jump cue in 2005

[onepocketchump]

Got it, OPC. By the way, I have never had even the slightest doubts regarding your credentials as either a player of theorist of the game we love. By coincidence, it seems we play around the same level. My three cushion high run is nine, and my straight pool high run is 91. Just like you, I've been around pool forever --- thrity five years since I first chalked up. For the record, though, I view all posters as qualified to have a serious opinion on this or any other pool-related matter.

Thanks for your post, you have definitely sensitized me to some subtelties of jump shots that I guess I hadn't been sufficiently aware of. Sounds like there are more "flavors" of the jump shot than I realize. I will try to broaden my horizons here and start paying a little more attention to some of the finers points of jumping.

Wish I were going to the Midwest Expo, but not that lucky. Thanks for offering me the demo on jump shots --- that was generous. I am really glad we are able to pursue our debates on the forum with mutual respect, and I do hope that I'll get to meet you at some point.

Thanks SJM,

I only included my "credentials" because it sometimes helps to know that the person you are talking to has "been there", so to speak. Several years ago, I
"thought" I knew a lot about aiming and then I was fortunate enough to meet a few people who really opened my eyes to another level which in turn raised my game by several balls. On reflection, it is surprising that I played as "well" as I did without knowing what I do now. The human mind has a tremendous capacity to overcome limitations, physical or mental. (but that is another whole thread)

So, the reason that I take up the jump cue/jump shot argument is that not only do I have the experience but I also think that I have looked for a deeper understanding of that part of the game. When I first started selling jump cues I didn't even own one myself. Not becasue I did not believe in them but simply because I was kind of apathetic about and believed that I could pretty much kick my way out of anything. But when we decided to sell them I figured I ought to at least be able to demonstrate them credibly and be able to explain the dynamics of the shot. Since then, in 1997/98, I have developed a pretty good understanding of the dynamics, with jump cues of all types and with "regular" cues of all types. I have, along with many other, developed a sort of curriculum surrounding the jump shot/jump cue. And I still learn. When Buddy Hall comes to the booth and executes a perfect jump, table length draw shot for perfect shape and follows it up with a perfect table length jump follow three cushions for shape while looking as if he barely hit the cueball I am absolute mystified as to how he does it. Melissa Morris, the next BIG THING on the WPBA tour and a jump shot master, jumps the cueball over balls that are less than a chalk's width away with such ease it's scary.

There is so much in the way of myth and stereotype surrounding pool in general and it is compunded when it comes to things like the jump shot using a jump cue. It has become a personal crusade of sorts to demystify the shot and the cue. Then, with the facts straight, we all can make informed choices.

So, I too am happy to see this thread end with polite agreement. It will be a pleasure to meet you someday. Here are some relevant quotes )

"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject. "
Sir Winston Churchill (1874 - 1965)

"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts. "
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

And one for Doom: (I'll try and be better, I promise)

"A bore is a fellow talking who can change the subject back to his topic of conversation faster than you can change it back to yours."
Laurence J. Peter (1919 - 1988)

Thanks Mike for being one of the people who take the time to provide forums like these.

John Barton