Rhythm To You're Game...

[mikemosconi]

To be honest with you, rhythm is over-rated. It actually keeps many great shooters from becoming great players.
Watch Gorst play, for example. He treats each shot as it's own, and varies his speed of play accordingly. All top players do.
The world's best players are the ones who treat each shot as it's own, analyze the position and possible outcomes uniquely, and still shoot well.

Years ago I used to run around the table firing everything in at about the same speed. But then, as I became wiser, I began to notice that the players who could beat me weren't necessarily better shooters, they were better players. They were able to play at DIFFERENT speeds--- they were thinking more.
So I slowed my game down and now treat each shot as it's own unique "problem", and analyze it as needed. Some shots are obvious and don't require much time, but many aren't. Rhythm players have difficulty doing this (playing slower), and this is why so many good shooters don't reach their full potential. They don't play smart.
To get the most out of your abilities, YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO CHANGE SPEEDS EFFECTIVELY: take the proper amount of time to analyze each shot. (One-pocket is a great game to play/practice to help achieve this btw).

Btw, rhythm IS IMPORTANT once you are ready to execute your shot. Don't spend a bunch of time thinking and then just rush the shot lol. Go through your regular pre-shot routine/setup AFTER you've decided on your shot.

As I've said before: "Many people can shoot, but only the best can play".

I agree in that the rhythm Between shots is over-rated. I think the rhythm WITHIN each shot is what really matters As you described, the steps that I see go from Firm Decision, to PSR, to Focus, to Timed cue release. To me, agreeing with you, the rhythm from PSR to properly timed cue release should be consistent from shot to shot- to avoid such errors like rushing the stroke, as you mentioned. However, the decision time required can and should vary by shot for many reasons within a layout of balls.

 

[Woodshaft]

To me, agreeing with you, the rhythm from PSR to properly timed cue release should be consistent from shot to shot- to avoid such errors as you mentioned, like rushing the stroke.

Yep. One of the most common mistakes I see-- even at the pro level--- is a player taking a substantial amount of time analyzing a shot only to step up a execute it hurriedly/poorly.
Being able to switch your brain from "analyze table" back to "shooting" mode is a developed skill.
Again, one-pocket , if played seriously, can reinforce this focus-related ability.

 

[bbb]

Yep. One of the most common mistakes I see-- even at the pro level--- is a player taking a substantial amount of time analyzing a shot only to step up a execute it hurriedly/poorly.
Being able to switch your brain from "analyze table" back to "shooting" mode is a developed skill.
Again, one-pocket , if played seriously, can reinforce this focus-related ability.

I agree in that the rhythm Between shots is over-rated. I think the rhythm WITHIN each shot is what really matters As you described, the steps that I see go from Firm Decision, to PSR, to Focus, to Timed cue release. To me, agreeing with you, the rhythm from PSR to properly timed cue release should be consistent from shot to shot- to avoid such errors like rushing the stroke, as you mentioned. However, the decision time required can and should vary by shot for many reasons within a layout of balls.

wood shaft i couldnt link your post from the other page
but i think you and mike have emphasized some major points
there is thinking time and zone (away from table) like lee brett says
when you plan what you are going to do etc and each situation will require a different amout of time in this stage
and then once you have a plan you go into shooting mode which is your psr/stroke
the part i bolded from mike is an excellent summary of what you describe woodshaft

 

[DJKeys]

It's everything. Try playing faster or slower than you feel comfortable and see for yourself.

Pay attention to what you're doing when you are in dead punch. Your breathing. vision. Tempo. Body movements.

This is great advice, but the irony is that when you are in dead stroke, you are are not paying attention to any of those things, they are automatic. If I stop to measure or analyze them, I am no longer in the zone.

-dj

 

[philly]

This is great advice, but the irony is that when you are in dead stroke, you are are not paying attention to any of those things, they are automatic. If I stop to measure or analyze them, I am no longer in the zone.

-dj

Spot on.
That is why I say focus is rhythm.