Middle pocket

[Ironhead1970]

I'm having a real problem with cut or even a small angle shot in the middle pockets I've over cut, under cut hell 75% of the time I hit the dange nipple. I can make almost all of my shots and cuts in the corner pockets. but when it comes to the middle pockets I just can't make anything any ideas?

Thank You
signed: Frustrated

 

[DrCue'sProtege]

Hit 1,000 shots into them at various angles and various speeds and various spots on the CB. Then come back and report and let us know how you are doing then.

I've heard outstanding players say that side pockets are death. I've also heard outstanding players say that side pockets are your friend.

r/DCP

 

[Bob Jewett]

I'm having a real problem with cut or even a small angle shot in the middle pockets I've over cut, under cut hell 75% of the time I hit the dange nipple. I can make almost all of my shots and cuts in the corner pockets. but when it comes to the middle pockets I just can't make anything any ideas?

Thank You
signed: Frustrated

When you are practicing, mark the center of the side pocket with a donut and work on driving the object ball exactly over that donut. The donut should be hanging slightly over the brink, like this:



When you are playing, visualize driving the object ball exactly over that spot on the table.

The corner pockets have a similar single target point.

 

[FranCrimi]

While you're practicing Bob's Jewett's suggestion, make sure you follow through on every shot. Anxiety about a shot can cause players to poke their stroke, which means the stroke timing is off. If you cut your follow through short, there's a good chance that you poked the stroke.

 

[Bob Jewett]

While you're practicing Bob's Jewett's suggestion, make sure you follow through on every shot. Anxiety about a shot can cause players to poke their stroke, which means the stroke timing is off. If you cut your follow through short, there's a good chance that you poked the stroke.

One technique that might help with Fran's suggestion is to practice at higher speeds, like sending the cue ball up and down the table for a half-ball shot into the side. It's hard to poke the ball on that kind of shot.

 

[Imac007]

Toothpick training

Get a box of toothpicks. Set picks perpendicular to the rail. Set them with the tip just barely over the rail edge. Now take a cue ball and try to hit the tip sending each perpendicular off the table.

Once proficient at hitting the picks transition to balls. The ghost ball contact point is your "toothpick". Then transition to the side pocket. Since throw will tend to straighten the angle somewhat aim at the far side of the pocket or opening. Hit the toothpick for that aim. If it goes in, you’ve succeeded. Different distances from the pocket plus pace, draw/follow or stun each create different throw dynamics. Slow stun will straighten the ball the most. Learn to pocket a rolling ball first. Then find the toothpick point for a rotating ball, draw or follow, then a sliding ball, stun.