Breathing Technique
- Thread starter skybaw
- Start date
As a snooker player it's very important to hold your breath when down on the shot. This is because the cue in held in tight to the chest and as breathing causes the chest to move in and out, the cue will also therefore be moving from side to side. I'm guessing this makes no difference to the majority of pool players but if you hold the cue into the chest DON'T BREATH 
Thinking about your breating while shooting is crucial to success. I would say it is second only to aim, alignment, knowledge and execution, in its role as an effective pool ingredient.
Keep thinking about the air...
Keep thinking about the air...
I've noticed Hopkins def does some kind of technique. As he approaches his shot, I keep hearing PFFFFT PFFFFFT... as if he's sucking in air and holding it. I also noticed Shadow does the same thing. I'll ask and get back to this thread.
People tend to think breathing in/out while playing was a player's inside joke for messing someone up. But, there might be techniques used to control pressure and/or increase concentration (to get into the zone).
People tend to think breathing in/out while playing was a player's inside joke for messing someone up. But, there might be techniques used to control pressure and/or increase concentration (to get into the zone).
Welcome to the forum, Sky.
That's a really good question for your very first one. Reminds me of my first question. "How do you get snot out of corduroy?"
I really don't think there is a truly definitive answer here, but in my opinion breathing is highly overrated. I know, I know, you've got to breathe in order for the life processes to continue, but c'mon. It just ain't that big of a deal.
As a matter of fact it can be hazardous to your health. I remember one time I was sitting in a very small room, talking on the telephone, when this guy rushes in, farts real big, then slams the door shut and locks it. I thought I was gonna die.
But anyway... what was the question?
That's a really good question for your very first one. Reminds me of my first question. "How do you get snot out of corduroy?"
I really don't think there is a truly definitive answer here, but in my opinion breathing is highly overrated. I know, I know, you've got to breathe in order for the life processes to continue, but c'mon. It just ain't that big of a deal.
As a matter of fact it can be hazardous to your health. I remember one time I was sitting in a very small room, talking on the telephone, when this guy rushes in, farts real big, then slams the door shut and locks it. I thought I was gonna die.
But anyway... what was the question?
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I haven't thought about my breathing playing pool for over 20 years. One night I was playing some cheap sets of 9-ball when Buddy Hall walked up to the table. I was on the 6-ball and was going to run out. He said, "you know you've been holding your breath since the 1-ball? For Christs sake take a breath before you pass out".
Not only did I not make the 6-ball, I couldn't run thee in a row for about a week trying to breath right. Johnnyt
Not only did I not make the 6-ball, I couldn't run thee in a row for about a week trying to breath right. Johnnyt
I do..
Yes, I use breathing techniques when playing pool. I do this just prior to and during any match. I slowly inhale as much as I can possibly through my nose, I hold that breath for the same amount of time it takes to inhale, then exhale through my mouth at the same rate. Do it 5 or 6 times succesively. This method slows your pulse/heart rate and reoxygenates your blood. It will help you to remain calmer when you get back to the table if your lucky enough to. It's a very well known technique for athletes in many sports. I raced bicycles when I was younger and learned about how important breathing techniques are in sports.
Yes, I use breathing techniques when playing pool. I do this just prior to and during any match. I slowly inhale as much as I can possibly through my nose, I hold that breath for the same amount of time it takes to inhale, then exhale through my mouth at the same rate. Do it 5 or 6 times succesively. This method slows your pulse/heart rate and reoxygenates your blood. It will help you to remain calmer when you get back to the table if your lucky enough to. It's a very well known technique for athletes in many sports. I raced bicycles when I was younger and learned about how important breathing techniques are in sports.
I am practicing a Karate breath for my stroke, so that before I hit the cue ball I give myself a warning that the cue ball is about to be hit and that I must stay focused and aware of my surroundings.
Also, breathing heavy can screw someone's stroke, take deep breaths and try to limit the motion of your shoulder, it requires tension, the difficulty is knowing how much tension is needed.
Sit straight up in a chair and breath heavy and deep, notice your shoulder move. Now think about keeping your shoulder still and breath heavy, notice the difference.
During an intense matchup most people change their breathing pattern, or under stress or pressure or when your excited.
Also, breathing heavy can screw someone's stroke, take deep breaths and try to limit the motion of your shoulder, it requires tension, the difficulty is knowing how much tension is needed.
Sit straight up in a chair and breath heavy and deep, notice your shoulder move. Now think about keeping your shoulder still and breath heavy, notice the difference.
During an intense matchup most people change their breathing pattern, or under stress or pressure or when your excited.
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Does anybody use a breathing method when stroking the cue? Do you inhale when drawing the cue back and exhale on the forward stroke? Or do you hold your breath for the duration of the stroke?
oh great.......as if i didn't have enough, now you gave me another thing to think about when i'm getting down on my shot......
just kidding skybaw.....i think ...
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Why would this guy start a thread if not a problem?
If you have asked the question then it seems to me that there must be a problem for you with breathing while shooting. Ignore the guys dismissing you about it. Anyway, I was told that C.J. Wiley used breathing techniques while playing, and I have a vague recollection that it had something to do with martial arts as well. I sometimes forget to breathe while shooting. I went to CJ's poolroom years ago to specifically ask him about this but he was not there at the time. Someone with CJ's contact info may want to pass it on to the OP here.
You know, if you're nervous it may increase your respiratory rate. Do you think you may need to address this first?
If you have asked the question then it seems to me that there must be a problem for you with breathing while shooting. Ignore the guys dismissing you about it. Anyway, I was told that C.J. Wiley used breathing techniques while playing, and I have a vague recollection that it had something to do with martial arts as well. I sometimes forget to breathe while shooting. I went to CJ's poolroom years ago to specifically ask him about this but he was not there at the time. Someone with CJ's contact info may want to pass it on to the OP here.
You know, if you're nervous it may increase your respiratory rate. Do you think you may need to address this first?
Strike First
Registered
you guys are sharking yourselves
Wait , wait, I saw this in a mvie. "Bull Durham", the pitcher was told to breathe through his eyelids. LMAO :grin:
I agree. Just make sure your not holding your breath and you should be OK.
You always exhale on the execution of a movement. Batter doesn't swing his bat and inhale at the same time. The act of inhaling is an execution in itself, therefore inhaling and stroking means you're executing two things at once. exhaling is a release.
I do this all the time especially when i am really focused. It just happens without me even trying.