So I find that one of the things I struggle with the most is even how to start some of these drills. For example, let's take the Eggshells drill. What order do you guys normally start with and what is the general pattern/strategy for clearing this out?

The ones that are difficult for me to start are Eggshells and Middelground. I was hoping people could share their strategies on how they approach these drills.

I liken this to the IPAT DVD that accompanies the workbook which shows you how to do the drill, to give you some idea of what you're aiming for.

I haven't seen much activity in this group for a while, so I thought I'd spark some up

For the Eggshells drill I did the Max version and it states that you have to start with a head rail ball so thats what I did.
If you don't need to do that, then I would start with some of the middle row balls. Others may disagree but for me it makes sense to make some room for my cueball to travel. With the middle row there you have to be very precise in order to not bump any of them, so I get rid of at least a couple of them early.
Middlegrounds is kinda the same for me in the sense that I like to get rid of some of the balls near the center early, but I also like to get rid of the corner balls too. This drill is a lot tougher to play any sort of pattern, since you can miss position by an inch and be completely shafted, causing a change of plans. Before you commit to a shot, maybe check to see if there is a option B or C if you come up short or long with the cueball.

Both great grills for learning and practicing tight positional play and patterns. Good luck, and have fun.

Middle ground was one of my favorites. I found the easiest way for me was to get rid of either of the balls closest to the middle pocket first.

i've only shot both of those drills twice, so i don't have a solid pattern yet. but, i did them with rookie settings and i still started the eggshells with the headrail ball first because i didn't like starting from the center and working down. i did fairly well working my way towards the center, but like i said, i've only tried it twice.