WRISTS - The "hidden power catalyst" of a great stroke or "just along for the ride"?

[One Pocket John]

yankee817299

57, well your in good company. Rick (English) is 60 with a bad back and I'm 66 with bad vision.

If we all ever hook up, I'll bring the canes and the walkers if someone will guide me to the table.

By the way I have been using TOI since first introduced last year. Do I use it all the time......no. But it sure is nice to have in the tool box when needed.

It would be real nice to have CJ stop by St. Louis for some personal instruction. Your a lucky guy.

John

 

[ENGLISH!]

Mr. English,

At age 57 I emptied my cup and started from the beginning with 100% TOI. There were a couple of troubling months in there, but all in all, my billiard play has improved considerably. Of course CJ has done a complete stroke/stance makeover on me. I am very satisfied with the end results. And I cannot even begin to tell you what it is like walking around a billiard table with CJ while he is teaching and explaining. Most incredible pool experience I ever had.

I hope that your folks don't get upset with you for having another conversation with a yankee.....

Take care, and keep posting.

Rick

I can only imagine the experience you had.

I doubt that I am ready to empty my cup, but CJ has already been cause for it's reshaping.

I was just kidding about the Yankee thing.

I actually never knew any of my Grand Parents. They were all deceased before I was born.

I think they all died at Gettysburg...or was it Richmond? No...it was Atlanta. :wink:

 

[ENGLISH!]

yankee817299

57, well your in good company. Rick (English) is 60 with a bad back and I'm 66 with bad vision.

If we all ever hook up, I'll bring the canes and the walkers if someone will guide me to the table.

By the way I have been using TOI since first introduced last year. Do I use it all the time......no. But it sure is nice to have in the tool box when needed.

It would be real nice to have CJ stop by St. Louis for some personal instruction. Your a lucky guy.

John

Thanks for the chuckle, John.

My back just acted up a bit this week, the worst in awhile, but not too bad.

My eyesight is also not the best that it's been, but I don't want any canes or seeing eye dogs.

I want a young lady on each arm for all 3 of us to lead us to the table & get the drinks, rack the balls, etc.

Now don't read anything into that etc. I have been happily married for 32 years...

& to the same woman.

If someone would pay me what she has been worth, I still would not sell her.

Well...that's a lot of money...I might have to think about it.:wink:

Keep knock'en 'em in.

Best Regards & Best Wishes,
Rick

 

[67tbird]

I'm curious how your progress is coming along. The one thing you want is your hand action to be is a smooth transition from backswing to follow through.

Understanding how the wrists and hands provide power makes it easier to have a smooth, accelerating delivery which makes the game easier to play.

Getting out of tough positions isn't possible without the ability to quickly and precisely move the cue ball around the table.

It does take some practice, but it's well worth it if you want to get the most out of your pool game.

Hey Mr. Wiley, thank you for your curiosity.

Smoothness is something I have to work on, however I competed in another tournament ( local series finals) and took fourth place in a field of the best amateur players we have.

My girlfriend had the faith to buy me in the calcutta, and we made some money.

I am very curious about this push drill I'm hearing about. Would you enlighten me? I haven't seen it on any of your DVDs that I have.

I'm finding the hammer stroke to be very reliable, and am working on ingraining it into my game. I find myself getting lazy and slipping back to the familiar now and then.

I'm certainly interested in taking my game to its full potential, and I've always believed there's no ceiling.

Looking forward to hearing from you on this push drill, as I'm sure I would benefit. I would love a private lesson, but can't swing a trip to Texas in the near future unfortunately.

- Andy

 

[CJ Wiley]

Combining the "Hammer Push" with the sword training really molds the right muscles

Hey Mr. Wiley, thank you for your curiosity.

Smoothness is something I have to work on, however I competed in another tournament ( local series finals) and took fourth place in a field of the best amateur players we have.

My girlfriend had the faith to buy me in the calcutta, and we made some money.

I am very curious about this push drill I'm hearing about. Would you enlighten me? I haven't seen it on any of your DVDs that I have.

I'm finding the hammer stroke to be very reliable, and am working on ingraining it into my game. I find myself getting lazy and slipping back to the familiar now and then.

I'm certainly interested in taking my game to its full potential, and I've always believed there's no ceiling.

Looking forward to hearing from you on this push drill, as I'm sure I would benefit. I would love a private lesson, but can't swing a trip to Texas in the near future unfortunately.

- Andy

One Pocket John posted a link to someone doing one form of the "push drill" and I do it with the addition of using the hammer release - it's the same basic principle I just don't advocate using the arm so much.

I actually have a couple additional processes that I've developed from that one drill and shared with some of the guys I've been working with the last few months. Combining the "Hammer Push" with the sword training really molds the right muscle memory quickly and efficiently (it takes much less time than using a regular cue).

I've learned a lot about teaching my techniques and feel confident that I can speed up anyone's learning curve in whatever area they're interested in strengthening or learning.

I keep thinking I'm going to have time to work on my own game, but it seems like I'm meant to be teaching more and more these days. My game got completely out of whack a while back trying to teach and play at the same time, although I still believe it had a lot to do with gaining too much weight during the summer riding mountain bikes.

I've reduced back down to 191 (from 211 in Tunica), so I'm sneaking back up on my competitive weight class again. I think when I won the ESPN World Open I was at 185 which is about right for the important aspects of my game - balance, flexibility and speed are essential for me to play at optimum levels.

 

[One Pocket John]

Hey Mr. Wiley, thank you for your curiosity.

Smoothness is something I have to work on, however I competed in another tournament ( local series finals) and took fourth place in a field of the best amateur players we have.

My girlfriend had the faith to buy me in the calcutta, and we made some money.

I am very curious about this push drill I'm hearing about. Would you enlighten me? I haven't seen it on any of your DVDs that I have.

I'm finding the hammer stroke to be very reliable, and am working on ingraining it into my game. I find myself getting lazy and slipping back to the familiar now and then.

I'm certainly interested in taking my game to its full potential, and I've always believed there's no ceiling.

Looking forward to hearing from you on this push drill, as I'm sure I would benefit. I would love a private lesson, but can't swing a trip to Texas in the near future unfortunately.

- Andy

Here ya go Andy. I do the drill the length of the table from the spot not side to side as shown in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGTabuqWIZc

This is going to seem real awkward at first. All you have to remember is "push the cue straight forward away from you"

Have fun

John

 

[StrokeAnalyzer]

Seems to me this "push the ball" exercise is good for someone that doesn't properly follow through. A typical ball poke stroker. I see no other value in this exercise. Am I missing something? Keeping the tip on the CB longer? Yea right. 1msec typical CB contact time. How much longer do you think you can keep the tip on the CB?

 

[67tbird]

Seems to me this "push the ball" exercise is good for someone that doesn't properly follow through. A typical ball poke stroker. I see no other value in this exercise. Am I missing something? Keeping the tip on the CB longer? Yea right. 1msec typical CB contact time. How much longer do you think you can keep the tip on the CB?

This drill is also great for finding center ball consistently. If your stroke isn't dead straight, the ball will roll off line.

This is a drill I've done before, and I'm definitely going to incorporate the hammer stroke into it.

 

[Pidge]

This drill is also great for finding center ball consistently. If your stroke isn't dead straight, the ball will roll off line.

This is a drill I've done before, and I'm definitely going to incorporate the hammer stroke into it.

You have to be careful with doing this push exercise. Countless times you will think you are hitting centre ball and pushing it straight, when in actual fact you will be adjusting the position of the tip to push the ball straight. This can't be done in an actual stroke only in a slow motion version. If you are intent on doing it be sure not to "cheat" yourself and have the wool pulled over your eyes. Have someone watch over you.

Better yet, do your actual stroke along the headstring or tougher yet, up and down the table with a striped ball and see if the stripe stays vertical.

No chance of developing a way to keep the tip on the CB longer with this in a standard stroke. As the other guy said its good to get someone who doesn't follow through the feeling of a proper follow through... I'm sure I've read that CJ advocates a punch type stroke...

 

[One Pocket John]

This drill is also great for finding center ball consistently. If your stroke isn't dead straight, the ball will roll off line.

This is a drill I've done before, and I'm definitely going to incorporate the hammer stroke into it.

67tbird

After you have done this drill and start pocketing balls you will start pushing the object balls into the pockets not hitting the object balls into the pockets. This is something that you will feel in your grip hand.......pushing.......not hitting the ball. Watch the pros.

What it feels like to me in my grip hand is that the QB is glued to the tip of the cue.

This drill will tell you if your right shoulder (if right handed), elbow, a point on your grip hand and tip of the cue are all in line with the shot line.

Stay with it, in a few weeks you will see a noticeable improvement in your game.

Have fun

John

 

[CJ Wiley]

Jimmy Reid and I both advise doing this so you can consciously relate to the........

Seems to me this "push the ball" exercise is good for someone that doesn't properly follow through. A typical ball poke stroker. I see no other value in this exercise. Am I missing something? Keeping the tip on the CB longer? Yea right. 1msec typical CB contact time. How much longer do you think you can keep the tip on the CB?

I use this to establish the ideal "after shot" position with the hand using the "hammer style push"......I've written many descriptions on how the hammer release is utilized properly, it's beneficial to have drills to give students the right feel in the hand.

After successfully pushing several shots I'll stop and move my back hand out locked in position so I can see it clearly. Jimmy Reid and I both advise doing this so you can consciously relate to the unconscious position (I say unconscious because you usually can't see it, you have to feel it) as it moves through the cue ball.

It's not about keeping the tip on the cue ball longer, it is about making square contact. This is essential no matter how long you choose to follow through. My recommendation has always been to follow through the same distance as you bring the cue back.....except when you want to exaggerate the after contact spin, then you extend your follow through......and I would not suggest doing this otherwise. 'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[CJ Wiley]

The "moment of truth" is at the moment of contact....make SURE you accelerate

67tbird

After you have done this drill and start pocketing balls you will start pushing the object balls into the pockets not hitting the object balls into the pockets. This is something that you will feel in your grip hand.......pushing.......not hitting the ball. Watch the pros.

What it feels like to me in my grip hand is that the QB is glued to the tip of the cue.

This drill will tell you if your right shoulder (if right handed), elbow, a point on your grip hand and tip of the cue are all in line with the shot line.

Stay with it, in a few weeks you will see a noticeable improvement in your game.

Have fun

John

That's right, John, and as you get advanced I'd also suggest shooting balls off the rail and "jacked up" with this method. Then you will recognize how accurate the "hammer style" stroke is with "Pin" point accuracy (off the rail).

The "moment of truth" is at the moment of contact....make SURE you accelerate and extend your tip through the target on the cue ball. This makes the drill more effective. imho

 

[CJ Wiley]

some "sword training"

yankee817299

57, well your in good company. Rick (English) is 60 with a bad back and I'm 66 with bad vision.

If we all ever hook up, I'll bring the canes and the walkers if someone will guide me to the table.

By the way I have been using TOI since first introduced last year. Do I use it all the time......no. But it sure is nice to have in the tool box when needed.

It would be real nice to have CJ stop by St. Louis for some personal instruction. Your a lucky guy.

John

I was just contacted to come to St. Louis in mid October to work with someone for 3 straight days.....when the days are confirmed I'll let you know and make arrangements to come by Cue and Cushion.

Maybe there's some other guys that want some "sword training" or I'm even know to give pool lessons as well.

Keep "Pushin".....'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[One Pocket John]

I was just contacted to come to St. Louis in mid October to work with someone for 3 straight days.....when the days are confirmed I'll let you know and make arrangements to come by Cue and Cushion.

Maybe there's some other guys that want some "sword training" or I'm even know to give pool lessons as well.

Keep "Pushin".....'The Game is the Teacher'

Cool.

In addition to C&C you may want to contact "Side Pockets" in St. Charles, MO. Its an upscale place. With approx. 20 BB and 1 4.5x9.0 table. Food, big screen TV's, it's got it all.

Looking forward to our meeting and lessons.

Thanks

John

 

[CJ Wiley]

I can't wait to get a place open so I can start doing TV Events again.

Cool.

In addition to C&C you may want to contact "Side Pockets" in St. Charles, MO. Its an upscale place. With approx. 20 BB and 1 4.5x9.0 table. Food, big screen TV's, it's got it all.

Looking forward to our meeting and lessons.

Thanks

John

I think we used to play in St. Charles many years ago, it rings a bell. I just found a location for a pool room so that might be putting some restrains on my teaching time. I can't wait to get a place open so I can start doing TV Events again......the timing is perfect right now, everyone I'm talking to is ready to see some top notch pool entertainment on again. It's only a matter of time now.

 

[CJ Wiley]

Tiger Woods changed his golf grip after becoming the undisputed best golfer

Our grips can ALWAYS be improved. Many people don't know it, but Tiger Woods changed his golf grip after becoming the undisputed best golfer in the world. Champion pool players also work constantly on improving their ONLY direct contact to the game.......the GRIP/HANDS.....this is the key that unlocks the door to various types of improvement in both shot-making and position play.

Think of hitting a baseball with a loose grip (on a cold day), the energy doesn't transfer like it does with a firm grip and while pool is much different there's still a similarity between grip pressure and how the energy is transferred from the speed of the stroke to the cue ball.

I can make extreme stun shots with a firm grip with control, and although I can make the shot with a looser grip I DO NOT get the same control. Therefore you do need different pressure for various shots and the only way to achieve and understand the differences is to experiment with tight, loose, and moderate pressures in practice. 'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[CJ Wiley]

When you REALLY want to improve FAST.....IT's HAMMER TIME

This drill is also great for finding center ball consistently. If your stroke isn't dead straight, the ball will roll off line.

This is a drill I've done before, and I'm definitely going to incorporate the hammer stroke into it.

I've now been doing this drill every day for several weeks and it's made a noticeable improvement in my stroke and Targeting the cue ball as precisely as ever.

I put all 15 balls up two diamonds and "Push Hammer Style" all 15 balls down to the opposite corners and then repeat for a total of 30. Then I put the balls an inch off the rail and "Push Hammer Style" the balls again, with my cue elevated like I'm shooting off the rail.

This is a really effective way to groove the stroke and feel that "SLOT/TRACK" that I've referred to in this thread several times. I also shoot all the balls off the rail "Mexican Rotation" style after the "Push Hammer Style" drill to groove the stoke for acceleration.

I've been incorporating these drills in my lessons with noticeable results. I have an entire 3 hour training that I"m doing on request where I oversee the player do a regiment of the most effective drills I know.....it's like going through a workout, however the results are worth it for those that truly want to improve.

We offer this 3 hour session on request and will schedule or answer any questions at - thegameistheteacher@gmail.com

When you REALLY want to improve FAST.....IT's HAMMER TIME> :yeah:

 

[JE54]

Just found the thread. Interesting info. Get it back in circulation for those that haven't seen it.

 

[railbird99]

Our grips can ALWAYS be improved. Many people don't know it, but Tiger Woods changed his golf grip after becoming the undisputed best golfer in the world. Champion pool players also work constantly on improving their ONLY direct contact to the game.......the GRIP/HANDS.....this is the key that unlocks the door to various types of improvement in both shot-making and position play.

Think of hitting a baseball with a loose grip (on a cold day), the energy doesn't transfer like it does with a firm grip and while pool is much different there's still a similarity between grip pressure and how the energy is transferred from the speed of the stroke to the cue ball.

I can make extreme stun shots with a firm grip with control, and although I can make the shot with a looser grip I DO NOT get the same control. Therefore you do need different pressure for various shots and the only way to achieve and understand the differences is to experiment with tight, loose, and moderate pressures in practice. 'The Game is the Teacher'

That's interesting, because a good majority of the best players in the world grip with just a few fingers, and they play all shots with a loose grip.

 

[CJ Wiley]

I describe the grip pressure as being the best one to feel the cue ball's contact

That's interesting, because a good majority of the best players in the world grip with just a few fingers, and they play all shots with a loose grip.

"Loose" is a relative term.

It's like holding a knife and fork or a toothbrush, we may do it differently to feel the food being cut, or the teeth being brushed. The important thing is to develop a sensitivity that projects to the item we are trying to control.....in this case, the cue ball.

I describe the grip pressure as being the best one to feel the cue ball's contact, and to control the tip and the cue.....after all, we play the entire game with the tip, and if we can't feel it's contact we may be able to improve in this area.

Earl describes his as a "death grip," and Buddy Hall holds it with different pressures depending on the shot. I'm also one that changes it according to the shot's requirement.

Having a healthy amount of tension is a positive thing, especially when playing under pressure when there's a tendency to tighten up anyway.