RUNOUT DRILL SYSTEM (RDS) … A New Way to Practice, Teach, and Learn

Dr. Dave demonstrates a new progressive and adaptive approach to practice, teach, and learn pool. RDS consists of a set of 16 break-and-run challenges of increasing levels of difficulty. Here's a brief description of each level along with associated playing-ability ratings:
Intro [0:00]
1 - 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – lower novice [2:24]
2 - 6 balls, any order, BIH on every shot – mid novice [3:00]
3 - 6 balls, any order, 3 extra BIHs – upper novice [3:41]
4 - 6 balls, any order, 2 extra BIHs – lower beginner (D-) [4:37]
5 - 6 balls, any order, 1 extra BIH – mid beginner (D) [5:24]
6 - 7 balls (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, 1 extra BIH – upper beginner (D+) [6:20]
7 - 9 balls, any order, 1 extra BIH – lower intermediate (C-) [7:06]
8 - 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, 1 extra BIH – mid intermediate (C) [7:58]
9 - 15 balls, any order, 2 extra BIHs – upper intermediate (C+) [9:29]
10 - 6 balls, in order – lower advanced (B-) [10:52]
11 - 15 balls, any order – mid advanced (B) [12:09]
12 - 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+) [13:22]
13 - 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, remaining balls in order – lower shortstop (A-) [14:27]
14 - 9 balls, 9-ball rules – upper shortstop (A) [15:20]
15 - 15 balls, 8-ball rules, remaining balls in order – semipro / pro (A+/AA) [15:56]
16 - 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA) [17:57]
Wrap-Up [19:51]

Detailed instructions can be here:

CORRECTIONS:
- At 12m55s, I edited out the 2-ball shot by accident. FYI, it was just a simple roll shot forward to get to the 7.
- For Levels 6 and 8, "1 extra BIH" was added after this video was posted. The RDS document and level list above have the corrections.

Supporting Resources:

Subscribe to Dr. Dave's YouTube Channel:

Follow Dr. Dave on Facebook:

Show your Support (click on the donation button at the top of this page):

Purchase Dr. Dave's Instructional Videos and Merchandise:

Find Answers to Any Pool Questions:

Look Up Definitions for Pool Terms and Phrases:

Get Your Pool Diploma:

Attend a 3-Day Pool Boot Camp or Take a Private Lesson:

Learn More About Dr. Dave:

Good Luck With Your Game!!!

[DrDaveBilliards]

*CORRECTIONS:*
- At 12m55s, I edited out the 2-ball shot by accident. FYI, it was just a simple roll shot forward to get to the 7.
- For Levels 6 and 8, "1 extra BIH" was added after this video was posted. The RDS document and level list above have the corrections.

*Table of Contents:*
Intro [0:00]
1 - 6 balls, pocket OBs directly with no CB – lower novice [2:24]
2 - 6 balls, any order, BIH on every shot – mid novice [3:00]
3 - 6 balls, any order, 3 extra BIHs – upper novice [3:41]
4 - 6 balls, any order, 2 extra BIHs – lower beginner (D-) [4:37]
5 - 6 balls, any order, 1 extra BIH – mid beginner (D) [5:24]
6 - 7 balls (3 solids, 3 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, 1 extra BIH – upper beginner (D+) [6:20]
7 - 9 balls, any order, 1 extra BIH – lower intermediate (C-) [7:06]
8 - 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, 1 extra BIH – mid intermediate (C) [7:58]
9 - 15 balls, any order, 2 extra BIHs – upper intermediate (C+) [9:29]
10 - 6 balls, in order – lower advanced (B-) [10:52]
11 - 15 balls, any order – mid advanced (B) [12:09]
12 - 15 balls, 8-ball rules – upper advanced (B+) [13:22]
13 - 9 balls (4 solids, 4 stripes, 8), 8-ball rules, remaining balls in order – lower shortstop (A-) [14:27]
14 - 9 balls, 9-ball rules – upper shortstop (A) [15:20]
15 - 15 balls, 8-ball rules, remaining balls in order – semipro / pro (A+/AA) [15:56]
16 - 15 balls, in order – world class pro (A++/AAA) [17:57]
Wrap-Up [19:51]

[kyzersoze.musicology]

“It would be silly to not take the ball and hand, but I decided to be silly” hahahahahaha 😂👏👏👏

[cdnbean]

After about an hour I find most any drill tiresome - this one had me wanting to continue after 2hrs because I was having so much fun at it - THANK YOU!!

[Goynes]

This is fantastic! I always prefer practicing real-world scenarios rather than repetitive drills, but having this system will combine the best of both worlds for me! Thank you Dr. Dave!

[queequeg]

I dont know how I missed this video as I have been following DD for years. great stuff here

[LilChrisPoolPlayer]

I really like this as it provides real, in game, scenarios for a player to practice! I'm definitely going to have to see if I can make a video out of this with one successful continuous attempt at all levels! Thanks DrDave!!!

[travjason]

You're one of the most disciplined instructors in the game. I can always find something I need to work on within the first couple minutes of your videos. Thanks Doc

[CodeMonkey]

Cool. I printed this out and have started it. What a great system. I've never been able to run a table...not that I've practiced enough really, but this system gives me a solid path to follow. I'm having fun and laughing at the fact that I'm a "lower beginner". Humbling, and true.

[tomaszsosnowski]

After 16 months of play I am practicing the 15 balls in any order drill without ball in hand. I've noticed that this exact drill is making me play the most motivated and focused on solving problems and avoiding traffic early in the rack. It's a great drill where you build the confidence and expectation of potting balls, getting proper shape, breaking clusters, peeling balls off the cushion. And depending on your skill level, you can start this drill playing a long distance shot, a carom, combination, etc.

[foodeatsyou]

Exactly what I was looking for! I’ve just been playing myself in 8 ball acting as both myself and my opponent. I’m excited to try this!

[Mooblooboo]

Very fun progressive system. I found my place between 9 and 8. It's humbling to see what it takes to be a great shot at the end of your cue. Thank you for making this!

[c]

I tried this today and I thought it was a great way to practice. Made it to level 5. I'm a lower level player so finding drills that are challenging but not so difficult that they are frustrating isn't easy. I'll definitely make this a regular part of practice.

[unclezorbak]

this is awesome! I just went and tried it for the first time and it was a lot of fun. I love how it goes from absolute beginner to world class

[Alan_Edwards]

These drills will definitely expose any weaknesses in your game. I have little problem with making shots so levels 5, 7 and even 9 where all balls are fair game, are not a real problem. But when it comes to levels that require more cue ball and proper use of English like levels 6 and 8 where you pick a side, I struggle. Too be fair I try and get 7 games out of 10 before moving on. That said, I am slowly learning, with the help of your other drills, to control the cue ball better and navigate my way around the balls on the table.

[TrillionTalents]

Dr Dave excited: “Woo hoo, I finally got shape on the 10.”

[Alan_Edwards]

Getting back into pool at 68 years of age. This is an excellent way to practice with a purpose. Some of the seemingly easiest things end up being a lot harder than they look. Great way to learn planning and various way to apply English.

[JakeRoy]

I appreciate you showing your mistakes and talking us through them. Nobody is perfect!

[stanrosporski]

That was undoubtedly the best drill video I have seen. Following the progression can't help but make me a better player. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with is wannabes.

[restoreasurface]

This is an awesome drill! I look forward to working this out. I'm trying to get back into pool again, and feeling really rusty! Lol. Thanks for all the vids!

[GregoryAnderson]

Thank you very much. I look forward to reviewing and learning new skills. I particularly enjoy rds. It will change my practice, which I've picked back up after 26 years away from the table.