I'm at that point in my straight pool game where i'm experimenting to see what works for me. I'm primarily a 9 ball player and have that long fluid stroke (which may work for 9 ball). When learning 14.1 i've tried using the same stroke with mixed results. Last night during league, I experimented with using short strokes (closer to a 6" bridge maybe even shorter) and came to see multiple high runs, or at least consistent high runs vs using a longer stroke/bridge. How many of you out there prefer to use a shorter stroke/bridge vs a longer one?
Short vs. Long strokes for 14.1...your thoughtss
- Thread starter BigAL
- Start date
Great observation........ I think that shorter strokes can encourage a slower and more careful backswing on the final stroke.... always a good thing. Also, there might be more accurate cueing (cue tip placement on the cue ball at contact) with a smaller arc. (Actually, Bob Jewett had an article with surprising suggestions on that.) Also, many shots in 14.1 (often a half-table game) require a very light touch and careful speed control for shape on the next shot which are sometimes harder to finesse with a "big stroke." I have certainly played a number of pretty good mid-level players who look like unimpressive "pokers", but who can smoothly empty the table if you leave it for them. In any event, if you had noticeably better results with this, then it must be correcting or improving SOMETHING in your game.....and that's what you might want to solve. Maybe a session with Tony, Steve, Jonathan or Danny could help answer that.
Of course, Al, I'm talking about my level .... not about the pros who seem to be able to "dial down" without difficulty.
Of course, Al, I'm talking about my level .... not about the pros who seem to be able to "dial down" without difficulty.
Doc!...great to hear from you! How's FL treatin ya?...hope all is well there and that you're gettin your daily dose of 14.1 Keep us updated and i'll see you this spring...hopefully before I tie the knot and the mrs will ban me from all poolhalls lol
Moving from rotation to 14p1 will force you to develop the lower ranges of your speed control and stroke and as you mention a shorter stroke helps in this area.
If you like trying new things on the pool table try developing a wrist stroke, that is a stroke using only your wrist and not your elbow. This is useful for when the cue ball is close to the object ball( ~ 2 inches) and you want it to move only a couple of inches or less from the object ball.
Phil Capelle covers the topics of stroke and speed control very well in his book 'Play Your Best Straight Pool'. His books are some of the best I've seen in more than 30 years of learning pool. If you want to improve your game, invest your money, time, and effort into his instruction.
If you like trying new things on the pool table try developing a wrist stroke, that is a stroke using only your wrist and not your elbow. This is useful for when the cue ball is close to the object ball( ~ 2 inches) and you want it to move only a couple of inches or less from the object ball.
Phil Capelle covers the topics of stroke and speed control very well in his book 'Play Your Best Straight Pool'. His books are some of the best I've seen in more than 30 years of learning pool. If you want to improve your game, invest your money, time, and effort into his instruction.
Nate: You will love "Play Your Best Straight Pool". There is so much covered and in such great detail. You will go over it again and again and again!
And then when you come up for air, you might want to take a look at his "Break Shot Patterns".