What are "fundamentals" to you?

[Billy_Bob]

I was just thinking, I never learned pool properly with a good instructor, thus I did not start out by learning the "fundamentals". (Started out by picking up bits and pieces from this player and that player...)

So I don't really know what fundamentals are!

What specifically would you call fundamentals?

Just stance/stroke/bridge?
Stroke, bridge, stance, center ball hits, follow, draw?
Basically most "basic hits" except english?
Aiming?

?????

 

[Rackin_Zack]

Well, I would say that there are fundamental shots and fundamental mechanics of the game. I just spent two days with an instructor picking apart my fundamental mechanics (stroke, stance, bridge, grip, pre-shot routine, aiming, etc...). That being said there are also fundamental shots that you have to be able to make consistantly (follow, draw and stun).

Fundamentals are important to different degrees depending on what your goals are for the game. I'm currently a decent C player and have/had a pretty good stroke for a C player. However, to improve considerably I have to improve my stroke, which I now have the tools to do. I'm looking forward to the next couple of weeks of hard work to assimilate the changes to my mechanics! Just thought I'd throw my two cents in since I am fresh from professional instruction.

 

[sjm]

Use of the term "fundamentals" generally refers to stroke fundamentals and mechanics. I'd say having good fundamentals consists of:

The right stance
The right grip on the cuestick
Competency in use of all the basic bridges
Ability to stroke smoothly along the line of aim
Ability to keep the head still through the stroke
Good balance
Good alignment