Final pause

[jas19]

Hi. I really need some coaches help here. It might sound impossible but the problem i have somehow developed is on the final pause at the end of the final backswing when using power i can't let the cue go. The pause gets longer and longer the more power required and i can't seem to deliver the cue. Also having difficulty delivering to chest. Cue arm stops about 2 inches before chest which always results in a decel with grip hand tightening that causes this. Been playing for about 40yrs with 100's of practise centuries and 2 maximums but with this new habit i struggle to make a 20 break. Help required please🙏

[Ginger Freak]

Sounds like the dreaded Yips to me Its what killed off Hendry as a force in the end, although yours sounds a little more extreme! Some say it's a psychological matter, others say its technical...

[Cue crafty]

I'd be wary of lots of technical tips, you already know how to play the game to a high standard. Have you tried following your usual pre shot routine but then closing your eyes and playing the shot?

if this helps, probably means it's more psychological. If so then try cue ball sighting on these shots (instead of object ball sighting) if this also helps it will pretty much show that when you distract your brain you eliminate the problem.

Either way it will be important to know and help you choose a course of action.

[jas19]

Thanks very much for the prompt replies. I will try the closed eyes routine on my next practise. Its a crazy habit as at the final backswing the pause gets longer and i can feel the grip tightening on the cue.....the longer the pause becomes the tighter the grip gets until its so tight i can't deliver the cue. Need to stand up and start drill again. But, as soon as i have experienced this problem once during practise ts almost impossible to stop like a runaway train grrrrrrr😡😡

[tomwalker147]

Hi Jas,
Like you, loads of centuries here, I can relate to the lack of pause on certain shots and not getting the cue through to the chest (especially since moving to pool!).

Watch Ali Carter on youtube for 5/10 minutes and watch how his action is like a perfect pendulum motion, I find watching the pros helps reinforce good habits (and removes the bad).
I think his action is textbook and a great example of how keeping momentum in the cue action breeds a natural pause.

Re the chest, as you step into the shot turn your right hip out ever so slightly (if you're a right handed player). I've developed a habit of being too straight on to the shot which makes it almost impossible to strike through to the chest, i've found this method helps.

[jas19]

Thanks Tom. For me its not a lack of pause its a pause that never ends and fails to transfer to a delivery of the cue. I think the failure to deliver to chest in my case is tightening the grip before i strike the cue ball which in effect decels the cue like applying a brake to it before completion to chest....i know i am doing it but can't find a way to avoid it. I can maybe move my grip hand to slightly behind vertical at address which could in theory allow me to strike cueball before my grip tightens🙏🤞

[tomwalker147]

Just another thought Jas, try having your weight slightly forward in your stance (if not already). I try to have my weight 60% forward, it promotes driving through the cueball which I think would in turn see your cue get through to your chest. I expect your grip would naturally accommodate this if you shifted your weight forwards slightly.
When at the table you should feel your weight ever so slightly on the balls of your feet - lots of people have their weight on their heels and struggle to get through the cueball.