TEACHING THE STROKE

THE STROKE

Recently I have taken on the task of instructing my brother to play better pool. My brother is the type of player that can make shots but lacks the knowledge or the ball control or speed part of a shot. He’s dangerous for his skill level, but he’s also predictable to read his run, which gives him a weakness.

Every book out there will give you the mechanics of the stroke. Hold it like this, not to tight, not to loose. Push straight keep your elbow at a 45 degree angle etc. these are all great tips and for the most part accurate but, the reality of this physical movement goes way beyond this.

As you practice you are focused on three things; ball speed, making the shot and finally, end position or shape. What you do not realize is you are creating muscle memory. Think about that term muscle memory. You are training your mind to remember how much muscle to use on a particular type of shot to create the end result, near perfect shape. This is one reason why I believe in practicing target pool. Where the shot is an entire entity from approach and set up to making the shot and the final end result, a shot made with the pre-determined end or shape as we all call it.

The more we practice one shot on a repetitive basis in practice mode you will not feel this “click” between the body and mind because you are building this relationship between yourself. Once this relationship has its foundation and you are comfortable with seeing it (the shot) in a game situation you feel a sense of relief knowing you can make this shot with a desired result. This is the feeling you are looking for. Complete comfort in your approach, your set up and your execution. It’s almost like you don’t even have to think to make this shot! This is the relationship and feeling that make the great players great! They have worked hard on a variety of shots that they can put together in a game or match situation.

The mechanical part of your stroke needs to be pure and free from the outside influence of negative thought. Once you visualize how the shot should be executed that should be the only thought when you go down on the shot. Complete release of, “don’t put it behind that ball”, or make sure you hit it with bottom left, but not too much” kind of thoughts. You know how to execute this shot point A to b and to point c the shape.

This total release of negativity and the ability to trust that your mind will send the correct signal to your arm to perform the shot as in practice will produce a natural feeling stroke with no extra effort required.

Learn to silence your inner self to achieve a perfect feeling stroke and the results that come with it.

You cannot be “taught” how to stroke the cue ball. This feeling can only be attained by repetition of the body and mind relationship. Practice, practice, practice!