What to do with cue when not shoooting

Scottyboy716

Scottyboy716

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
So I have been doing a lot of work on my mental game... One thing I'm trying to find, is a comfort zone at and away from the able during a match.

When my opponent is shooting I am striving to remain positive, maintain a good posture, be polite and still. I am on the fence about my cue though. I don't like putting my cue down, or resting it in its nook on the chair because I don't want it to look or feel like I don't think I'll be at the table again.

On the other side, like the idea of not holding a cue if you're not using it. Plus, it can help slow me down (in the good way) if I have to grab my cue before returning to the table, instead of having it in hand and jumping at the chance to shoot.

I am curious as to what you guys do, or if you even pay attention to this detail at all.

Also, if anyone has any idea as to what the subconscious prefers?

Thanks!
 
Assuming there's chairs near the table, I'm usually sitting down. I look for the safest place to lean my cue and do so between innings. It is what it is, and I certainly don't worry about how it appears to my opponent.

On the other hand, there are some people that will do a semi-shark on you with their cue. Say you make a few shots but then get out of line, they'll reach over and grab their cue within your view. Not cool, but it's a light move and whatcha gonna do!
 
Tony Robles said in an article that he prefers to rest his cue and keep his hands free. With the cue in your hands, you tend to squeeze it, grip it, or play with it in anticipation of getting back to the table. This adds extra stress to your body when you need to be calm. Your anxiety tends to grow.
 
When I am sitting (which is frequently :o) I like to sit in a tall bar chair if one is available. I rest my cue on the inside of my left thigh with the shaft nestling near my left shoulder. I do not hold it with my hands, just let it lean on me. I am always ready to spring back into action and I want my opponent to feel like I am expecting him/her to give me what I'm waiting for. BTW, this method of holding my cue will also work in a shorter chair, I just prefer the taller ones.

Maniac
 
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I ALWAYS keep my (assembled) cue in my cue case. I insist on a case that will allow me to my cues in Butt down. And, that's where they stay.

Since I have two cues (three, if you count my jump cue), there is always at least one cue in the case at all times. I don't feel like I'm telling my opponent that I'm not going to shot again because my cue is in it's case. My cue will be in my case if I am racking, going to the bar for a dring, going to the head or any other time that I am not actually shooting.
 
Scottyboy716 said:
So I have been doing a lot of work on my mental game... One thing I'm trying to find, is a comfort zone at and away from the able during a match.

When my opponent is shooting I am striving to remain positive, maintain a good posture, be polite and still. I am on the fence about my cue though. I don't like putting my cue down, or resting it in its nook on the chair because I don't want it to look or feel like I don't think I'll be at the table again.

On the other side, like the idea of not holding a cue if you're not using it. Plus, it can help slow me down (in the good way) if I have to grab my cue before returning to the table, instead of having it in hand and jumping at the chance to shoot.

I am curious as to what you guys do, or if you even pay attention to this detail at all.

Also, if anyone has any idea as to what the subconscious prefers?

Thanks!
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If my cue is safe out of my hands then I rather put it down, as yes holding it can make you antsy. I also like to chill out while I'm not shooting, I am not worried about what the opponent is doing at the table really. I may glance over see whats going on, but if I am watching its more spectator like not OMG I hope he misses watching. I'm sitting down so I look at it more as a break, so whats going on doesn't even matter, just so long as I keep my head where it needs to be, for when I get to shoot again. You can torture yourself just as much as your opponent can when your sitting down, if scrutinizing anything its going to be me watching him to find the holes in his armor, and help him to mismanage them.

Grey Ghost
 
Set it down!

I learned this from RandyG at Pool School.

By setting the cue down when you are away from the table, you are allowing yourself to put the last shot (The Missed Shot) behind you, mentally. The mind puts an action and a thought together. By holding on to that cue, you are remembering the shot you missed and your mind is not clear to move ahead and proceed with the task at hand (Winning the Game)!

I played in a tournament right after I learned this and made myself set the cue down everytime I was away from the table. When I returned to the table, my mind was clear of negativity and ready to move forward with game. Long story short, I won the tournament.

Best of luck!
 
I am always sitting on the edge on my seat, with the cue and chalk in my hand getting ready to pocket the ball that my opponent soon will miss.

It helps me stay focused and glued to the game, and I hope that some parts of my opponents brain notice that I am expecting him to miss at any time.
 
I always keep my cue nearby, if I'm in a chair I may not be gripping it but it's resting against my leg. If there is a table nearby to lay it on I will do so, but only if I can see it well enough to keep an eye on it. I never keep an assembled cue in a case.
 
I usually twirl my cue around like Tom Cruise, pretending to be Vince from the Color of Money. If my opponent takes an ill-timed bathroom break, I put on my black "VINCE" shirt and put on "Werewolves of London" on the jukebox.
 
I used to lean mine somewhere safe until one night I had to go retrieve it from about 3 tables over and got the "I thought it was a house cue" line. since then I keep it close in hand and I like for my opponent to think I am just waiting for his next miss.

Mike
 
I do both.

If I think I wil be shooting again soon, I usually hold on to it.

If its gonna be a while, I set it down wherever is handy.
 
I prefer to tie a red hanky to the shaft and sit still while I rock the cue back and forth like a metronome. I increase speed when I am in my opponents direct line of vision..... :eek:
Seriously though, I usually just sit still holding the steel joint loosely in my hand.
Chuck
 
I guess I'm differant I usually walk away from the table until it's my turn to shoot---I seem to do better when I'm shooting the table. Of course if there is a foul I hope he is honest. lol
 
phishman said:
I guess I'm differant I usually walk away from the table until it's my turn to shoot---I seem to do better when I'm shooting the table. Of course if there is a foul I hope he is honest. lol
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Not really into the pool etiquette thing huh? :rolleyes:
 
NewStroke said:
I pretend I am fishing for Marlin. It's very relaxing between shots for me.
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Do you think this will work if I never caught a Marlin before. I've fished for them but no hook up, only the rise. Or do you think I need to think of big bass where I have full knowledge.
 
3kushn said:
Do you think this will work if I never caught a Marlin before. I've fished for them but no hook up, only the rise. Or do you think I need to think of big bass where I have full knowledge.
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Are you and NewStroke serious??? You're both thinking about FISHING when there's women walkin' around the bar with low-cut blouses and short skirts on???? Shame, shame, shame!!!:grin::grin::grin:

Maniac
 
Cuaba said:
I do both.

If I think I wil be shooting again soon, I usually hold on to it.

If its gonna be a while, I set it down wherever is handy.
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That's exactly what I was gonna say, but Cuaba beat me to it. If I'm playing someone who I know is going to miss in a ball or two, I don't even sit down. If I can expect the player to run out, I will put my stick down. Our pool hall has cue holders in the specially made pool side chairs.

Made compliments of John Parker from Auerbach cues. He is a superb craftsman.

The best thing to do when playing or doing anything is to listen to your heart. It will always tell you what is right.
 
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