Can a smooth stroke be taught? How?

[Flex]

There's a drill that Colin Colenso suggests and which has helped me to shoot better overall.

Take a striped ball, and shoot it with a soft stroke very low on the ball, you want to shoot a soft draw shot, where the striped ball loses its backward spin at one diamond's distance. Groove this shot and mentally say it's Power 1. It's essentially a drag draw stroke. Perfect for stop shots at a diamond's or a bit more distance. Then do the same thing but find the power and stroke to make the striped ball lose its backspin at the 2 diamond distance. Groove this stroke and speed too. Mentally make this a Power 2 stroke. Then do the same for the 3 diamond distance, and the 4 diamond distance. Power levels 3 and 4 respectively. This stroke may well become a staple in his repertoire. It's useful not only for stop shots, but also for drag draw shots at many distances, and mastering it will result in more balls potting. By the way, shooting this shot on a ball at a diamond away with a Power 2 stroke will definitely draw the cue ball, and more than you might expect, depending on how fast the table is, and with minimal effort.

Good luck!

Flex

 

[JLW]

So he's drilling them straight in...no matter how far. And you want to change this??? I think he needs to work on speed control, but if he's executing like that I wouldn't change a thing. I know lots of guys with real fancy, silky strokes who can't run 4 balls.

Yes, I agree. Too mechanical? Like Allison Fisher?

It sounds to me like what you're talking about is aesthetics and has nothing to do with functionality. A good, straight, repeatable stroke is exactly what every player should be working toward. Who cares what it looks like?

Now, if you want to help him learn to shoot softer, that's another matter. And I agree that Straight pool will help with that.

 

[Harvywallbanger]

So we meet again. And now I understand where you stand.

Instructors can only help if someone wants it and the only thing they're good for is to speed up the learning curve. We all know more than we're able to execute but it's impossible to watch yourself and see the flaws in our game. So if someone doesn't want instruction and absolutely knows how it's done then set up a video camera and film yourself.

I guess I am trigger happy for instruction. There's 2 things I realize. I only know what I know and second most professionals in any sport have coaches even if they're the best in the world ie Tiger Woods.

LOL. I know where you stand as well and I don't think there is a thing wrong with that. I was able to learn from trial and error. Instruction is not a bad idea if one can't figure it out himself but I am all for letting a guy find his own stroke. If you are hitting the ring you know something needs changed. So play around a bit. Try some things and see what gets the best result. If you try hard enough you will find that special stroke that feels perfect to YOU and it will be straight. If after all that effort one can't get his own stroke than by all means go to an instructer and find out what in the hell is wrong. Plus I think its good for a guy to struggle with a problem for a while. It will build his confidence to know he figured it out on his own and to know that it is his stroke and no one elses.

 

[Flex]

For some reason, there are pool players who don't like it if someone takes lessons, or reads books on pool. These folks learned by themselves over time. What on earth is wrong with asking someone who has the knowledge how to shoot a shot, or how to play in a specific situation?

Every once in a while something new will appear, and formerly impossible shots are now very doable. A good teacher can show you how to shoot those shots, and shorten the learning curve.

If you've knocked your head against the wall trying to figure out something difficult, ask someone who you think might know the answer. Oftentimes, a fresh perspective is the ticket.

Flex

 

[TheConArtist]

stoke is very over rated.... proof? two words: Allen Hopkins

Love this post . Although i don't like the type of stroke as it doesn't suit me, with that kind of stroke there is little room for error.

 

[TheConArtist]

Now I remember: Scott Lee, Mr. Stroke himself, told me in my lesson and others on the forum that you put no pressure on the cue during the follow through - it is almost like throwing the cue.

Thanks Scott - I am such a dummy for forgetting this.

do you mean like throwing the cue in your grip hand? If so, then i have been messing around with this and i like it. I can get some good action on the cueball and i finally can make that Ding sound that i love to hear on t.v. matches

 

[frankncali]

stoke is very over rated.... proof? two words: Allen Hopkins

Thats one of a million players.

I dont know too many bad players with silky smooth stroke or a habit
of lining up perfectly or the ability to KNOW good patterns.

Picking out guys like McCready, Hopkins and other Pros with hitches or glitches fails to prove anything. These guys have talent and it takes TALENT (beyond what most of have) to get to the PRO level.
Some guys have just been able to work around some glitches and use their natural ability.

Contrary to popular thought everyone cant "just practice a bit more" or "
have someone show them a few more things" and become a top player.

Its easy to see what weaker players do wrong though and can see that working on improving Known factors can improve THEIR individual game.
Teaching someone McCready's stroke or Luc Salvas' pace just wont yeild as much aid without those guys personal natural ability.


I mean really --- How many of us have tried to hold the cue like some of the Filipinos??!!
Now even over there is everyone capable of playing like that. Some guys are probably hurting themselves trying to copy thier great countrymen.