The Foundation is the Secret to Becoming a Champion Pool Player?

[CJ Wiley]

To reach your full potential at the game of pool you must have a powerful, consistent, and precise stroke and footwork that allows you to go down on every shot as if you've already made it. I get the feeling that I'm shooting every shot out of the center of my chest, and center of my vision. This Is possible for anyone, I learned it after already being a top professional player. It wasn't easy, the process took over 2 weeks, but it was important because at the top level of professional pool ALL the champions shine in this area!

The stance is vitally important because your feet control the left and right side of your body. Without getting your feet in the same position relative to the "line of the shot" it's not possible to consistently get the rest of your body in a predictable position.

Many people advocate setting the shooting side of your body but aren't strict on the bridging side and it's equally important.


I was taught to open my body and put my left (bridge side) foot parallel to the "line of the shot" and I'm glad I took the time to discover this because it strengthened my game in the essential place.......the foundation, (which is footwork).


Great foot-work is as important in Pool and Billiards as it is in tennis and golf. When I watch an advanced player the first thing I check out is his or her stance and footwork. If they are sloppy at the foundation it's possible to see the chain reaction that effects the upper body angles, and ultimately the pool cue's accuracy and consistency.

Champion players all have great footwork, this is no coincidence, it's mandatory to play at the highest levels. You can still be advanced without great footwork, however, under pressure and adverse conditions the player's foundation, thus their game will usually crumble. This is not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when".


"Playing great pool is a result, not an incentive, the incentive is to develop a systematical way to approach the game that produces positive results". This process must start at the ground and "build" up, not at the top and "build" down.

If you feel like your stance can be improved let me know and I'll show you the information necessary to understand what I learned and applied to reach the World Champion level.....it was possible for me it will also be possible for you!

The Game is the Teacher

 

[Z-Nole]

Normally I just breeze over these informercials, but this is an important one for anyone just learning the game. When I came back from the shut down and couldn’t make a ball I went back to the basics. Good stance and keep your head down. I still can’t make a ball but at least Howard Barret isn’t rolling over in his grave.

 

[jay helfert]

To reach your full potential at the game of pool you must have a powerful, consistent, and precise stroke and footwork that allows you to go down on every shot as if you've already made it. I get the feeling that I'm shooting every shot out of the center of my chest, and center of my vision. This Is possible for anyone, I learned it after already being a top professional player. It wasn't easy, the process took over 2 weeks, but it was important because at the top level of professional pool ALL the champions shine in this area!

The stance is vitally important because your feet control the left and right side of your body. Without getting your feet in the same position relative to the "line of the shot" it's not possible to consistently get the rest of your body in a predictable position.

Many people advocate setting the shooting side of your body but aren't strict on the bridging side and it's equally important.


I was taught to open my body and put my left (bridge side) foot parallel to the "line of the shot" and I'm glad I took the time to discover this because it strengthened my game in the essential place.......the foundation, (which is footwork).


Great foot-work is as important in Pool and Billiards as it is in tennis and golf. When I watch an advanced player the first thing I check out is his or her stance and footwork. If they are sloppy at the foundation it's possible to see the chain reaction that effects the upper body angles, and ultimately the pool cue's accuracy and consistency.

Champion players all have great footwork, this is no coincidence, it's mandatory to play at the highest levels. You can still be advanced without great footwork, however, under pressure and adverse conditions the player's foundation, thus their game will usually crumble. This is not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when".


"Playing great pool is a result, not an incentive, the incentive is to develop a systematical way to approach the game that produces positive results". This process must start at the ground and "build" up, not at the top and "build" down.

If you feel like your stance can be improved let me know and I'll show you the information necessary to understand what I learned and applied to reach the World Champion level.....it was possible for me it will also be possible for you!

The Game is the Teacher

A lot of good information here. CJ just gave us all a free lesson!

 

[fjk]

To reach your full potential at the game of pool you must have a powerful, consistent, and precise stroke and footwork that allows you to go down on every shot as if you've already made it. I get the feeling that I'm shooting every shot out of the center of my chest, and center of my vision. This Is possible for anyone, I learned it after already being a top professional player. It wasn't easy, the process took over 2 weeks, but it was important because at the top level of professional pool ALL the champions shine in this area!

The stance is vitally important because your feet control the left and right side of your body. Without getting your feet in the same position relative to the "line of the shot" it's not possible to consistently get the rest of your body in a predictable position.

Many people advocate setting the shooting side of your body but aren't strict on the bridging side and it's equally important.


I was taught to open my body and put my left (bridge side) foot parallel to the "line of the shot" and I'm glad I took the time to discover this because it strengthened my game in the essential place.......the foundation, (which is footwork).


Great foot-work is as important in Pool and Billiards as it is in tennis and golf. When I watch an advanced player the first thing I check out is his or her stance and footwork. If they are sloppy at the foundation it's possible to see the chain reaction that effects the upper body angles, and ultimately the pool cue's accuracy and consistency.

Champion players all have great footwork, this is no coincidence, it's mandatory to play at the highest levels. You can still be advanced without great footwork, however, under pressure and adverse conditions the player's foundation, thus their game will usually crumble. This is not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when".


"Playing great pool is a result, not an incentive, the incentive is to develop a systematical way to approach the game that produces positive results". This process must start at the ground and "build" up, not at the top and "build" down.

If you feel like your stance can be improved let me know and I'll show you the information necessary to understand what I learned and applied to reach the World Champion level.....it was possible for me it will also be possible for you!

The Game is the Teacher

CJ,

What do you mean by a "Powerful" stroke? I do notice most pros tend not to baby or slow roll the ball very often. One player I notice that changes the speed of his stroke often (including more slow roll finesse shots) is Bustamante. If you could expand on this topic, it would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[CJ Wiley]

Power in the pool stroke is connected to great tempo, much like a golf swing

CJ,

What do you mean by a "Powerful" stroke? I do notice most pros tend not to baby or slow roll the ball very often. One player I notice that changes the speed of his stroke often (including more slow roll finesse shots) is Bustamante. If you could expand on this topic, it would be appreciated.

Thanks!

The power and precision of the pool stroke is directly connected to TEMPO, which determines how well you control your cue speed. I strive to make this as consistent as possible!

I've competed with Bustemante many times, while it may appear he's changing his speed the best thing to watch is how well he maintains his tempo...... they are interrelated.

I have some ways to train players specifically on tempo, the end result is a pendulum type motion, which is also a perfect tempo. Just like many classical songs you will hear them speed up and slow down, but the tempo will stay consistent.

You'll hear a lot about the pause at the end of the backswing, but not the one at the beginning. Next time you watch Bustemante notice both, notice the tempo between the pause at the beginning and after he brings the cue back, it will flow with a tempo that you can learn from because you'll know what to watch for.

Play well, the Game is the Teacher

 

[Duane Remick]

The power and precision of the pool stroke is directly connected to TEMPO, which determines how well you control your cue speed. I strive to make this as consistent as possible!

I've competed with Bustemante many times, while it may appear he's changing his speed the best thing to watch is how well he maintains his tempo...... they are interrelated.

I have some ways to train players specifically on tempo, the end result is a pendulum type motion, which is also a perfect tempo. Just like many classical songs you will hear them speed up and slow down, but the tempo will stay consistent.

You'll hear a lot about the pause at the end of the backswing, but not the one at the beginning. Next time you watch Bustemante notice both, notice the tempo between the pause at the beginning and after he brings the cue back, it will flow with a tempo that you can learn from because you'll know what to watch for.

Play well, the Game is the Teacher

CJ,
These BOTH ARE EXCELLENT TIPS …..
"I watch a lot of pro snooker- those guys do exactly what you are saying-
They are IMO The best cueists on the planet....
Definitely the best paid too :smile:
Mike Betts from Tulsa told me once-
Most shots have the same stroke speed-
"I thought no way …
But after playing a lot since then
I know what you are saying and what Mie said long time ago is correct"
THANK YOU FOR THE POSTS TOO,
Very much appreciated

 

[fjk]

The power and precision of the pool stroke is directly connected to TEMPO, which determines how well you control your cue speed. I strive to make this as consistent as possible!

I've competed with Bustemante many times, while it may appear he's changing his speed the best thing to watch is how well he maintains his tempo...... they are interrelated.

I have some ways to train players specifically on tempo, the end result is a pendulum type motion, which is also a perfect tempo. Just like many classical songs you will hear them speed up and slow down, but the tempo will stay consistent.

You'll hear a lot about the pause at the end of the backswing, but not the one at the beginning. Next time you watch Bustemante notice both, notice the tempo between the pause at the beginning and after he brings the cue back, it will flow with a tempo that you can learn from because you'll know what to watch for.

Play well, the Game is the Teacher

Understood, thanks.

If I lived closer, and wasn't so freaking old, I'd be taking lessons from you!

 

[evergruven]

To reach your full potential at the game of pool you must have a powerful, consistent, and precise stroke and footwork that allows you to go down on every shot as if you've already made it. I get the feeling that I'm shooting every shot out of the center of my chest, and center of my vision. This Is possible for anyone, I learned it after already being a top professional player. It wasn't easy, the process took over 2 weeks, but it was important because at the top level of professional pool ALL the champions shine in this area!

The stance is vitally important because your feet control the left and right side of your body. Without getting your feet in the same position relative to the "line of the shot" it's not possible to consistently get the rest of your body in a predictable position.

Many people advocate setting the shooting side of your body but aren't strict on the bridging side and it's equally important.


I was taught to open my body and put my left (bridge side) foot parallel to the "line of the shot" and I'm glad I took the time to discover this because it strengthened my game in the essential place.......the foundation, (which is footwork).


Great foot-work is as important in Pool and Billiards as it is in tennis and golf. When I watch an advanced player the first thing I check out is his or her stance and footwork. If they are sloppy at the foundation it's possible to see the chain reaction that effects the upper body angles, and ultimately the pool cue's accuracy and consistency.

Champion players all have great footwork, this is no coincidence, it's mandatory to play at the highest levels. You can still be advanced without great footwork, however, under pressure and adverse conditions the player's foundation, thus their game will usually crumble. This is not a matter of "if," it's a matter of "when".


"Playing great pool is a result, not an incentive, the incentive is to develop a systematical way to approach the game that produces positive results". This process must start at the ground and "build" up, not at the top and "build" down.

If you feel like your stance can be improved let me know and I'll show you the information necessary to understand what I learned and applied to reach the World Champion level.....it was possible for me it will also be possible for you!

The Game is the Teacher

excellent post.
as a tennis player who later took up other games
I picked up on the value of good footwork shooting pool
and tho it's our hands holding the cue
footwork is undoubtedly the foundation of our stance
and can very easily influence where the ball goes

perhaps in my relative inexperience
I sometimes adjust my feet after I get down
it probably looks silly to some
but I take little steps and make small adjustments
until I'm comfortable, and in *my* pocket
I kind of reset, now with a better stance
and shoot

I've often felt that footwork is an important aspect in pool
glad to see that validated by a player of your caliber, cj-

 

[CJ Wiley]

the snooker players always face their shots as squarely as possible - improves aiming

CJ,
These BOTH ARE EXCELLENT TIPS …..
"I watch a lot of pro snooker- those guys do exactly what you are saying-
They are IMO The best cueists on the planet....
Definitely the best paid too :smile:
Mike Betts from Tulsa told me once-
Most shots have the same stroke speed-
"I thought no way …
But after playing a lot since then
I know what you are saying and what Mie said long time ago is correct"
THANK YOU FOR THE POSTS TOO,
Very much appreciated

I agree with you, the snooker players always face their shots as squarely as possible and that helps not only the aiming, but the connection to each and every shot. When we are more connected the ability to control the cueball increases because we have a better feel and touch.....The stance and approach to the shots that I teach have the snooker advantages in a pool stance, it's the best of both worlds, but it does take 90-120 Minutes to learn and a week or two to become 2nd nature.

I used to play Mike Betts when I was a teenager, he was a strong player, especially for such a tall man.

play well, the game is our teacher

 

[CJ Wiley]

I can stand across the room from a match and tell you when a player is going to miss

excellent post.
as a tennis player who later took up other games
I picked up on the value of good footwork shooting pool
and tho it's our hands holding the cue
footwork is undoubtedly the foundation of our stance
and can very easily influence where the ball goes

perhaps in my relative inexperience
I sometimes adjust my feet after I get down
it probably looks silly to some
but I take little steps and make small adjustments
until I'm comfortable, and in *my* pocket
I kind of reset, now with a better stance
and shoot

I've often felt that footwork is an important aspect in pool
glad to see that validated by a player of your caliber, cj-

Yes, until I show a player and allow them to experience it from themselves they would never believe how directly feet position influence pool shots.

I can stand across the room from a match and tell you when a player is going to miss, or at least which side of the pocket the object ball with contact. It's not psychic ability, it's from understanding how the entire body connects from the feet to the bridge hand.

After my first professional tournament I learned this and changed my stance in the following 3 weeks. My consistency was so high I played the next 15 professional tour events and didn't finish less than 9th in any of them in an entire year. I could not have possibly done that without making those changes and within 5 years I was named the Professional Player of the Year by Pool and Billiard Digest.

 

[crazy8legs]

I was taught to open my body and put my left (bridge side) foot parallel to the "line of the shot" and I'm glad I took the time to discover this because it strengthened my game in the essential place.......the foundation, (which is footwork).




If you feel like your stance can be improved let me know and I'll show you the information necessary to understand what I learned and applied to reach the World Champion level.....it was possible for me it will also be possible for you!

******************************************

Hey CJ, could you explain a bit more around having your bridge-side foot parallel to the line of the shot (my right)? I do feel like my stance could be improved. I have cerebral palsy so my balance isn't 100% (but it's good enough). I'm always looking for things I can do to shore things up and be better. Thanks

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[Black-Balled]

What a fooookin joke and ego stroke...

Y...
I can stand across the room from a match and tell you when a player is going to miss, or at least which side of the pocket the object ball with contact. It's not psychic ability, it's from understanding how the entire body connects from the feet to the bridge hand.

After my first professional tournament I learned this and changed my stance in the following 3 weeks.

My consistency was so high I played the next 15 professional tour events and didn't finish less than 9th in any of them in an entire year. I could not have possibly done that without making those changes and within 5 years I was named the Professional Player of the Year by Pool and Billiard Digest.

 

[Baby Huey]

I love CJs instructional videos and commentary. Regarding footwork, I completely agree. I remember a young Keith McCready who when he approached the table was in perfect alignment. I watched him many a time where he only stroked the ball once or twice before pocketing the target ball. This can only happen with great foot work.

 

[ghost ball]

Hal Mix gave me this same advice, how to stand. His advice made my game advance significantly. I remember Archer having a great step into the shot routine and stance. Thanks CJ.

 

[mikemosconi]

CJ,

What do you mean by a "Powerful" stroke? I do notice most pros tend not to baby or slow roll the ball very often. One player I notice that changes the speed of his stroke often (including more slow roll finesse shots) is Bustamante. If you could expand on this topic, it would be appreciated.

Thanks!

There are a few pros that openly exhibit a stroke- when NEEDED- that results in the cue ball moving like that of a baseball thrown by a pitcher throwing a change- up. In other words, the cue comes through their bridge hand in the same motion as their normal stroke, but the pace of that "change up" stroke appears to the eye as almost a slow motion version of their normal stroke- and hence they move the cue ball at a pace that keeps its movement after contact with the object ball to a minimum. Usually you will see this stroke used on shots less that 2 feet from cue ball to object ball with a rail contact soon after object ball contact - where reverse english or backspin would NOT have enough time to TAKE and produce the kill effect of that slow motion stroke- I love using it and most never notice what occurred=you have a keen eye!

 

[CJ Wiley]

How to Get into a Champion Level Stance in 5 Steps.

I was taught to open my body and put my left (bridge side) foot parallel to the "line of the shot" and I'm glad I took the time to discover this because it strengthened my game in the essential place.......the foundation, (which is footwork).




If you feel like your stance can be improved let me know and I'll show you the information necessary to understand what I learned and applied to reach the World Champion level.....it was possible for me it will also be possible for you!

******************************************

Hey CJ, could you explain a bit more around having your bridge-side foot parallel to the line of the shot (my right)? I do feel like my stance could be improved. I have cerebral palsy so my balance isn't 100% (but it's good enough). I'm always looking for things I can do to shore things up and be better. Thanks

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Sure, what you'll find is that the best stance used by most of the greatest players also takes stress off your body because there's no twisting, or turning, the hips control the downward motion to get in the same position consistently.

From my experience 100% of my students learn this within 2 hours, I have had 2 exceptions, but they, ironically got it late, but had fantastic success (one student went from a high run of 22 balls to 156 within 3 weeks, another ran 146 balls playing straight pool after 20+ years of not being about to run 100....that's how powerful it is to have a great foundation for every shot when possible)

1} Start with your right foot on the line of the shot, then turn it 45 degrees to the right so that your ankle bone is on the line of the shot.

2) Place your left foot (this is for a right handed player) parallel to the shot line and make sure the left heal is IN FRONT of the right toe. (keep your feet apart a distance that feels very balanced)

3) Put your cue in the center of your chest and point it on the line of the shot to MAKE SURE you are positioned so that both eyes are centered and you're looking straight down the line of the shot. It helps, at first to square your shoulders to the target line so that you can look down the shot line Facing IT, and make sure you're feet are not too far apart, and feel balanced)

4) Step to the left, with your left foot LATERALLY (keep it parallel to the shot line) about 6-10 inches and simultaneously, push your hips back, allowing that motion to move your head down into the shooting position. Try to feel like you're not moving your head at all, just use the CENTER of your body to make it happen. This motion is similar to when you keep your back straight and push your hips back to pick something up off the floor (keeping your legs slightly flexed and of course you won't bend down that far).

5) Practice stepping to your left with your left foot while pushing your hips (butt) back so that you CLEAR YOUR HIPS and are able to go down into a position that feels like you are shooting STRAIGHT OUT OF THE CENTER OF YOUR CHEST (Vision too).

This isn't easy to explain in writing without video, it helps to see exactly how I do it, then you will be able to see how most of the Champions do this too. Shane, and Skyler do the move very effectively, I did 20+ hours of commentary for them last year and they do the same body motion time after time.

If you want visual assistance to understand this better my private membership web site has this under "NEW VIDEOS" and the price is less than $10 for this video and over 12 hours of other instructional material on the mental, physical and championship level fundamentals used by myself and other world class players.

www.masteringpocketbilliards.com

Play Well, the Game is the Teacher

 

[CJ Wiley]

The game is already perfect, we need to connect to that perfection.

Normally I just breeze over these informercials, but this is an important one for anyone just learning the game. When I came back from the shut down and couldn’t make a ball I went back to the basics. Good stance and keep your head down. I still can’t make a ball but at least Howard Barret isn’t rolling over in his grave.

The stance isn't the secret to playing like a champion, although it's a key component that enables you to aim better\easier, get down to the shot consistently and get the feeling of "shooting out of the center of your chest" like a Pool Playing Machine.

Perspective is soooo important in pool, once you get the ideal visual perspective it opens up an entirely new game. The game is already perfect, it's up to us to learn the principles necessary to connect to that perfection physically AND mentally.

The Game is the Teacher