Reshot routine - cue tip at base of cue ball

Will Maynard

Will Maynard

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Why do so many pros position their cue tip at the bottom of the cue ball and maybe even touching the cloth before the shot? As part of their stroke, the cue tip must come up before contact with the cue ball to prevent a scoop shot or miscue.

Thanks
 
Will Maynard said:
Why do so many pros position their cue tip at the bottom of the cue ball and maybe even touching the cloth before the shot? As part of their stroke, the cue tip must come up before contact with the cue ball to prevent a scoop shot or miscue.

Thanks
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It's easier to make sure you are centered on the ball. That may not be everyone's reason though
 
Will Maynard said:
What kind of back arm motion is used to hit the cue ball higher than at address?
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It's obvious that the elbow has to drop. Are you asking about the exact timing of the drop?

For non-pros, I think it is much better to use the simplest mechanics possible which includes addressing the cue ball where you are going to hit it. I think that's probably best for most pros as well.
 
Tennesseejoe said:
Video please???
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Which one? The one where he pulls his cue all way out of his bridge hand or one from the rear which shows how straight his stroke is (or isn't). But there is no doubt that however his stroke may look that it does nothing to slow him down. 😁
 
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Bob Jewett said:
It's obvious that the elbow has to drop. Are you asking about the exact timing of the drop?

For non-pros, I think it is much better to use the simplest mechanics possible which includes addressing the cue ball where you are going to hit it. I think that's probably best for most pros as well.
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I agree that the elbow must drop. I am interested in the timing of the drop as well. I'm curious as to how accurate one can be moving from the base of the cue ball to the variety of contact points on the cueball, e.g. high right, low left. I'd love to see a slow motion video of the stroke showing the entire cue, cue ball and motion of the back arm. If you know of such a video, please share.

Are your mechanics simple as you suggest?

Thanks, Bob
 
Bob Jewett said:
It's obvious that the elbow has to drop. Are you asking about the exact timing of the drop?

For non-pros, I think it is much better to use the simplest mechanics possible which includes addressing the cue ball where you are going to hit it. I think that's probably best for most pros as well.
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The local Pro at our pool hall does what the op has described, aiming at the bottom of the ball on setup, but adjusting to where he wants to hit the cue ball based on how he wants the cue ball to react (stun, draw, top,etc). I have to admit it, when I see that happening it's sort of makes an impression that this guy knows how to shoot. He is a 730 Fargo, and I have taken lessons from him but never asked him specifically about this. I on the other hand, I line up the cue stick to the location I want to hit the cue ball. If I had to guess why, I think it gives a clearer, unimpeded view of the shot before he strokes it.
 
I think that if you watch older Buddy Hall videos you will see the most simple, effective stroke possible to move the CB to the next desired location. His whole approach to the pool game is efficiency of pool stroke and CB movement. Any 1980s/90s and beyond videos of Buddy Hall playing 9 ball are just a textbook lesson on how pocket billiards should be played to achieve maximum results with minimum disruption along the way.
 
You actually might be quite amazed how many shots you miss because you are not lined up dead center on ball while aligning for your stroke. Lining up at the base of the ball or over the top can eliminate those misses, or at least greatly reduce them.

Jaden
 
Bob Jewett said:
It's obvious that the elbow has to drop. Are you asking about the exact timing of the drop?

For non-pros, I think it is much better to use the simplest mechanics possible which includes addressing the cue ball where you are going to hit it. I think that's probably best for most pros as well.
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Golly, I simply raise my bridge to the vertical strike point. and to think I could be altering my stroke instead. Maybe I'll work on that, or NOT!
 
There is no better definition of the centerline of the cue ball than the patch where it meets the cloth. Some only move from that alignment on the final stroke. I have to admit that after finding center I prefer a practice stroke or two aligned with the contact point I plan before hitting the cue ball.

There was a time when people tried to hoard knowledge including exactly where they hit the cue ball. That time is long past with the information readily available now. Then there is purity of stroke. A fairly raw player isn't going to get the same result trying to hit the cue ball in the same place as an accomplished shooter.

Satisfy yourself you know where centerline is at, offset to suit, shoot. Pool could be a simple game if we didn't spend so much time trying to complicate it.

Hu
 
Tennesseejoe said:
Video please???
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He was kidding.

Bustamante addresses Cuba and then hits Wyoming. I saw where someone claimed Bustamante said he did it on purpose to confuse the onlookers. That was said to be an old hustler's trick as well.

The funny part is, anyone who can play a lick knows from what the cue ball does where you hit it.
 
ShootingArts said:
There is no better definition of the centerline of the cue ball than the patch where it meets the cloth. Some only move from that alignment on the final stroke. I have to admit that after finding center I prefer a practice stroke or two aligned with the contact point I plan before hitting the cue ball.

There was a time when people tried to hoard knowledge including exactly where they hit the cue ball. That time is long past with the information readily available now. Then there is purity of stroke. A fairly raw player isn't going to get the same result trying to hit the cue ball in the same place as an accomplished shooter.

Satisfy yourself you know where centerline is at, offset to suit, shoot. Pool could be a simple game if we didn't spend so much time trying to complicate it.

Hu
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I line up over the top of the ball and that's for a couple of reasons. 1) to make sure I'm aligned with dead center ball, 2) to ensure proper contact.

Let me explain that 2nd one. Many instructors talk about acceleration through the ball and will warn against punching your stroke or decelerating at or before contact, but rarely do they give any meaningful way to do that.

I illustrate it like making a proper punch in contact sports. You're not trying to hit the target, you're trying to aim past the target. By lining up on top/center or front of the ball, you're setting your target contact past the ball and helping to ensure that you're accelerating past the initial point of contact.

Jaden
 
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