Work in progress...always.
I watch and learn from matches on youtube and also instructional videos. I take away from them what I like and try to make it work. I also learned a lot from Randy G's pool school back in 2007. I play golf as well and I also work on my pre-shot routine. Both sports are very much the same. Learning to quiet my thoughts, breathing deeply and focusing on what I am trying to do has been paramount. I treat every shot with the same respect and due diligence. You strengthen that which you focus on.
THINKING/ANALYZING:
1. Check the angle of the shot.
2. Look ahead at the next 2 balls to see how to get position.
3. Decide where my cue ball should end up.(Speed/spin)
4. Walk around and visualize the shot and the path of the cue ball.
PREPARATION:
5. Determine aim line by standing behind the shot. Most of my weight is on my right foot and my body is turned. I do this by holding my cue in my shooting hand at the balance point. I let the cue hang so that it is level and I use my feet/body to line up the cue to the aim line.
6. Visualize the shot and warm up strokes so I can feel the cue action that I want to use.
EXECUTE THE SHOT:
7. Step into the shot and place my bridge hand on the aim line. I am trying to be careful to keep my eyes, bridge and cue on the line. If everything looks good I fall into full stance.
8. Address the cue ball before taking warm up strokes. I point the cue tip where I want to strike the cue ball. Open bridge for most shots. Closed bridge for long draw shots and the break.
9. Take warm up strokes. Not too many. Just a few to get the feel and make sure my tip is going to the spot I am trying to hit on the cue ball. During back strokes I am looking at the spot on the cue ball. I look up at the object ball on the forward stroke. Only sometimes do I look at the cue ball last. The break, jump shots and rail shots. Also on very close CB/OB shots and bridging over balls.
10. I am ready. Pull the cue back smoothly, pause and bring my back hand to my chest. The forward stroke is accelerating. Not a jab or a punch. Those are for jump and curve shots.
11. Pause while checking to see what happens and where my tip stops.
12. Stand and analyze the result. Nothing good/bad. Just stay calm/composed.
I know that seems like a lot, but it usually only takes less than a minute. As I said in the beginning, I learn a lot from others. Trial and error is also a great teacher. Keep working at it and good luck with your process. Most of all have fun.
I am not a certified teacher, but I will gladly try to help anyone if requested.