Fundamentals - Playing From The Rail

[ENGLISH!]

Yeah the cueing diagonally across the rail is a major problem. The cue is easier to move side to side in this position so its really important to tighten the loop.

As to your comment in the grip...my grip is firm for every type of shot. I don't play a single shot with a loose grip. So, I haven't really experimented with a loose grip off the rail. My firm grip works just fine.

Yeah, well the connection to the cue is a whole other subject.

Some play with a constant connection. Some vary it for certain types of shots. Some vary the connection during the stroke.

IMO It is one of the least studied parts & it's how we connect to what we use.

Arnold Palmer tells the story of his Dad setting his hands on the club & telling him, 'and that's how you hold it, & don't you ever change it'. Palmer then adds with a gleam in his eye, ' and I never did'.

Arnold Palmer's golf swing is far from what one would call classic in a technical sense.

We each have variances in our human anatomy. Then there is the instrument to be considered & how we are using it.

Certain putters are designed in a manner that is conducive to be 'swung' a certain way. I see many using them in the opposite manner. That defeats to a large degree the effectiveness of the design.

Another day & time.:wink:

Best 2 You & All,
Rick

 

[demonrho]

Thanks for all your insight, Pidge. For some reason, advice from someone with a snooker background is most helpful to my style of playing. Maybe because I have a more open stance compared to most American players.

 

[SmoothStroke]

When stuck on a rail I use as long a bridge hand as possible.
I drop down and keep the tip as far back in my bridge hand as I can and hold it still longer than normal. (Maybe 3 seconds at best)
This gives me a better look through the balls and reset my eyes. I prefer an open bridge.

On an open shot I drop my cue on the cloth at the base of the cue ball and hold to reassure my vision to what I was seeing while over the shot. It's like I don't have a cue in my hand. I know my cue is where it should be, it's basically irrelevant to me. I have already aimed with my eyes while on top, the cue is just an extension, I dial in my sighting softly.

In 10 minutes you can train your brain to use your eyes, by playing without a cue in your hand; it's that simple to do. Many players do it and have no clue they are doing it, or they are inconsistent at it.

Sincerely: SS

I apologize, I didn't intend to go off the topic, the fingers start typing, I have to train them...Ha-ha

 

[Stretch]

A few pointers i picked up about rail shots that helped me out.

-Most people use too much follow through on these shots and it is a real spoiler. If you draw back a few inches then just follow through a few inches.

-Use an open bridge to more accurately sight down your shaft through the center of the cue ball and on out to the object balls contact point.

-i like to use my back hand to press down slightly to make a more solid contact on my open bridge. It tends to conteract the cue tip jumping up.

-Also this probably goes without saying but this is a shot you MUST remember to chalk up for.

When you are jacked up over a ball that is a whole nother thing. The spoiler for this situation is almost always lifting your head too soon. Do not do that! When jacked up look at the cue ball last. Line it up first, gaze back and forth from object ball to cue ball untill you see an imaginary line between the two. Then pick a spot on that line a few inches on the other side of the cue ball and drive your tip down through the cue ball right to that spot. It has to go! St.