Routine
I have a bad habit of speeding ups as I make multiple balls. Poor Preshot routine, if one at all. I have started to do a 3 count. 3 chalk strokes, 3 strokes while im aiming, 6 practice strokes I count, 123-321- shoot. Seems to work but this is what I came up with on my own. thanks for any advice.
Sounds like you are making a logical effort.
It's OK to speed up your delivery a bit as you get in stroke. Just watch the pros! But there's a limit, and even pros miss because they sometimes shoot too quickly.
That said, there's more to pre-shot routine than the number of practice strokes or the length of time you spend down on the shot. Instructors describe the pre-shot routine as having somewhere between three and six steps. They're not describing different routines, it's just that some divide one step into two more definitive steps.
What's important is to always maintain the same routine. A successful routine means keeping the steps in proper sequence and not skipping any. Even the pros miss quite easy shots because they didn't put enough effort into a simple thing like aiming!
A classic example of this is the golden mantra, "Don't think while in the shooting position." One's plan (the thinking part) must be complete before you strike the cue ball.
For me the steps are:
1) Read the table and plan the shot. The primary "thinking" position.
2) Taking the proper stance, addressing the cue ball and aiming.
3) Practice strokes. Which can include verifying your plan.
4) Check-off point...usually a pause at some point. Thinking is done.
5) The "business" stroke - striking the cue ball.
6) Release. Standing up after the shot is executed.
Many folks forget this final step, but unnecessary movement before the business stroke is complete is one of the most common errors in pool.
If it doesn't feel "right" at any step in the routine, it's best to start over!
I call your this "Getting Your Shot in Order".
