Curing someone elses bad habits

supergreenman

supergreenman

truly addicted
Silver Member
Ever had a team mate that has a bad habit that's preventing them from playing thier best?

How do you deal with that? I have a team mate that jumps up from his stance on a consistant basis. Everyone can see this, yet he wonders how he missed that shot. I've tried subtly telling him to try keeping his hand on the table for a 5 count after he's shot.

I'm ready to get a fish hook and fishing line to tie to his shoe and get him to put the hook in his mouth before he shoot.

Serious.... It's like there's an electrical field about an inch from the ball that sends a shock down his cue making him leap up from the shot just before making contact.

Any constructive suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

SGM
 
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Take it private... anything public would put your mate on defense.

A one on one practice session would be a good way to introduce your objective.

Set up the table for nothing but stop shots run outs so that your mate will only shoot stop shots and be able to extend the follow through with their hand still on the table for a 5 count.
 
I have had a very similar situation with a friend/teammate of mine. I definitely agree with Tom in keeping it private. If you can video tape him somehow that seemed to work for me. Another pop-up trick I have seen is stand behind him with your cue slightly over his head when he pops up he will hit your cue, thus realize he is doing it.


Good Luck,
DR
 
I like Diliberto's advice on this
"Just pretend you're that weirdo in the movie theater staying to watch every last credit........"
 
I don't see any reason to take it private. What I mean by that is that it wouldn't bother me if someone pointed out a bad habit of mine. If anything I'd be glad they did. Of course not everyone thinks like I do. If I were you I'd video one of his matches so you have something to show him after you tell him he's jumping up too soon. I honestly don't see what the big deal is here. Just tell him. If he argues, he argues. Show him the tape and tell him when he stops doing that then he'll start to not miss quite a few of those shots. Personally, I wouldn't want anyone on my team that couldn't take some advice.

Another good reason to do it with others around is so you can have people that can back you up if he says he doesn't jump up. I wouldn't put it to him like you're picking on him or anything, just say "Hey, Bob, you're jumping up off the shot too soon."

It also wouldn't hurt to add "I used to have that same habit. It takes a little concentration but you'll get used to it."
MULLY
 
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That guy

:eek:gets around. I know that guy too. I've tried to help a buddy with same issue. I also offered fishhooks, 8 lb test and a pulley system-but no help.

If you were to watch him -as though it were a video without sound, you would think the balls had just exploded based on his 'jump up'. I can't help him-now I just don't get near him when he shoots. But I do warn passersby of the danger.

Good luck- let me know if you are able to help him. I'd like to be able to also cure my buddy.

3railkick
 
You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink if he's not thirsty. I have to agree with the majority, offer to videotape a couple of matches. Give your teammate a copy to watch, an article or two about the importance of follow through and freeze. Let the player recognize the flaw and have the desire to improve. At that point, perhaps you can help correct the problem, or refer to a professional instructor.
 
Thanks for all your suggestions.

I like the video tape suggestion, with cell phones today, I can have more than 1 person video him while he's shooting. The video quality doesn't have to be great all he has to see is himself missing a ball because he jumped up.
 
jump up

I ,too often, jump up and miss. I see my friends do the same thing. My approach is to say," I'm working on a problem that I have and because I'm so aware of it I see that you're doing the same thing. Let me show you what I mean then we'll watch the other players and pick out the ones that jump up and see what the results are." Then go from there. Be gentle. A poolshooters ego is huge !!!
 
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