approaches it often lies in prior episodes of success or
failure to similar challenges. Some players surrender to
the shot and appear to "hit a ball hard and hope a pocket
gets in the way", while others take a more technical
route, providing a more tried and true remedy for victory.
Over the years I have heard numerous opposing views
on specific shots; therefore, I would like to list a few
"Dr. Cueisms" that you might keep in mind, which will
ultimately help you attain greater satisfaction for the shot
objective in mind.
in one's mind before any shot is taken. In 1985 I returned to the game after
a one-year hiatus. The first thing I did was to convince myself that "every
shot in pool was my favorite shot", regardless of the analytical impression
normally perceived of some shots. I did this by mentally repeating to myself
before EVERY shot that "it was my favorite shot" and that I would execute it
with a positive attitude and conviction of heart. Every shot was just another
shot with balls rolling and making a gentle and joyful click in the process.
I have practiced this "favorite shot" principle in my brain over and over
again for over 25 years now, and to such an extent that shots which would
otherwise make no sense or suggest success have become shots that I look
forward to. Expecting a "joy from the shot" is a wonderful "key of success"
for me.
shot SHOULD BE a straight shot, and that EVERY "crooked" shot IS a
crooked shot. I am not referring here to a "straight in shot" versus a "cut shot", but rather the "straight swing" nature of the cue in that whatever plane the cue starts
on, it should indeed finish on that same plane. In other words, no dipping / diving and no twisting / turning of the natural rotor motions of the wrist / arm should exist
which might cause a distorted cue movement through the cue ball. This principle holds true for level, jump, or masse plane shots. Remember to shoot the cue down a
straight line and let the cue ball get in the way of the tip and let the object ball get in the way of the cue ball. Focus on the concept of "straight alignment" and "straight
stroke" in 100% focus mode and the cue stick will "flow straight" for consistent shot success!
disguise". A dedicated time of "practice" walking back from the table about
10 - 20 feet to view what you have always thought of as a "long shot" will
produce wonders for your mental approach to shots of this type. I have
discovered that taking this "long distance" approach often makes every
"long" shot seem "short" and makes "short" shots even "shorter".
to the next level and beyond until next time when...