JUMP SHOT in Pool … Everything You Need to Know

[Scratch85]

Great video! I agree that keeping your personal "vision center" in alignment is required, however, that can be very difficult. I struggled finding the head position that actually put my "vision center" in alignment with the shot. It took a lot of time, experimenting, practice and patience. It was a very frustrating process. Do you have any suggestions for quickly finding that "vision center" alignment, when jacked up for a jump shot?

 

[Scratch85]

I also liked your dart stroke instruction and plan to make use of the "anchoring your elbow" tip.

 

[buckshotshoey]

In my experience, the "dart stroke" is easier to learn for most people (with good instruction). But after practice with both, the regular (under-hand) stroke is the most effective (although, the dart stroke is still handy when you need to reach or really elevate, as I demonstrate in the video).

I'm an unusual character! I'm bass ackwards sometimes. My dart technique is lacking. I watched your vid last night. I'll work on it

 

[GoldCrown]

Thank you for putting this together. I just bought a jump cue. Will enjoy watching/learning proper jumping ala Dr. Dave.

 

[dr_dave]

Great video!

Thanks!

I agree that keeping your personal "vision center" in alignment is required, however, that can be very difficult. I struggled finding the head position that actually put my "vision center" in alignment with the shot. It took a lot of time, experimenting, practice and patience. It was a very frustrating process. Do you have any suggestions for quickly finding that "vision center" alignment, when jacked up for a jump shot?

I think the best way to "find it" is to drop down in the horizontal position, where you know your "vision center" alignment, and do your best to bring your head straight up as you elevate, with the "vision center" over the shot line the entire time, as I demonstrate in the video. Several methods for finding your "vision center" alignment (which can be applied in any position) can be found on the vision center resource page.

 

[dr_dave]

I also liked your dart stroke instruction and plan to make use of the "anchoring your elbow" tip.

The elbow anchor as helped a lot of my past students (and me). I hope it helps you too.

 

[dr_dave]

In my experience, the "dart stroke" is easier to learn for most people (with good instruction). But after practice with both, the regular (under-hand) stroke is the most effective (although, the dart stroke is still handy when you need to reach or really elevate, as I demonstrate in the video).

I'm the opposite end if the spectrum. I cant dart stroke worth a damn. I'll work on it.

Good luck. I hope the video tips help you.

 

[fastone371]

Great topic and great job on the video, very informative!!!
I will be trying to clear a partial ball by jacking up my playing cue and hitting above center next time I'm at my table.

 

[dr_dave]

Great topic and great job on the video, very informative!!!

Thanks. I'm glad you think so. It probably isn't of interest to vast majority of beginner and lower-intermediate players who watch pool instructional videos on YouTube (especially if they play in APA leagues), but I think it can help a lot of stronger players.

I will be trying to clear a partial ball by jacking up my playing cue and hitting above center next time I'm at my table.

This is even easier with a high-CB-deflection shaft (e.g., large-diameter, solid maple, with a large ferrule).

 

[THam]

I jump on all my shots.

 

[fastone371]

Thanks. I'm glad you think so. It probably isn't of interest to vast majority of beginner and lower-intermediate players who watch pool instructional videos on YouTube (especially if they play in APA leagues), but I think it can help a lot of stronger players.




This is even easier with a high-CB-deflection shaft (e.g., large-diameter, solid maple, with a large ferrule).

I use McDermott G-Core shafts, McDermott calls it LD but some people here say it isn't an LD shaft. I like the way its hits and plays and above all I am used to them so I will continue to use them.

 

[dr_dave]

I use McDermott G-Core shafts, McDermott calls it LD but some people here say it isn't an LD shaft. I like the way its hits and plays and above all I am used to them so I will continue to use them.

Well, that's good if you want to use it for jumping. An LD shaft is typically not as good for jumping, especially if is has a soft tip and is on a heavy cue.

 

[brigeton]

I hope the video helps. Please let me know if it does.

I hit some balls today. I was getting over a full ball with a regular stroke. A first for me. Thanks Dave.

 

[dr_dave]

I hit some balls today. I was getting over a full ball with a regular stroke. A first for me. Thanks Dave.

Congrats! I'm glad to here it.

 

[boogieman]

Thanks for the video, I'm still learning jumps and this is really helpful. Turns out I was doing it the wrong way and trying to stroke it like a normal shot. Hopefully after some practice my jump game can get to my kick game level.

 

[dr_dave]

Thanks for the video, I'm still learning jumps and this is really helpful. Turns out I was doing it the wrong way and trying to stroke it like a normal shot. Hopefully after some practice my jump game can get to my kick game level.

You're welcome. I hope the video tips help. It sounds like they will.

 

[tomatoshooter]

some people here say it isn't an LD shaft

Exactly how low deflection does a shaft need to qualify? I'm not aware of the answer. I'm sure the highest deflection house cue deflects less than a broom handle. I think the manufacturers refer to anything with a construction specifically designed to reduce deflection over traditional maple an LD shaft. I was experimenting and, shooting from the head string to the foot rail on an 8' table with the right side of the tip at the center of the ball about 11 o'clock), I was ending up about half a chalk width to the right with my 314. With a standard Schmelke cue I was about a full chalk width to the right.

 

[tomatoshooter]

Thanks again, Dr. Dave, for another excellent video. Your contribution to pool education is amazing!

 

[dr_dave]

Thanks again, Dr. Dave, for another excellent video. Your contribution to pool education is amazing!

You're welcome, and thank you! I aim to swerve.

 

[The_JV]

FYI, I just posted a new video that demonstrates everything you need to know to be able to execute effective jump shots in pool, either starting from scratch or to improve your existing technique. The jump shot is a very important weapon in the arsenal of a competitive pool player. Having effective jump shot technique can get you out of all sorts of trouble and help you win games. Check it out:

Content:
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - Basics
1:36 - Baby Jump
3:02 - Regular Stroke
---- 3:27 stance
---- 4:23 side-arm stroke
---- 4:55 bridge
---- 6:03 stroke technique
---- 6:42 aiming
---- 7:24 jump massé
---- 8:35 common errors
8:54 - Dart Stroke
---- 9:52 grip
---- 10:10 visual alignment
---- 11:15 stroke technique
---- 11:40 stance
12:05 - CB Control
13:37 - Elevation, Speed, and Cut Effects
---- 13:54 speed effects
---- 14:18 elevation effects
---- 14:48 tip contact point
---- 15:19 cut angle effects
16:23 - Practice Advice
17:41 - Wrap Up
---- 17:50 Allen Iverson "practice" meme
---- 18:02 shot montage

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

Enjoy!

Great vid Dave....

I've never been a dart type jumper. I personally find it more of an prayer then a viable shot. Just a method of getting a ball in the air quickly in a general direction. A technique used primarily by those 'learning' and/or attempting to keep up to the Joneses as far as having the shot in the bag.

For me at the very least. The regular stroke provides actual control over aim, spin, and more improtantly distance. I've never witnessed a player using a dart stroke have any real ability to control elevation .vs. distance. Let alone the finer aspects of CB control.