10 Secrets of a GOOD STROKE in Pool

dr_dave

dr_dave

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Gold Member
Silver Member
FYI, I just posted a new video that covers generally-recommended “best practices” that help make a pool stroke "good." Check it out:


List of Topics [with YouTube timestamp links]:
- Intro [0:00]
1. Set and Check [0:53]
2. Relax and Test [1:40]
3. Pause and Verify [2:03]
4. Focus on Target [2:14]
5. Pull Back Slowly [2:26]
6. Transition Smoothly [2:47]
7. Keep Grip Relaxed [3:16]
8. Accelerate Smoothly [3:45]
9. Keep Elbow Still [4:14]
10. Finish the Stroke [4:55]
11. Stay Down and Still [5:30]
- Wrap Up [6:31]
---- shot montage [7:24]

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy,
Dave
 
Last edited:
Dave,
Regarding Number 9 - Keep Elbow Still, Pendulum Stroke. Are you a PBIA/SPF Instructor?

If you watch top level pros you will see that most of them simply do not keep that elbow still, up, pinned, whatever. Why do you advocate it? And as I've said many times on this forum........One of if not the greatest all-around cueist of all time told me thats the snooker stroke and that you do not want that because you are playing American Pool.

r/DCP
 
DrCue'sProtege said:
Dave,
Regarding Number 9 - Keep Elbow Still, Pendulum Stroke. Are you a PBIA/SPF Instructor?
Click to expand...

I am an Advanced PBIA Instructor and a BU Professor, but I do not consider myself an "SPF" Instructor.


DrCue'sProtege said:
If you watch top level pros you will see that most of them simply do not keep that elbow still, up, pinned, whatever.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Many top level pros drop their elbows, mostly (if not entirely) after the hit, and many drop it significantly. There are also many top level pros who keep the elbow perfectly still during the entire stroke (including during the follow-through after the hit).


DrCue'sProtege said:
Why do you advocate it?
Click to expand...

All the reasons I advocate it in general (but not to all people) are explained and demonstrated here:

elbow drop resource page

FYI, if I am working with someone who drops their elbow (especially if they drop it perfectly straight every time) and doesn't have any problem with stroke accuracy and consistency, I would never try to convince them to stop dropping their elbow. That would be silly.


DrCue'sProtege said:
And as I've said many times on this forum........One of if not the greatest all-around cueist of all time told me thats the snooker stroke and that you do not want that because you are playing American Pool.
Click to expand...

I disagree. Again, there are many top pool players who have perfect "best practices" technique. Now, for pool shots like the break or extreme power draw shots, elbow drop does have advantages, per the info here:

elbow drop advantages

power break technique advice

Regards,
Dave
 
Dave's elbow dropped on every shot in that video, and his stroke looked fine.

When you tell them to keep their elbow still, that can lead to players tensing up because they put so much focus on not dropping their elbow. On the flipside, if you tell someone to drop their elbow on every shot. That can lead to timing issues, inaccurate tip placement, wrist curling in or the arm chicken winging.

I think the better advice would be to tell them to keep their elbow aligned with their cue throughout the shot. Then if the elbow drops a little or stays still really won't matter.
 
BeiberLvr said:
Dave's elbow dropped on every shot in that video, and his stroke looked fine.
Click to expand...

Thanks. But I don't drop it much, and I don't drop it during the stroke into the CB (only after the hit).


BeiberLvr said:
When you tell them to keep their elbow still, that can lead to players tensing up because they put so much focus on not dropping their elbow. On the flipside, if you tell someone to drop their elbow on every shot. That can lead to timing issues, inaccurate tip placement, wrist curling in or the arm chicken winging.

I think the better advice would be to tell them to keep their elbow aligned with their cue throughout the shot. Then if the elbow drops a little or stays still really won't matter.
Click to expand...

Sounds reasonable to me, assuming they don't drop it too much before the hit. Although, when I see a student dropping their elbow with wrist curl and chicken wing motion, I usually try to convince them to keep the elbow more still. It makes them better right away! There are many ways to help people do this. They are listed on the elbow drop resource page:

If you have elbow drop and want to get rid of it, some or all of the following might help:
  • Do “air strokes” to the side of the CB and look back at your arm to make sure only the forearm is moving.
  • Think about keeping your shoulder totally locked and still during the stroke.
  • Think about bringing your grip hand up to the chest during the stroke (which it should do with a pendulum stroke).
Regards,
Dave
 
Last edited:
Thanks for this video- all good stuff here- what will work best for YOU? My advice is that if you are looking to improve your shotmaking and/or position play- video yourself for a few sessions- review your video and compare it to the advice given here. If you see some glaring differences in your present stroke- it may be well advised for you to try to adopt some of the recommendations herein.

Your stroke flaws, if any, will be magnified and presented to you by your own videos, this tutorial can help right your ship. Some great players in every sport have stripped down and rebuilt their mechanics - don't be afraid to admit your short comings and put in the time to rebuild properly. Rewards can last a lifetime- serious flaws will drive you away from any game.

I once thought that I knew everything about this game, except why I was not getting where I wanted to be - going to the video really helped me find the answers- it can for everyone. those of us from the 60s and 70s suffered with no help, no instruction, no video, today there are NO EXCUSES!
 
dr_dave said:
FYI, I just posted a new video that covers generally-recommended “best practices” that help make a pool stroke "good." Check it out:


List of Shots [with YouTube timestamp links]:
- Intro [0:00]
1. Set and Check [0:53]
2. Relax and Test [1:40]
3. Pause and Verify [2:03]
4. Focus on Target [2:14]
5. Pull Back Slowly [2:26]
6. Transition Smoothly [2:47]
7. Keep Grip Relaxed [3:16]
8. Accelerate Smoothly [3:45]
9. Keep Elbow Still [4:14]
10. Finish the Stroke [4:55]
11. Stay Down and Still [5:30]
- Wrap Up [6:31]
---- shot montage [7:24]

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy,
Dave
Click to expand...
Thanks Doc, another great vid.
 
dr_dave said:
FYI, I just posted a new video that covers generally-recommended “best practices” that help make a pool stroke "good." Check it out:


List of Shots [with YouTube timestamp links]:
- Intro [0:00]
1. Set and Check [0:53]
2. Relax and Test [1:40]
3. Pause and Verify [2:03]
4. Focus on Target [2:14]
5. Pull Back Slowly [2:26]
6. Transition Smoothly [2:47]
7. Keep Grip Relaxed [3:16]
8. Accelerate Smoothly [3:45]
9. Keep Elbow Still [4:14]
10. Finish the Stroke [4:55]
11. Stay Down and Still [5:30]
- Wrap Up [6:31]
---- shot montage [7:24]

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy,
Dave
Click to expand...
#11 may be the most important of your 10 secrets!
 
mikemosconi said:
Thanks for this video- all good stuff here-
Click to expand...

You're welcome, and thank you.


mikemosconi said:
what will work best for YOU? My advice is that if you are looking to improve your shotmaking and/or position play- video yourself for a few sessions- review your video and compare it to the advice given here. If you see some glaring differences in your present stroke- it may be well advised for you to try to adopt some of the recommendations herein.

Your stroke flaws, if any, will be magnified and presented to you by your own videos, this tutorial can help right your ship. Some great players in every sport have stripped down and rebuilt their mechanics - don't be afraid to admit your short comings and put in the time to rebuild properly. Rewards can last a lifetime- serious flaws will drive you away from any game.

I once thought that I knew everything about this game, except why I was not getting where I wanted to be - going to the video really helped me find the answers- it can for everyone. those of us from the 60s and 70s suffered with no help, no instruction, no video, today there are NO EXCUSES!
Click to expand...

Good advice. It is important to remember that these are recommended "best practices" ... not "absolute requirements." Each individual needs to find what works best for them.

Regards,
Dave
 
ChrisinNC said:
#11 may be the most important of your 10 secrets!
Click to expand...

It is hard for me to pick any 1 or even 3 or 5 that are the most important because many of them are critical to accuracy and consistency.

For convenience, here's the full list:
1. Set and Check [0:53]
2. Relax and Test [1:40]
3. Pause and Verify [2:03]
4. Focus on Target [2:14]
5. Pull Back Slowly [2:26]
6. Transition Smoothly [2:47]
7. Keep Grip Relaxed [3:16]
8. Accelerate Smoothly [3:45]
9. Keep Elbow Still [4:14]
10. Finish the Stroke [4:55]
11. Stay Down and Still [5:30]

Regards,
Dave
 
dr_dave said:
Thanks. But I don't drop it much, and I don't drop it during the stroke into the CB (only after the hit).




Sounds reasonable to me, assuming they don't drop it too much before the hit. Although, when I see a student dropping their elbow with wrist curl and chicken wing motion, I usually try to convince them to keep the elbow more still. It makes them better right away! There are many ways to help people do this. They are listed on the elbow drop resource page:

If you have elbow drop and want to get rid of it, some or all of the following might help:
  • Do “air strokes” to the side of the CB and look back at your arm to make sure only the forearm is moving.
  • Think about keeping your shoulder totally locked and still during the stroke.
  • Think about bringing your grip hand up to the chest during the stroke (which it should do with a pendulum stroke).
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
FYI, I just added the following additional bullet to the resource page, which some students have found helpful:
  • Stand next to a wall and stroke the cue with your shoulder and elbow against the wall. You will feel rubbing with any shoulder/upper-arm/elbow motion and can practice keeping things more still to develop muscle memory.
 
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