Recent content by Lockbox

I too have had several lessons with Bob and have learned and enjoyed each one immensely. I look forward to scheduling more with him in the future but my current schedule doesn't allow for much pool time, unfortunately. Bob is great!

I like the info. I practice most days and sometimes I just go through the motions until about 10 minutes in. I am trying to get better about having a "checklist" or inventory as you state before I shoot. Right now I have a few things that I absolutely try to focus on. 1. Palm flat on the...

Can you expand on this "stance check?" Especially when warming up, what goes through your mind before you execute the stroke, that tells you you're on (or not)?

I'm not sure if tension is the right term. I feel as though when i'm too squared up, my arm is flexing in more than one direction. When I am facing the cue (moreso than when squared up) it feels as though the elbow is working more as a hinge in only one plane. I'm not sure if this is actually...

I appreciate the tips from everyone on how to find the proper position of the right hand. During the weekend, I used the mirror close to my table to just look at my right hand as I took a few practice strokes and notice that there was considerable twisting, on occassion. During my warm-up...

It does vary. However, I would say when I believe my hand is too close to the tip, I steer the cue ball to the right. My belief is that this is a function of "pulling" the cue into my chest more than I would have had it been in the right position at address. My chin is typically touching the...

I will say, I found this post along with Mr. Jewett's observations/recommendations very helpful. Thank you both.

Let me put it another way - your advice is not very good. If a player is describing an in ability to accurate gauge whether their hand is perpendicular to the ground or not while holding a cue, the advice of "just relax" and let gravity show you doesn't help. Mainly, in my mind, due to the fact...

To the extent that you have to hold the cue, this is not practicable. Also, what is everyone's take on whether, during the backstroke, you open the ring/pinky fingers or maintain the grip on the cue?

Question for all of you - i'm noticing that in my warm up straight-in shots, the greatest variability comes from having my right hand position (i'm right handed) too high or too low on the cue. Keeping my feet, the Cue/Object ball position and subsequent bridge hand position on the table...

First off, i'm not an instructor. My question for the instructors is with regards to all of the replies to this initial post. Isn't any response to this query short of (1) get an instructor to diagnose issues and then (2) practice for years just a gimmicky bandaid? A purely straight stroke is...

And, surprisingly enough, that cheap sub brand shaft is helping me out-shoot some of the long-time veterans at my local pool hall. ymmv.

Thanks for the advice - but can't you buy the whole McDermott cue from online vendors for like $40?

From some of the replies it appears that (1) there is at least one other "body of instructors" (e.g., PBIA) that certifies pool instructors but does not require that you adhere to their rules for instructing, what you out to charge etc. (2) it appears that the only real recognized organization...

I know there is information online on how to become a BCA instructor, but I wanted to inquire the instructors here - how many of you would recommend the process in order to become an instructor? I'm going on year 3 of solid practice and really love the game. I would love to continue learning...