Has this happened to anyone here ?

Going_Postal

Going_Postal

Registered
Hi everyone , I am new here and was wondering if this has happened to anyone and if so what is your take as to why ?

After laying off of pool for 18 years or so due to heath I decided to get back into it and joined a league . I started at an SL3 , dropped to a SL2 , but then went up to an SL5 , all of this in 6 months . I thought that i was headed to being a 6 because i got to where i was running 6 balls at a time and have had some break and runs in both 8 and 9 .

The problem .I have been shooting with the same stick ( McDermott Star ) and all of the sudden my stick doesn't feel right , its as if I am holding someone else's stick in my hand . I have changed the weight several times,but it still feels wrong . When I am aiming my shot the first thought in my head is,man that 13 mm tip is huge . I set it down one night and played with a house cue and shot better with the house cue , my team couldn't believe it . I have dropped to a 4 now and if I keep losing I will be a three again real soon. I have an OB-2 on its way and i am hoping that it helps .

Has anyone experienced this ?

I am wanting to upgrade to a better stick,but I have no where local to try before i buy .

Mike
 
Hey I'm new as well, so welcome!

This has sort of happened to me as well. When I started playing seriously, after a few months, my first cue (a Cuetec) started feeling a little bit off. A couple friends and fellow players even said they felt like my cue was holding me back a little. Without wanting to open the LD/Traditional shaft can of worms, I'll just say this: if it doesn't feel right, then it becomes a problem. I know a guy who still plays with his Star cue, and he's a SL 100 in NAPA right now and is shooting as well as I've ever seen him. No equipment change. Now me, I've upgraded a couple of times and am experimenting a little, because it is important to see what's out there and what suits your game. The bottom line, though, is that changing won't necessarily *objectively* make your game any better, but if it feels better and you're finding you like the results, then it's worth it to make the change. Especially if your issue is that the tip seems too big, then maybe going to something in the 12.5-12.75 range will help a lot. I'd be interesting in hearing how you feel about the OB shaft once you start playing with it and getting used to the feel and the action.
 
Also, on the subject of trying before you buy. A good way to do this is just ask other players if you can shoot a couple balls with their stick. It's not always proper to assume they'll say yes, but in my experience a lot of people won't have a problem with it. This is how I finally got to shoot with a Mezz and, subsequently, I ordered myself one soon after. :)

Also, Billiard Warehouse has a pretty good policy on trying out a cue and returning (I believe you have 5 days from receipt of shipment), and Ozone Billiards also has quite a lenient return policy on even chalked cues, so those are a couple options if you're sure you'll be upgrading to a new cue, but want to sample a little before you commit. The first option, though, is very low-hassle and also free, so I'd highly recommend, especially if anyone has something you might be interested in. Good luck!
 
Mike,

I've been playing for over 55 years. One thing I can tell you is, and I'm sorry to say this but ... it's not the equipment! When you step to the table, your mind is not clear. You've lost focus. A new cue will not help. A week or two down the road you'll be in the same position again.

Why are you thinking of the tip size instead of where to strike the object ball with the cue ball? Kind of like players who complain about loud music or disractions while addressing a shot.

Get your mind focused on the game!!!! That is of couse you really don't want to get better and are looking for an excuse to quit again. JMHO.

Lyn
 
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I agree. Ask to shoot with someone else's cue to test drive. Don't wait. Get rid of the McFirewood and get a custom cue.... perhaps a sneaky (affordability for your first custom).

Are you only playing on 7ft valleys, or do you frequent a pool room with other tables? I like to play on 9' diamonds but it screws my handicap up every time I do play on them so I try to stick with the valleys during the season. Made a big differences. 4 break n runs last 2 weeks.

Really though, if I could go back down in handicap, I would do what I could to stay there lol.
 
cardiac kid said:
Mike,

I've been playing for over 55 years. One thing I can tell you is, and I'm sorry to say this but ... it's not the equipment! When you step to the table, your mind is not clear. You've lost focus. A new cue will not help. A week or two down the road you'll be in the same position again.

Why are you thinking of the tip size instead of where to strike the object ball with the cue ball? Kind of like players who complain about loud music or disractions while addressing a shot.

Get your mind focused on the game!!!! That is of couse you really don't want to get better and are looking for an excuse to quit again. JMHO.

Lyn
Click to expand...

QFT.

Go out and practice (not play) with your current cue and work on focusing on the shot and your fundamentals. I like to start with simple stop shots: after getting warmed up a bit, I practice hitting as softly as I can but still getting the OB in the pocket and the cue ball to stop.

No reason to spend money on a new cue if yours is straight. By the way, what's the overall condition of the shaft? Do you clean it?

If you decide to get a new cue, there's no good reason in the world to pony-up for a custom; there are plenty of good production cues out there.
 
Sometimes in can be the equipment, but it's actually more between the ears than the cue itself. If you go up there doubting you are going to make your shot or not having faith in your cue it's time for a switch. Pool has as much to do with confidence as it does anything else. If you have a good stroke and you walk up to every table like you are going to run it you're going to make more balls than if you already have in your head that something is wrong with the cue and you doubt every shot. I'm not saying buying a new cue will make you play better but the confidence that comes with a cue that feels good will help.
 
A lot of people on here have the first instinct of saying "it has nothing to do with your equipment" which may or may not be true. Sticks can feel different to different people for various reasons and there is nothing wrong with making a change if you want to make a change. Your taste and preferences can change over time as well. I say try it with the OB shaft you ordered first. That might make a world of difference. If you still aren't digging it try something else until you find something you have confidence in.
 
krupa said:
QFT.

Go out and practice (not play) with your current cue and work on focusing on the shot and your fundamentals. I like to start with simple stop shots: after getting warmed up a bit, I practice hitting as softly as I can but still getting the OB in the pocket and the cue ball to stop.

No reason to spend money on a new cue if yours is straight. By the way, what's the overall condition of the shaft? Do you clean it?

If you decide to get a new cue, there's no good reason in the world to pony-up for a custom; there are plenty of good production cues out there.
Click to expand...

Krupa,

Appreciate you quoting my post. As we both say essentially the same thing, I don't understand why?

Lyn
 
StraightPoolIU said:
A lot of people on here have the first instinct of saying "it has nothing to do with your equipment" which may or may not be true. Sticks can feel different to different people for various reasons and there is nothing wrong with making a change if you want to make a change. Your taste and preferences can change over time as well. I say try it with the OB shaft you ordered first. That might make a world of difference. If you still aren't digging it try something else until you find something you have confidence in.
Click to expand...

Two nights ago a local friend asked me to play a few racks with him. My cue wasn't around so I grabbed a Wallabuska. Did miss a few shots as the taper was much different than mine. Even using an open bridge. In the end I still ran racks. Way too much credit is given the equipment. Way too little the five inch space between your ears!

Lyn
 
i play high b to mid a, i bought a mcdermott i could barely draw a ball with, changed tips...still bad.

as for tip diameter, if shaft is fatter than what you are used to, it will most definitely affect your aiming, i shoot with 12.4 to 12.6 mm at the tip.
 
Has this happened to anyone here?

A number of good comments by various people. Best of all ... It is NOT your equipment.

Being a newer player or someone returning to the game after a layoff, especially a long layoff it is a sure bet your fundamentals need to be re-addressed. Work on making sure your stroke is ... straight. Try placing a reinforcing donut about 5-6" in front of the spot, make sure the donut is straight out from the spot and in line with the middle diamond. Place tip on spot, shoot - follow through so the tip is on or past the donut, and freeze. If you shot straight, your stick should cover the diamond, the spot and the donut. This will also help your follow through.

You can also check if you are straight by stroking down the line where the cushion meets the top rail. Again, after stroking you should not see the line.

However, your best bet is to find an instructor in your area ... the best money you'll ever spend on the game. Then after your fundamentals are good, if you want, then do some research and look for a new cue. Make sure the new cue feels great, if not keep looking. Remember ... inlays cost money and do not make balls!

Technology has changed the way current cues are made . Many improvements have been made. Many people say this or that is best but what is good for many may NOT be good for you. An OB-2 is 11.75mm, it requires strong fundamentals, an extra amount of concentration and accuracy to hit your target spot. If you are having problems with it I would suggest an OB-1, it is 12.75mm, smaller than the 13mm that many don't like but at 12.75mm the OB-2 is still more forgiving than an OB-2.

Have Fun & Keep Shooting ... STRAIGHT !!
 
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Going_Postal said:
and all of the sudden my stick doesn't feel right
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Messin' around with those pretty barmaids, huh? ;)

Seriously, it's all in your head. It's happened to me before, I would play perfect with the 6" extension on my cue, then the next day I can't make a ball with it. When I was a kid in college, I used to think it was the cue and I would play with multiple cues throughout a match. Now that I'm confident in my stroke, I can play with anything.
 
Has this happened to anyone here?

DAVE_M said:
Messin' around with those pretty barmaids, huh? ;)

Seriously, it's all in your head. It's happened to me before, I would play perfect with the 6" extension on my cue, then the next day I can't make a ball with it. When I was a kid in college, I used to think it was the cue and I would play with multiple cues throughout a match. Now that I'm confident in my stroke, I can play with anything.
Click to expand...

Strong Fundamentals ... followed by ... Strong Mental = Total Package

Then you can ... "Give Your Opponent the Shaft"
 
Thanks everyone for your input . Yes , focus and concentration is one of my problems for sure,I guess I just needed to here it from someone else for me to except the fact . Yes , the Ladies are a major factor of my loss of concentration ,but believe it or not concentrating to much on my aiming is another problem . That is why I am paying a lot of attention to the size of the tip .

( just starting to realize all of this as i read your replies and answering )

I have always been a very fast shooter " extremely fast " I have had others ask me if I am even aiming . A team member ask me one night how I am aiming so fast ? I really didn't know how to answer because its as if I'm not aiming. His wife is a certified instructor and said that what I do is
"hit and hope" I have beat her while playing on the side line on more then one occasion . I find it harder to make an end to end cut shot when i focus as apposed to just hit it and get it done .

I have recently slowed myself WAY down ( even though I am still told I move to fast ) in order to gain more control over the CB and in lining up the next shot . This is when I started going down hill , I am seeing to much as to what is going on . I know that sounds strange !

I now see ( thanks to the replies ) that i am to busy trying to be like the high ranked players in there slow shooting and lining up every shot to perfection . Yes I want to be able to shoot like that , but I am just not comfortable with playing that way .

No , I am not looking for an excuse to quit again !
 
Going_Postal said:
Thanks everyone for your input . Yes , focus and concentration is one of my problems for sure,I guess I just needed to here it from someone else for me to except the fact . Yes , the Ladies are a major factor of my loss of concentration ,but believe it or not concentrating to much on my aiming is another problem . That is why I am paying a lot of attention to the size of the tip .

( just starting to realize all of this as i read your replies and answering )

I have always been a very fast shooter " extremely fast " I have had others ask me if I am even aiming . A team member ask me one night how I am aiming so fast ? I really didn't know how to answer because its as if I'm not aiming. His wife is a certified instructor and said that what I do is
"hit and hope" I have beat her while playing on the side line on more then one occasion . I find it harder to make an end to end cut shot when i focus as apposed to just hit it and get it done .

I have recently slowed myself WAY down ( even though I am still told I move to fast ) in order to gain more control over the CB and in lining up the next shot . This is when I started going down hill , I am seeing to much as to what is going on . I know that sounds strange !

I now see ( thanks to the replies ) that i am to busy trying to be like the high ranked players in there slow shooting and lining up every shot to perfection . Yes I want to be able to shoot like that , but I am just not comfortable with playing that way .

No , I am not looking for an excuse to quit again !
Click to expand...


When you make a big change to how you play -- like slowing "way" down -- you're going to get worse before you get better.
 
It's certainly not the equipment...but sometimes that stuff will get in your head and if you have the funds to replace it or try a new shaft (which it sounds like you are doing) then go for it. Just understand it's not the cue that's the problem.

Downside to this is you can start an endless cycle where changing gear helps you improve for a while (or get back to playing at your level at least) but then somehow your head will start getting in the way again and you start feeling the need to search for the answers in another gear change.
 
Yeah , I didn't think about the change effecting my game as much as it has:confused: . I started getting better at lining up shots when I first made the change , but then fell off again . I know its between the ears now .:grin:
 
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