Developing a Pre-shot routine

[matthew]

What goes into a pre-shot routine and how do you develop one. I feel that it's a weakness in my game, which would help me to be more consistant. I was thinking of writing down and then using it during practice till it becomes second nature.

What do some of you use and do you know if there are any articles that discuss it?

 

[maximillion]

I think you should have 2. One to get you in stroke. Usually a little longer.
And another to keep you there. Shorter with more rythem.

 

[woody_968]

IMO there are two pre-shot routines, the first is while you are standing behind the ball deciding on your shot. This can be all in the mind, but having some physical "cues" can be good as well. On the mental side you should get in the habit of always deciding
1. where you will hit the object ball.
2. where you will hit the cueball (follow, draw, spin)
3. how hard you will strike the shot
4. a reasonable idea of where the cuball will stop
This sounds simple, and something everyone knows we should already be doing. But if you pay attention you may be surprised to find out how many times you are down in your stance and still making these choices.
A physical cue can be as simple as setting down the chaulk, just some move that you always do to tell your body you are ready to take your stance.

Some people are very good at the first routine, standing the same way behind the shot each time and going through the proper motions. But the second preshot routine is as important, if not more, than the first.

The second routine is as you are down on the shot, taking the same amount of warm up strokes before you hit the shot. In the "set, pause, finish, freeze" teaching this is what is known as the set. Please understand that if your routine is 3 strokes, pause, and then hit the shot, this doesnt mean that once you are down you can only take 3 warm up strokes.

For instance, if you get down, take three warm up strokes, look at your target and feel you need to adjust, by all means adjust. Then start the 3 strokes over again. The pause is what gives your mind time to decide if you are really ready to strike the shot. But it should become second nature that before actually hitting the cueball you always take the same "set" in the same way before each shot.

Most people will take 1 to 5 strokes as their set, this is something you will have to experiment with to find what works best for you. But once you have found it, practice it untill you no longer think about it.

I hope this helps you in some way, I am sure many will come behind me with some great suggestions.

Woody

 

[tom]

C'mon guys, I'm working on this, and i need good advice! For example, the difference between the pre-shot routines of a tough shot and an easy one.
thx

 

[Billiard Architect]

I came up with a simple word for a preshot routine. It is GLASS. Very easy to remember here is what it stands for...

After doing any lineups (finding the contact point on the object ball and knowing where I want the cueball to go.) I stand directly behind the cueball right in line with the path of the cueball. I chalk my cue and think of GLASS. It clears my head of extronious crap.

G- Grip the cue with just my fingers (very important for draw and follow). If you hold it like a baseball bat you will not get as much snap on the cue.

L- Line up my shot as I get into shooting position. Looking for the ball to ball alignment.

A- Aim my cue on the cueball through to the object ball. Applying the english needed to sink the shot.

S- Stroke some practice strokes at the same speed I will hit the shot. Visualize where the cuetip will end up after the stroke. (this helps with followthrough and gets my mind off the shot)

---- Pause on the back stroke and look at the object ball -----

S- Staydown after pulling the trigger. (essential to staying consistant) Concentrate on stopping the tip where I visualized it would end up when doing my practice strokes.

So you end up with Grip Line Aim Stroke Staydown = G.L.A.S.S.

If I get all of these going I usually don't miss many.

JV

 

[Billiard Architect]

C'mon guys, I'm working on this, and i need good advice! For example, the difference between the pre-shot routines of a tough shot and an easy one.
thx

The routine for easy shots is the same as the routine as hard shots. Nothing changes because a shot is a shot be it hard or easy.

 

[woody_968]

C'mon guys, I'm working on this, and i need good advice! For example, the difference between the pre-shot routines of a tough shot and an easy one.
thx

I know it has already been said, but its important enough to say again. There is no different pre shot routine for a hard shot. For the preshot routine to be effective it must be the same on EVERY shot.

 

[matthew]

Thanks alot everyone for your input. I think my biggest problem is stroking my practice strokes at the same speed as what I would hit the shot. I guess it just takes practice.

 

[JLW]

I think a good pre shot routine is one that does three things:

1. Readies you mentally to make your shot.
2. Readies you physically to make your shot.
3. Is used on every shot you take.

What specifically you do is up to you and what you find helpful. Everyone is different.

 

[sjm]

I think a good pre shot routine is one that does three things:

1. Readies you mentally to make your shot.
2. Readies you physically to make your shot.
3. Is used on every shot you take.

What specifically you do is up to you and what you find helpful. Everyone is different.

Exactly right. I'd just add "gives you a good playing rhythm" to this.