Why do pro's hit hard in practice?

[terryhanna]

I have seen pro's practice between matches at big events many times. I have noticed that many, if not most, tend to shoot shots much harder in this warm up practice time then they normally would in a match.
Why is this?
SVB, Mike Dechaine, Shawn Putnam, etc.
Seems like when it counts most, they would want to practice the way they will play.
I'm sure there is a smart reason for it and that I should be doing it too, but I would like to know what that reason is.
Any ideas? Any pro's out there that can help explain this?

That is just warm up between matches not practice but a old wise man told me once the key is practice like you play and play like you practice

 

[POCKETWOLF]

Strokes at speed will expose flaws better than soft strokes, especially if draw is applied,

 

[Black-Balled]

To beat the balls into submission

And it warms up the rails too, in my experience. It is common knowledge that warm rubber bounces more better than cold rubber.

I tested the rails... A lot!

 

[Cornerman]

I happen to agree here, Nothing sounds better then slamming a ball hard as you can in the middle of the pocket, it makes a very unique sound.

True dat.

I like to go to my local pool hall and get on the toughest equipment and hit balls hard as well. When I'm in good stroke (like never), people will stop and watch (good thing no real players are there at 11AM) Chicks dig it (blue hair, dentures, and all). Bartender give me free beers (okay, water... and not for free).

I never once seen a great player from the 70s or 80s slam balls around while practing, They practiced just like they played, a thing of beauty.

I can't say the same. The two best players in my area when I was growing up hit balls pretty hard when practicing. I never thought it was anything other than to gauge where their stroke is on tough shots. Both were mostly 14.1 players. (This would be in the mid 80's in New England where people still played straight pool)

Freddie <~~~ can't imagine not hitting them hard during practice.

 

[Goldcues]

I believe incorporating this style into my warmup routine has helped my overall game.
I really do.

I just got the DVD set from Jimmy Reid and he preaches this very thing in his lessons. I don't want to give away too much of his stuff, I highly recommend the set to all other players like me that are still trying to get better, but he covers this very approach and it makes a lot of sense.

Hitting them firm in practice will expose if you are a little off, where hitting them with pocket speed might not, and it translates to much more confidence in match play when you have a situation where you have to hit firm. Forces you to make the necessary tweaks before it really counts. And hitting them with more accuracy is helpful with position play even if you are not hitting it firm.

May not be the best approach for everyone but sure was for me.
Shows that even old dogs can learn new tricks.