What's wrong with my friends stroke?

[Scott Lee]

One Pocket John...Just one problem with your "steps". You MUST figure out angle, speed and spin (what you're doing with the CB & OB) BEFORE you stand down on the table. Trying to figure out what you're going to do, while you're down in your stance is counterproductive to success. Why? You only have about 10-12 seconds, once your bridge hand hits the table, to 1) confirm aim, 2) get focused on CB and OB, and 3) perform your shooting preshot routine, and strike the ball. More time than that, and your subconscious mind starts playing games with you (hit a little thinner, need some english, don't miss, don't scratch). That little voice in your head is a voice of doubt, so you have to get the shot off quickly. This is true in many sports, not just pool. Your 'eye pattern' is okay (although it's missing a key element), but could use a tuneup.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I have a friend of mine that does the same thing. I have been working with him to get rid of the hesitation.

This is going to take some work and your friend has to be willing to practice the following steps. To boil it all down your friend is out of rhythm with the pre-stroke and final stroke and is not focused. (his mind goes to another place)

Step 1. Pick the contact point on the OB you wish to make contact.
Step 2. Get into your shooting stance
Step 3. Once in the shooting stance choose where you wish to strike the cue ball, find the contact point on the OB and take 2 to 3 practice stokes (to keep your friend focused have him say to himself on each stroke, I made it that time, I made it that time. if he is doing this his mind cannot wander)
Step 4. On the final practice stroke he must leave the cue on the CB, his eyes will look down at where the cue is going to hit the cue ball (this is where a decision has been made to make the shot)

This next step is where a decision has been made to make the shot, there is no turning back. Just shoot.
Step 5. At the split second he begins to draw the cue back his eyes must move to the contact point on the OB and stay there. Once the cue comes back and stops for just a split second the cue should move forward and through the cue ball. Its a rhythm thing that must be practiced, like dancing.

At first your friend will feel that all of this is taking a very long time. But once he gets the hang of it the time will be very short.

Every shot and out come is made while in the standing position. All your doing when bending down to shoot is to repeat your visualization.

I'm not an instructor, just trying to help out. When your friend quits the CB hesitation his shooting will improve dramatically. When my friend is in rhythm he really shoots very well.

Edit: When your friend is practing by himself, have him focus on the basics. Shot alignment, stance, timimg and rhythm. The whole idea is to execute the basics the same way (timing and rhythm) on each shot. When he gets it nailed down he will move like a robot on each shot. Its really something to see a player perform the dance.

John - St. Louis