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I use this method on many shots. I would describe it differently though. I stand behind the cue ball, in line with the blue line to the rail. Noting the exit point on the outside of the cue ball I then turn to face the exact point of the line along the yellow line. Once there I look to...

I think that we need to recognize that this applies only to stun shots. As the cue ball starts to achieve forward or backward turn the amount of force changes the actual angle for each specific shot. The harder the shot speed, the less throw is experienced.

I think you would find this useful. https://billiards.colostate.edu/bd_articles/2006/sept06.pdf

This is so key. Combined with the use of convergent inside english and Dr. Dave’s use of outside gearing english, the game simplifies greatly.

Yes. But minimal if you wash good.

I also don’t like a wrapped cue, but this can vary in a tacky hand situation. If my hand feels tacky I wash it until it feels dry again, even if it requires several washings.

You need to keep your thumb pointed down, when it is in the normal upward alignment with the forearm, in order for the elbow closing to send the cue down the on line path.

Activation, arousal and energizing are terms used interchangeably to describe the level of alertness and physical state prior to, during and after execution of a physical skill. Optimal arousal levels and performance levels are linked.

Reminds me of the saying that “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” It’s not about how you feel about your current situation, it’s how you decide to respond to it. You don’t get mad about things that aren’t important to you. Anger reminds us we care...

His book A.C.T. Attention Control Training along with the TAIS 144 point questionnaire were my first introduction to his work. https://nideffer.com/optimal-performance-states/ These benchmark symptoms can be countered in order to recapture a peak performance state, but only if you plan measures...

Once I know that my stress level has gone up I know that behaviors such a fight or flight or freeze kick in. Flight manifests itself in getting up and weight back in the stance, losing bridge arm anchoring. Attention is constantly pulled inward and narrows and the player needs to fight to...

This conundrum rears its head in other aspects of the game especially in the area of attentional focus. Robert Nideffer, a sports scientist who specialized in controlling attention and the role of stress in that control had several insights. First, he measured and conceptualized attention...

I’m just trying to counter any mindset that elevates the difficulty of winning in a tournament. The narrative came out of his assertion that he could beat players in league but choked in tournaments. He just needed to know that his experience was normal and a high percentage number of others...

The mindset of planning for a tournament extends beyond the tournament itself to the difference at the practice table. Skill development, areas of concern and physical game evolution no longer drive the decision making. This is battle preparation. As a famous Pogo cartoon stated “we have met the...

Not sure these examples are the true repeatability meant here though. A straight stroke is a better example. Finishing the stroke would be another. Staying down on the shot, another. Anything that is repeated consistently to arrive at the desired outcome. As pointed out by the examples minor...

When it comes to the stance i used the word morph to describe that flexibility. I also related the stories of Greg Louganis and Tony Fernandez, in a different forum thread on developing expertise, on a like theme. They mention getting it done with less than perfect form, about making the...

Top athletes in sports, especially target sports, talk about sticking with their process, and trusting it, was the key to breakthrough seasons. Process was discovering the key activities, they need to repeat, to replicate success. One of those activities, in pool, is a pre-shot routine...

Adding John Morra to the list makes sense. A legitimate top pro that makes a role model for both left and right handed players. A simple, consistent repeatable process anyone from top player to beginner can mimic and see benefits.

There is a separation between the aligning and aiming. Aligning is finding the body configuration that delivers the cue straight. Aiming is finding the ball path that achieves an intended outcome, using a straight stroke. In my case I had already found the foot positions and hip angle, for me...

Giving yourself permission to fail, allows creativity and commitment to emerge. Great post.