Shooting Hard vs Rolling the Ball.

[straightline]

sure, if speed (and length of stroke, is what I meant) is the culprit
that's likely a function of a bigger issue- alignment, mechanics, etc.
nonetheless- I personally have more confidence swinging slowly
but definitely recognize the value in being able to strike in all ways

The cumulative error of a longer stroke isn't the only factor to consider. The outcomes of mechanical alignment from the tip throughout the shot change with differing impact "vectors" (for lack of a better word). The full ranges of control variables need to be sussed out such that they can be applied as required, without affecting ball paths. Fortunately, most of the ground work can be done on ducks and half table shots. Detailed observation is the gold here.

Back to stroke length equals speed, where does force come in?

 

[Patrick Johnson]

Hitting harder...

Makes banks more predictable

Yes, specifically by hitting hard enough that the OB slides into the rail like a stun shot* so its rebound path is a straight line (not curved by follow). Speed isn't needed if the OB is close to the rail.

*The "stun shot" CB is also why harder hit banks rebound a little "short". They actually rebound closer to the "equal angle" than softer hit banks, because the softer hit ones have forward rotation on the CB, causing them to curve longer after rebounding.

pj <- tmi?
chgo

 

[trob]

Medium speed is always your truest stroke. If I get in a bad situation with a tough shot I’m looking to roll the ball in the hole at medium speed. When you slow roll it or hit it hard it’s hard to maintain your stroke.

 

[fjk]

Medium speed is always your truest stroke. If I get in a bad situation with a tough shot I’m looking to roll the ball in the hole at medium speed. When you slow roll it or hit it hard it’s hard to maintain your stroke.

Agreed. Just a few weeks ago, I was setting up 1/4 ball cut shots from about 5 feet away (cue ball a few feet from the hole) and experimenting with different speeds. I was really surprised how low my pocketing percentage fell when I hit the ball hard enough to go around the whole table.

 

[Bob Jewett]

Medium speed is always your truest stroke. ...

Yes, but, it's important to make your comfort zone as wide as possible. Practice soft safety and stun shots but also long draw shots and power follow.

I think the players with the widest comfort range as far as speed goes are carom players. Here is a video of one of the best carom players who has ever lived give a demonstration of his control at the low end of the speed range. He also has no trouble playing 7-cushion shots. Watch the first 30 minutes (skip past the intro if you want). There is a lot of good explanation provided by the player himself in this post-play commentary. The player is Frédéric Caudron.

At one time Americans played the game in the video better than anyone. This was Willie Hoppe's game.

 

[straightline]

Beautiful stuff. Wondering though if there is a caveman equivalent to this game? IOW long caroms, mix and match multiple rail shots etc...

 

[trob]

Yes, but, it's important to make your comfort zone as wide as possible. Practice soft safety and stun shots but also long draw shots and power follow.

I think the players with the widest comfort range as far as speed goes are carom players. Here is a video of one of the best carom players who has ever lived give a demonstration of his control at the low end of the speed range. He also has no trouble playing 7-cushion shots. Watch the first 30 minutes (skip past the intro if you want). There is a lot of good explanation provided by the player himself in this post-play commentary. The player is Frédéric Caudron.

At one time Americans played the game in the video better than anyone. This was Willie Hoppe's game.

Of course you have to work at those shots and become good at them. There are times when you’re going to have to shoot them . When there is no way to just roll the ball in with medium speed. My point was just that when put in a situation with a tough shot that it’s the first thing I look for.

 

[SeniorTom]

I am a beginner, and often times shoot too hard, I think because I don't trust the levelness. Two things come to mind imo, thete isn't a single speed that works for every shot, and everybody has their own style. For me, I have to continue to work on speed control. I am finally starting to win some matches.

 

[Bob Jewett]

I am a beginner, and often times shoot too hard, I think because I don't trust the levelness. Two things come to mind imo, thete isn't a single speed that works for every shot, and everybody has their own style. For me, I have to continue to work on speed control. I am finally starting to win some matches.

Here's a practice technique that may help you get used to shooting softer so you will be more comfortable when you need it. This is originally from George Fels so far as I know.

Shoot every shot so that the object ball barely gets to the pocket. You want the ball to just barely, slowly, hesitatingly roll over the brink and drop. George gave the upper limit on speed as never hitting the back of the pocket.

It's best to do this drill in a 14.1 context so you have more choices for the next ball. That is, any ball to any pocket. Start with scattered balls.

 

[SeniorTom]

Here's a practice technique that may help you get used to shooting softer so you will be more comfortable when you need it. This is originally from George Fels so far as I know.

Shoot every shot so that the object ball barely gets to the pocket. You want the ball to just barely, slowly, hesitatingly roll over the brink and drop. George gave the upper limit on speed as never hitting the back of the pocket.

It's best to do this drill in a 14.1 context so you have more choices for the next ball. That is, any ball to any pocket. Start with scattered balls.

I have been working on it more recently, and am starting to become a little more comfortable. Although, in order to be successful, you got to have a level table and also decent cloth.