what exactly is it? i hear all the time i need to do that to get consistant.. what do you guys do for it? thanks alot
can somebody help with preshot routine
- Thread starter metallicarokerx
- Start date
my general routine is chalk while walking around the table to get a layout of the table. then after i've decided what i want to accomplish, i take a miniute to line up the shot and the leave i want. then i get down on the ball and take a few practice strokes before taking the shot.
Everyone's is slightly different, and some are more involved than others, but a pre-shot routine is a huge part of being consistant. Mine is pretty involved, but here it is-
1- Walk around the table and look at the layout, while chalking.
2- Decide on which shot to shoot.
3- Determine what speed and english I will use to get the position I want.
4- Find the contact point I need to hit, and find the line of the shot.
5- Line my body up along the line of the shot, and step forward into the shot, to ensure I am lined up correctly.
6- Visualize the shot happening exactly as I want it to.
7- Find the contact point on the cue ball, and take several warm up strokes.
8- Look at the cue ball, the object ball, and the intended pocket or spot on the rail I am shooting at.
9- At this point, if everything does not feel right, or if I now think I am lined up wrong, I start over.
10- Pause on the back of the last stroke and move my eyes from the cue ball to the object ball, and shoot.
10- Follow through, stay down, and watch the ball go in.
This may sound like a lot to think about, and at first it can be, but after time, much of it becomes second nature. I find that when I miss shots, I can often attribute it to having skipped one of the steps in my routine (often #9). I play my best when I am patient, and follow my routine completely.
1- Walk around the table and look at the layout, while chalking.
2- Decide on which shot to shoot.
3- Determine what speed and english I will use to get the position I want.
4- Find the contact point I need to hit, and find the line of the shot.
5- Line my body up along the line of the shot, and step forward into the shot, to ensure I am lined up correctly.
6- Visualize the shot happening exactly as I want it to.
7- Find the contact point on the cue ball, and take several warm up strokes.
8- Look at the cue ball, the object ball, and the intended pocket or spot on the rail I am shooting at.
9- At this point, if everything does not feel right, or if I now think I am lined up wrong, I start over.
10- Pause on the back of the last stroke and move my eyes from the cue ball to the object ball, and shoot.
10- Follow through, stay down, and watch the ball go in.
This may sound like a lot to think about, and at first it can be, but after time, much of it becomes second nature. I find that when I miss shots, I can often attribute it to having skipped one of the steps in my routine (often #9). I play my best when I am patient, and follow my routine completely.
Last edited:
needing a pre-shot routine to be consistent is basically saying you need to be in a general rythym and be comfortable. part of this is your 'pre-shot routine' - ie: surveying the table, couple of air strokes, get down down on shot, sort out stance, practice strokes, then shoot. that's an example of how some people are. everybody's different. also you don't want to be too conscious of it if possible - remember when we play our best pool we do things naturally, we arent analysing every little thing in our head and consciously evaluating them. i stress this point because it's easy to end up like this if you are consciously trying to sort out a pre-shot routine.
i've not articulated this very well lol but i hope you get my points.
i've not articulated this very well lol but i hope you get my points.
metallicarokerx said:
Varying your routine puts your game out of rythmn in sorts. Having a routine or pre-shot routine helps keep it in rythmn.
To find you pre-shot routine have a trusted knowledgable good friend or instructor watch you shoot. They will pick up certain things you do every time you shoot. They must pay closer attention to shots that require all of your attention. The shots that are hard but not real hard. These little common things you do are your pre-shot routine.
They will also find somethings that make you miss every time. That is where you have to figure out if it is a fundamental (Basic) flaw or a pre-shot routine problem.
The problem is that we add little extras into our routines or skip some of the routine steps in our pool playing. This is anything but routine.
To be consistant you have to play like a machine. The same routine everytime gets us closer to being that machine with nothing to think about but playing. You will find that this routine once identified will require concentrated practice til it becomes second nature (unconsciously controlled in that you will not even have to think about it anymore.)
Practice makes perfect, but be warned your fundamentals can be causing a problem as well.
Ask more about this if your still not sure with my short cliff notes version...
A pre-shot routine are steps, both mental and physical, that you take before every shot. The more ingrained the repetition is, the more rhythmic and consistent is your play.
For the best discussion of the pre-shot routine that I have come across, get Bob Henning's "Advanced Pro Book."
Mine include:
1) survey (which includes a whole routine of its own, including chalking)
2) select (chalk down)
3) line up (which includes a whole routine of its own)
4) visualize/feel
5)transition
6)mimic strokes and pauses
7) delivery, stay down/follow through
That being said, a pre-shot routine includes so many things, most of it subconscious, that no verbal description of it is sufficient.
A good way to sort out your own pre-shot routine is to indentify pro players you like (and preferably with a similar body type), and follow what he does before taking the shot. After that you tweak it to suit your own game.
For the best discussion of the pre-shot routine that I have come across, get Bob Henning's "Advanced Pro Book."
Mine include:
1) survey (which includes a whole routine of its own, including chalking)
2) select (chalk down)
3) line up (which includes a whole routine of its own)
4) visualize/feel
5)transition
6)mimic strokes and pauses
7) delivery, stay down/follow through
That being said, a pre-shot routine includes so many things, most of it subconscious, that no verbal description of it is sufficient.
A good way to sort out your own pre-shot routine is to indentify pro players you like (and preferably with a similar body type), and follow what he does before taking the shot. After that you tweak it to suit your own game.
Last edited:
lewdo26 said:
thanks to everyone for helping but special thanks to this guy.. im off to go watch earl and efren play when they were younger now
worriedbeef said:
Strictly speaking, you're correct. However, for most students, there is a conscious "training" period, where you are learning how to form the pre-shot routine (that works best for you), and learning how to put it into action, as a repeatable procedure! While you train, you are VERY conscious of every bit of your routine. After a short period of training and practice, this becomes 'natural', and you're no longer obviously conscious of it.
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Boy, Scott hit that right on the head.
Another thing to remember is that the PSR actually has to be learned in three different stages. Yes, there are three PSR that have to be mastered.
1. A form of Study.
2. A form of Visualization and Alignment.
3. Execution.
In Pool School we teach them as STUDY-STAND-SHOOT.....spf=randyg
Another thing to remember is that the PSR actually has to be learned in three different stages. Yes, there are three PSR that have to be mastered.
1. A form of Study.
2. A form of Visualization and Alignment.
3. Execution.
In Pool School we teach them as STUDY-STAND-SHOOT.....spf=randyg
Hey all. You guys definitely got it right. I love teaching pre shot routines. I think that other that having/ developing a good consistant stroke, this is probably the most important thing you can do to get consistant results at the table.
One of my favorite points is that to have consistancy, you must eliminate as many vaiables as possible. It sounds simple enough, but you need to make a concious effort to accomplish it. So, you must address the table, and the cue ball exactly the same way everytime, and get down on the shot exactly the same way, etc.
The pro book is a GREAT book, and I would reccomend it highly to anyone looking to jump up to the next level. Be prepared though, it is a lot of work to go through that book, but it is time well spent.
It is also very valuable to watch top players and their routines. You can see some very different, but just as effective routines.
One thing that has been touched on earlier that I feel is very important. ALL of your aiming and decision making are done while you are upright. Once the decisions have been made, and your aiming is complete, THEN you get down on the shot. At this point, all that is left is to shoot the shot. If, for any reason you doubt your aim or choice, GET BACK UP, grab the chalk (this is my reset button), and start over. You will be amazed at how often you will miss if you do not follow this, and proceed with the shot. This also develops your confidence in your shot. Once you are down, you need only to focus on following through with the shot. This allows you to clear your head of any analytical thoughts (negetive), or second guessing.
One of my favorite points is that to have consistancy, you must eliminate as many vaiables as possible. It sounds simple enough, but you need to make a concious effort to accomplish it. So, you must address the table, and the cue ball exactly the same way everytime, and get down on the shot exactly the same way, etc.
The pro book is a GREAT book, and I would reccomend it highly to anyone looking to jump up to the next level. Be prepared though, it is a lot of work to go through that book, but it is time well spent.
It is also very valuable to watch top players and their routines. You can see some very different, but just as effective routines.
One thing that has been touched on earlier that I feel is very important. ALL of your aiming and decision making are done while you are upright. Once the decisions have been made, and your aiming is complete, THEN you get down on the shot. At this point, all that is left is to shoot the shot. If, for any reason you doubt your aim or choice, GET BACK UP, grab the chalk (this is my reset button), and start over. You will be amazed at how often you will miss if you do not follow this, and proceed with the shot. This also develops your confidence in your shot. Once you are down, you need only to focus on following through with the shot. This allows you to clear your head of any analytical thoughts (negetive), or second guessing.
lewdo26 said:
A lot of people get in trouble with item number 7. The staying down part. I have found a very simple technique that helps me stay down through the entire shot. That is to make sure I exhale just before I pull the trigger. If you are swimming and you want to go to the bottom of the pool what do you do? Exhale. If you inhale your lungs fill with air and it keeps you up. This may be something a lot of you already do but for those of us that have trouble staying down I would suggest trying it. It works.
Did ya ever notice Archer? Walks around picking up lint and looking at EVERYTHING that might have any sort of impact on the shot and picking out EXACTLY where he wants the cue ball for the best possible line to at least the next two shots.
Then, as I remember it, he'll pay attention to his chalking for a few moments, bend down and look at the shot, step back, raise the cue and step forward into his shooting line and shooting posture. Then sometimes he'll raise back up and slowly reposition himself, take however many practice strokes he takes (I havn't noticed how many that is as my coach said to take 4 so I always take 4 and don't care how many others take.. my psr is 4 practice strokes and a pause on the back swing), then he shoots.
I can see him as I type. It's very consistent. I took lessons from Jeff Carter and he often lifts his cue very high and very slowly lowers it into the aiming line while his body positions itself properly for the shot. It reminds me of aiming a long gun at a target or taking aim in archery. That move extends the angle lines from the pocket to the object ball to the cue ball.
Then, as I remember it, he'll pay attention to his chalking for a few moments, bend down and look at the shot, step back, raise the cue and step forward into his shooting line and shooting posture. Then sometimes he'll raise back up and slowly reposition himself, take however many practice strokes he takes (I havn't noticed how many that is as my coach said to take 4 so I always take 4 and don't care how many others take.. my psr is 4 practice strokes and a pause on the back swing), then he shoots.
I can see him as I type. It's very consistent. I took lessons from Jeff Carter and he often lifts his cue very high and very slowly lowers it into the aiming line while his body positions itself properly for the shot. It reminds me of aiming a long gun at a target or taking aim in archery. That move extends the angle lines from the pocket to the object ball to the cue ball.
buzzsaw said:
Excellent point! I got that tip a number of years ago from Bob Lisciotti (what's up Fred and Jim?
) who said that it focuses the energy of your stroke and releases tension from the body. I never asked him whether he got that from his cousin Larry or from some other source, but from my experience and my limited study of martial arts and breathing techniques I believe it to be true. It has certainly helped me, particularly in pressure situations where you have to deliver a quality stroke to get the desired results.The relaxation of tension that is promoted by breathing out helps to keep the grip from tightening up and promotes a proper follow through. Failure to do these two things, along with lack of confidence, IMHO, are the principal causes of jumping up and attempting to guide the shot.
do you actually exhale while your stroking? or do you do it right before?
I'm not there with the breathing, but I'm slowly more able to pay attention to it as the other aspects of my routine become more grooved. I also think twisting facial muscles are no good at all.
P.S. to the thread starter --- Earl and Efren have VERY different styles and pre-shot routine. Make sure you IDENTIFY with the player you pick. It's not just a matter of being the best player out there. My influences are Buddy Hall, Pagulayan, Neils Feijen for the long pause they have in their backstroke. I'm also influenced by Corey Deuel and Archer because I think they have just about the most consistent pre-shot routines out there. Plus, I'm a deliberate player and I favor a technical style of play, rather than running around the table shotmaking. Therefore, I would think you want to identify exactly what is it about Efren and Earl's styles that suits you.
P.S. to the thread starter --- Earl and Efren have VERY different styles and pre-shot routine. Make sure you IDENTIFY with the player you pick. It's not just a matter of being the best player out there. My influences are Buddy Hall, Pagulayan, Neils Feijen for the long pause they have in their backstroke. I'm also influenced by Corey Deuel and Archer because I think they have just about the most consistent pre-shot routines out there. Plus, I'm a deliberate player and I favor a technical style of play, rather than running around the table shotmaking. Therefore, I would think you want to identify exactly what is it about Efren and Earl's styles that suits you.
I'm glad I read through this thread, because it reminded me of a few things that Scott Lee explained to me. Lately, I've also been feeling the need to work on my pre-shot routine, since my game is struggling.
I enjoy studying Allison Fisher's routine, she has it down (among everything else!).
I enjoy studying Allison Fisher's routine, she has it down (among everything else!).
Handsumm
Banned
Best pre shot routine you'll ever read! ......well, best pre shot routine written by me anyways:
Pre-Shot Routine:
1) Assess the table
- Can I run out?
- Are there trouble balls?
-How can I set up to break them out?
-How do I go about the runout
-What is the KEY ball?
2) Pick your shot
-if nervous, its early in the match, or you have a difficult layout
pick the simplest one (unless it doesn't offer position to another ball)
3) Address your shot
-am I planning a runout or a safety?
-what is the position route (3 ball rule)
-what speed/english do I use?
4) Take your stance
-align your body in a comfortable, yet balanced manner
REASSESS THE SHOT ONE LAST TIME, DON'T GET DOWN ON THE WRONG SHOT!
5) Get down on the ball
-ensure your entire body is aligned in the correct manner
-find out where you're going to make contact with the cue ball and the object ball,
and with what speed/english (use the clock reference if you feel necessary)
example: say to yourself, "ok, 6 o'clock, medium-hard stroke, follow through"
6) Make final adjustments if necessary
-bridge, bridge length, grip, stance
- make sure you feel confident about making the shot
-am I lined up correctly?
-is it too difficult?
7) Take some slow, meaningful practice strokes
-tougher shots need more, but always use at least 3 or 4 for even the simplest shots
-look from tip to cue ball to object ball to pocket and back through to tip at least twice
-pause on the final (or even last two) practice strokes
-breathe slowly and calmly
-if your are nervous, or unsure of the shot,
reassess again and calm down with soothing words:
"its going in, smooth, breathe, I am ready"
-maintain a loose, comfortable grip
8) strike the cue ball in the correct spot, with smooth precise, stroke
-follow through the cue ball and pause
-remember position of cue tip for future adjustments if necessary
note: your tip should be touching the cloth after a draw stroke
it should be just above after a stun
about 2 inches above the cloth after a follow
( NEVER ABOVE THE CUE BALL HEIGHT AFTER THE STROKE!)
9) regroup and assess new table layout
Pre-Shot Routine:
1) Assess the table
- Can I run out?
- Are there trouble balls?
-How can I set up to break them out?
-How do I go about the runout
-What is the KEY ball?
2) Pick your shot
-if nervous, its early in the match, or you have a difficult layout
pick the simplest one (unless it doesn't offer position to another ball)
3) Address your shot
-am I planning a runout or a safety?
-what is the position route (3 ball rule)
-what speed/english do I use?
4) Take your stance
-align your body in a comfortable, yet balanced manner
REASSESS THE SHOT ONE LAST TIME, DON'T GET DOWN ON THE WRONG SHOT!
5) Get down on the ball
-ensure your entire body is aligned in the correct manner
-find out where you're going to make contact with the cue ball and the object ball,
and with what speed/english (use the clock reference if you feel necessary)
example: say to yourself, "ok, 6 o'clock, medium-hard stroke, follow through"
6) Make final adjustments if necessary
-bridge, bridge length, grip, stance
- make sure you feel confident about making the shot
-am I lined up correctly?
-is it too difficult?
7) Take some slow, meaningful practice strokes
-tougher shots need more, but always use at least 3 or 4 for even the simplest shots
-look from tip to cue ball to object ball to pocket and back through to tip at least twice
-pause on the final (or even last two) practice strokes
-breathe slowly and calmly
-if your are nervous, or unsure of the shot,
reassess again and calm down with soothing words:
"its going in, smooth, breathe, I am ready"
-maintain a loose, comfortable grip
8) strike the cue ball in the correct spot, with smooth precise, stroke
-follow through the cue ball and pause
-remember position of cue tip for future adjustments if necessary
note: your tip should be touching the cloth after a draw stroke
it should be just above after a stun
about 2 inches above the cloth after a follow
( NEVER ABOVE THE CUE BALL HEIGHT AFTER THE STROKE!)
9) regroup and assess new table layout
metallicarokerx said:
I do it while I'm stroking. As a matter of fact, I use the force of the exhalation as a key to the speed of the shot.
belmicah said:
Excellent post! I am in total agreement with everything except the part highlighted in red. I like to stand up behind the shot in such a way that when I drop down to my stance everthing is already aligned and adjusted. If I've got to re-adjust, I find it's important to get back up and reset rather than wiggle and fidget around trying to set myself.
The other thing is that I don't use words at all when I'm in my stance because I don't want to bring the left hemisphere of my brain into the picture anymore than necessary. When I'm down in my stance all that I want to do is to perform my warm up strokes, maintain my mental and physical connection to the shot, give a proper stroke and follow through--nothing else at all. No mental conversation, no instructions, No Mind!