Practice stroke speed (and length)

[Maniac]

This is kind of a sequel to the very fine thread Neil started a few days ago concerning why we take practice strokes.

My thread concerns the speed and length of ones practice strokes. First off, I am going to say that I personally use slower and shorter practice strokes on shots that are slowly-rolled and faster and longer practice strokes on shots requiring power.

I have seen players, amateurs and pros, That take the SAME practice stroke for ALL shots. There is a young man in my leagues that takes fast and long practice strokes (it looks as though he is about to knock the sh*t out of the cue ball) on a shot where slow speed and finesse is required. As he goes into his final forward stroke, he looks as though he is literally "choking" the cue stick as to not hit the cue ball so hard. I would think that this would have adverse effects on ones muscle memory.

Any thoughts? How do you do it, and what do you say is the proper way to do it???

Maniac

 

[Brian in VA]

I think the practice stroke is always going to be shorter than the actual stroke because you can't get to a finish position while addressing the cue ball. I have, on the occasion when I was about to make a unique stroke (very soft or something) moved off to the side of the cue ball to understand how it's going to feel on the full stroke with finish and everything. (Thanks Scott Lee for teaching me that!)

All that to say that, my practice strokes look more like what I envision the actual stroke to be in length, speed, etc. Except on the break.

Interesting question!

Brian in VA

 

[randyg]

I believe that you are refering to "warm-up strokes". Mine are short and sweet for all shots....SPF=randyg

 

[Jason Robichaud]

I don't take many, maybe 2-3. These 2-3 are like my final stroke. I take little strokes just to keep the arm moving and loose. I like to get at least 1 stroke the same as my shot. Like golf. You don't see them take little swings or big wild ones. Their practice is the same as the actual! If it isn't, you are not doing a practice stroke.