Interesting exercise my teacher has me doing.

[CaptainJR]

My biggest playing problem is cue ball control. (I have to specify 'playing problem' cause my biggest problem is my head, which I've already discussed on here at length)

So, my teacher is always trying to come up with ways to work on cue ball control. I've started doing this little drill and I like it and think it has more benefits than just cue ball control.

Take the balls and just roll them randomly out on the table. Then do a few adjustments making sure that there are no clusters and none of the balls are closer than maybe 6 inches from the rail. Take ball in hand and make all the balls. Sounds pretty easy doesn't it. Well I haven't told you the rule yet. Just one rule, nothing can hit a rail. Not the cue ball, not an object ball(no banks), not a ball that your cue bumped after the object ball. Nothing, well the ball your calling is allows to touch the rail or tit on the way into that pocket, but it wouldn't surprise my if I went to my next lesson and he took that little exception away as well.

I think this is a good drill for cue ball control and helps learn planning. The planning can get very important and tough when you get toward the end of the rack.

 

[berry]

Now that is an old exercise....but a very good one.
I usualy broke a full rack and then took ball in hand.

 

[cut shot]

Hi Captain! That is one tough exercise, I have tried it myself and its one of them things that look easy but, isnt. Sounds like you have a good teacher. Did the teacher find anything wrong with your bridge,stroke or stance? If he did please post would you? I am having some trouble in this area at times. Thanks!

 

[CaptainJR]

Hi Captain! That is one tough exercise, I have tried it myself and its one of them things that look easy but, isnt. Sounds like you have a good teacher. Did the teacher find anything wrong with your bridge,stroke or stance? If he did please post would you? I am having some trouble in this area at times. Thanks!

My bridge and stance were ok with him I guess cause he hasn't said much about them in the 8 months I've been going. But my stoke is another issue and I'm having trouble doing what he asks. He wants me to slow down my back stroke. I've always tried to move my stoke at the same speed that I'm going to hit the cue. Long time effort. I think what he is trying to get across is to have the practice stokes slightly slower so there can be a little acceleration through the hit. He's always saying, 'your cranking it up again'. It's hard for me, but I know he is on the right track because when I manage to stoke the way he wants me to, I shoot better.

 

[jjinfla]

I hope you didn't pay a lot of money for that lesson. It's been on here lots of times. I think that even FL mentioned it. LOL

The closer you randomly place those balls to a rail the harder it gets.

Jake

 

[woody_968]

My bridge and stance were ok with him I guess cause he hasn't said much about them in the 8 months I've been going. But my stoke is another issue and I'm having trouble doing what he asks. He wants me to slow down my back stroke. I've always tried to move my stoke at the same speed that I'm going to hit the cue. Long time effort. I think what he is trying to get across is to have the practice stokes slightly slower so there can be a little acceleration through the hit. He's always saying, 'your cranking it up again'. It's hard for me, but I know he is on the right track because when I manage to stoke the way he wants me to, I shoot better.

This is a great drill, it will get you seeing patterns faster than any other drill IMO.

As far as your instructor trying to get you to slow down your backswing, I am currently working on the same thing, and it can be tough. But it can do a few things in your favor, like cutting down on tension and allowing for a smoother transition from back to forward swing. Keep at it and Im sure it will help you out, at least I hope it will or I am in the process of ruining my game LOL.

 

[bruin70]

good exercise, but i think it's limiting.

all the shots become stun shots or draw shots.

what it does the best is it forces you to think wayyyy ahead and plan all your angles.

 

[dmgwalsh]

Take the balls and just roll them randomly out on the table. Then do a few adjustments making sure that there are no clusters and none of the balls are closer than maybe 6 inches from the rail. Take ball in hand and make all the balls. Sounds pretty easy doesn't it. Well I haven't told you the rule yet. Just one rule, nothing can hit a rail. Not the cue ball, not an object ball(no banks), not a ball that your cue bumped after the object ball. Nothing, well the ball your calling is allows to touch the rail or tit on the way into that pocket, but it wouldn't surprise my if I went to my next lesson and he took that little exception away as well.

QUOTE]

That drill is mentioned by Jim Rempe at the end of one of his tapes on straight pool. He says do this drill and only this drill two hours a day for two weeks and your straight pool game will vastly improve. Dennis

 

[Rickw]

Good drill. I've been doing this for years now. This will really enhance your finesse game. It will also help with your discipline to stay in line. If you get out of line on this drill, you really have a tough time keeping the cb from going to a rail after a shot.

Take ball in hand and make all the balls. Sounds pretty easy doesn't it. Well I haven't told you the rule yet. Just one rule, nothing can hit a rail. Not the cue ball, not an object ball(no banks), not a ball that your cue bumped after the object ball. Nothing, well the ball your calling is allows to touch the rail or tit on the way into that pocket, but it wouldn't surprise my if I went to my next lesson and he took that little exception away as well.