on a high note!

Video Up

2008-11-10T16:46:00.000-05:00

If anybody missed my appearance on the Discovery Channel's "Time Warp", you can see the video here...

It is intended for the general public and not specifically for pool geeks (myself included), but you can catch a few interesting things, that aren't mentioned in the commentary, if you look closely.

On all the slo-mo shots with spin (backspin, side spin and draw) you can observe the transfer of english from the cue ball to the object ball. It is actually less pronounced than I thought it would be. The "Spinning Stop Shot" (which isn't really useful for anything in a game) does give you a chance to observe deflection and throw.

There was one very interesting thing that the "Time Warp" guys showed me that didn't make it onto TV. When you shoot a masse shot the cue tip actually hits the cue ball twice. The tip rebounds off the cue ball as the the cue ball gets jammed into the slate, and then slams into the cueball again while you are completing your stroke.

If you are not satisfied by this coolness and need a geekier slo-mo fix, check out this and this.

-LIZ

Hey, that's me!

2008-11-01T19:51:00.000-04:00

Here's a little promo for "Time Warp" that I just saw on Discovery.

Liz on TV!

2008-10-31T16:31:00.000-04:00

I will be appearing on the TV show "Time Warp" on The Discovery Channel on Wednesday, November 5th at 8PM (Episode: Samurai Sword Master).

For anyone who hasn't seen this show yet, it is really cool. The take super high-speed cameras and capture everyday events in super slow motion. It is fun to watch, kind of like Animals Close Up, With A Wide Angled Lens only with Physics.

I spent 7 hours on set filming shots for this 5-7 minute segment. I have no idea what it is going to look like, but I am really excited!

NASCAR Update

2008-09-28T23:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, seriously, how cool is Dover Downs Casino and Hotel?

I went down to do a couple of trick shots for the Nascar Budweiser Celebrity Billiards Shootout and they put me and my husband up in this room!

I never really understood the whole NASCAR thing before, having only seen it on TV. From our room we could see, hear and feel how freaking fast these guys are going. We even saw a car spin out and hit the wall. It was pretty cool... nah, it was awesome!

The charity event was a huge success. The fans were great and driver Casey Mears won the tournament and $10,000 for the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

I want to thank George and Janine for inviting me down and putting on a great event!

-LIZ

Thank You

2008-09-28T23:23:00.000-04:00

I will be playing in the WPBA's Pacific Coast Classic at the Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City, Oregon from October 1st through the 5th.

I would like to thank the following featured sponsors for bringing me to this event:

Dr. Gary C. Borge, D.D.S

Raxx Pool Room and Cafe

Skyline Billiards

Thanks again for all the support this year!

- LIZ

NASCAR!

2008-09-17T22:10:00.000-04:00

Yeah, that's right NASCAR!

I'm heading down to Dover, Delaware on Friday for the Budweiser Celebrity Billiards Shootout at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. The event is for charity and I am super excited to participate. I can't wait to see the Nascar phenomenon up close and personal.

I am going to rename "The Machine Gun" shot and call it "Put Him into the Wall"

-LIZ

Feeling better.

2008-09-12T20:06:00.001-04:00

All right, I'm over my little pity party. Nothing watching a little "Mrs. Doubtfire" couldn't cure.

I'l get 'em next time :)

Ugh

2008-09-12T18:19:00.001-04:00

My nerves got the best of me today as I lost to Maureen Seto 9-7 after being up 6-2. My positive energy reserves are pretty low right now - it is easy to play when things are going my way, but faced with adversity I feel very shaky. Yeah, not feeling very good right now... Feeling pretty frustrated :(

Poop

2008-09-11T23:59:00.001-04:00

Alas, it was not meant to be as I lost to Dawn Hopkins 9-6. I got my wish and I played much better, pretty fantastic by my standards, but it was not enough to overcome some funny games and good play by Dawn. Tomorrow at 3:15 I play the winner of Lisa D'atri and Maureen Seto.

Update

2008-09-11T15:55:00.000-04:00

I won my first match 9-5. I played ok - I hope to play better tonight. I play the winner of Dawn Hopkins and Nicole Albergaria tonight at 9PM.

Carolina Classic

2008-09-11T09:15:00.000-04:00

The draw is up for the WPBA Carolina Classic and I will be playing Cathy Metzinger at 11:30 am. I'm really excited to start playing! My goals for this tournament are to control the cue ball on my break and to make a concrete decision before getting down over the ball. I'll be posting updates throughout the event.

Thank You

2008-09-09T00:24:00.000-04:00

I will be playing in the WPBA's Carolina Classic at the American Tobacco Campus from September 10th through the 14th.

I would like to thank the following featured sponsors for bringing me to this event:

Dr. Gary C. Borge, D.D.S

Raxx Pool Room and Cafe

Skyline Billiards

Thanks again for all the support this year!

- LIZ

New Sponsor!

2008-09-09T00:15:00.000-04:00

WPBA Pro Liz Ford Announces Newest Sponsor: Dr. Gary C. Borge, D.D.S.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Case

Dr. Gary C. Borge, D.D.S. of Sacramento, California has signed on to support Liz Ford in her quest to move up the Women's Professional Billiards Association (WPBA) rankings.

“I am a long-time fan of the WPBA and I am excited to be able to make a difference in Liz's career” said Dr. Borge. “She has a bright future in the game - she works extremely hard and has a great attitude.”

Liz, a New York City resident, turned pro in 2005 and is currently ranked #34 by the WPBA. She will be representing Dr. Borge at the WPBA Carolina Classic in Durham, NC from September 10^th – 14^th, as well as at the Predator World 14.1 Championships in East Brunswick, NJ from August 25^th - 30^th.

Dr. Gary C. Borge, D.D.S. graduated from the USC School of Dentistry in 1989 and served in the U.S. Air Force at McClellan AFB in Sacramento from 1989 -1992. He has been practicing dentistry in the Sacramento area since 1993. As his practice continues to grow he strives to provide the best and most comprehensive scope of dentistry to all of his patients.

For more information about Dr. Borge visit http://www.borge-higginsdental.com

For more information about Liz Ford visit http://www.lizford.net

You're so money...

2008-09-09T00:11:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Bill (no pun intended) for pointing out the similarities.

Getting ready to play at Skyline

2008-08-23T13:43:00.000-04:00

I'm hanging out in the corner at Skyline billiards in Brooklyn. I'm doing my little pre-tournament meditation and relaxation.

I'm also reflecting upon my upcoming appearance at the world 14.1 tournament. Did you ever notice how most of the metaphors used to describe a defeat by a vastly superior player revolve around meat?

"I got barbecued."
"He skewered me."
"That was a slaughter."

Yeah, I'm feeling a little like dead meat :)

My goals for this week are to learn as much as possible and to maintain the best focus and attitude that I can. And of course to try to avoid being tenderized, marinated, rubbed with coarse salt and fried in a pan.

-Liz

Lots of Stuff Happening

2008-08-18T13:40:00.000-04:00

Time Warp

I've just come back from a week on the road where I've been doing some pretty interesting stuff.

First, I went to Boston to do some filming for a Discovery Channel program called Time Warp, which uses high-speed cameras to film events in super slow-motion. They captured me shooting a masse shot, a draw shot and a few other shots. The show should air sometime this fall - I will keep everyone posted!

Thanks again to the cast, crew and producers for a great time!

Getting ready

In action! The super-bright lights they have to use to film at such a high speed are not only blinding but they started to melt the veneer on pool table.

With the cast of the show, Jeff Lieberman (right) and Matt Kearney (top).

photo courtesy of Jeff Lieberman

Then, play time was over and I headed from Boston up to the Turning Stone Classic XI in Verona, NY.

I didn't get the cash this time, but I was very happy with the way I played throughout the event.

Here are some photos courtesy of Bruce Clayton:

Looking very intense

Possibly fouling the 9-Ball, though I didn't realize it at the time...

Zuglan! Thanks, buddy, for another successful event!

- LIZ

Given the Boot :(

2008-08-01T18:16:00.000-04:00

Sarah Rousey just have me the old tournament boot, 9-7, after her earlier hill-hill win over Allison Fisher. The girl is playing awesome and I hope she goes all the way.

The Pool Cue News guy should have been there to see our match. He has quite a public crush on the both of us :) Hope he enjoys these pics!

Suicide Watch

2008-07-31T23:49:00.001-04:00

After playing well the whole match, I just missed the nine hill-hill against Julie Kelly.

I'm sure I'll get over it someday.

Tomorrow, I play the winner of the loser's side match between Allison Fisher and Sarah Rousey.

Somebody take my belt and shoelaces...

Update

2008-07-31T15:55:00.000-04:00

I won my first match, against Belinda Calhoun, 9-4. I played relatively smoothly, with a couple of little mental bobbles.

Tonight, at 7:45, I play the winner of Julie Kelly and Susan Mello.

Let's go!

It's On!

2008-07-30T22:34:00.000-04:00

The draw has been done and I play Belinda Campos Calhoun in the morning. I am extremely excited to start playing!

Thanks to the folks at the Riverwind Casino and at the Sooner Legends Hotel. They have gone out of their way to make us feel at home.

I'm heading to bed to get a good night's sleep for tomorrow.

Put me in, coach! I'm ready to play!

Crackberry blog test

2008-07-29T16:22:00.001-04:00

This is my first attempt at a blog entry from my crackberry. We'll see how it looks.

I'll be updating my blog from the U.S. Open, hopefully from a variety of locations. Right now I am at La Guardia waiting to get on my plane. It is amazing what travel-related boredom can inspire!

Goings Ons

2008-07-24T10:27:00.000-04:00

Greetings all -

After taking a much needed week's vacation, I'm back at work! Sometimes a little time off can make all the difference by stripping away the non-essentials from the game and giving you clarity.

I came back feeling great and had a good finish over the weekend at the Jim Murnak/Predator Tour Women's Open. Iris "I hate you, you just play too darn well :)" Ranola and I ended up splitting first place after the tournament ran past 3am.

I'm heading to Oklahoma City for the U.S. Open on Tuesday and I am very excited. I predict a high finish for myself in one of the next three WPBA events - I am starting to get those "special feelings."

I have a new book to add to my list of mental training favorites: "Zen Golf" by Dr. Joseph Parent. I am working on a book report to post because I think this book is pretty special.

-LIZ

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-05T13:13:00.000-04:00

No truly American holiday would be complete without some sort of patriotic jello, be it in shot form (above) or perhaps a nice mold (below).

This beauty has been hanging in my kitchen as ironic/hipster/"I like to pretend I'm still in college" decoration for a few years. Maybe this is the year when I will create my red, white and blue masterpiece!

If you are in New York tomorrow, stop by Skyline Billiards for the Blaze Pro-Am Tour event!

-LIZ

WPBA Update

2008-07-01T10:14:00.000-04:00

I just got back from the WPBA Great Lakes Classic in Michigan City, Indiana, where I finished 25th. I was seeded #19 for this event which was my highest seeding to date! I also played in the pre-event Pro-Am for the first time (sorry I failed you, Joe!) All in all a fun event! Next up is the U.S. Open in Norman, Oklahoma on July 30th.