Definition of a "Good Stroke" ?

Redneck Jim

Redneck Jim

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
How do you define "A Good Stroke" or " A Reasonably Good Stroke?

Some examples off the top of my head:

- Sending the cue ball to the desired target or path ? - (Outcome based)
.... Alan Hopkins comes to mind. Would you consider him to have a "Good Stroke"?

- The form or mechanics of the player when shooting ? - (player shooting with generally approved fundamentals)
.... I think of Buddy Hall on this one, as well as most other great players.

- Other factors.

The reason for my question is related to the different aiming systems where it's stated that a good or reasonably good stroke is needed to be successful with the system.
When you're teaching someone, what is it that you look for in the student that makes you think that he is ready to learn and be successful with learning and using the system.

I know that some of the instructors on this forum teach multiple aiming systems, so I look forward to your thoughts on this.

Thanks

.

.
 
Well
To make it short ;-)
If someone s saying *needin a repeatable straight stroke* usualy you could also say; you must be able to send cueball where it s needed or from a to b.

Sounds easier than it is.
;-)

Gesendet von meinem GT-I9100 mit Tapatalk 2
 
IMO the definition of a "good"/repeatable stroke is being able to accurately strike the CB EXACTLY where you think you're aiming...and knowing what the desired outcome should be (whether you accomplish it or not).

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Redneck Jim said:
How do you define "A Good Stroke" or " A Reasonably Good Stroke?

Some examples off the top of my head:

- Sending the cue ball to the desired target or path ? - (Outcome based)
.... Alan Hopkins comes to mind. Would you consider him to have a "Good Stroke"?

- The form or mechanics of the player when shooting ? - (player shooting with generally approved fundamentals)
.... I think of Buddy Hall on this one, as well as most other great players.

- Other factors.

The reason for my question is related to the different aiming systems where it's stated that a good or reasonably good stroke is needed to be successful with the system.
When you're teaching someone, what is it that you look for in the student that makes you think that he is ready to learn and be successful with learning and using the system.

I know that some of the instructors on this forum teach multiple aiming systems, so I look forward to your thoughts on this.

Thanks

.

.
Click to expand...
 
randyg said:
Scott always makes sense.

randyg
Click to expand...

Randy, what distance between the hand and cue ball do you teach? I have noticed when I haven't been playing much, or playing bad, I can move my bridge hand a little closer and have better control..
 
backplaying said:
Randy, what distance between the hand and cue ball do you teach? I have noticed when I haven't been playing much, or playing bad, I can move my bridge hand a little closer and have better control..
Click to expand...

Bridge hand distance may be different for every student, with-in a couple of inches.

Depending up on the student I might set their bridge anywhere between 8-12 inches. Then over the course of the class I find their "sweet spot" and adjust their bridge accordingly.

The Bridge is always measured from the back of the cue ball to the V of the Bridge hand.

Thanks
randyg
 
randyg said:
Bridge hand distance may be different for every student, with-in a couple of inches.

Depending up on the student I might set their bridge anywhere between 8-12 inches. Then over the course of the class I find their "sweet spot" and adjust their bridge accordingly.

The Bridge is always measured from the back of the cue ball to the V of the Bridge hand.

Thanks
randyg
Click to expand...

What is your opinion on using a constant bridge distance and adjusting the stroke length depending on amount of power needed ?
 
ronscuba said:
What is your opinion on using a constant bridge distance and adjusting the stroke length depending on amount of power needed ?
Click to expand...

Power is acceleration, not distance. You can strike the ball very softly or break speed without changing stroke length or bridge position. The biceps is the key.

Think about driving a car, you dont adjust your seat to hit the pedal harder, you just flex your hamstring. Everything else stays the same :)
 
the Grip can be improved in everyone except{maybe} the champion players

Redneck Jim said:
How do you define "A Good Stroke" or " A Reasonably Good Stroke?

Some examples off the top of my head:

- Sending the cue ball to the desired target or path ? - (Outcome based)
.... Alan Hopkins comes to mind. Would you consider him to have a "Good Stroke"?

- The form or mechanics of the player when shooting ? - (player shooting with generally approved fundamentals)
.... I think of Buddy Hall on this one, as well as most other great players.

- Other factors.

The reason for my question is related to the different aiming systems where it's stated that a good or reasonably good stroke is needed to be successful with the system.
When you're teaching someone, what is it that you look for in the student that makes you think that he is ready to learn and be successful with learning and using the system.

I know that some of the instructors on this forum teach multiple aiming systems, so I look forward to your thoughts on this.

Thanks

.

.
Click to expand...

When a player can't hit the cue ball precisely and consistently there's no "aiming system" going to make much of a difference. Therefore this is the first thing that must be perfected to go on to the advanced level. I have experienced this lately and now understand my own hand position much better. I believe the Grip can be improved in everyone except{maybe} the champion players and they may be still improving too.....I Am for sure.

Basically in a good stroke you draw your right hand back (when right handed) and return it EXACTLY where it was behind the cue ball. This is the simplest way to do it and know it's being done correctly.

The stance and upper body angles play a role too, and the main thing is returning your hand to exactly the same spot to avoid any "wrist twisting" or other unnecessary movements that may throw the cue off line.
 
boyersj said:
Power is acceleration, not distance. You can strike the ball very softly or break speed without changing stroke length or bridge position. The biceps is the key.

Think about driving a car, you dont adjust your seat to hit the pedal harder, you just flex your hamstring. Everything else stays the same :)
Click to expand...

I recently changed to a constant bridge position, constant stroke tempo, but changing stroke length for soft, medium, power shots. Been working well so far and helps with CB speed control.

Sounds like you're suggesting a constant bridge and constant stroke length and changing the stroke speed/tempo as needed ?
 
Last edited:
boyersj said:
Power is acceleration, not distance. You can strike the ball very softly or break speed without changing stroke length or bridge position. The biceps is the key.

Think about driving a car, you dont adjust your seat to hit the pedal harder, you just flex your hamstring. Everything else stays the same :)
Click to expand...

Is this a principle that is commonly taught by professional instructors or an opinion that will vary depending on which instructor you talk to?
 
ronscuba said:
What is your opinion on using a constant bridge distance and adjusting the stroke length depending on amount of power needed ?
Click to expand...

That's how I learned it as a young man. Now I don't think much of it.
I like the right bridge and a full stroke regardless of the cue speed. For example, my normal bridge is right at 10", that puts my stroke at about 9".

Speed comes from the Bicep.

randyg
 
(((Satori))) said:
Is this a principle that is commonly taught by professional instructors or an opinion that will vary depending on which instructor you talk to?
Click to expand...

It was what I was taught and I also teach in my lessons. Randy has chimed in and confirmed his belief as well.
 
Satori...It's a principal commonly taught by SPF instructors. It's about how to teach yourself (and others) how to use "feel" to build a stroke using timing and the weight of the cue.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

(((Satori))) said:
Is this a principle that is commonly taught by professional instructors or an opinion that will vary depending on which instructor you talk to?
Click to expand...
 
I've noticed that many players tend to define a "good" stroke in terms of striking a straight line and hitting the cue ball accurately or even connecting wih the object ball as desired.

I tend to see these observasions as the consequences of a good stroke not the definition of a good stroke.

I've seen players with terrible stroke techniques train thier arm to push the cue along a straigt line and subsequently have the ability to hit the cue ball where desired but they lack so many other key principles of the stroke that their game never gets to the next level.

IMO, what constitues a good stroke has much more to do with the underlying techniques that allow us to execute a shot with percision and control the movement of the cue ball.

Those techniques begin with a straight delivery which is predicated on a "relaxed" grip and arm movement as well as the your body alignment relative to your arm, head and stance.

Second...timing is critical in the delivery process. The nature of your backswing and the transition into the forward swing plays a critical role in the stroke delivery.

In addition, the way you program the the sroke delivery can be riddled with inefficientcies if the player is relying heavily on observational learning instead of applying the fundamental principles.

The follow-through is also a key element.

Last but not least, the stroke is not entirely a physical act. The way we visualize the shot and the nature of your thought processes play a huge role in the way we deliver the stroke. Keep in mind...this game is more mental than physical.

A good stroke is predicated on building a high level of synergy between all of these aspects to create efficiency and consistency which allows us to hit the cue ball where desired and move the cue ball effectively with control.
 
Last edited:
This is pretty cool. Works for me. :smile:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGTabuqWIZc

Feel is something that can't be taught. Instructors can offer you the best advise on how to feel the cue ball / shot with your grip hand. The rest is up to the student thru many hours of practice and paying attention to what they are feeling in their grip hand.

The grip you have on the cue must offer the best feel of the cue and the weight of the cue ball.

If you pay real close attention to the pros when they play you may notice that they are pushing the cue thru the cue ball and not poking at it.

Have fun

John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top