Pre-shot routine

SeniorTom

Well-known member
Help needed to develop a pre shot routine. I am the nervous type, somewhat of a newb, and want to develop a solid/consistent psr. Generally, I just chalk and go. I am asking for your thoughts, specifically, of what my psr should be. I realize I could tweak it, but what would you's suggest ?
thanks
 
Help needed to develop a pre shot routine. I am the nervous type, somewhat of a newb, and want to develop a solid/consistent psr. Generally, I just chalk and go. I am asking for your thoughts, specifically, of what my psr should be. I realize I could tweak it, but what would you's suggest ?
thanks
I start standing upright square to the shot, use a CTE alignment(not the whole system) to help find shot line, drop down, couple practice swings and go. Starting at CTE makes it real easy to see the proper overlap. Kind of a modified ghost ball. Very simple way to shoot.
 
Help needed to develop a pre shot routine. I am the nervous type, somewhat of a newb, and want to develop a solid/consistent psr. Generally, I just chalk and go. I am asking for your thoughts, specifically, of what my psr should be. I realize I could tweak it, but what would you's suggest ?
thanks
should be something natural i feel and not labored or some kind of ritual, something that you wont even think about after long

i will look as i chalk, two stroke as i get down, two stroke and fire
 
IMO, your PSR should be something you develop while practicing and be a reflection of your rhythm as a player. It will take trial and error and patience. I also think it's important to develop a trigger that separates your decision making process of the shot (speed, spin, position for the next shot, etc.) and the execution of the shot. For example, mine trigger is when I put my chalk on it's clip. From that point, all I think about is the shot in front of me (in theory anyway...I still struggle with it lol).

I hope that helps.
 
The PSR provides a consistent way of arriving at your shot. Shot mechanics have to be up to par as well or the balls will respond in kind. No easy fix to developing technique.
 
Emulate Ronnie o'sullivan. Lots of him on youtube. He has a consistent routine that he would relate to Robotics.
I think of it as a dance. 1 - 2 - 3.....1 - 2 - 3.
Brieseth teaches a good solid process.
Barry Stark provides a looking a beginning lesson in his 150+ free lessons on youtube
 
And in particular pay attention to Part 11. Yes, it goes to 11 but it's not numbered. The most important thing you can do during the shot is notice how the shot went. It's more important than all the other steps. If you never notice what went wrong or right, it's not possible to learn.
That's big in golf too, always watch your shot/putt to completion. You learn from the bad ones more than the good ones.
 
If you are the nervous type go with a quicker shot. This will also give you your natural pre shot routine. Then once you get comfortable slow it down. No need to change up what works for you.

When I get out of stroke I will emphasize each part of pre shot a few times to get back comfortable. Like instead of just swinging my cue into position I will swing it in a bigger circle and slower into position to get focused
 
And in particular pay attention to Part 11. Yes, it goes to 11 but it's not numbered. The most important thing you can do during the shot is notice how the shot went. It's more important than all the other steps. If you never notice what went wrong or right, it's not possible to learn.
The post shot analysis is huge. I must be able to analyze quickly and accurately, just in case I get another shot. Well in competition if I am not confident that I know why I missed, I am on tilt. So another habit worth building. Includes a quick and accurate self analysis.
 
Chalk your cue. That is all a psr will really do for you.

My psr has devolved into a lack of psr. I don't play worse because of it

I fully believe that you will do better if you read, The Inner Game of Tennis and apply those lessons. Learn without judgement, observe without criticism. Figure out how to get out of your own mind.
 
I stand looking at the shot with my belly button aligned right down the shot line while I decide on speed and tip position, plant my right foot, get down, take a couple of practice strokes, and go. Staying down and watching what happens is important.
 
The most important parts of the PSR are::
1) do all of your analysis, thinking, strategizing, conceptualizing, and planning while standing up
2) do no thinking while down on the shot--all you want to do is to execute your plan
3) do all of your post shot information gathering prior to moving your upper body after the shot
 
... 3) do all of your post shot information gathering prior to moving your upper body after the shot
That's a good way to make sure you stay down at least until the object ball goes into the pocket. In particular, notice which part of the pocket the ball hit. It's good to know where the center of the pocket is -- most players don't.

Related to which, often when I ask a student which side of the pocket they missed on for a shot almost along the rail, they will say the far side, away from the cushion. They did indeed see the object ball hit the farther point and rattle out, but what they failed to notice was the object ball glancing along the cushion first.
 
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Chalk your cue. That is all a psr will really do for you.

My psr has devolved into a lack of psr. I don't play worse because of it

I fully believe that you will do better if you read, The Inner Game of Tennis and apply those lessons. Learn without judgement, observe without criticism. Figure out how to get out of your own mind.

that sounds like a good read

with winning in mind didnt help me too much on the mental side, it being the most recommended
 
I use the same simple method I do for Golf.....There are really only 4 physical things I can control...Everything that happens is a result of those 4 things....change any one of those 4 things...changes my stroke.

"Prior" to the routine I visualize the shot.....and not just making the ball part...but the entire shot...where is my "intended" path of the CB and "area" I want (hope) it to end up....This can be done while walking around the table as your visualization (and shot selection) may change.....chalking (or not chalking if you are a Kamui user) can be done while you are in visualize mode....Once I have picked (the wrong) shot.....
Then the "routine" (of what I can control) begins....

Grip/Alignment
Stance/Alignment
Posture/Alignment
Final Alignment

Shoot shot....

That is your routine "foundation".....Every other "nuance" is developed over time and added or removed as you develop your routine....Are you a 'pause at the CB...pause at the backstroke...pause at both type player...(or are you a pause and double stroke like Efren)...are you a 5 stroke warm up..single stroke warm up....no stroke warm up...quick tempo.....slow tempo.....inhale hold breath shoot.......exhale shoot....or just stop breathing altogether during a rack...etc etc.

Nobody can tell you what will work for you....They can only tell you what works for them....You have to try analyze and develop what works for you.

I would suggest....keep the routine as short and simple as possible for consistency.....I am sure we have all seen some pretty elaborate routines....some of them drive me nuts to watch.
 
Help needed to develop a pre shot routine. I am the nervous type, somewhat of a newb, and want to develop a solid/consistent psr. Generally, I just chalk and go. I am asking for your thoughts, specifically, of what my psr should be. I realize I could tweak it, but what would you's suggest ?
thanks
The more of a 'nervous type' you are, the more your PSR can act as a security blanket of sorts and calm you down. There's something calming about a familiar routine. There have been good suggestions above for what to include but you have to find what fits you. Then once you do, adhere to it completely and your PSR will help with your emotions at the table as much as with individual shot execution.
 
Realize that nerves are just your brain admitting it is important to you, then channel that energy into good things.

Don't think about how you might screw up, think about how you will succeed. Be positive, instead of thinking, 'don't miss', think about exactly where you want to hit the pocket and where you want the cue. Don't think about the how, you already know or will figure it out quickly.

It won't always work, but when it does it is awesome.
 
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