Reasons for stroke errors

[dr_dave]

Wandering around the web I found this comment from a top coach on hitting off the end rail back to the cue tip.

I think it is better to use the baulk line. You don't even need a cue ball. A player will soon find out whether he is cueing straight just by checking the direction of the cue along the baulk line, The cue should be hiding the baulk line from view as you look from above. It is surprising how many players have difficulty doing this accurately.

http://www.snookerscene.co.uk/page.php?id=43

On a pool table, stroking above a rail along the line formed by the edge of the cushion cloth is a good alternative.

Regards,
Dave

 

[bullshot]

While drilling and playing, I notice two main stroke errors, and was looking for some feedback regarding what might cause them. First, I tend to hit the CB approx 1/2 tip to the right of where I aim when I try to hit over a medium speed stroke. I can tell when I am doing the drill where you put the CB on the head spot, hit it off the far rail and try to get it to come back to your tip. I often miss the head spot by approx half a ball, and sometimes more if I am using a hard stroke. I can always tell right when I hit the CB if I have done it. My thought is that I am gripping a little too hard and cocking my wrist causing the butt of the cue to come in and the tip to go out. That, or maybe pulling my elbow in.

Second, I tend to hit the CB approx 1/2 tip below where I aim with a medium to hard stroke. I know that's not a lot, but when shooting long draw shots that require a hard stroke, I sometimes end up launching the CB. It does happen with hard follow shots also. I have hit them using my Jim Rempe ball and a lot of chalk to see where I am actually hitting, and it is usually 1/2 a tip below my aim point. I always heard that too strong of a grip during the shot would elevate the cue, but that, of course is the opposite of what is happening. The only thing I can think of is that I may be hiking my back shoulder towards my ear causing the cue tip to go down.

I am trying to hone my stroke to become a more consistent and accurate function, so any thoughts on what you have seen cause these things before would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I use to have the same problem with hitting the cueball lower than where i was aiming. I actually wasn't holding the Butt right. I fixed it by putting more of my palm on the butt while I lightly grip it. Not sure if this would work for you, but it has helped my game. either that or you might be tightening your grip more on the final stroke, I've also been known to do that.

 

[Ponytail]

While drilling and playing, I notice two main stroke errors, and was looking for some feedback regarding what might cause them. First, I tend to hit the CB approx 1/2 tip to the right of where I aim when I try to hit over a medium speed stroke. I can tell when I am doing the drill where you put the CB on the head spot, hit it off the far rail and try to get it to come back to your tip. I often miss the head spot by approx half a ball, and sometimes more if I am using a hard stroke. I can always tell right when I hit the CB if I have done it. My thought is that I am gripping a little too hard and cocking my wrist causing the butt of the cue to come in and the tip to go out. That, or maybe pulling my elbow in.

Tightening the grip can certainly cause this. I may also be that your stance is a little off. Facing too much one way or the other can cause your finishing stroke to pull in or out.

However, if you're thinking it's that you are tightening your grip/cocking your wrist, you may want to set up drills where that's what you practice. Keeping a relaxed grip (cradle if you will) on the cue.

Second, I tend to hit the CB approx 1/2 tip below where I aim with a medium to hard stroke. I know that's not a lot, but when shooting long draw shots that require a hard stroke, I sometimes end up launching the CB. It does happen with hard follow shots also. I have hit them using my Jim Rempe ball and a lot of chalk to see where I am actually hitting, and it is usually 1/2 a tip below my aim point. I always heard that too strong of a grip during the shot would elevate the cue, but that, of course is the opposite of what is happening. The only thing I can think of is that I may be hiking my back shoulder towards my ear causing the cue tip to go down.

I am trying to hone my stroke to become a more consistent and accurate function, so any thoughts on what you have seen cause these things before would be appreciated.

Thanks!

If you're hitting a firm draw stroke, from what you've described, your elbow is either coming up, or.... you're lunging your shoulder to try to get more power. This will bring the tip of your cue down, and very quickly.

Same drill. Practice hitting firm/power draw shots, but be aware of your body. Does anything besides your arm more? Have someone watch you and have them tell you if your shoulder drops, or elbow raises.

Since you've been to Scott Lee in the past, this may be something you can bring to him. I'm sure he'll be happy to help find ways to correct these issues.

Hope this helps.

 

[West Point 1987]

I occassionally have the same problem...my stroke will deteriorate as I get fatigued. The biggest problem I have is my grip on the stroke hand. I tend to grip it too tightly at the end of the stroke, imparting unwanted BHE (back hand English). For me, I remind myself to do just short of a "slip stroke", not quite allowing the cue to slide foward as I pull the trigger. I also notice that as I get tired, I tend to square up more at the table, and need to remind myself to take a step back and adjust my feet better (turning more toward the cue, as opposed to a traditional snooker stance). I do tend to use my chin as a guide (doesn't work for everyone). When I notice my tip moving during a firmer stroke, I play with an open bridge only for a while to see my line more clearly...I don't use a closed bridge again until I feel the stroke come back in line more consistently. At least that's how it works for me!

 

[canwin]

While drilling and playing, I notice two main stroke errors, and was looking for some feedback regarding what might cause them. First, I tend to hit the CB approx 1/2 tip to the right of where I aim when I try to hit over a medium speed stroke. I can tell when I am doing the drill where you put the CB on the head spot, hit it off the far rail and try to get it to come back to your tip. I often miss the head spot by approx half a ball, and sometimes more if I am using a hard stroke. I can always tell right when I hit the CB if I have done it. My thought is that I am gripping a little too hard and cocking my wrist causing the butt of the cue to come in and the tip to go out. That, or maybe pulling my elbow in.

Second, I tend to hit the CB approx 1/2 tip below where I aim with a medium to hard stroke. I know that's not a lot, but when shooting long draw shots that require a hard stroke, I sometimes end up launching the CB. It does happen with hard follow shots also. I have hit them using my Jim Rempe ball and a lot of chalk to see where I am actually hitting, and it is usually 1/2 a tip below my aim point. I always heard that too strong of a grip during the shot would elevate the cue, but that, of course is the opposite of what is happening. The only thing I can think of is that I may be hiking my back shoulder towards my ear causing the cue tip to go down.

I am trying to hone my stroke to become a more consistent and accurate function, so any thoughts on what you have seen cause these things before would be appreciated.


I think if you concentrate on fundamentals too much that you create an anxiety in your thought process that will take away from your game by concentrating too much on what's behind you(the unseen) than what's going on in front of you(out there on the table). For me, it gets me out of stroke just scanning these conversations but I'm drawn to them like a person about ready to watch a train wreck. I just shake my head and smile.
If I wrote a book, I'd expand alot of minds by creating a natural stroke based on techniques and awareness' rather than what's perceived as the perfect fundamentals. It's time is overdo. Clearly, no one has simplified that equation. It's painful for me to watch and I can't imagine that kind of mental strain these kind of players go through.