Single best slow-down trick I ever read was in Mark Wilson's book.
Make your backswing slo-o-o-o-o-o-w.
Most players, even if they're working on improving their stroke,
don't understand the importance of the backswing.
It might seem like the forward swing is the only one that matters,
but the backswing is tied to the forward swing. It decides how straight
the forward swing is, and whether it's rushed or not.
Plus doing the backswing calmly makes you just feel more calm and controlled.
You won't have the urge to jump up or rush after you do a slow backswing.
Someone recently posted a clip of Mark Wilson winning the first Mosconi Cup,
and you can see he practices what he preaches.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPQ9qou1FQ0&t=120
Also watch videos of Buddy Hall or Niels Feijen. Very rare to see them jump up.
This, In my mind I like to compare a good pool stroke to a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery. On the backstroke, I'm thinking to pull the cue back to the same spot every time. After that, the thinking stops.
RE: The Mosconi video, anyone notice the blatant sharking at 2:15 ? :grin: