Think I've figured out CJ Wiley's "hammer stroke" method of delivering the cue
- Thread starter sfleinen
- Start date
Jeff:
Without a good video demonstration, it's really hard to describe this kind of stroke in words. I did try my best.
I guess the only thing I might be "leaving out" (as you put it -- which, believe me, is unintentional) is that the amount of biceps involvement may depend on your particular fundamentals. I don't know your form, so it may be that you need "a little" biceps involvement to get the cue to go forward. It has a lot to do with where your forearm and elbow are in relation to the cue (i.e. is your forearm perpendicular to the cue? do you grip ahead of or behind the perpendicular?). This is something I can't see.
However, I do agree with you that there's a loss of control with this stroke (or complete loss as you mention). And I like mentioned in a previous post, I don't prefer this stroke *at all* for my normal game play, which involves a great use of feel and touch. For that, I use my normal grip and stroke, which is mostly based on biceps power.
The only purpose of this thread was to *attempt* to explain it a little better for those still interested in learning what CJ was trying to share.
If you tried it and decided it's not for you (and indeed, if it's starting to p*ss you off), no problem.
-Sean
Speaking of being rational, come on, Pat. I'm doing my best here, to share a little outsider insight in what CJ is trying to explain.
I've already said, a number of times, I don't advocate this kind of stroke, because I personally lose a lot of feel and touch. I still play with my normal stroke, which involves almost exclusively my biceps.
It's not a "fan" thing as it as much a "here's what I think he's trying to explain thing" -- which *does* seem to be the point of contention, right?
-Sean
The "hammer move" cannot be the main force behind stick movement, or even add significant power - the dynamics of that are simple and it's easy to see at first glance that it won't work that way.
CJ can't explain how it's supposed to work because it doesn't - that's the point of contention. Rationalizing for him by saying "here's how it might work for others" means you either don't realize the idea doesn't stand to reason or ducks it.
pj
chgo
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OK, but that contradicts everything said before about the biceps. Something is still missing in the explanation.
Jeff Livingston
Forget about the biceps thing. :wink: Lock the wrist and worry about breaking the wrist forward and slightly down. The firm grip is a relative expression. The arm can't move if it's flexed and tight.
Do it with a loose grip at first and adjust as you work with it. It is counter intuitive, but feels strong after you lose your virginity with it.
Best,
Mike
Do it with a loose grip at first and adjust as you work with it. It is counter intuitive, but feels strong after you lose your virginity with it.
Best,
Mike
If you don't do this, on an open handed bridge the cue would fly up after contact
Yes, the wrist (generated by the muscles of the forearm) puts pressure on the bridge hand as it goes into the follow through. If you don't do this, on an open handed bridge the cue would fly up after contact if you were cocking your wrists UP after contact. When I use an open bridge my cue stays on my hand in the follow through.
This is because my wrist is uncocking, just not enough to change the angle of the cue. I can feel myself doing it, however, you can't see it because it doesn't do anything but keep the cue securely between my thumb and first knuckle in the follow through position.
Yes, the wrist (generated by the muscles of the forearm) puts pressure on the bridge hand as it goes into the follow through. If you don't do this, on an open handed bridge the cue would fly up after contact if you were cocking your wrists UP after contact. When I use an open bridge my cue stays on my hand in the follow through.
This is because my wrist is uncocking, just not enough to change the angle of the cue. I can feel myself doing it, however, you can't see it because it doesn't do anything but keep the cue securely between my thumb and first knuckle in the follow through position.
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I noticed this on my second day of practicing that. My stick used to "fly up", now it stays down. I play only with an open bridge at the moment, when I try closed bridge, I am very inconsistent, doing something wrong and can't figure out what yet.
Two things must happen, 1-must pause with tip as close to OB as possible, and
2- Your backward swing when you fire must be extremely slow and forward motion as fast as the shot demands with ample follow through. The slow backward swing help you maintain steady cue motion and smooth transfer from backward to forward motion. Some pause at the transition point but far from CB it tends to not strike CB at exact tip contact desired, maybe two pauses one near CB and one at transition.
The missing piece of the puzzle is the style of bridge you are using. CJ will be schooling us on that shortly is my guess. Hope I didn't jump the gun! :smile:
Best,
Mike