How straight is your backstroke?

dquarasr

dquarasr

Registered
I've been working on my accuracy, and of course, ensuring my stance and alignment are spot-on. I'm making progress, but it's painfully slow.

I've been using the Mother Of All Drills (MOAD: the straight shot from the 2:1 diamond CB to the 2:1 diamond OB opposite), and the spot-to-spot-return-to-cue-tip drill.

I notice that when I try to develop a power draw, things go, well, sideways. I questioned "why?"

I *think* that when I "wind up" to use extra cue speed, I do something wonky with my backstroke. I verified it with video. I tend to "load up" a little crooked for a shot with speed, and that in turn contributes to a forward stroke tending to be elbow-out (chicken wing?)

So I thought about it some more. (Yes, I'm a pensive, analytical type.)

I've noticed is there is little fundamentals discussion focusing on backstroke alignment. Yes, there's the pause, the slow speed of the backstroke and timing, and of course, that the forward stroke is imperative to ensure it's dead straight on the shot line. But I've not noticed any discussion on the importance of keeping the backstroke also dead straight. I mean, if the backstroke is off to either side, wouldn't the forward stroke also be off line?

Thoughts? Suggestions to ensure the backstroke is straight?
 
dquarasr said:
I've been working on my accuracy, and of course, ensuring my stance and alignment are spot-on. I'm making progress, but it's painfully slow.

I've been using the Mother Of All Drills (MOAD: the straight shot from the 2:1 diamond CB to the 2:1 diamond OB opposite), and the spot-to-spot-return-to-cue-tip drill.

I notice that when I try to develop a power draw, things go, well, sideways. I questioned "why?"

I *think* that when I "wind up" to use extra cue speed, I do something wonky with my backstroke. I verified it with video. I tend to "load up" a little crooked for a shot with speed, and that in turn contributes to a forward stroke tending to be elbow-out (chicken wing?)

So I thought about it some more. (Yes, I'm a pensive, analytical type.)

I've noticed is there is little fundamentals discussion focusing on backstroke alignment. Yes, there's the pause, the slow speed of the backstroke and timing, and of course, that the forward stroke is imperative to ensure it's dead straight on the shot line. But I've not noticed any discussion on the importance of keeping the backstroke also dead straight. I mean, if the backstroke is off to either side, wouldn't the forward stroke also be off line?

Thoughts? Suggestions to ensure the backstroke is straight?
Click to expand...
Never thought about this to this degree. Just have to work it out yourself. Never been super-analytical about anything. Just play.
 
Yeah. get your backstroke straight and you will get better!

Try get shoulder+elbow+wrist vertically lined up close.
I actually sometimes doing "no look" drill where i look down to cue and see how straight it will go back and forth. Then adjust things until you find good stance that allows cue move straight.
Footwork and dropping properly to shot line is important part to not get chicken wing. Here is video so you can see how i do it. You could shoot easier setup maybe..
 
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Much of what is not discussed relative to the pool stroke has to do with your mental state at the time of your stroke and not your ability to stroke straight per se.
What I mean by this is that many, many amateurs allow the "thought" of either: 1. having to add speed to a stroke to get the cue ball to a more distant position zone, or 2. their perceived difficulty of a particular shot, or 3. their perceived importance of a particular shot, especially against a strong opponent, or a game crucial shot. to then allow the EMOTION of that moment to affect how they stroke the cue ball.

All of this leads to rushed strokes, jumping up prior to stroke completion, and a general approach to the shot that is lacking in conviction and confidence. So many, many times the amateur goes crazy trying to fix the mechanics of their stroke when it is actually how they manage their thoughts about a particular game situation that needs to be corrected.

Of course, you want to perfect the straight stroking technique as part of your practice routines and there are many instructional outlets available to help with this- none better than simultaneously reviewing video of your stroke as you follow your chosen stroke instructional medium.

However, pay close attention to how you react in a tough competitive environment or, in practice sessions when crucial situations arise, you may find that it is what is in your head that is affecting what you do with that cue in your hands.

Watching the very best pros up close in real competitive situations, you will see that the great ones manage their emotions the best- this is the case in all sports - they control how they THINK about a shot- they keep all shots at the same level of a basic non- emotional state - a clear and level approach to each and every shot regardless of it's perceived difficulty or importance - hence their stroke, golf swing, whatever the sport, is left to what they have practiced and honed to perfection, unencumbered by emotion or negativity.

Some great books on managing emotion include : Emotional Intelligence by Goleman and the 2021 book Winning by Tim Grover ( Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant's former personal coach) who devotes a chapter in his book to managing emotion as done by the greats in sport.

I will tell you without reservation that my game went up 20% just by becoming aware of and taking steps to correct my thought methods when faced with tougher game situations. Each person knows themselves best; if you are honest with your game and know that you are not a "closer" when it comes to the more pressure creating shots in a game - then look to your mind for solutions as much as your mechanics.

Keeping everything correct from the backstroke to contact with the cue ball is as much mental as it is physical, maybe more so as one advances in the game.
 
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if you watch your cue shaft as you pull back you can tell if your pull back is straight
on power shots i am guilty of wanting to get more "OOMPH" so i tend to raise my body alittle as i go back
for me i have to concentrate to keep my body and HEAD still on these shots.
for me i have a tendency to pull back to my right (i am right handed) during my back stroke
i can feel when i do that and re start my psr
also by watching the cue shaft i can see when i do that
 
bbb said:
if you watch your cue shaft as you pull back you can tell if your pull back is straight
on power shots i am guilty of wanting to get more "OOMPH" so i tend to raise my body alittle as i go back
for me i have to concentrate to keep my body and HEAD still on these shots.
for me i have a tendency to pull back to my right (i am right handed) during my back stroke
i can feel when i do that and re start my psr
also by watching the cue shaft i can see when i do that
Click to expand...
Great advice!!!!
 
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Poolmanis said:
Yeah. get your backstroke straight and you will get better!

Try get shoulder+elbow+wrist vertically lined up close.
I actually sometimes doing "no look" drill where i look down to cue and see how straight it will go back and forth. Then adjust things until you find good stance that allows cue move straight.
Footwork and dropping properly to shot line is important part to not get chicken wing. Here is video so you can see how i do it. You could shoot easier setup maybe..
Click to expand...
I remember the first time you posted this, excellent.
 
dquarasr said:
I've been working on my accuracy, and of course, ensuring my stance and alignment are spot-on. I'm making progress, but it's painfully slow.

I've been using the Mother Of All Drills (MOAD: the straight shot from the 2:1 diamond CB to the 2:1 diamond OB opposite), and the spot-to-spot-return-to-cue-tip drill.

I notice that when I try to develop a power draw, things go, well, sideways. I questioned "why?"

I *think* that when I "wind up" to use extra cue speed, I do something wonky with my backstroke. I verified it with video. I tend to "load up" a little crooked for a shot with speed, and that in turn contributes to a forward stroke tending to be elbow-out (chicken wing?)

So I thought about it some more. (Yes, I'm a pensive, analytical type.)

I've noticed is there is little fundamentals discussion focusing on backstroke alignment. Yes, there's the pause, the slow speed of the backstroke and timing, and of course, that the forward stroke is imperative to ensure it's dead straight on the shot line. But I've not noticed any discussion on the importance of keeping the backstroke also dead straight. I mean, if the backstroke is off to either side, wouldn't the forward stroke also be off line?

Thoughts? Suggestions to ensure the backstroke is straight?
Click to expand...
I purchased one of those cues with an internal laser in the nose of the shaft & put another one in the end of the butt, insuring the two lights are longitudinally inline, I also use an easel & a white board to watch my performance for stroking the cue on line. When I setup my cameras correct, I can watch this "LIVE" & record it . This setup helps when I talk to myself during my practice, to understand what's happening in REAL TIME & re-run.

I also use this setup to practice my PAUSE & delivery performance. It is also recorded for playback
 
bbb said:
if you watch your cue shaft as you pull back you can tell if your pull back is straight
on power shots i am guilty of wanting to get more "OOMPH" so i tend to raise my body alittle as i go back
for me i have to concentrate to keep my body and HEAD still on these shots.
for me i have a tendency to pull back to my right (i am right handed) during my back stroke
i can feel when i do that and re start my psr
also by watching the cue shaft i can see when i do that
Click to expand...
Just what I meant on the pause thread. If you're crooked in practice strokes, adjust until you're stroking straight and even. At that point a final draw back, pause, fire through the ball. (y)
 
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Used to know this cat whose warm-up strokes were ALL OVER the place. When it was time to send it it was LASER straight. Damndest thing i ever saw. He said the WU strokes were just to give him the feel for the shot. Whatever works.
 
garczar said:
Never thought about this to this degree. Just have to work it out yourself. Never been super-analytical about anything. Just play.
Click to expand...
Yeah get into action, once you lose your dough for year or so , you will be a beast, bet you can do those drills with your eyes closed ! Action / heat !!!!!!!!
 
dquarasr said:
I've been working on my accuracy, and of course, ensuring my stance and alignment are spot-on. I'm making progress, but it's painfully slow.

I've been using the Mother Of All Drills (MOAD: the straight shot from the 2:1 diamond CB to the 2:1 diamond OB opposite), and the spot-to-spot-return-to-cue-tip drill.

I notice that when I try to develop a power draw, things go, well, sideways. I questioned "why?"

I *think* that when I "wind up" to use extra cue speed, I do something wonky with my backstroke. I verified it with video. I tend to "load up" a little crooked for a shot with speed, and that in turn contributes to a forward stroke tending to be elbow-out (chicken wing?)

So I thought about it some more. (Yes, I'm a pensive, analytical type.)

I've noticed is there is little fundamentals discussion focusing on backstroke alignment. Yes, there's the pause, the slow speed of the backstroke and timing, and of course, that the forward stroke is imperative to ensure it's dead straight on the shot line. But I've not noticed any discussion on the importance of keeping the backstroke also dead straight. I mean, if the backstroke is off to either side, wouldn't the forward stroke also be off line?

Thoughts? Suggestions to ensure the backstroke is straight?
Click to expand...
Make sure you pause for a while before your back stroke and let your muscles loosen up then make sure you pull the cue back slowly. You do not want to 'wind up' on a power draw shot: everything should be controled. Also make sure you are hitting as low as possible so it takes the least amount of power as possible.
 
I keep my pullback straight by touching the shaft with my chin whiskers. It has grooved my stroke to the point that I maintain even when I stand a little taller and don't touch my chin. (I think ;))

bbb said:
if you watch your cue shaft as you pull back you can tell if your pull back is straight
on power shots i am guilty of wanting to get more "OOMPH" so i tend to raise my body alittle as i go back
for me i have to concentrate to keep my body and HEAD still on these shots.
for me i have a tendency to pull back to my right (i am right handed) during my back stroke
i can feel when i do that and re start my psr
also by watching the cue shaft i can see when i do that
Click to expand...
 
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