Pause on the backswing

[Lightn1nG]

So probably there is a thread somewhere in archives about this, but let's revisit the topic for a moment:

I seem to be more successful if after the last backswing, I pause deliberately before accelerating into the cue ball.
Some players don't do that (e.g. Efren, which takes the pause before the last backswing). I also noticed that Denis Orcollo doesn't have much of a pause either.
What is the science behind the pause?

 

[boogieman]

I am not an instructor. Look up "quiet eyes" in sports. It's directly related.

 

[JeremiahGage]

The pause in the backswing is to prevent your muscles from fighting each other causing a jerky stroke. You want to have a smooth transition for the best consistency and precision. Check out Dr. Dave's resource page for more info: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/pause/

 

[FranCrimi]

Some players have difficulty bringing the cue back consistently slowly, regardless of the speed of the forward stroke. Many players fall into the trap of bringing it back as fast as they move it forward. That often will disrupt your stroke timing where you max out your stroke speed too early in the forward motion, and start to decelerate. For players who have difficulty with a smooth slow backstroke, a longer pause at the end of the backstroke will negate the effect of the backstroke speed and allow the forward motion to be well timed and unaffected by the backstroke.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

...a longer pause at the end of the backstroke will negate the effect of the backstroke speed and allow the forward motion to be well timed and unaffected by the backstroke.

Yes, and can act as a "focus trigger" for the shot stroke.

pj
chgo

 

[FranCrimi]

Yes, and can act as a "focus trigger" for the shot stroke.

pj
chgo

I don't know what you mean by focus trigger, but regarding focusing on the ob, it can be done three ways: 1) During the final pause at the cue ball before the execution stroke begins, the player can switch their focus from the cb to the ob and keep it there through the entire back and forward stroke. OR 2) The player can switch their focus from the cb to the ob during the motion of the backstroke. OR 3) Shifting the focus from the cb to the ob during an intentionally longer pause at the end of the execution backstroke.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

I don't know what you mean by focus trigger

Essentially this:

… 3) Shifting the focus from the cb to the ob during an intentionally longer pause at the end of the execution backstroke.

…and also to narrow the focus fully to physical execution (if not already there).

pj
chgo

 

[BilliardsAbout]

So probably there is a thread somewhere in archives about this, but let's revisit the topic for a moment:

I seem to be more successful if after the last backswing, I pause deliberately before accelerating into the cue ball.
Some players don't do that (e.g. Efren, which takes the pause before the last backswing). I also noticed that Denis Orcollo doesn't have much of a pause either.
What is the science behind the pause?

The science has to do with physics. Imagine you're a passenger in a car. The driver reverses but doesn’t come to a full stop before abruptly shifting into drive and moving forward again, leaving you shaken. This illustrates that some deceleration and deliberation should occur during the backswing.

However, the concept of "quiet eyes" can be applied before the backswing rather than during a long pause at the top, and also, it is possible to perform at a professional level without any noticeable pause after the backswing.

Therefore, I only teach taking a pause in certain instances, like this one:

"I noticed you just attempted three fairly soft shots. However, you missed the position on two of them because you used only a partial backswing and then jerked forward. Please take some practice strokes now, ensuring that your ferrule comes all the way back to your bridge hand, and pausing there to confirm before starting the backswing. This pause will also help you initiate the forward stroke gently, rather than rushing into it."

In other words, I believe a pause may not be beneficial for every player, so if you share a video here, instructors will be able to provide tailored feedback.

 

[garczar]

Simple fact is that virtually EVERY great pool/snooker player and PGA putter have some degree of pause. Its just one of those keys to good play.

 

[Lightn1nG]

The science has to do with physics. Imagine you're a passenger in a car. The driver reverses but doesn’t come to a full stop before abruptly shifting into drive and moving forward again, leaving you shaken. This illustrates that some deceleration and deliberation should occur during the backswing.

However, the concept of "quiet eyes" can be applied before the backswing rather than during a long pause at the top, and also, it is possible to perform at a professional level without any noticeable pause after the backswing.

Therefore, I only teach taking a pause in certain instances, like this one:

"I noticed you just attempted three fairly soft shots. However, you missed the position on two of them because you used only a partial backswing and then jerked forward. Please take some practice strokes now, ensuring that your ferrule comes all the way back to your bridge hand, and pausing there to confirm before starting the backswing. This pause will also help you initiate the forward stroke gently, rather than rushing into it."

In other words, I believe a pause may not be beneficial for every player, so if you share a video here, instructors will be able to provide tailored feedback.

With my biggest pleasure!! I will film my practice tomorrow and gladly accept any opinions from you guys... I am B/C level atm....

 

[BilliardsAbout]

Simple fact is that virtually EVERY great pool/snooker player and PGA putter have some degree of pause. Its just one of those keys to good play.

You are correct. There must logically be a pause to transition between the backswing and forward stroke in any stick-and-ball sport. Some pauses are almost imperceptible, while others are pronounced.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

You are correct. There must logically be a pause to transition between the backswing and forward stroke in any stick-and-ball sport. Some pauses are almost imperceptible, while others are pronounced.

Except maybe the "loop" stroke (which I don't recommend).

pj
chgo

 

[Lightn1nG]

The science has to do with physics. Imagine you're a passenger in a car. The driver reverses but doesn’t come to a full stop before abruptly shifting into drive and moving forward again, leaving you shaken. This illustrates that some deceleration and deliberation should occur during the backswing.

However, the concept of "quiet eyes" can be applied before the backswing rather than during a long pause at the top, and also, it is possible to perform at a professional level without any noticeable pause after the backswing.

Therefore, I only teach taking a pause in certain instances, like this one:

"I noticed you just attempted three fairly soft shots. However, you missed the position on two of them because you used only a partial backswing and then jerked forward. Please take some practice strokes now, ensuring that your ferrule comes all the way back to your bridge hand, and pausing there to confirm before starting the backswing. This pause will also help you initiate the forward stroke gently, rather than rushing into it."

In other words, I believe a pause may not be beneficial for every player, so if you share a video here, instructors will be able to provide tailored feedback.

These are 2 small videos from drills that I do daily at the moment. Would love to hear your opinion (and others as well, whoever cares to watch)

WeTransfer | Send Large Files Fast

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we.tl

 

[Bob Jewett]

These are 2 small videos ...

Please post them to YouTube. I'm not sure which app/site you sent me to, but I have no interest in signing up for another account.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

Please post them to YouTube. I'm not sure which app/site you sent me to, but I have no interest in signing up for another account.

WeTransfer allows you to easily send or download files without needing an account, ideal for sharing files up to 2 gigabytes in size. It's two clicks to download Lightn1nG's files.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

These are 2 small videos from drills that I do daily at the moment. Would love to hear your opinion (and others as well, whoever cares to watch)

WeTransfer | Send Large Files Fast

The simple, quick and secure way to send your files around the world without an account. Share your files, photos, and videos today for free.

we.tl

Thanks for sharing your videos.

You are not truly pausing, and I'm more concerned about the lack of a pause at address, before you start the final stroke. Professionals come to a halt and eye the target. Watch both videos, noticing how little you pause at address.

The overall impression is that you are rushing your shots. I play quickly and often faster than how you ran the balls in those videos, but I come to a complete stop at address.