what is YOUR preshot routine?

[CreeDo]

For me, it has to do with running out of mental gas.

Focus is a limited resource and I blow a lot of that resource in the first 6-7 balls trying to play perfect shape and cinch every ball. By the time time I'm on the 8 or 9 I'm mentally tired of bearing down and just want to finish up and get out.

When you see strong players who have a quick pace and seem to get out of the rack like it was simple, I think part of what makes them successful is they don't blow their mental wad overthinking the first half of the rack. They conserve their mental energy on the roadmaps, and save it for the situations that need it.

And now for something completely different:

How often does it seem like the end of the rack looks like this? For me, it feels like all the time... even when the racker is trying to be random.

The shot is a little tricky because you need a little inside spin, and have to worry about scratching in the side. Lots can go wrong... you hit it a little weak and end up near B. You overhit it and end up near A. Your spin doesn't take and you end up dead center of the table, where you can cut the ball in either corner.

See if you notice this shot coming up a lot for you. When it does, take a second to understand: this is probably the hardest shot in the whole rack. Maybe you dog the 8 because it was actually harder than any other shot... it needed lots of CB travel, some force, and some spin to get good on the 9.

In fact, if you think about it, the way 9 ball rack works maybe makes it naturally difficult to get good on the 9. When the balls are racked well, it doesn't move much. Realistically you only want to shoot it in the bottom corners though it goes in all six pockets. So it seems like to get good on the 9, you must send the cue ball towards the side pockets. Imagine for a second that you had the "other angle" on the 8 ball, i.e. the cue ball starts a bit below B. You can definitely scratch in either side depending on how you hit that ball. But if you take pains to avoid that, you also risk getting tough on the 9.

OK, long post, here's the summary:

1. If the rack is a roadmap, try picking up the pace on the early shots and just let them become automatic. Save your mental energy for the critical balls at the end.

2. If you find yourself in the diagrammed position a lot, practice shooting with just these two balls, and figure out how to hit this so you don't risk scratching and get good on the 9. Make this shot your "pet shot" that you never ever screw up.

3. Random tip that has worked for me: Shoot the 9 with a deliberate, 100% natural, unthinking stroke. Do not hit the ball with a shortened bridge, or a 'cinch stroke', hit wherever you like on the cue ball (a little outside if that's your habit... or just below center, or just center) ...don't fret about shape (except to avoid a scratch). Just hit it with slow, firm stroke, with nothing in mind but drilling it in. Don't think about how your funny banana stroke or whether your elbow is moving or whatever. Basically I try to imitate shane when I'm hitting the game ball, because pretty much all of his strokes have that slow, deliberate look. Trust your stroke 100%.

 

[framedglasshadd]

I, too, have not been playing very long and do not have mucn of a routine... but this is how I usually go (for carom):
1.Chalk
2. look at which ball I want to hit first
3. decide which rails
4. decide if it's even possible, if I don't think I have the control or skill to execute it then go back to 2/3. I am a beginner with the diamond system, but if it is an easy shot to calculate then I will sometimes try to use whatever knowledge I have of systems
5. Decide how much ball to hit and how much english and where
6. stand comfortably and place my bridge and cue down
7. A few practice strokes
8. real stroke
If I play pocket it is the same, except instead of thinkinf which rail it is which pocket, and calling it if necessary.

Of course, no matter how much I prepare, if the shot is too difficult for me or if I make wrong decision in english or other things, it will still result in no score. And of course since I do not know many ways to play a shot (i usually just see one or two possibilities) I will choose the wrong shot. If I do miraculously make it, I usually have bad position for the next one. Also because I have an inconsistent stroke. But hopefully it will improve with practice, learning, and experience.

 

[naji]

I, too, have not been playing very long and do not have mucn of a routine... but this is how I usually go (for carom):
1.Chalk
2. look at which ball I want to hit first
3. decide which rails
4. decide if it's even possible, if I don't think I have the control or skill to execute it then go back to 2/3. I am a beginner with the diamond system, but if it is an easy shot to calculate then I will sometimes try to use whatever knowledge I have of systems
5. Decide how much ball to hit and how much english and where
6. stand comfortably and place my bridge and cue down
7. A few practice strokes
8. real stroke
If I play pocket it is the same, except instead of thinkinf which rail it is which pocket, and calling it if necessary.

Of course, no matter how much I prepare, if the shot is too difficult for me or if I make wrong decision in english or other things, it will still result in no score. And of course since I do not know many ways to play a shot (i usually just see one or two possibilities) I will choose the wrong shot. If I do miraculously make it, I usually have bad position for the next one. Also because I have an inconsistent stroke. But hopefully it will improve with practice, learning, and experience.

Once you are able to make OB go exactly where you want with all kind of english and speeds, like left or right side of pocket or center of pocket (critical), you position starts to get more accurate by itself, and some of your initial steps becomes automatic.

 

[FranCrimi]

lets talk about when running a rack, and 1 or 2 balls away from the 8 or 9 or 10 and staying focused and closing out the rack.

Lately I have been having trouble closing out the rack last monday night at league playing 9 ball I broke and make the 8 and ran 1,2,3,4,5 and got to the 6 in good position to get to the 7 and 9 (8 went on break) I knew what I had to do but I hit it bad and didnt get position on the 7 and had to play a combo. then in a cash tournament on Thursday I ran from 1-8 twice and missed the 8 and twice left the other player and easy two ball run out.

I have and idea of why im missing a combo of

1. being under pressure
2. rushing
3. lack of confidence in stroke
4. skipping steps of PSR

but even knowing this I cant seem to prevent it from happening.

QUESTION:
Any tips, tricks, or advise on this problem?

This is what it's all about. Great post. Players can develop the perfect PSR and become the world's greatest practice player. But it's in competition where you find out if it works for you or not.

Here are some things that might help:

1.) Do deep breathing exercises in your chair to help bring down your heart rate, which is probably elevated due to nervousness.

2.) Do a Happy Gilmore. Imagine yourself in your home room practicing, running rack after rack. Put yourself there as you step up to the table to shoot.

3.) Remind yourself that competition isn't a life and death situation. It is only as important as you allow it to be. The less importance you attach to it, the easier you can forget about where you are and focus instead on what you're doing.

4.) Make a conscious effort to stay loose. Along with tension comes tightening up.

 

[JoeW]

lets talk about when running a rack, and 1 or 2 balls away from the 8 or 9 or 10 and staying focused and closing out the rack.

Lately I have been having trouble closing out the rack last monday night at league playing 9 ball I broke and make the 8 and ran 1,2,3,4,5 and got to the 6 in good position to get to the 7 and 9 (8 went on break) I knew what I had to do but I hit it bad and didnt get position on the 7 and had to play a combo. then in a cash tournament on Thursday I ran from 1-8 twice and missed the 8 and twice left the other player and easy two ball run out.

I have and idea of why im missing a combo of

1. being under pressure
2. rushing
3. lack of confidence in stroke
4. skipping steps of PSR

but even knowing this I cant seem to prevent it from happening.

QUESTION:
Any tips, tricks, or advise on this problem?

Here is a long article I wrote some time ago. It may help with some of these problems. It agrees with what Fran C said above.

http://billiards.colostate.edu/PBReview/Competitive_Anxiety.htm

 

[naji]

This is what it's all about. Great post. Players can develop the perfect PSR and become the world's greatest practice player. But it's in competition where you find out if it works for you or not.

Here are some things that might help:

1.) Do deep breathing exercises in your chair to help bring down your heart rate, which is probably elevated due to nervousness.

2.) Do a Happy Gilmore. Imagine yourself in your home room practicing, running rack after rack. Put yourself there as you step up to the table to shoot.

3.) Remind yourself that competition isn't a life and death situation. It is only as important as you allow it to be. The less importance you attach to it, the easier you can forget about where you are and focus instead on what you're doing.

4.) Make a conscious effort to stay loose. Along with tension comes tightening up.

None of the above in this reply helps in combo shots here is what helps:

1. Must focus hard to find sweet spot on 1st OB to hit the 2nd OB exactly to make it, must stare and stare
2. Know where to aim, allow for throw, stun stuff
3. If you use draw, stun, or slow role bad things can happen, most of time should hit the combos fast speed with high center english where possible
4. Use very very short stroke, and pull very slow for accuracy follow through, for the very long combos or thin cuts combos
5. Practice them it teaches you to straighten your stroke for the very long regular shots.
6. Remember, OBs have same weight so if they are not clean they react to throw worse than CB to OB, try put spit between them and OB for practice you will make them more often
7 at one point i thought cloth make big difference for combo shots, so i went and bought 1/4" plastic sheets put on table and still missed them combos, and that is how i came up with above steps.

Best of luck

 

[porper-sig]

Know where the CB should be next.
Find the stroke line.
Set feet.
Get down and shoot.. Repeat till you'r hands bleed..:wink:

 

[PGHteacher]

None of the above in this reply helps in combo shots here is what helps:

When did anyone ask for help with combination shots?

1. Must focus hard to find sweet spot on 1st OB to hit the 2nd OB exactly to make it, must stare and stare
2. Know where to aim, allow for throw, stun stuff
3. If you use draw, stun, or slow role bad things can happen, most of time should hit the combos fast speed with high center english where possible
4. Use very very short stroke, and pull very slow for accuracy follow through, for the very long combos or thin cuts combos
5. Practice them it teaches you to straighten your stroke for the very long regular shots.

This is what works for you I am sure; but most of it is personal stuff that may help you but I wouldn't say it's "the way to go", I especially advise against #3, the reason you see lots of pros using high speed with combinations is for the insurance of not leaving it in the jaws if they miss and for positional reasons on the 1st ball and/or the CB.

6. Remember, OBs have same weight so if they are not clean they react to throw worse than CB to OB, try put spit between them and OB for practice you will make them more often

This could be one of the worst pieces of advice I have ever seen for a couple of reasons
1. Unless you spit all over the 2 balls you couldn't be sure that the saliva would be at the point of contact between the 2 balls unless they were frozen or at very close proximity.
2. Even if you could it wouldn't be advisable because that is practicing with reduced friction between the balls, like the old hustle of shooting a frozen ball down the rail while surreptitiously wetting the contact point with spit.

7 at one point i thought cloth make big difference for combo shots, so i went and bought 1/4" plastic sheets put on table and still missed them combos, and that is how i came up with above steps.

Best of luck

Nothing like taking tests and proving something for yourself.

 

[naji]

When did anyone ask for help with combination shots?



This is what works for you I am sure; but most of it is personal stuff that may help you but I wouldn't say it's "the way to go", I especially advise against #3, the reason you see lots of pros using high speed with combinations is for the insurance of not leaving it in the jaws if they miss and for positional reasons on the 1st ball and/or the CB.




This could be one of the worst pieces of advice I have ever seen for a couple of reasons
1. Unless you spit all over the 2 balls you couldn't be sure that the saliva would be at the point of contact between the 2 balls unless they were frozen or at very close proximity.
2. Even if you could it wouldn't be advisable because that is practicing with reduced friction between the balls, like the old hustle of shooting a frozen ball down the rail while surreptitiously wetting the contact point with spit.



Nothing like taking tests and proving something for yourself.

Quote: Post # 44 asking for help on Combos!!

Originally Posted by Andrewjoseph
lets talk about when running a rack, and 1 or 2 balls away from the 8 or 9 or 10 and staying focused and closing out the rack.

Lately I have been having trouble closing out the rack last monday night at league playing 9 ball I broke and make the 8 and ran 1,2,3,4,5 and got to the 6 in good position to get to the 7 and 9 (8 went on break) I knew what I had to do but I hit it bad and didnt get position on the 7 and had to play a combo. then in a cash tournament on Thursday I ran from 1-8 twice and missed the 8 and twice left the other player and easy two ball run out.

I have and idea of why im missing a combo of
being under pressure
rushing
lack of confidence in stroke
skipping steps of PSR

but even knowing this I cant seem to prevent it from happening.

QUESTION:
Any tips, tricks, or advise on this problem?

 

[naji]

When did anyone ask for help with combination shots?
yes post 44


This is what works for you I am sure; but most of it is personal stuff that may help you but I wouldn't say it's "the way to go", I especially advise against #3, the reason you see lots of pros using high speed with combinations is for the insurance of not leaving it in the jaws if they miss and for positional reasons on the 1st ball and/or the CB.
partially true, but also to avoid table lean, throw, swerve, plus it is free valid advise it does not hurt to try if it does not work leave it Most people on AZB have not reached the level of knowledge to be able to advise or rule out an advise



This could be one of the worst pieces of advice I have ever seen for a couple of reasons
1. Unless you spit all over the 2 balls you couldn't be sure that the saliva would be at the point of contact between the 2 balls unless they were frozen or at very close proximity.

You put spit at location of impact, you know it from CB to OB#1, and you know it at OB # 2
2. Even if you could, it wouldn't be advisable because that is practicing with reduced friction between the balls, like the old hustle of shooting a frozen ball down the rail while surreptitiously wetting the contact point with spit.
It just to Illustrate the issue of throw in OBs, nothing wrong with isolating problem to focus on say stroke



Nothing like taking tests and proving something for yourself.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[BRKNRUN]

Grip
Stance
"Pause"ture
Alignment

Throw all the other crap out that happens before or after the "actual" PSR........It happens naturally under varied shots and varied situations.

Trust me on this...I was one of those that had way to much of the wrong things in my PSR for many many years....I threw it all out at the beginning of the year and made the game simple...(like it should be)......I now only focus on the 4 things that "must" be done consistently and correctly to pocket a ball "consistently"........How many times I walk around the table or swipe my chalk accross the cue has nothing at all to do with a PSR...IMO...Am I saying don't walk around the table or chalk my cue....no I am not...but I may need only one swipe two swipes or no swipes of chalk at all from shot to shot...same with walking around the table.

However...If I don't have a consistent correct Grip, Stance, "Pause"ture, Alingment.....I will fail to have a consistently pocketed shot.

Simple as that folks....BTW...I have had more of a jump in my game in the last 5 months than I have ever had in 20+ years of doing the wrong things.

Hopefully I will save some of you some waisted time.

 

[FranCrimi]

Quote: Post # 44 asking for help on Combos!!

Originally Posted by Andrewjoseph
lets talk about when running a rack, and 1 or 2 balls away from the 8 or 9 or 10 and staying focused and closing out the rack.

Lately I have been having trouble closing out the rack last monday night at league playing 9 ball I broke and make the 8 and ran 1,2,3,4,5 and got to the 6 in good position to get to the 7 and 9 (8 went on break) I knew what I had to do but I hit it bad and didnt get position on the 7 and had to play a combo. then in a cash tournament on Thursday I ran from 1-8 twice and missed the 8 and twice left the other player and easy two ball run out.

I have and idea of why im missing a combo of
being under pressure
rushing
lack of confidence in stroke
skipping steps of PSR

but even knowing this I cant seem to prevent it from happening.

QUESTION:
Any tips, tricks, or advise on this problem?

Naji, he's not asking for help with combos. You're just reading his post wrong.

 

[naji]

Naji, he's not asking for help with combos. You're just reading his post wrong.

Sorry to all i agree, he sounded he needed help in combo, my bad, maybe i will start new post on combos?

Thanks FranCrimi, sorry to other posters.

 

[naji]

lets talk about when running a rack, and 1 or 2 balls away from the 8 or 9 or 10 and staying focused and closing out the rack.

Lately I have been having trouble closing out the rack last monday night at league playing 9 ball I broke and make the 8 and ran 1,2,3,4,5 and got to the 6 in good position to get to the 7 and 9 (8 went on break) I knew what I had to do but I hit it bad and didnt get position on the 7 and had to play a combo. then in a cash tournament on Thursday I ran from 1-8 twice and missed the 8 and twice left the other player and easy two ball run out.

I have and idea of why im missing a combo of

1. being under pressure
2. rushing
3. lack of confidence in stroke
4. skipping steps of PSR

but even knowing this I cant seem to prevent it from happening.

QUESTION:
Any tips, tricks, or advise on this problem?

Max Eberle (hope i have his spelling right), he said once, treat the 8 and the 9 ball as if there is another shot after them.

[*]being under pressure (if your knowledge is mastered this issue goes away)
[*]rushing rushing aim, or not allowing for throw, deflection..etc
[*]lack of confidence in stroke , pause, then pull very very slow and follow through
[*]skipping steps of PSR


At times it helps to bridge cue at pivot point (where you can) just in case of intentional english applied. I find it helpful on key shots to have shaft pressed against center of chin for guided stroke, like snooker players

 

[Scott Lee]

naji...Please remember that just because YOU "find it helpful" does not mean that it is necessarily the best way for anybody. How high someone's head is over the cuestick is personal preference, and has nothing to do with high level play. I always tell my students never to listen to someone who insists that they have to have their chin on the the cue to play well...that simply is not true. If someone likes to shoot with their chin on the cue that is a different story.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

I find it helpful on key shots to have shaft pressed against center of chin for guided stroke, like snooker players

 

[naji]

naji...Please remember that just because YOU "find it helpful" does not mean that it is necessarily the best way for anybody. How high someone's head is over the cuestick is personal preference, and has nothing to do with high level play. I always tell my students never to listen to someone who insists that they have to have their chin on the the cue to play well...that simply is not true. If someone likes to shoot with their chin on the cue that is a different story.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Hello Scott,
I respect your opinion, in pool there are many variables that dictate the outcome of a shot, few we can make them fixed and others we cannot. For very long shot accuracy matters, pocket size matters, your eye position, length of your stroke backward, pause. by having chin touch cue at same location every time you grantee eye location, and stroke since it is guided by your chin also fixed hand position, possibly fixed butt hand position, see pic of # 1 in the world attached. I always say you really cannot teach pool, every one develops his or her own way of playing, but for ultimate accuracy there is no substitute for above. Yes you can go down and fire, but at times and under pressure situation, you might have eye position a little off left or right and not really noticing , or your hands not same as it should, you holding butt different and miss, why risk a key shot.

 

[BRKNRUN]

Hello Scott,
I respect your opinion, in pool there are many variables that dictate the outcome of a shot, few we can make them fixed and others we cannot. For very long shot accuracy matters, pocket size matters, your eye position, length of your stroke backward, pause. by having chin touch cue at same location every time you grantee eye location, and stroke since it is guided by your chin also fixed hand position, possibly fixed butt hand position, see pic of # 1 in the world attached. I always say you really cannot teach pool, every one develops his or her own way of playing, but for ultimate accuracy there is no substitute for above. Yes you can go down and fire, but at times and under pressure situation, you might have eye position a little off left or right and not really noticing , or your hands not same as it should, you holding butt different and miss, why risk a key shot.
View attachment 242840

What if you are severe left eye dominant??? I guarantee you Earl, Scott (Frost), Neils...would never put the cue directly under the chin on a "key" shot.

I for one can not pocket a ball with the cue directly under my chin....so why would I ever put it there???

 

[poolguy4u]

Hello Scott,
I respect your opinion, in pool there are many variables that dictate the outcome of a shot, few we can make them fixed and others we cannot. For very long shot accuracy matters, pocket size matters, your eye position, length of your stroke backward, pause. by having chin touch cue at same location every time you grantee eye location, and stroke since it is guided by your chin also fixed hand position, possibly fixed butt hand position, see pic of # 1 in the world attached. I always say you really cannot teach pool, every one develops his or her own way of playing, but for ultimate accuracy there is no substitute for above. Yes you can go down and fire, but at times and under pressure situation, you might have eye position a little off left or right and not really noticing , or your hands not same as it should, you holding butt different and miss, why risk a key shot.
View attachment 242840

:speechless:

When you are tall and old, a chin a cue would never work. The older I get, the more I stand up and shoot. :sorry:

 

[CreeDo]

What if you are severe left eye dominant??? I guarantee you Earl, Scott (Frost), Neils...would never put the cue directly under the chin on a "key" shot.

I for one can not pocket a ball with the cue directly under my chin....so why would I ever put it there???

I think what naji's getting at is that you must get low over your cue. If it's a little to the left or right due to eye dominance, that's fine. But the point is, get down low so you can see where you're aiming.

I have a buddy who plays at a decent level and can make tough balls, but when he misses longer shots, he really murders them. I think it's because he has a very upright stance, which is fine for close shots but doesn't let you aim accurately for the long ones.

I know some respected players claim it's a valid way to shoot, but to me it seems obvious that getting down low is better for aiming. I can think of no reason NOT to give yourself that sighting advantage, unless you have a bad back.

 

[BRKNRUN]

I think what naji's getting at is that you must get low over your cue. If it's a little to the left or right due to eye dominance, that's fine. But the point is, get down low so you can see where you're aiming.

I have a buddy who plays at a decent level and can make tough balls, but when he misses longer shots, he really murders them. I think it's because he has a very upright stance, which is fine for close shots but doesn't let you aim accurately for the long ones.

I know some respected players claim it's a valid way to shoot, but to me it seems obvious that getting down low is better for aiming. I can think of no reason NOT to give yourself that sighting advantage, unless you have a bad back.

I would not be surprised to find out that your buddy sets up different for long shots than for short shots....or is doing something inconsistent from the short shots that causes him to murder the shot...

I think you should find the best "natural" stance for aiming (for you) period...it may be high it may be low it may be sideways...but whatever it is...it should be consistent for every shot...not just "some" shots.