Why do pro's hit hard in practice?

I am also no pro... but I find myself doing this when I've made a few stupid misses. Or when I've felt that something is going wonky with my stroke. It magnifies the flaws and when I get it all smoothed out, then I just don't have problems with my normal stroke.

In other words, "To get in stroke" I guess.

And maybe also to vent some steam.
 
Like a lot of other posts, to get in stroke. I've seen my dad, who was not a pro but pretty sporty in his day, start rifling in long rail banks and cross sides to get in stroke.
 
They know acceleration is a vital key to playing well - this may not be the best way

Goldcues said:
I have seen pro's practice between matches at big events many times. I have noticed that many, if not most, tend to shoot shots much harder in this warm up practice time then they normally would in a match.
Why is this?
SVB, Mike Dechaine, Shawn Putnam, etc.
Seems like when it counts most, they would want to practice the way they will play.
I'm sure there is a smart reason for it and that I should be doing it too, but I would like to know what that reason is.
Any ideas? Any pro's out there that can help explain this?
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They know acceleration is a vital key to playing well and they're priming their hand, wrist, and forearm action. This does have some draw backs and I've seen it many times, although you may not see it unless there's an extraordinary pressure situation.

One of our players on last year's Mosconi Cup insisted on warming up like this and it concerned me enough to bring it up. I know from experience, when under a lot of pressure {like in the Mosconi Cup} it's NOT the time for this type of preparation.

Consuming caffeine, using "warp" speeds, and warming up with excessive "stroke shots" may by ok under "normal" conditions.....but under extreme pressure it's a mistake.......a vital error that may result in losing confidence and overall feel for the cue ball.....some of this is used to "psych" yourself up, and under intense playing conditions it's not necessary and may work against the player in the long run.
 
CJ Wiley said:
They know acceleration is a vital key to playing well and they're priming their hand, wrist, and forearm action. This does have some draw backs and I've seen it many times, although you may not see it unless there's an extraordinary pressure situation.

One of our players on last year's Mosconi Cup insisted on warming up like this and it concerned me enough to bring it up. I know from experience, when under a lot of pressure {like in the Mosconi Cup} it's NOT the time for this type of preparation.

Consuming caffeine, using "warp" speeds, and warming up with excessive "stroke shots" may by ok under "normal" conditions.....but under extreme pressure it's a mistake.......a vital error that may result in losing confidence and overall feel for the cue ball.....some of this is used to "psych" yourself up, and under intense playing conditions it's not necessary and may work against the player in the long run.
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What would you recommend (in addition to a TOI, of course) for a warmup routine?

Also, CJ, I'd like to express my eternal thanks. It's been about 15 years now since I got a video of yours which focused on the stroke and setup, and what I learned still remains one of the foundations of my game. TY!
 
I didn't read all the replies so maybe this is repeat info but hitting the ball harder will magnify flaws in your stroke. The pockets are also less forgiving when hitting them at warp speed which forces you to be dead on with your aim.
 
Cdryden said:
I didn't read all the replies so maybe this is repeat info but hitting the ball harder will magnify flaws in your stroke. The pockets are also less forgiving when hitting them at warp speed which forces you to be dead on with your aim.
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Wrong. It is all about being hairless down there.
 
HawaiianEye said:
It looks COOL!!!

But only when you hit the pockets. :) :)
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I happen to agree here, Nothing sounds better then slamming a ball hard as you can in the middle of the pocket, it makes a very unique sound.

I never once seen a great player from the 70s or 80s slam balls around while practing, They practiced just like they played, a thing of beauty.
 
regular shots seem easier.....this is effective both mentally AND physically.

VIProfessor said:
What would you recommend (in addition to a TOI, of course) for a warmup routine?

Also, CJ, I'd like to express my eternal thanks. It's been about 15 years now since I got a video of yours which focused on the stroke and setup, and what I learned still remains one of the foundations of my game. TY!
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It depends, when warming up for a match I like to "play it by ear," although shooting several straight in shots, following, drawing and stopping the cue ball is recommend.

I also like shooting all the balls off the rails and also shooting all shots with the cue ball on the rail. The rails give a different type perspective that actually makes the regular shots seem easier.....this is effective both mentally AND physically.

Let me know by PM and I'll make you a really good deal on my other 3 DVDs..(anyone else too if interested)....they get more and more advanced. My closest friends say the Banking Secrets one is the best, though I lean more towards the 'Touch of Inside'.....'Billiards Inside Secrets' has some really good drills as well, if you're interested in stroke and touch development.

Play Well, your Game is the Teacher - Aloha
 
I do it because it seems to warm me up better and get the dog out of my stroke. It also makes the pocket smaller and allows me to process my aiming a little more precisely.
 
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I don't care what anyone else is doing and I hope they don't care what I am doing when I am at the poolroom.
I do wish some of these guys would use a little sense and not be shooting warp speed next to people playing a match , or shooting straight at someone while they are bent down on a shot.
Or toward spectators with heads at table level.
These balls come off the table lots of times and people can get hurt.
 
Dominance...

I too, am no pro, but, I like to warm up like this for mental reasons. I feel like I am more dominant over the balls as I smack em in with authority. I'm kind of proving to the table that I am in control, and not afraid to miss. I'm proving how good my stroke and aim is, and something is happening mentally...
I'm taking charge of the table..confidence is everything...you must attack your fears head on, early and often!

I believe it's a great way to practice. Pool is a mental game. You're mind needs more practice than your arm. You've been playing for years...what good is physical practice really gonna do you in 20 minutes that you haven't learned in 5-20 yrs? Muscle memory is there...it really doesn't need as much practice as your mind does. So I believe that a good mental warm up, that also loosens up your stroke...is a great way to practice before a match!
 
:bash:


Bangers and Pros shoot hard when warming up or practicing. There's no difference.

We do it because it feels good.

It's all about the follow through.

Plus, it's a way of checking to see if we are playing good.

Relieves tension....



Actually a pro or good player will shoot firm on every shot while in a match.
 
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I remember warming up with Larry Nevel and he was drilling shots with crazy amount of spin and force. I just sat there like... Meh... He's got a nice stroke. Wasn't intimidated but I could see how it could unnerve some players
 
A lot of good feed back.
Thanks very much.
Most of it seems to be pointing in the same direction and makes a lot of sense.
I think I will start to incorporate this style in my warmups going forward. Kind of mix it in a bit with practice the way I play, and see if I can notice any difference in my match play.
 
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