Massé and Swerve Shots … Everything You Need to Know

[dr_dave]

FYI, I just posted a new video that covers in detail everything you need to know to learn and master all aspects of small-curve swerve shots and large-curve massé shots. Many examples, some from pro pool tournaments, are included. Check it out:

Content:
0:00 - Intro
0:53 - Basics and Strategy
---- 2:41 - swerve safety
---- 3:30 - jump vs. swerve
---- 4:41 - swerve vs. jump vs. kick vs. massé
---- 6:21 - using the rail
8:20 - Technique
---- 8:40 - bridge and stance
---- 9:50 - grip and bridge options
---- 10:32 - stroke
11:07 - Effects
13:39 - Aiming
---- 14:30 - Coriolis (BAR) System
---- 15:23 - swerve shot example
---- 17:00 - massé shot example
18:03 - Examples
---- 20:00 - piqué shot and safety break-out
---- 21:03 - piqué power draw and jump massé
22:25 - Wrap Up
---- 23:06 - shot montage

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

Enjoy!

 

[sjm]

This is outstanding. Well done, Dave!

 

[justnum]

A recommendation to advise players to practice the masse with that break cloth patch to reduce the risk of damaging the table.

The power masse shots it helps to have the cloth patch. The gentle masse shots there should be zero risk of damaging table.

Would using a shorter cue make the masse easier for any shots?

 

[dr_dave]

This is outstanding. Well done, Dave!

Thank you! This one took about as much time and work as any other video I have ever done (by far). I'm glad you liked it. I hope others do too.

It was also excellent practice. I now feel much more effective with these shots than I did before starting the video work.

 

[dr_dave]

A recommendation to advise players to practice the masse with that break cloth patch to reduce the risk of damaging the table.

The power masse shots it helps to have the cloth patch. The gentle masse shots there should be zero risk of damaging table.

Its in the video.

Would using a shorter cue make the masse easier for any shots?

Its in the video.

The video literally covers "Everything You Need to Know." FYI, you can use the timestamps in the list of content above or in the YouTube video description or pinned comment to quickly find what you are looking for.

Enjoy the rest of the video!

 

[sjm]

Thank you! This one took about as much time and work as any other video I have ever done (by far). I'm glad you liked it. I hope others do too.

It was also excellent practice. I now feel much more effective with these shots than I did before starting the video work.

At Turning Stone a couple of weeks ago in the hot seat match, two long masses by Immonen were the difference as he beat Fedor Gorst. It can be very useful to have the masse shot in your repertoire.

 

[dr_dave]

At Turning Stone a couple of weeks ago in the hot seat match, two long masses by Immonen were the difference as he beat Fedor Gorst. It can be very useful to have the masse shot in your repertoire.

I couldn't agree more. It is tough to get "lucky" if you don't put in the practice.

 

[jtaylor996]

Another good one, Dave. I especially appreciate where you go through the aim sequence, and then again with the examples.

 

[dr_dave]

Another good one, Dave.

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

I especially appreciate where you go through the aim sequence, and then again with the examples.

I tried my best with the Coriolis System because I wasn't happy with my previous videos on this topic (from VEPS). I think I did about as well as I can do presenting this topic, which is difficult for many people to grasp.

 

[jtaylor996]

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.



I tried my best with the Coriolis System because I wasn't happy with my previous videos on this topic (from VEPS). I think I did about as well as I can do presenting this topic, which is difficult for many people to grasp.

The only thing I think I missed was selecting a point along the line to aim for. Is that based on elevation alone, and elevation selected by how long you want to delay the swerve or masse?

 

[dr_dave]

The only thing I think I missed was selecting a point along the line to aim for. Is that based on elevation alone, and elevation selected by how long you want to delay the swerve or masse?

The aim point on the cloth depends on the cue elevation and tip position on the CB. Any aim point on the RA line will result in the same final CB angle (theoretically, anyway). You can also use different cue elevations and tip positions to target the exact same point on the line. Play around with it some and you will see. Developing a feel for the effects of elevation, amount of backspin (with the sidespin), and shot speed is very important to get the CB to swing out to the desired curve point before it heads in the predicted angle direction. I decided to not include these details in the video because I thought it would just cause confusion (and the video was already too long). This is the sort of thing that is best to discover and develop a feel for during practice. Practicing the shot sequences in the "Effects" section would help a lot in this regard.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

The aim point on the cloth depends on the cue elevation and tip position on the CB. Any aim point on the RA line will result in the same final CB angle (theoretically, anyway). You can also use different cue elevations and tip positions to target the exact same point on the line. Play around with it some and you will see. Developing a feel for the effects of elevation, amount of backspin (with the sidespin), and shot speed is very important to get the CB to swing out to the desired curve point before it heads in the predicted angle direction. I decided to not include these details in the video because I thought it would just cause confusion (and the video was already too long). This is the sort of thing that is best to discover and develop a feel for during practice. Practicing the shot sequences in the "Effects" section would help a lot in this regard.

I haven't seen your video yet (looking forward to it), but your comment here reminded me of an old post of mine with this illustration of Coriolis aiming. Hope it's helpful (and not repetitive).

pj
chgo

NOTE: "ADJUST SPEED TO CURVE AT DESIRED DISTANCE" should say "ADJUST CUE ELEVATION AND SPEED..."

 

[dr_dave]

I haven't seen your video yet (looking forward to it), but your comment here reminded me of an old post of mine with this illustration of Coriolis aiming. Hope it's helpful (and not repetitive).

pj
chgo

NOTE: "ADJUST SPEED TO CURVE AT DESIRED DISTANCE" should say "ADJUST CUE ANGLE AND SPEED..."
View attachment 719470

I cover the Coriolis System in detail in the video, with good examples. Let me know what you think after you get a chance to watch it. I'd be curious to know if you think it was best I didn't get into the details of picking the exact point on the resting-point-to-aim-point line.

 

[Poolmanis]

I see you put more effort to get more clear examples etc.. Very good video. I especially liked you example still photos for different masse stances and bridges. Very clear this time. 10/10

 

[dr_dave]

I see you put more effort to get more clear examples etc.. Very good video.

Thanks.

I especially liked you example still photos for different masse stances and bridges.

I was going to show the continuous video is me transitioning from one pose and bridge to the next, but I thought the still images looked better (which surprised me).

Very clear this time. 10/10

Thanks again. I always look forward to your feedback, which I know is honest and well informed.