Routines for Cueball Control/Position

[svendh]

Even ronnie couldn't get to 80 without decent break building, so you must do something right

[j6uk]

we could say its all about timing. most of the shots above were hit the same way, only with variations on de/accelerations

[JFoulger]

The line up as previously mentioned is a great practice drill. The problem is if you don't set restrictions it can allow for sloppy cue ball control because at the start there are so many reds to play for. So set some goals like taking the reds in order from the bottom red going up or not allowing any cannons. A good practice drill for cue ball control (aside from the line up) is to put like 4-8 reds between the pink and black spot in a criss cross fashion. In such a way that you have to take each red in order from the bottom-up because by taking the lowest red you will release the next red and also get you into the good habit of always landing high (useful for playing for blacks). Hope that makes sense!

[JFoulger]

Also, just some advice I received in the past... but if your bridge hand is quite far from the cue ball try bringing it closer. Felt weird at first when I did it but it did eventually improve my touch play/cue ball control.

[SimbaTheLion]

Can you share with us which city and country you play in, please?

England, around London.

The line up as previously mentioned is a great practice drill. The problem is if you don't set restrictions it can allow for sloppy cue ball control because at the start there are so many reds to play for. So set some goals like taking the reds in order from the bottom red going up or not allowing any cannons. A good practice drill for cue ball control (aside from the line up) is to put like 4-8 reds between the pink and black spot in a criss cross fashion. In such a way that you have to take each red in order from the bottom-up because by taking the lowest red you will release the next red and also get you into the good habit of always landing high (useful for playing for blacks). Hope that makes sense!

I already disallow cannons. That's a pretty good idea with the criss-cross, I like it. Will have a go at that one tomorrow, thanks!

[SimbaTheLion]

Also, just some advice I received in the past... but if your bridge hand is quite far from the cue ball try bringing it closer. Felt weird at first when I did it but it did eventually improve my touch play/cue ball control.

I don't have a solid rule for this (it's pretty subconscious where I put my hand, been playing pool since I was a toddler), but most times I think I put my bridge hand closer on delicate/softer shots, and further away on firmer shots.

[JFoulger]

No worries. Hope the criss cross improves your game and don't frustrate you too much haha. If you land low on the next red you essentially have to restart it all over again. It's a drill a lot of the top pros do so it must be really useful to practice.

[SimbaTheLion]

No worries. Hope the criss cross improves your game and don't frustrate you too much haha. If you land low on the next red you essentially have to restart it all over again. It's a drill a lot of the top pros do so it must be really useful to practice.

Yeah, that's the kind of discipline I'll need though to improve/compete on a serious level, so sounds like a good habit to get into! I practise a fair bit on my own so plenty of time to get into it. I reset every routine if not fully successful. Thanks!

[JFoulger]

It's what is needed to improve. I used to practice really lazily carrying on if I played a cannon etc but it gets you to play sloppy. If you're strict and restart the drill when you mess up it makes you give full concentration at every attempt as you don't want to pot like 15 balls only to have to restart the drill all over again. Also means you don't have to practice as long. Half an hour of focused practice beats 90 minutes of unfocused sloppy practice.

[cyberheater]

Half an hour of focused practice beats 90 minutes of unfocused sloppy practice.

I really believe that. I just wish I could remember that when I practice.