Optimal Shot Speed

peteypooldude

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What would be the optimal shot speed. Too slow they may roll off
and too hard the pocket gets tighter. 8 mph maybe ?
Bob ?
 
I don't know whats the optimal speed is cuz I think it varies for every pool player but i will tell you this that good pool players tend to shoot every shot at the same speed.
 
Real men hit every shot as hard as they can. That's why the table has four rails. Use them!
 
Real men hit every shot as hard as they can. That's why the table has four rails. Use them!

I'd rather use the 6 pockets!

I did note something interesting about when people learn to play properly, they start out hitting way too hard, then when taught abut shape and slower speeds, they hit everything TOO slow. Then they go to the firm stroke and start hitting everything too hard again but with better aim LOL. In a few months they find a middle speed to use on most shots.
 
What would be the optimal shot speed. Too slow they may roll off
and too hard the pocket gets tighter. 8 mph maybe ?
Bob ?
Pockets change size a lot depending on speed. In my May column for Billiards Digest I show some measurements of size versus speed, and for some shot angles the pocket is twice as large for slow shots. A factor of two on pocket size is a huge difference, like the difference between shooting the shot on a 6-foot table and on a 12-foot table.

If the table has serious roll-off, look into getting it fixed. I learned on a table with a particle-board bed and the roll could be expected to change from day to day. If the table has a slate bed there is almost no excuse for not fixing the roll.

On the other hand, if I have to get a ball past a partly-interfering ball, and the angle is not along the rail, I'll play the shot at the firm end of the speed range as that's where I'm most comfortable with the effects of throw.

And, of course, the shot speed is sometimes determined by the game -- note the big difference between banks at bank pool and one pocket.
 
Pockets change size a lot depending on speed. In my May column for Billiards Digest I show some measurements of size versus speed, and for some shot angles the pocket is twice as large for slow shots. A factor of two on pocket size is a huge difference, like the difference between shooting the shot on a 6-foot table and on a 12-foot table.

If the table has serious roll-off, look into getting it fixed. I learned on a table with a particle-board bed and the roll could be expected to change from day to day. If the table has a slate bed there is almost no excuse for not fixing the roll.

On the other hand, if I have to get a ball past a partly-interfering ball, and the angle is not along the rail, I'll play the shot at the firm end of the speed range as that's where I'm most comfortable with the effects of throw.

And, of course, the shot speed is sometimes determined by the game -- note the big difference between banks at bank pool and one pocket.

Thank you Bob. I was trying to put a general number on the medium speed shots that seem to be optimal for rotation. I think one could use the Break Speed app to get a good feel for the shot speed.
Me and my son are playing around with it.
As always I appreciate your input and Thanks again
 
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Thank you Bob. I was trying to put a general number on the medium speed shots that seem to be optimal for rotation. I think one could use the Break Speed app to get a good feel for the shot speed.
Me and my son are playing around with it.
As always I appreciate you input and Thanks again
I think you are always better off keeping the speed down to where the object ball is rolling smoothly on the cloth by the time it gets to the pocket. I think it is mostly that follow that makes the pocket larger.
 
I think you are always better off keeping the speed down to where the object ball is rolling smoothly on the cloth by the time it gets to the pocket. I think it is mostly that follow that makes the pocket larger.

+1 IF the table rolls true. I find myself hitting harder on tables then I probably need to because it seems like a ton of places rarely keep the tables level. Any sort of a slow roll or even just regular soft speed can roll off 1-2".
 
I think somewhere around a 3 or 4 speed. 3 is 18 diamonds, 4 is 20 diamonds. To define that, put the CB on the spot, hit to opposite short rail. Up, back and then to center of the table is 18 diamonds. Interesting that you post this as I've been practicing this exact thing in my drills to develop a consistent standard stroke speed.
 
Since Mobey Dick was minnow.
Why? Does the question seem that dumb to you?
If so why jump on here to leave a smart ass comment
Have some manners
Aww shuuuks!

I have never known Jude to make rude comments to anyone. I think you misinterpereted his post, Mikey.
 
I think somewhere around a 3 or 4 speed. 3 is 18 diamonds, 4 is 20 diamonds. To define that, put the CB on the spot, hit to opposite short rail. Up, back and then to center of the table is 18 diamonds. Interesting that you post this as I've been practicing this exact thing in my drills to develop a consistent standard stroke speed.

Which rail is 'short'?
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What would be the optimal shot speed. Too slow they may roll off
and too hard the pocket gets tighter. 8 mph maybe ?
Bob ?

I read that top pros hit most of their shots in the 4-9mph range. The difference is mostly because speed needed to get shape for the next shot is always different. Not many pros drill balls into pockets or feather them unless there is a very good reason. I think amateurs hit most shots much harder than they need to.
 
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What would be the optimal shot speed. Too slow they may roll off
and too hard the pocket gets tighter. 8 mph maybe ?
Bob ?



Changes from table to table:
Correct shot speed eliminates table conditions, imperfections and ball damage, due to it being the proper speed for that particular equipment and its cleanliness, that's all.
 
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