Has anyone tried this, and if so, is it worth the money? Just curious, thanks.
Anyone Used the Stroketrainer?
- Thread starter pro-player
- Start date
S
SuperDave
Guest
IMO it doesn't matter so much about the exact motion of your arm - we're all built differently, and style our play differently. Yes, the ideal is a vertical upper arm with the elbow at a 90-degree angle upon impact. However, this may not be what works for you. It certainly isn't what works for some pretty big names in the business.
What is important, though (and I emphasize that this is purely my personal opinion) is that the tip strike the right place on the cueball every single time. You can practice to achieve this goal without spending money on a product, which, even for any advantages it offers, is built to make profit for the seller. All you need is a piece of pine and a drill.
Wet a cueball and drop some chalk/powder on it so that it sticks. Place the ball on a flat surface so that the chalk/powder is centered, covering the area where you'd want to be contacting it with the cue. Take a piece of 1" dimensional pine, on its' edge, and slide it into the ball so as to allow the chalk/powder to mark it. This'll be the center point for a hole you'll cut, 1mm (or less) larger than the size of your tip.
There's your stroke-training template. I don't care how you get the tip through that template, as long as you can swing the cue for 15 minutes straight without contacting the sides of the hole. Want a greater challenge? Do it with 2" dimensional lumber instead of 1". Put two or three templates together, so you have to swing through a longer arc in an even fashion.
Your goal remains to swing through it for 15 minutes continuously, without touching the sides. This needs to be an absolutely unconscious motion on your part before you can learn anything realistic about spinning the ball, because if your stroke isn't consistent, your English won't be either.
Got that down now? Stroking it perfectly every time? Now, build another template, identical except that it's only 1/2" (total) wider than the hole on three sides, so you can see the cue around the template.
Now, shoot through the template during practice. You'll get the same big surprise I did, I'll bet.
What is important, though (and I emphasize that this is purely my personal opinion) is that the tip strike the right place on the cueball every single time. You can practice to achieve this goal without spending money on a product, which, even for any advantages it offers, is built to make profit for the seller. All you need is a piece of pine and a drill.
Wet a cueball and drop some chalk/powder on it so that it sticks. Place the ball on a flat surface so that the chalk/powder is centered, covering the area where you'd want to be contacting it with the cue. Take a piece of 1" dimensional pine, on its' edge, and slide it into the ball so as to allow the chalk/powder to mark it. This'll be the center point for a hole you'll cut, 1mm (or less) larger than the size of your tip.
There's your stroke-training template. I don't care how you get the tip through that template, as long as you can swing the cue for 15 minutes straight without contacting the sides of the hole. Want a greater challenge? Do it with 2" dimensional lumber instead of 1". Put two or three templates together, so you have to swing through a longer arc in an even fashion.
Your goal remains to swing through it for 15 minutes continuously, without touching the sides. This needs to be an absolutely unconscious motion on your part before you can learn anything realistic about spinning the ball, because if your stroke isn't consistent, your English won't be either.
Got that down now? Stroking it perfectly every time? Now, build another template, identical except that it's only 1/2" (total) wider than the hole on three sides, so you can see the cue around the template.
Now, shoot through the template during practice. You'll get the same big surprise I did, I'll bet.
Go to Home Depot.
Buy a 3/4 or 1 inch PVC pipe.
Cut it down to length you want.
Cut down a wire coat hanger and make the legs for the PVC pipe.
Adust to height.
There's your stroke trainer for a lot less money.
Buy a 3/4 or 1 inch PVC pipe.
Cut it down to length you want.
Cut down a wire coat hanger and make the legs for the PVC pipe.
Adust to height.
There's your stroke trainer for a lot less money.
Why waste the time?? The next time you go buy groceries for your home, buy a bottle of Coke, Sprite, even better....when you finish your next bottle of beer, keep the bottle! Lay it on its side and stroke into it! This is practically free and nothing to build!
Zim
Zim
S
SuperDave
Guest
Zims Rack said:
My only objection is that the mouth of a 20oz. soda bottle on its' side is higher than the center of a cue ball. I've tested this. I think it's imperative that your natural swing leads to a perfect center hit on the CB.
B
bob lightfoot
Guest
SuperDave said:
Got that down now? Stroking it perfectly every time? Now, build another template, identical except that it's only 1/2" (total) wider than the hole on three sides, so you can see the cue around the template.
Now, shoot through the template during practice. You'll get the same big surprise I did, I'll bet.
I built it, I'm using it, and you're right. I did get the same surprise a lot of times.
Now, can you tell me how I can get a deal on a new shaft?
S
SuperDave
Guest
bob lightfoot said:
Heh. I was flingin' that stupid template all over the table at first. I actually stroked it into a pocket once.
To answer your question, shafts are such a matter of personal preference that I'd hesitate to recommend. Anyways, as someone who prefers Meucci Red Dots in 12mm tip, I hardly qualify as a discerning player.
Coke bottles have been used a training tool for years. No matter if you think it's to low. Your moving the cue either, left, right up or down. Not all shots are center ball. You never hit the ball the same. your are training your mind and body to respond, no matter what angle, or high, low, left right. Your arm will swing in it's natural position. [look at Keith's arm and stroke].
blud
blud
mr8ball
Active member
emails from peopple that use the Stroketrainer
9/30/03/ As incredible as it sounds, I actually believe that this device can be and is, for me, extraordinarily helpful. Like a few others in this forum, I tended to be skeptical when I first heard about it. I waited two years before buying one! Having finally made the modest investment and tried it (going on two weeks now), I am convinced of its benefits. It will take a little time to groove the new stroke; but, the shots that historically have given me problems are now working the way my eyes see them. I no longer have to adjust the "aim" in order to compensate for my errant stroke form. That's exactly the kind of improvement that I have been searching for -- as you, my good friend, know from first hand experience... I cannot help but be cautiously optimistic regardless of any naysayers. It is, of course, easy to negate something "a priori." I am fortunate to have been able to see for myself, "a posteriori." Ken Bour
I also purchased a ST several weeks ago and it is the best tool that I have
ever purchase for my pool game. I have seen the many skeptical remarks and
comments on RSB. However, if anyone does not have a perfect stroke "most
players" I find it a reasonable price to play. I have easily improved a
ball since purchasing my ST. I have much more confidence on long shots and
have learned what a proper back and forth should feel like.
I played in a Viking tourney event and won 2 matches and felt pretty good
about my stroke. I feel with increased training with the ST I am sure to
continue to improve. I also use mine to improve my left hand stroke, it is
helping me very much.
Just my 2Cents....
RunaRak
Christian Pool Player
Doug,
I am usually a skeptic when it comes to all of the billiard training tools out there. I have played pool for nearly 20 years and have run hundreds & hundreds of racks but do find my stroke to be inconsistent at times. Due to the praise of Doug’s product by Monk, Mike Janis and Dr. Cue, I bought one of the Stroke trainer products. In a few days I have learned more about my stroke than in many many years. I am not being paid, nor has Doug asked me to do this but I can say that it is the best cash I have spent on the sport. No need for negative or smart remarks. Just giving my opinion on the product. It is a revolution in training at pool. Qmaster Ohio
One of the best investments a person can make in his pool game is the 2003 Stroke trainer! After only two or three sets of 50 strokes, my stroke improved. Using it 3 or 4 times a week, with one (1) set of 50 strokes; I was able to increase my percentage of pocketing balls. It also improved my ability to pocket straight in shots where the object ball and cue ball are 1/2 table apart and the object ball has to be pocketed a 1/2 table away.
I have tried some of the other ways to improve one's stroke like using the diamonds on the rail of a table or watching yourself stroke using a mirror. The drawbacks to these two exercises is that it is difficult to correct your swing looking in a mirror or looking down at the diamonds; and when you do make a good stroke; it is difficult to know exactly how or what you did to recreate the stroke. .
With the 2003 stroke trainer, as long as you keep your hand/arm moving/swinging against the barrier shield and your cue shaft is going between the two poles, there is no lateral (side to side) movement and your have a straight stroke. There is an immediate and accurate feedback how a straight stroke feels. When you practice 50 strokes at a time, your body begins to remember how a straight stroke feels and when you are playing you can make an adjustment to your stroke if it is not feeling right. Using the stroke trainer, you don't have to try and figure what you are doing wrong - all you have to do is concentrate on keeping your hand/arm moving/swinging against the barrier shield and the cue shaft going between the two poles.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to improve his stroke. Actually, if you are missing balls that you know you aimed accurately, maybe your stroke is off; and, if so, this is what you need. !!!!
Frank Sofocleous
Doug,
Since purchasing one of you trainers at the US Open, I am finding it to be an extremely effective training aide. It is not only helping me to develop a stronger and more accurate stroke, both left and right handed, but it is also helping to improve overall balance for all types of shots, keeping me from falling off or raising up on harder to reach shots. I am doing about 250 "guided" strokes per day with each arm and then I add in a variety of free handed strokes, normal, elevated, power and even jump strokes through the guiides.
I am very satisfied with you product and would recommend it to anyone with a strong desire to improve there overall performance and confidence at the table.
Regerds,
John Bernarding
9/30/03/ As incredible as it sounds, I actually believe that this device can be and is, for me, extraordinarily helpful. Like a few others in this forum, I tended to be skeptical when I first heard about it. I waited two years before buying one! Having finally made the modest investment and tried it (going on two weeks now), I am convinced of its benefits. It will take a little time to groove the new stroke; but, the shots that historically have given me problems are now working the way my eyes see them. I no longer have to adjust the "aim" in order to compensate for my errant stroke form. That's exactly the kind of improvement that I have been searching for -- as you, my good friend, know from first hand experience... I cannot help but be cautiously optimistic regardless of any naysayers. It is, of course, easy to negate something "a priori." I am fortunate to have been able to see for myself, "a posteriori." Ken Bour
I also purchased a ST several weeks ago and it is the best tool that I have
ever purchase for my pool game. I have seen the many skeptical remarks and
comments on RSB. However, if anyone does not have a perfect stroke "most
players" I find it a reasonable price to play. I have easily improved a
ball since purchasing my ST. I have much more confidence on long shots and
have learned what a proper back and forth should feel like.
I played in a Viking tourney event and won 2 matches and felt pretty good
about my stroke. I feel with increased training with the ST I am sure to
continue to improve. I also use mine to improve my left hand stroke, it is
helping me very much.
Just my 2Cents....
RunaRak
Christian Pool Player
Doug,
I am usually a skeptic when it comes to all of the billiard training tools out there. I have played pool for nearly 20 years and have run hundreds & hundreds of racks but do find my stroke to be inconsistent at times. Due to the praise of Doug’s product by Monk, Mike Janis and Dr. Cue, I bought one of the Stroke trainer products. In a few days I have learned more about my stroke than in many many years. I am not being paid, nor has Doug asked me to do this but I can say that it is the best cash I have spent on the sport. No need for negative or smart remarks. Just giving my opinion on the product. It is a revolution in training at pool. Qmaster Ohio
One of the best investments a person can make in his pool game is the 2003 Stroke trainer! After only two or three sets of 50 strokes, my stroke improved. Using it 3 or 4 times a week, with one (1) set of 50 strokes; I was able to increase my percentage of pocketing balls. It also improved my ability to pocket straight in shots where the object ball and cue ball are 1/2 table apart and the object ball has to be pocketed a 1/2 table away.
I have tried some of the other ways to improve one's stroke like using the diamonds on the rail of a table or watching yourself stroke using a mirror. The drawbacks to these two exercises is that it is difficult to correct your swing looking in a mirror or looking down at the diamonds; and when you do make a good stroke; it is difficult to know exactly how or what you did to recreate the stroke. .
With the 2003 stroke trainer, as long as you keep your hand/arm moving/swinging against the barrier shield and your cue shaft is going between the two poles, there is no lateral (side to side) movement and your have a straight stroke. There is an immediate and accurate feedback how a straight stroke feels. When you practice 50 strokes at a time, your body begins to remember how a straight stroke feels and when you are playing you can make an adjustment to your stroke if it is not feeling right. Using the stroke trainer, you don't have to try and figure what you are doing wrong - all you have to do is concentrate on keeping your hand/arm moving/swinging against the barrier shield and the cue shaft going between the two poles.
I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to improve his stroke. Actually, if you are missing balls that you know you aimed accurately, maybe your stroke is off; and, if so, this is what you need. !!!!
Frank Sofocleous
Doug,
Since purchasing one of you trainers at the US Open, I am finding it to be an extremely effective training aide. It is not only helping me to develop a stronger and more accurate stroke, both left and right handed, but it is also helping to improve overall balance for all types of shots, keeping me from falling off or raising up on harder to reach shots. I am doing about 250 "guided" strokes per day with each arm and then I add in a variety of free handed strokes, normal, elevated, power and even jump strokes through the guiides.
I am very satisfied with you product and would recommend it to anyone with a strong desire to improve there overall performance and confidence at the table.
Regerds,
John Bernarding
Last edited:
mr8ball
Active member
All you have to do is try it the results are quick and easy. Check out the new website.
http://billiardsgamestroketrainer.com/
http://billiardsgamestroketrainer.com/
S
SuperDave
Guest
I don't want anyone thinking that my posts in this thread are meant to denigrate the Stroketrainer - nothing could be further from the truth. Although I've never used one, it's intuitively obvious that Stroketrainer is exactly as good as the maker, and all the endorsers, claim it is. The goal here is to create a consistent stroke, however you do it, and the Stroketrainer looks like the right tool for the job. Indeed, I'd absolutely buy one myself if I could justify the expense. Unfortunately, I have two teenage boys who are sucking up money as fast as I can make it.
Any advice I've offered here works only under a very limited set of circumstances, and does nothing towards setting the user into what is widely considered to be the "perfect" stroke. I have mentioned nothing which takes top/bottom or English into account. Although I've built templates covering these aspects, it isn't my desire to put Mr. Carter into a position of having so defend himself or his fine product so I won't detail them here.
Any advice I've offered here works only under a very limited set of circumstances, and does nothing towards setting the user into what is widely considered to be the "perfect" stroke. I have mentioned nothing which takes top/bottom or English into account. Although I've built templates covering these aspects, it isn't my desire to put Mr. Carter into a position of having so defend himself or his fine product so I won't detail them here.
Human Beings learn PRECISION MOTOR SKILLS through a technique called REPETITION. Millions of people believe that by doing we can become better at some function. An IMPORTANT phrase comes to mind, "Only Perfect Practice makes perfect".
Another phrase I try to keep in mind is this, "if I continue to do things the way I've always done them, the results will be the same too".
Millions of musicians, Sports players & industrial workers have proved this technique to be true.
Now, how can we apply this proven training technique to the World of Billiards?
Initially a coke bottle was suggested, then a few other training devices came on the market. I would venture to say that all of these suggested training methods have their merits.
Since only Perfect Practice makes PERFECT, let's examine the StrokeTainer. The Stroketrainer is the only training apparatus, that I know of, where the grip hand, forearm, elbow joint, shoulder joint & address is actually attached to a "training device' for learning "a feeling". Until something else comes along, this NEW Training Device seems to offer that "perfection in practice", that we are all seeking.
Think about the successful learning process this way. There are several hundred individuals that can do this "straight stroke thing", almost immediately. There are millions of us that can't. So, if we want to get into to the higher skilled ranks of this sport, we have to practice more & harder in order to attain that higher rung on the ladder of Good Pool Players.
If I don't like someone's ideas, the last thing I ever do is disavow something that might have worked for him. If I can't use it, I keep looking for that something I can.
I know too well how Mr. Carter feels about his product. I've spent some time visiting with him at Valley Forge. I know he has enjoyed the praise from some of the Billiards Community & cannot understand the degrading from the other side.
I've never ceased being friends with someone who purchased a Chevrolet Product, I didn't make one derogatory remark. It was their want & their money. Some of those more fortunate Chevrolet buyers, were actually happy with their purchase. I prefer another product myself, but who cares?
Spending $150 for a training device, isn't so very much. Lots of Pool Players wager almost that much on one game (that maybe lasted 5 minutes). Mr. Carter might even offer some of you SUPER SKEPTICS a guarantee, that your investment will be rewarded.
If I can buy a good "Straight Stroke" for $150, get out of my way.... on Pay Day.
Another phrase I try to keep in mind is this, "if I continue to do things the way I've always done them, the results will be the same too".
Millions of musicians, Sports players & industrial workers have proved this technique to be true.
Now, how can we apply this proven training technique to the World of Billiards?
Initially a coke bottle was suggested, then a few other training devices came on the market. I would venture to say that all of these suggested training methods have their merits.
Since only Perfect Practice makes PERFECT, let's examine the StrokeTainer. The Stroketrainer is the only training apparatus, that I know of, where the grip hand, forearm, elbow joint, shoulder joint & address is actually attached to a "training device' for learning "a feeling". Until something else comes along, this NEW Training Device seems to offer that "perfection in practice", that we are all seeking.
Think about the successful learning process this way. There are several hundred individuals that can do this "straight stroke thing", almost immediately. There are millions of us that can't. So, if we want to get into to the higher skilled ranks of this sport, we have to practice more & harder in order to attain that higher rung on the ladder of Good Pool Players.
If I don't like someone's ideas, the last thing I ever do is disavow something that might have worked for him. If I can't use it, I keep looking for that something I can.
I know too well how Mr. Carter feels about his product. I've spent some time visiting with him at Valley Forge. I know he has enjoyed the praise from some of the Billiards Community & cannot understand the degrading from the other side.
I've never ceased being friends with someone who purchased a Chevrolet Product, I didn't make one derogatory remark. It was their want & their money. Some of those more fortunate Chevrolet buyers, were actually happy with their purchase. I prefer another product myself, but who cares?
Spending $150 for a training device, isn't so very much. Lots of Pool Players wager almost that much on one game (that maybe lasted 5 minutes). Mr. Carter might even offer some of you SUPER SKEPTICS a guarantee, that your investment will be rewarded.
If I can buy a good "Straight Stroke" for $150, get out of my way.... on Pay Day.