Question for "One Handed" players.

I recently hurt my arm in an accident while cutting firewood followed by a fall caused by my four year old leaving his toy fire truck in the floor. It's not really the four year old's fault. Daddy should turn on the light when he gets up drunk to take a leak but I digress.

Anyway, I've had to shoot one handed for a couple weeks now and have been doing pretty well taking small stakes from the local D and C players while giving them some action they at least have a chance with (to be honest I still haven't lost yet but I have broken even a couple times). I'm not a "great" one handed player but I've really enjoyed it and sweating a 5-3 game spot in addition to the one handed play pushed me to the limit more than I've experienced in years.

However, I learned something by accident a couple nights ago and wondered if any of the "one handed" experts out there could give me some advice. I learned that I actually do better with a piece of crap house cue playing with one hand than I do with my $1000 Predator. I won't bore anyone with how this discovery happened but I really want to know why!?!?!?

Here's my theory. Tell me if I'm on the right track: first the house cue is rear weighted so easier to balance with one hand. Second, it's a tad shorter which also makes it less unwieldy. Third, it's got a harder tip (triangle) versus my elkmaster therefore it hits firmer, thus making it less likely to lag the ball unintentionally. Fourth, I figure the larger shaft diameter is easier to use accurately while shooting one handed. I also suspect that since I'm usually cueing on the center axis rather than using sidespin, the house cue is no disadvantage to the LD shaft on the Predator. All of this is especially true while playing "jacked up" rather than resting the cue on the rail.

Let me know if I'm out to lunch, correct, or have missed anything. I'm really enjoying this.

I agree with you on all points. This game is very individualistic - one handed or two-handed - and you have done a great job of breaking this down for yourself. For me, I think the most important factors in shooting one-handed are alignment ... a steady, loose grip - and taking your time. If you keep those things in mind and out in your time to work on it - you'll be successful. Also ... if you get some time, go on Youtube and watch some of Jesse Allred's videos - he's the best there is! His technique and accuracy are mindboggling. I learn something new every time I watch him play.
 
Jack up?

I recently hurt my arm in an accident while cutting firewood followed by a fall caused by my four year old leaving his toy fire truck in the floor. It's not really the four year old's fault. Daddy should turn on the light when he gets up drunk to take a leak but I digress.

Anyway, I've had to shoot one handed for a couple weeks now and have been doing pretty well taking small stakes from the local D and C players while giving them some action they at least have a chance with (to be honest I still haven't lost yet but I have broken even a couple times). I'm not a "great" one handed player but I've really enjoyed it and sweating a 5-3 game spot in addition to the one handed play pushed me to the limit more than I've experienced in years.

However, I learned something by accident a couple nights ago and wondered if any of the "one handed" experts out there could give me some advice. I learned that I actually do better with a piece of crap house cue playing with one hand than I do with my $1000 Predator. I won't bore anyone with how this discovery happened but I really want to know why!?!?!?

Here's my theory. Tell me if I'm on the right track: first the house cue is rear weighted so easier to balance with one hand. Second, it's a tad shorter which also makes it less unwieldy. Third, it's got a harder tip (triangle) versus my elkmaster therefore it hits firmer, thus making it less likely to lag the ball unintentionally. Fourth, I figure the larger shaft diameter is easier to use accurately while shooting one handed. I also suspect that since I'm usually cueing on the center axis rather than using sidespin, the house cue is no disadvantage to the LD shaft on the Predator. All of this is especially true while playing "jacked up" rather than resting the cue on the rail.

Let me know if I'm out to lunch, correct, or have missed anything. I'm really enjoying this.

I'm assuming you mean one-handed "jack up" rather than just not using a bridge hand. If you are allowed to bridge on the rail, I would think any cue would work, but for jack up, I agree with you.

I have a century old 54", 18 oz. Saunier-Wilhelm/Brunswick combo that I like for shooting OHJU.
 
I shoot one handed at times when the ball layout dictates that's what I do.

You're doing better cause you slowed everything down, not hitting as hard, focused on cue delivery, stroking straighter cause of the one hand use.

Also center ball helps.

Shooting one handed also kinda blows all the "you must bridge here, grip here, put feet here" and other theories out of the water. Oh and the need for LD shafts.

FWIW
 
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