"Lock and load" the shoulder to control movement?

[maha]

sounds like your problem then is you need to play more to get back in stroke. good luck.

 

[Highmiles]

For those interested, this technique is discussed and demonstrated in several places on this page:

elbow and shoulder issues resource page​

As usual, you came up with a great practice solution for something that has been bothering me. Even though my shooting has been very accurate lately, locking my shoulder didn’t cause any harm to my stroke because my chin alignment is so automatic. I’m hoping this will cure my haphazard draw results, caused by shoulder drop. Back to the practice table, and thanks again. You have been very helpful over the past few years. Love to talk with you sometime and tell the story of why I’m relearning pool.

 

[dr_dave]

As usual, you came up with a great practice solution for something that has been bothering me. Even though my shooting has been very accurate lately, locking my shoulder didn’t cause any harm to my stroke because my chin alignment is so automatic. I’m hoping this will cure my haphazard draw results, caused by shoulder drop. Back to the practice table, and thanks again. You have been very helpful over the past few years. Love to talk with you sometime and tell the story of why I’m relearning pool.

I am glad you are finding my stuff helpful. I hope it makes a difference for you.

 

[Tennesseejoe]

My question: Should players try to minimize shoulder movement or to incorporate the shoulder in a smooth straight stroke? Compare Allen Hopkins to Mike Massey...both champions. Thanks.

 

[maha]

proof in the pudding. two great players two way different strokes. but both have a straight stoke they can repeat over and over.
no matter what they look like to a person not understanding that simple concept.

 

[straightline]

I'd go Hopkins Gorst but who's counting.

 

[Cue Alchemist]

its all about doing the stroke no matter how screwed up it looks like as long as it is straight and you can repeat it automatically during stress.

anything un natural for you will ultimately hold you back from improving.

This has been my experience too, you change things all you want, under pressure, things tend too unravel
Very fast. It takes months of work to change something like that, and to make it feel natural.
If your stance and set up is solid, then its just the mechanics of your swing, sometimes trying something new, can unlock something, you didn't know you could do. But again without months of practice, things tend to revert back. The best way to do this, is to incorporate these changes into your natural stroke/swing.
To the OP, you seem to know what you want, just make sure, to put the hard work in