What is your pre-shot routine?
- Thread starter Rasta
- Start date
How about one I don't always use?
Study the table (In one-pocket, you have to check the rack for dead balls, for example. In general, I should be trying to find a way to play position on the NEXT ball that gives me a good angle to get to the THIRD ball.)
Made decisions about the shot to take, the English and speed you need for position, and just where you want the cue ball to end up. Do all of this thinking while standing up and looking at the table. For tough shots, walk around the table and view the shot from several angles.
Drop down on the shot with a total commitment to the decisions made in the last step.
A few warm up strokes to site in where the cue tip should contact the cue ball.
A few warm up strokes as you look back and forth from the cue ball to where you need to contact the object ball.
SEE in your mind the object ball moving toward the pocket and the cue ball traveling on its path after contact as you are warm up stroking.
When all looks right, pause your stroke with cue tip near cue ball.
Slow, smooth backstroke. Some pause at the end of the back stroke (Buddy Hall, for example.)
Keeping eyes fixed on the object ball, Accelerate THROUGH the cue ball.
Watch the cue ball make contact with the object ball.
I know I went past the pre-shot routine, but I just couldn't help myself, I had to FOLLOW THROUGH.
Here's what I think I SHOULD be doing:Rasta said:
Study the table (In one-pocket, you have to check the rack for dead balls, for example. In general, I should be trying to find a way to play position on the NEXT ball that gives me a good angle to get to the THIRD ball.)
Made decisions about the shot to take, the English and speed you need for position, and just where you want the cue ball to end up. Do all of this thinking while standing up and looking at the table. For tough shots, walk around the table and view the shot from several angles.
Drop down on the shot with a total commitment to the decisions made in the last step.
A few warm up strokes to site in where the cue tip should contact the cue ball.
A few warm up strokes as you look back and forth from the cue ball to where you need to contact the object ball.
SEE in your mind the object ball moving toward the pocket and the cue ball traveling on its path after contact as you are warm up stroking.
When all looks right, pause your stroke with cue tip near cue ball.
Slow, smooth backstroke. Some pause at the end of the back stroke (Buddy Hall, for example.)
Keeping eyes fixed on the object ball, Accelerate THROUGH the cue ball.
Watch the cue ball make contact with the object ball.
I know I went past the pre-shot routine, but I just couldn't help myself, I had to FOLLOW THROUGH.
Actionhound
Banned
i have a "standard" pre-shot routine... i stand in the line of the shot and figure out exactly what i need to do... then i visualize the shot going in and the cueball going where it needs to... get down on the ball... focus on my contact point... take 3 quick practice strokes (to loosen my arm)... then 3 strokes the speed i need to use and on the last stroke i execute the shot...
by the way... Rasta... you dont happen to be a boxing fan... do you?
by the way... Rasta... you dont happen to be a boxing fan... do you?
Actionhound
Banned
no... i didnt mean you actually getting in the ring... boxing is my fav. sport (other than pool) and i was part of a boxing board (i was basically a lurker on espn) that suddenly evaporated... one of the well known posters went by the name Rasta... and i was just wondering if you were the same person...
Actionhound said:
What a relief. I thought maybe I had brought up a topic that had been brought up one too many times already, and you wanted to kick my a$$.
No, I've never posted on any boxing boards.
I just wanted an accurately descriptive, yet relatively anonymous username.Good Rolls,
Rasta
For my own pre-shot routine, I have 2 elements: mental and physical.
For the mental, I walk around the table, observe the layout (whatever the game is) and decide on which shot I will take BEFORE I begin anything else. This is one of the biggest factors in when I miss a shot - not knowing exactly what I want to do with a shot. Once I have 100% confidence in the shot I need to shoot, then I move on to my actual physical pre-shot routine.
For the physical, I stand behind the cueball in line with the object ball and see my angle. I can't emphasize this enough - if you don't see the angle in your mind, then how can you make the shot consistently. Once I have visualized the angle of the shot I will start to descend on my shot.
There are many ways to descend on a shot: coming down already in position, coming down and getting into position at the same time, and coming down fully and then getting into position. I recommend either of the first 2 approaches as the last can lead to many bad habits of misalignment. For myself, I come down into the shot and position at the same time.
From behind the cueball, directly upright, I will:
- Very slowly step into the shot
- Lower my upper body slowly with my head staying foward.
- Start to bring my cue in position.
- Reposition by back foot to a more comofortable position (I'm a bit pigeon-toed).
- Keep my eyes on the cue ball the whole way down.
- Place my bridge hand on the table alredy holding the cue and in the position I will shoot my shot. If I cannot decide on a bridge form, then I will stand up again.
- Lower my head to just above cue.
- Bend both my knees to account for the level of the shot I need to be at.
- Start with a couple of practice strokes to find my alignment.
- Grip check to insure I am applying the correct pressure for the shot needed.
- 2 or 3 more practice shots (all practice shots should be at the same speed and fluidity that the actual shot requires).
- Finalize my aim. ( My eyes never left the alignment position)
- Pull back for the final stroke and execute the shot with the same motion as the last practice shot.
- Watch the shot from this position until the cueball stops rolling, then stand up.
There are many other aspects to shooting accurately, but since you asked about pre-shot routines, I limited this response to just that.
If at any point, there is the slightest hint of uncertainty or hesitation, stand back up and start over again. A pre-shot routine will help focus your attention at the table and block out anything going on around you. It forces you to think about what is happening right in front of you, at that exact moment. In a way, it helps you stay in the moment.
BTW, I believe the pre-shot routine should almost be done automatically without having to recall it from memory. Practice will accomplish this. And finally, try to develop your own unique routine, trying to imitate someone else's can sometime lead to alignment errors or stance errors. Find what works best for you, especially when it comes to height, weight, eye dominance, and your natural tempo.
Hope this helps... good luck.
For the mental, I walk around the table, observe the layout (whatever the game is) and decide on which shot I will take BEFORE I begin anything else. This is one of the biggest factors in when I miss a shot - not knowing exactly what I want to do with a shot. Once I have 100% confidence in the shot I need to shoot, then I move on to my actual physical pre-shot routine.
For the physical, I stand behind the cueball in line with the object ball and see my angle. I can't emphasize this enough - if you don't see the angle in your mind, then how can you make the shot consistently. Once I have visualized the angle of the shot I will start to descend on my shot.
There are many ways to descend on a shot: coming down already in position, coming down and getting into position at the same time, and coming down fully and then getting into position. I recommend either of the first 2 approaches as the last can lead to many bad habits of misalignment. For myself, I come down into the shot and position at the same time.
From behind the cueball, directly upright, I will:
- Very slowly step into the shot
- Lower my upper body slowly with my head staying foward.
- Start to bring my cue in position.
- Reposition by back foot to a more comofortable position (I'm a bit pigeon-toed).
- Keep my eyes on the cue ball the whole way down.
- Place my bridge hand on the table alredy holding the cue and in the position I will shoot my shot. If I cannot decide on a bridge form, then I will stand up again.
- Lower my head to just above cue.
- Bend both my knees to account for the level of the shot I need to be at.
- Start with a couple of practice strokes to find my alignment.
- Grip check to insure I am applying the correct pressure for the shot needed.
- 2 or 3 more practice shots (all practice shots should be at the same speed and fluidity that the actual shot requires).
- Finalize my aim. ( My eyes never left the alignment position)
- Pull back for the final stroke and execute the shot with the same motion as the last practice shot.
- Watch the shot from this position until the cueball stops rolling, then stand up.
There are many other aspects to shooting accurately, but since you asked about pre-shot routines, I limited this response to just that.
If at any point, there is the slightest hint of uncertainty or hesitation, stand back up and start over again. A pre-shot routine will help focus your attention at the table and block out anything going on around you. It forces you to think about what is happening right in front of you, at that exact moment. In a way, it helps you stay in the moment.
BTW, I believe the pre-shot routine should almost be done automatically without having to recall it from memory. Practice will accomplish this. And finally, try to develop your own unique routine, trying to imitate someone else's can sometime lead to alignment errors or stance errors. Find what works best for you, especially when it comes to height, weight, eye dominance, and your natural tempo.
Hope this helps... good luck.
A lot of my position play is just habit now - not too much thinking is required. So I have to concentrate more on accuracy and execution.
My routine is this:
I stand relaxed at the table and assess what I'm going to do.
I stand well behind the shot, figure what speed and english I'll need, visulaize the line of aim, then still standing behind the ball, align my body to the path the cueball will take.
I step forward into shooting position on the line of aim including which side of the cueball I'm lining to for english.
When I'm down, once my arm is pumping, all I'm thinking about at first is my aim, visalizing the object ball's path to the pocket. Adjusting for overcut/undercut from here. I lock in the aim after a few strokes.
Once the aim is locked in, I don't change it (visualize a rifle scope crosshairs on target). My last thought is about stroke and speed. I visualize the cueball taking the right path at the right speed after contact and shoot it.
All of this takes place in maybe 5 to 10 seconds.
Chris
My routine is this:
I stand relaxed at the table and assess what I'm going to do.
I stand well behind the shot, figure what speed and english I'll need, visulaize the line of aim, then still standing behind the ball, align my body to the path the cueball will take.
I step forward into shooting position on the line of aim including which side of the cueball I'm lining to for english.
When I'm down, once my arm is pumping, all I'm thinking about at first is my aim, visalizing the object ball's path to the pocket. Adjusting for overcut/undercut from here. I lock in the aim after a few strokes.
Once the aim is locked in, I don't change it (visualize a rifle scope crosshairs on target). My last thought is about stroke and speed. I visualize the cueball taking the right path at the right speed after contact and shoot it.
All of this takes place in maybe 5 to 10 seconds.
Chris
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8ball said:
A pretty good player once told me he figures I've got a fifty/fifty chance of beating anyone I play, be it an A player or a C player. That's good, in that he feels I can compete with some good players. It's also bad, in that I can lose to some pretty poor players.
It's like my game is either on or off. It may stay in one mode for half a game before switching, or it may stay in a single mode for a few matches. I agree with the previously mentioned player; it's a coin toss which game I bring. I might win a weekly tournament one week, and go two and out the next week.
My good performances tell me I've got it in me. My poor performances tell me that I don't have a good command of the skills I have acquired over the years; I can't apply them at will.
My reasoning is if I develop and use a pre-shot routine, perhaps I can increase my consistency.
To everyone who has replied thus far, thanks for the input.
Good Rolls,
Rasta
Rasta said:A pretty good player once told me he figures I've got a fifty/fifty chance of beating anyone I play, be it an A player or a C player. That's good, in that he feels I can compete with some good players. It's also bad, in that I can lose to some pretty poor players.
It's like my game is either on or off. It may stay in one mode for half a game before switching, or it may stay in a single mode for a few matches. I agree with the previously mentioned player; it's a coin toss which game I bring. I might win a weekly tournament one week, and go two and out the next week.
My good performances tell me I've got it in me. My poor performances tell me that I don't have a good command of the skills I have acquired over the years; I can't apply them at will.
My reasoning is if I develop and use a pre-shot routine, perhaps I can increase my consistency.
To everyone who has replied thus far, thanks for the input.
Good Rolls,
Rasta
The reason I asked is because I believe the people who appear the most inconsistent are usually the people who cannot decide what to do. The longer your preshot routine might take; the more time you have to DOUBT your ability to make the shot. Long pre-shot routines are indicative of "lacking confidence" and NOTHING will cause more inconsistency than lacking confidence. The fact that you believe that, in your own words, "somedays I got it and somedays I don't" would tell me it's NOT a pre-shot routine you need...it's a SHOT of confidence!
It's likely that you know what to do, you're just hesitant in execution. Forget about pre-shot routines and think about simply EXECUTING the shot!
I'm stealing a bit from the Creed of the US Marines (if you've seen Full Metal Jacket, you've heard the real thing), but as far as pool is concerned, it's true for me. When I break my routine, my consistency breaks down.
There are various mental and physical "switches" during a pre-shot routine which get me ready for the shot. I have a little voice saying certain things before every shot. I always bring the cue "port-at-arms" and run my bridge hand over the shaft a couple of times before every shot.
TATE's PSR and mine are very similar. I stand away from the shot, chalk up, pick out my desired aim line, my cue tip comes up for "port-at-arms" and I run my bridge hand over the shaft a couple of times, then I step into the shot. While these things are happening, I'm silently telling myself certain things, making decisions about desired CB position, whether or not sidespin is necessary, whether or not to play safe, etc. My first physical "switch" or "trigger" is chalking the tip. My next is my port-at-arms stance. After that, all conscious thinking and decision-making is done. Once I step into the shot, all I care about is getting on my desired aim line and making the things I imagined while standing (CB position, OB in pocket, etc) become reality.
-djb
8ball said:
There is some truth to what you say here, but I would like to point out something critical. The very reason to have a pre-shot routine is to be comfortable and confident over the shot. If you're thinking about what your routine is you are entering a comfort zone, a habitual place that allows your body to do what you've trained it to do. I agree that a long routine is ridiculous.
Frankly, I could hop up and down on one foot for 30 seconds, bend over and fire and probably make most of my shots. But under pressure, I assure you I will resort to my exact pre-shot routine, and I will be confident that if I do it right, the ball goes in and I move on to the next shot. If I start missing, I can resort to my pre-shot routine, slow down, and go through it step by step.
A pre-shot routine is just that - a "routine" - it should become automatic and should be pretty much the same all the time. The routine should enhance your play, build your comfort level, and allow you to function in pressure situations. If you watch a pro golfer, a pro basketball player at the free throw line, or a pro baseball batter. They have the most grooved routines of all athletes. If their concentration is broken, even for a split second, they step back and start from the beginning of their routine every time.
Chris
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Nice description Chris!
What Chris said, is exactly right! There's a significant difference, between the psychological and physical pre-shot routines. A short, repeatable, disciplined, physical pre-shot routine is ESSENTIAL, in developing consistency, both in stroke and aiming. Without a quality stroke, NO aiming system will work consistently. If the stroke is in line, aiming is very easy. The mental pre-shot routine can be short or elaborate, as the player chooses. I prefer short and to the point! Research shows that we have about a fifteen second window, to get the shot off, once we stand down on the table (so most of the decision making is done standing up...in what we call, the "port of arms" position). After that short time period, the mind begins to wander, and 'paralysis by analysis' occurs. Consequently, the physical pre-shot routine, is limited to no more than 15 seconds...and quite often, is completed in much less!
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
What Chris said, is exactly right! There's a significant difference, between the psychological and physical pre-shot routines. A short, repeatable, disciplined, physical pre-shot routine is ESSENTIAL, in developing consistency, both in stroke and aiming. Without a quality stroke, NO aiming system will work consistently. If the stroke is in line, aiming is very easy. The mental pre-shot routine can be short or elaborate, as the player chooses. I prefer short and to the point! Research shows that we have about a fifteen second window, to get the shot off, once we stand down on the table (so most of the decision making is done standing up...in what we call, the "port of arms" position). After that short time period, the mind begins to wander, and 'paralysis by analysis' occurs. Consequently, the physical pre-shot routine, is limited to no more than 15 seconds...and quite often, is completed in much less!
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee said:
You're quite correct! "Without a quality stroke, NO aiming system will work consistently." That is why I asked, what area of inconsistency are you experiencing" because no preshot routine can help flawed technique. Just by the way the author responded, it would seem that that she is doing exactly what YOU described: "the mind begins to wander, and 'paralysis by analysis' occurs." That is why I recommended she just get up there and "think less shoot more!" I agree with you that a short preshot routine is more effective.
BTW, most of my decision making is done before and during my approach to the table. I separate shot decision/analysis from my preshot routine simply because it can be varied...a preshot routine should not vary. IMHO
Rasta said:A pretty good player once told me he figures I've got a fifty/fifty chance of beating anyone I play, be it an A player or a C player. That's good, in that he feels I can compete with some good players. It's also bad, in that I can lose to some pretty poor players.
It's like my game is either on or off. It may stay in one mode for half a game before switching, or it may stay in a single mode for a few matches. I agree with the previously mentioned player; it's a coin toss which game I bring. I might win a weekly tournament one week, and go two and out the next week.
My good performances tell me I've got it in me. My poor performances tell me that I don't have a good command of the skills I have acquired over the years; I can't apply them at will.
My reasoning is if I develop and use a pre-shot routine, perhaps I can increase my consistency.
To everyone who has replied thus far, thanks for the input.
Good Rolls,
Rasta
In another thread, you basically said that you avoid draw and follow at all costs. You only hit the middle of the cueball. Follow and draw are required for almost EVERY shot!!! I get the feeling you really don't have a grasp on this game. And I also get the feeling that you are making a fib about someone saying you can beat an A player 50% of the time. I don't think you have even the slightest clue on how to play position.
Scott Lee said:
Absoloutely!!! When I am in stroke, I get this feeling in my stroking arm. My stroke feels lighter. I can also feel it thru my bridge hand. I feel like the cue is an extention of my arm. I don't feel any twists in my wrist, I don't feel my fingers changing grip pressure. When I am playing bad, my stroke feels crooked, I feel a twist, and my grip doesn't feel right.
I attribute the days when I play bad to not eating a good meal a few hours before playing. If I don't eat and let the food digest before I play, my muscles feel weak and tense up, my body is off balance, and my concentration and energy is sapped. I have found that if I eat a good healthy meal a few hours before playing, my stroke feels great. This is very important IMO.
When the cue is gliding straight thru, aiming is nothing. When you have a dead straight stroke, you can learn to aim by feel in a very short period of time. A straight and good quality stroke and proper alignment, and a well balanced stance is all you need for the physical aspect of pool.
I personally think aiming systems arent needed at all. I have a system that helps me get the proper alignment (its a secret
), and it works very well. Aiming on the other hand is instinctive, it comes naturally. When I'm stroking straight, I'm executing what I'm trying to do.
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cuetechasaurus said:
Are you familiar with the Taoist concept of wu wei? In a nutshell, it means to accomplish much by doing little, not fighting the natural cycle of things.
If the cueball wants to roll a certain direction after contact with the object ball on a natural roll shot, why fight it? I tend to pick my patterns with that in mind.
Hitting non-centerball adds complexity to the shot. Adding complexity offers more possibility for a mistake. I have best results with shot making and pattern play by keeping things as simple as possible.
Can I add side, draw or follow? Sure. I just like to use them as an option when I can't make the shot and put the cue ball where I want it with natural roll. Wu wei.
Good Rolls,
Rasta
Rasta said:
That's a great concept to add to pool, but you apply it completely wrong. In pool, you are supposed to control the cueball. It sounds like the cueball controls you. LOL
Even the greatest players in the world do not set up patterns as you describe. They use top or draw on nearly every shot, and use sidespin frequently. They have the cueball under control. It obeys them in a sense.
If you want to improve your game, I suggest you change your entire aspect of cueball control.