Jumping Ball Strategies

[JAM]

I was pretty impressed with Robin Dodson and the Frog Jump Cue vendor booth this year at the Super Billiards Expo. She not only has a great product, very reasonably priced, but this 2005 Hall of Famer definitely knows the do's and don't's about jumping balls and put on a first-class exhibition to each and every attendee.

There are two players who stand out in my mind as the BEST jump-ball mechanics. One is definitely North Carolinian Tony Watson, and the other is a hometown player in my neck of the woods by the name Danny Green who, by the way, was mentioned in "Playing Off the Rail" and single handedly created the Planet Pool 9-Ball Tour.

One thing I did pick up on about jumping balls from Robin Dodson is that her shoulder NEVER moved, only the shooting arm below the elbow as she was striking the cue-ball.

If one doesn't learn the correct stance and technique from the start, they may never acquire the skills set necessary for jumping balls AND may suffer a defeat due to their own making.

In this day and age when jumping balls is considered the norm, I believe the jump cue to be a necessary tool of the trade. However, if you don't know how to use it properly, you might as well leave it in the case. I can't tell you how many times I've seen players attempt to jump balls, only to have the cue-ball either land on the floor or make a bad hit, giving an opponent ball in hand.

Check out this picture I snapped this year at the SBE of Dennis Hatch jumping a ball with the Sledgehammer jump/break cue. He has already pocketed the ball, but remains in the same fixed position even after the object ball dropped in the pocket.

I watched Tony Watson jump 22 balls in a challenge match against a player several years ago. It was the jumped balls that Tony successfully pocketed that made the difference and also allowed him the almighty win.

I'd be interested to hear from others about tips on the jumping technique. It's a skills set which can definitely be the difference between winning and losing. In this instance, it's not the stick that makes the difference, but it is the player who exhibits the correct stance and technique. If you do not utilize the proper technique, you're better off not even trying (IMO).

JAM

 

[JimS]

Don't drop the elbow.....stay down on the shot. Where have I heard THAT before?!

Don't mean to be flippant JAM. I did NEED to hear that.

 

[sjm]

The best I've ever seen at jumping balls was Sammy Jones, who some might know as Loree Jon's husband.

 

[Blackjack]

The best I've ever seen at jumping balls was Sammy Jones, who some might know as Loree Jon's husband.

Ditto.

Mike Massey is also a great as well as Earl (his accuracy is phenomenal!). A lot of players tend to forget about their balance on jump shots. The stance is completely different than for a normal shot because you are standing erect. The shooting elbow is almost pointed directly at the ceiling. I tend to place more weight on my non-shooting foot (my left) and on my shooting side, my foot is back a bit, with my foot extended with just my toe on the floor. I believe that getting up on that toe is where the balance comes through. It actually elevates the shooting side of your body while adding stability to your non shooting side. Hope this helps a little bit.

 

[hotcues]

I second the vote for Sammy Jones. That guy can jump like no one.

 

[vagabond]

The best I've ever seen at jumping balls was Sammy Jones, who some might know as Loree Jon's husband.

Hi SJM,
Sammy was also known for his speed on his breaks on 9 ball rack.
Vagabond

 

[ishuda]

I am really interested in any pointers anyone has to give on this. I am really having trouble, especially if the ball I am trying to jump over is too close. I'm one of those people that usually end up giving ball in hand, or not doing it, when it was definitly the shot to take. Sometimes I think I don't hit the cue ball low enough, especially those times it barely jumps at all, it can be very embarrassing.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

I am really interested in any pointers anyone has to give on this. I am really having trouble, especially if the ball I am trying to jump over is too close. I'm one of those people that usually end up giving ball in hand, or not doing it, when it was definitly the shot to take. Sometimes I think I don't hit the cue ball low enough, especially those times it barely jumps at all, it can be very embarrassing.

Your embarrassment speaks volumes. If you're feeling stress from taking a shot, it's very difficult to execute it successfully. Yes, nobody likes jumping the cue-ball off the table but you must always keep in mind that it's a part of the game and when performing a jump-shot, it's a risk you take.

Personally, I'm not the greatest jumper in the world but most of my success at jumping can be attributed to being extremely selective. You will only see me jump off the table when my options were extremely limited. However, if I feel any sort of anxiety about a shot, I will all but certainly hit it differently than intended and when jumping, YOU MUST hit it the way you intend. Hitting the object ball firmly and at the proper angle is abosolutely essential when jumping and if you let-up in any way, you won't get the desired height or distance.

Start off by convincing yourself that you have made the proper shot selection and commit yourself to the shot. Once you've done that, accept the outcome. Focus on the decision and remind yourself that regardless of the outcome, it is the decision that is important.

 

[k-carson]

I am really interested in any pointers anyone has to give on this. I am really having trouble, especially if the ball I am trying to jump over is too close. I'm one of those people that usually end up giving ball in hand, or not doing it, when it was definitly the shot to take. Sometimes I think I don't hit the cue ball low enough, especially those times it barely jumps at all, it can be very embarrassing.

well im nowhere near as good at jumping as most pro's but i can do it
left handed , right handed , and one handed

here are some pointers you may or may not need (you have a jump cue i hope)

foremost you mention giving up ball in hand when jumping a ball thats close
learn how much distance you need currently to clear a ball ** if you dont have it kick

second a steeper elevation angle will help it jump at a steeper angle

notice the hight the guy in the photo has to his bridge hand this give you
added distance to generate speed and a jump shot is not about
hitting the cue ball hard but hitting it with speed

 

[Celtic]

The proper way to perform a jump shot is with a real cue, not a gimmick. Those jump cues need to be outlawed, we dont need a gimmick cue for every shot in the game making our cue case look like a golf bag. The great thing about pool is the amazing amount of shots that can be performed with a single regulation cue. Jump shots are not impossible with a normal cue, they just take a proper amount of skill unlike "The Frog" and other jump cues that any 12 year old can be taught to jump effectively with in an hour.

 

[BlowFish]

The proper way to perform a jump shot is with a real cue, not a gimmick. Those jump cues need to be outlawed, we dont need a gimmick cue for every shot in the game making our cue case look like a golf bag. The great thing about pool is the amazing amount of shots that can be performed with a single regulation cue. Jump shots are not impossible with a normal cue, they just take a proper amount of skill unlike "The Frog" and other jump cues that any 12 year old can be taught to jump effectively with in an hour.

Then Strickland wins hands down on this one among all Pro Players.

The best on my book (using a legal Jump Cue) will be the Taiwanese, boy they can really jump that cueball with accuracy and get position.

 

[JAM]

The proper way to perform a jump shot is with a real cue, not a gimmick. Those jump cues need to be outlawed, we dont need a gimmick cue for every shot in the game making our cue case look like a golf bag. The great thing about pool is the amazing amount of shots that can be performed with a single regulation cue. Jump shots are not impossible with a normal cue, they just take a proper amount of skill unlike "The Frog" and other jump cues that any 12 year old can be taught to jump effectively with in an hour.

Celtic, there's quite a few who agree with your view relating to jump cues. In fact, the Reno Open has banned jump cues in all of their events. The Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour allows one to jump with their shooting cue, but not a jump cue.

However, in today's pool world, jump cues are a tool of the trade, and fortunately or unfortunately, if you can't beat 'em, you gotta join 'em, and, thus, figure out how to use one correctly. It could be the difference of winning and losing in a majority of tournaments these days.

Sometimes expert kick artists will elect to kick at a ball as opposed to jumping, but there are some instances when the table layout doesn't present an opportunity to kick. In today's pool world, if you are unable to jump balls, you are at a disadvantage (IMO). AND as my parents always told me, if you're going to do something, do it right or don't do it at all. In the case of jumping balls, giving your opponent ball in hand will, more times than not, hinder your chances of winning.

JMHO, FWIW!

JAM

 

[JAM]

Then Strickland wins hands down on this one among all Pro Players.

The best on my book (using a legal Jump Cue) will be the Taiwanese, boy they can really jump that cueball with accuracy and get position.

BlowFish, a funny incident happened with Earl Strickland at the last Carolinas Open in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Earl had just finished his match and packed up his gear, all three cue cases. Earl comes to the table with three cases, much like a golfer.

A friendly railbird strikes up a conversation with Earl as he's exiting, and I happened to be standing there. The jump cue is mentioned, and Earl begins to express his feelings about those plastic tips. Ironically, Earl and the friendly railbird are standing right in front of Mike Gulyassey's booth, the Sledgehammer guy, and Mike is within earshot of Earl. When Earl realizes Mike is within earshot, he kind of changed his tune a bit, but I believe if Earl had his wishes, it would be to ban jump cues.

There are MANY players just like Earl Strickland who DO NOT LIKE the jump cue. However, Earl Strickland ain't no dummy and does know that jumping balls is a necessary skill needed in today's competitive environment. Earl Strickland knows how to jump a ball better than most. He, too, figures that when in Rome, you gotta do as the Romans do and be able to jump a ball with precision.

JAM

 

[JAM]

Whitewolf, I don't know these players by name, but I may have seen them at various local competitive events.

Danny Green is still my choice for BEST jump-ball mechanic. Because of this skill, Danny is a tough competitor in any tournament he plays in. Currently, he's using a custom-made jump cue by Ted Harris.

I don't think it's the jump cue, though, that makes or breaks the player. It's the player him- or herself who possesses the skill to jump a ball with a high percentage of success. In today's pool world, if you can't jump a ball, you're going to have a tough time beating those who do. It's a skill which I think most players should incorporate into their game plan.

JAM

 

[chefjeff]

Here's a little trick I came up with a few years back...

Have you ever had to jump a ball where the cueball is way out in the center of the table? You know, where it's hard to make a good enough jump bridge? Here's how to make it easier:

Get the plastic triangle (one with an edge on it) and stand it up on one of it's sides where you want your bridge to be. You can place the edge of your shaft along the raised edge of the triangle and use it for a really stable bridge! Bam!, no problem getting old whitely up in the air.

Don't ever use this to beat me, however or I'll sue you for patent infringment!

Jeff Livingston

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Here's a little trick I came up with a few years back...

Have you ever had to jump a ball where the cueball is way out in the center of the table? You know, where it's hard to make a good enough jump bridge? Here's how to make it easier:

Get the plastic triangle (one with an edge on it) and stand it up on one of it's sides where you want your bridge to be. You can place the edge of your shaft along the raised edge of the triangle and use it for a really stable bridge! Bam!, no problem getting old whitely up in the air.

Don't ever use this to beat me, however or I'll sue you for patent infringment!

Jeff Livingston

That's not legal. You cannot use the rack (or any device other than your hand or the head of a mechanical bridge) to support your cue or your bridge hand.

 

[chefjeff]

That's not legal. You cannot use the rack (or any device other than your hand or the head of a mechanical bridge) to support your cue or your bridge hand.

I couldn't find the rule for this....do you know where it is? Couldn't this be simply called a mechanical bridge? Are there specs for bridges, such as height, style, etc.?

Oh, and you forgot to mention the rail is often used to support the cuestick.

Jeff Livingston

 

[onepocketchump]

The "real cue" jump crowd needs to grow up and realize that pool equipment evolves with need. No need - no equipment. We have all seen stuff invented for no real need to fill and it quickly dissapears. Jump cues fill a real need and so have gained permanence.

Here is an anecdotal story from the Super Billiards Expo. I used a jump cue to teach an APA 5 how to jump. It took about 10 minutes to correct her stroke to the point where she could jump the cueball using the jump cue. After teaching her that we moved on to jumping with a full cue. Because she had learned to stroke the ball correctly using the jump cue she was able to understand the stroke using the full cue. Within about ten minutes more she was jumping with the full cue and she understood the proper stroke and what to work on.

Say whatever you want to but the jump cue is an effective and useful tool that belongs in today's pool games under the current rules. Not only is it a great offensive weapon, that adds a lot shots to the arsenal but it is also a great teaching aid to help players understand the dynamics involved in jumping.

Anyone who thinks pool should be played "traditionally" is more than welcome to use a mace or a cue with no leather tip or no chalk against me any day for any amount they can count.

John

 

[Walt in VA]

I couldn't find the rule for this....do you know where it is? Couldn't this be simply called a mechanical bridge? Are there specs for bridges, such as height, style, etc.?

Oh, and you forgot to mention the rail is often used to support the cuestick.

Jeff Livingston

Jeff - The BCA rule that covers this is:
1.3 - USE OF EQUIPMENT
Players may not use equipment or accessory items for purposes or in a manner other than those for which the items were intended (refer to rules 3.42 and 3.43). For example, powder containers, chalk cubes, etc., may not be used to prop up a mechanical bridge (or natural hand bridge); no more than two mechanical bridges may be used at one time, nor may they be used to support anything other than the cue shaft. Extra or out-of-play balls may not be used by players to check clearance or for any other reason (except to lag for break); the triangle may be employed to ascertain whether a ball is in the rack when a match is unofficiated and the table has not been pencil marked around the triangle area. (Also see Rule 2.3)
HTH
Walt in VA

 

[onepocketchump]

Whitewolf, I don't know these players by name, but I may have seen them at various local competitive events.

Danny Green is still my choice for BEST jump-ball mechanic. Because of this skill, Danny is a tough competitor in any tournament he plays in. Currently, he's using a custom-made jump cue by Ted Harris.

I don't think it's the jump cue, though, that makes or breaks the player. It's the player him- or herself who possesses the skill to jump a ball with a high percentage of success. In today's pool world, if you can't jump a ball, you're going to have a tough time beating those who do. It's a skill which I think most players should incorporate into their game plan.

JAM

I think that if I had to bet I'd have to take Shawn Putnam as the best jump-shot player in the country right now. I think Shawn could give anyone all they wanted with the jump and the full cue.

For the record; Strickland uses a shortended/modified Cuetec to jump with i.e. a jump cue.

John