WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA, September 15, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Tracey Scherban has been featured on the Marquis Masters Podcast. The podcast celebrates leaders and innovators who have shaped industries and inspired generations. Each episode features an intimate conversation with a Marquis honoree, uncovering the personal stories behind their professional success. The show reveals what it truly takes to lead with purpose, resilience, and authenticity.

The latest special edition of the Marquis Masters Podcast takes listeners beyond the felt and into the fascinating science behind one of the world's most skillful games. Led by Tracey Scherban, the episode features accomplished billiards professionals and coaches Michael Yednak and Zion Zvi in an engaging conversation about the physics, mathematics, mechanics and strategy that shape every pool shot.

Titled around the concept of "The Physics of the Shot: Mastering the Geometry of Pool," the episode challenges the common perception that pool is simply a game of touch and instinct. Instead, Scherban, Yednak and Zvi demonstrate how successful play relies on a sophisticated combination of geometry, physics, visualization, speed control, spin, angles and strategic planning.

Scherban, an engineer, scientist and professor who began pursuing pool more seriously after retirement, brings a scientific perspective to the discussion. Her journey into the game led her to accomplished players and coaches, including Danny Baroudi, and ultimately to Yednak and Zvi. What began as an effort to improve her own game evolved into a deeper exploration of the mathematics and mechanics underlying pool.

The conversation begins with a look at the origins of pool, tracing the game to lawn sports in Great Britain and explaining how the game eventually moved indoors. The evolution of the cue, the green felt reminiscent of grass, and even the origins of the word "pool" provide historical context before the discussion turns to the science of the modern game.

Yednak and Zvi break down the principles that experienced players use—often intuitively—to control the cue ball and position themselves for subsequent shots.

For Scherban, one of the most important revelations has been the transition from simply trying to make a shot to controlling where the cue ball will finish. That shift, from pocketing a ball to planning the entire sequence, is what transforms pool into something resembling a game of chess.

The episode also explores a factor that casual players may overlook: the table itself.

Yednak and Zvi explain how differences in cloth, rails, humidity, temperature, ball cleanliness, pocket dimensions and table maintenance can dramatically affect play. Even highly accomplished players must quickly adapt to the conditions of a new table before competition begins.

The discussion also examines the importance of maintaining ideal conditions when attempting extraordinary straight-pool runs. The accomplishments of legendary players such as Danny Baroudi and John Schmidt—and the extraordinary 800-plus-ball straight-pool runs discussed in the episode—illustrate just how much precision and consistency are required at the highest levels.

The trio also examines the break and the science of transferring kinetic energy through a rack of balls.

The conversation addresses different breaking techniques for eight-ball, nine-ball and other disciplines, as well as the ongoing debate over traditional triangle racks versus modern template-racking systems. The participants discuss how gaps between balls can affect energy transfer and how experienced players can use the rack to influence the outcome of the break.

Beyond physics and technique, Yednak and Zvi share personal stories from their careers.
Yednak recalls discovering competitive pool as a teenager in Arizona, where a family pool table helped build a bond with his father and brother. His interest deepened after witnessing high-stakes professional play during the era influenced by films such as The Hustler and The Color of Money. His career ultimately took him to the highest levels of the sport, including a period when he was ranked among the world's top players.

Zvi describes beginning with snooker in Israel at approximately age 13 or 14 before transitioning to American pool. His background in snooker provided a foundation for developing precision and cue-ball control, while also requiring him to adapt to the different dimensions, rails, pockets and playing characteristics of American pool. His dedication eventually led him to become the No. 1-ranked player in Israel.

The two professionals also discuss some of the players who have influenced them most, including mentors, friends and legends of the sport.

The episode ultimately goes beyond the mechanics of pool. Scherban emphasizes the importance of passion, respect for the game and the simple joy of continuing to learn.

While Yednak remains focused on competitive goals—including improving his straight-pool runs and preparing for major competition—Zvi approaches the game primarily as an opportunity to share his knowledge and enjoy the sport. Both emphasize the importance of practice, experience and adapting to different conditions.

The conversation also shines a light on women in billiards and recognizes accomplished female players who continue to make their mark in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

"Pool is much more than simply pocketing balls," the discussion makes clear. Every shot represents a calculation involving angle, speed, spin, friction, geometry and position—and at the highest level, those calculations become almost invisible through years of practice and experience.

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