How to Be More Accurate With Jacked-Up or Elevated-Cue Shots

dr_dave

dr_dave

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FYI, I just posted a video that discusses and demonstrates technique advice and a useful drill to help you become more effective with jacked-up or elevated-cue shots. This skill is important when shooting off a cushion or over a ball, or to avoid a double hit, or to execute jump and massé shots. Check it out:


Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:20 - Effects on Accuracy
1:15 - Technique Advice
3:10 - Useful Drill
4:31 - More Info

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!
 
Wait, you miss? You never miss! 😆

Great video. I DESPISE awkward cueing. I'd almost rather be hooked...
Couple things i do to practice (or frustrate myself, really) while playing games of 9-10b:
  • Move the CB in line with the shot to the cushion.
  • Place a stripe or other random ball on the backside of the CB for every shot.
I can usually make it a game or 2 before it gets really irritating.
 
sudocrushms said:
Wait, you miss? You never miss! 😆
Click to expand...

I could say that I missed on purpose so I could show what to do with the drill when you miss, but then I would be lying.

sudocrushms said:
Great video.
Click to expand...

Thanks.

sudocrushms said:
Couple things i do to practice (or frustrate myself, really) while playing games of 9-10b:
  • Move the CB in line with the shot to the cushion.
  • Place a stripe or other random ball on the backside of the CB for every shot.
I can usually make it a game or 2 before it gets really irritating.
Click to expand...

I like it.
 
dr_dave said:
FYI, I just posted a video that discusses and demonstrates technique advice and a useful drill to help you become more effective with jacked-up or elevated-cue shots. This skill is important when shooting off a cushion or over a ball, or to avoid a double hit, or to execute jump and massé shots. Check it out:


Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:20 - Effects on Accuracy
1:15 - Technique Advice
3:10 - Useful Drill
4:31 - More Info

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!
Click to expand...

Does anybody have any other useful tips (not covered in the video) for being accurate with jacked-up shots?
 
dr_dave said:
Does anybody have any other useful tips (not covered in the video) for being accurate with jacked-up shots?
Click to expand...

I watched the video but can’t remember if this was mentioned. These shots require the same tempo and timing as normal/level shots. When “jacked up” I have to fight the urge to punch it. If I pick my CB contact point correctly, it is the same stroke as any other shot. I basically have to tell myself to chill.

Edit: By same stroke I mean tempo and timing. Definitely a shorter stroke.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Scratch85 said:
I watched the video but can’t remember if this was mentioned. These shots require the same tempo and timing as normal/level shots. When “jacked up” I have to fight the urge to punch it. If I pick my CB contact point correctly, it is the same stroke as any other shot. I basically have to tell myself to chill.

Edit: By same stroke I mean tempo and timing. Definitely a shorter stroke.
Click to expand...

Well stated. I think that’s excellent advice.
 
Great video and glad to have a drill to practice
Do you have or may i 0suggest you make a video of shooting with the bridge
Thats another common problem shot
 
dr_dave said:
Does anybody have any other useful tips (not covered in the video) for being accurate with jacked-up shots?
Click to expand...
One thing I've found useful is to find the line of aim when level and make sure that the cue stick is still along that line when elevated. This seems kind of obvious, but that's not the way I usually aim. When elevated, my usual aim perception of fullness of cue ball against the object ball is distorted and generally will give too full a hit. Of course keeping the line is what should happen with the aim level then raise straight up technique, but to check that, I need to check the line and not the fullness.

Another drill is progressive practice where the problem ball or rail starts out in an easy position and gets tougher as you make the shot. For example, the requirement is to draw straight back across the table from a ball by the side pocket, and the cue ball starts a diamond from the side rail and gets closer to the rail in succeeding shots to make the shot harder. The shot gets real hard when the cue ball is less than a ball from the cushion. Or, move an obstructing ball closer and closer to the cue ball so increasing elevation is gradually required.
 
Couple simple things:
Off the rail, I test stroke parallel to the cue ball - like a golfer loosening up to putt.
Further out on the table: air practice the shot by stroking over the cue ball like this:
Air Shot C.jpg


Notice the alignment is not quite there. (user error) But, it makes a good <do not> example.
Take full strokes dead center above the cue ball instead and all the way to center ghost ball.
This helps set the orientation to ON instead of just looks on.

The cube at the end of the stick is a new invention. Tipless chalk...
 
Bob Jewett said:
One thing I've found useful is to find the line of aim when level and make sure that the cue stick is still along that line when elevated. This seems kind of obvious, but that's not the way I usually aim. When elevated, my usual aim perception of fullness of cue ball against the object ball is distorted and generally will give too full a hit. Of course keeping the line is what should happen with the aim level then raise straight up technique, but to check that, I need to check the line and not the fullness.

Another drill is progressive practice where the problem ball or rail starts out in an easy position and gets tougher as you make the shot. For example, the requirement is to draw straight back across the table from a ball by the side pocket, and the cue ball starts a diamond from the side rail and gets closer to the rail in succeeding shots to make the shot harder. The shot gets real hard when the cue ball is less than a ball from the cushion. Or, move an obstructing ball closer and closer to the cue ball so increasing elevation is gradually required.
Click to expand...

As always, excellent advice!

I also used to have a slight perception error when elevated. When I started focusing on the OB during the rise from the level aiming check, it mostly went away. Maybe it helps me keep my vision center aligned the whole way up. It also helps to keep the "shot picture" in focus the whole time.
 
dr_dave said:
Does anybody have any other useful tips (not covered in the video) for being accurate with jacked-up shots?
Click to expand...
Oh Boy! Picture Little Johnny with hand raised and bouncing. Pick Me pick me. 😉
My handy Dandy Cuestick Panty. .made from...well the first was a thrift store silk tie. 🤷‍♂️ okay the truth is my current and final uh ready for mass production came from the fly of my silk boxers. BOXERS not PANTIES. 😉
20250329_071610.jpg
Grandma always taught how to sew a button on. This already having a button was a feature. Which led to the model upgrade and name. Cue Panty is the name and playin is the game.
20250329_070748.jpg

Almost as good as putting a scope on the rifle. Notice the 3 point stance is maintained. As the index finger isn't needed for a stable platform.
20250329_070610.jpg
The boxer fits snug just below the joint. A stitch or 2 wih needle and thread just a choke hold. It slides nicely and pinch variable option allows for friction settings. Of course it could require operator training. 🤷‍♂️ 😉
 
Okay now that the panties are off....Aim too.
Aiming the path for the tip through the ball is the task. All the physics and mathmaticals. 🤷‍♂️
So in practice it's most informational feedback rich watching the tip contact the ball. Period practice practice practice. Exhibition shots are fun 🤷‍♂️ The Basics are what pays the overhead. 🤷‍♂️ Slow and steady.
 
dr_dave said:
Good point. Planting the index finger does make the elevated bridge lower.
Click to expand...
Pinched bridge gets me maximum elevation. Hand size is a variable. Arthritic conditions also influence my choices.
20250329_074701.jpg

My 4 point stance would be my go to. Coach McHargue in high-school football taught it. Well the 4 point stance fir maximum balance and power needed to move larger players. We were a small school. 😉 🤷‍♂️
The pinch on the button and pressure could require adjustment. You know like when the panties are bunched. Take the time and do it right.
 
dr_dave said:
Agreed. The tip contact point on the CB is critical, especially at higher cue elevations. Focusing on the CB during the stroke can definitely be helpful with this type of shot.
Click to expand...
Oh good we have a discussion. Better get my coffee 😉
It's helpful in learning what's happening to make adjustments. There is no worse feeling in competition than Not knowing Why I missed That shot.
Edit: not knowing put me on tilt
I was looking object ball last when it happened to me... .in The Big Show. I went down 6-2 going to 7. I survived and did it looking object ball last.
I now strive to focus on the contact at impact. The observation well as Yogi said, "you can observe a lot by watching. "
 
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