How to develop a relaxed, loopy, wavy and figure 8-like stroke such as Efron, Bustamante and to some degree, SVB.

[QShark]

I can't explain this well, but hope you'll understand what I mean. I've noticed Efren, Bustamante and SVB to a degree, have loopy, up-down wavy and almost figure 8-like stroke on their prep strokes. It almost appears as though their prep strokes are aiming low on the cue ball. I've heard it described here as a "see-saw" motion too.

Can someone explain to me how this is achieved? It's a thing of beauty to see. Someone told me that they all raise the elbow and use their shoulder a tad on their final stroke.

This, while others have a level and straight back and forth stroke with a frozen elbow position. It makes their stroke look shorter and "punchier".

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

 

[skiergd011013]

Its nice to watch, but for most of us, if we tried to copy a stroke like bustamantes, our games would go down the drain. My opinion is......we aint bustamante. Just appreciate his style from the sidelines Sorry for the lack of advice, but heres a bump for your post

 

[Patrick Johnson]

I agree it's not a stroke for everybody. In particular, you probably don't want to copy this.

pj
chgo

 

[FranCrimi]

I can't explain this well, but hope you'll understand what I mean. I've noticed Efren, Bustamante and SVB to a degree, have loopy, up-down wavy and almost figure 8-like stroke on their prep strokes. It almost appears as though their prep strokes are aiming low on the cue ball. I've heard it described here as a "see-saw" motion too.

Can someone explain to me how this is achieved? It's a thing of beauty to see. Someone told me that they all raise the elbow and use their shoulder a tad on their final stroke.

This, while others have a level and straight back and forth stroke with a frozen elbow position. It makes their stroke look shorter and "punchier".

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Well, you just explained pretty well how it's achieved. Have you tried it?

 

[BC21]

Good artists copy. Great artists steal.

(unknown, yet credited to Picasso)

Instead of trying to copy all the parts of a great players unique stroke, steal the parts that work best for you, the parts that feel natural, free-flowing, effortless.

Incorporating those parts could help you find your own unique stroke, as long as you're not trying something so wonky that you'll never be able to develop any consistency with it. That's typically why it's best to learn the traditional textbook stroke, where the cue doesn't whirl around like a magician's wand. Trying to copy a particular stroke that another player has spent years developing is usually not a good idea, unless you've got a few extra thousand hours to work with it.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... Any insight is greatly appreciated!

There are goofy, unorthodox things that a few very strong players do. You could probably make a list of a few dozen.

I think it would be a mistake to work on any of those things until you are quite sure that an orthodox approach will not work for you.

 

[measureman]

I just get down take a few strokes and fire.
I have no idea what I look like but it's worked pretty good for 63 years.
I look like me.

 

[xX-Wizard-Xx]

Do what works for you .... You don't see those guys running around chasing someone else goofy stroke

 

[bbb]

you do it like this

 

[Patrick Johnson]

you do it like this

Well, at least that's how ol' Rubber Wrist does it.

pj
chgo

 

[Bob Jewett]

Well, at least that's how ol' Rubber Wrist does it. ...

So many moving parts. Quite amazing.

 

[FranCrimi]

Back in the early 2000's Gene Nagy became fascinated with the Filippino stroke and did extensive research on it, including discussions with players who had inside info about their playing style. What Gene found out was that it was fashioned after a martial arts form. I don't know which one, as he never said, but it involves a philosophy of 'least resistance lending towards highest degree of accuracy.' So I think the stop and start of ending the backstroke and starting the forward motion is considered resistance. Every aspect of the movement has some kind of purpose, apparently.

It's an interesting philosophy but it sounds like something you'd have to be raised with.

 

[WobblyStroke]

I play this style and go into detail on it in my upcoming book. No freebies in here though and Im not taking any new students atm so I hope u can wait. Book should be out next year and by then I should be taking students again so I can walk u through it.

fwiw I learned a version of this at 20 and then a very exotic counterintuitive version I play now in my 30s so it isn't someghing u need to be doing from childhood....as long as u have a good guide.

 

[xX-Wizard-Xx]

just do what works for you ... this is silly
the best way to play pool is go out and play until its second nature ... no reason to think well is my stroke wobbly today or not

 

[FranCrimi]

just do what works for you ... this is silly
the best way to play pool is go out and play until its second nature ... no reason to think well is my stroke wobbly today or not

What's silly about being curious?

 

[xX-Wizard-Xx]

What's silly about being curious?

what is the benefit of being wobbly ...

 

[WobblyStroke]

what is the benefit of being wobbly ...

touch and speed control are better for me with this style. effortless power is nice too but i have that with a conventional approach as well.

tbh i dont think most ppl would choose to play this way even if they could learn it. it doesnt mesh with most personalities, especially for shots under pressure. Lisowski said something interesting along these lines when he said pretty much every snooker pro can play like ronnie...what makes him special is playong like that under the heigst levels of pressure. they can all do it on a practice table.

 

[FranCrimi]

What's silly about being curious?

You're saying that the OP's questions are silly, since you didn't quote anyone's post, therefore you are addressing the OP. I'm saying to you, what's silly about being curious and asking questions? Are you saying it's silly to ask questions in the ask the instructor forum? Should he just shut up and not ask, because you decided that it's not worth it to even inquire?

 

[jason]

Rodolfo Luat was the first player I ever saw live to have that stroke. I guess he changed my game years ago by watching him. I think I have a pretty fluid stroke. My good friend said it looks like their elbows are gears. The elbow basically moves in a circle pattern. For what it is worth, I have a winning record against Busty...2-1! Now if I never play him ever again!