The Pool Bottle Myth Debunked
Today I advised a very strong player who is hitting the game hard and daily practicing using an empty "pool bottle" a converted soda bottle as a practice aid. An old idea that is not a good idea!This fellow returns to the game and the discipline of practice after many years away from our sport. I offer a bit of advice and explain why one should NOT use a bottle to straighten the pool stroke.
"Greetings! Here is about 5 days of shooting inside a 2-3 week practicing run.
I have been reading and watching videos on YouTube. The all-time great pros like Willie Mosconi have motivated me into being more disciplined in my shooting.
Today I started to use an empty Coke bottle to straighten my stroke [Don't do this as I explain below -- Editor] and I have been drilling using center cue ball strokes hit to the far rail then allow the cue ball to come back and hit my cue tip.
I also started to warm up my stroke for 30-60 seconds via stroking inside the bottle prior to attempting my next shot. I am starting to feel a big difference with these exercises.
Getting my new custom cue from Dan at Joss Cues has also motivated my willingness to work hard and practice every morning for one to two hours.
I notice that it's better for me to do at least two hours on any table. And after one or one and half hours, I challenge one of the top shooters in my local hall."
...Hello, dear student!
I apologize for the delay in replying - I saw this message earlier this week but wanted to sit down to watch your videos before getting back with you. I watched both your videos-the one you sent and the one in the gallery of competing with some local players. Do you play any three cushion or cushion billiards as they do? It's usually a good workout for your pool game.
Nice stroke and pretty good billiards fundamentals there! You've got some game there for sure...
...I'm in Gainesville, Florida and if your travels bring you near me I'd love to give you some lessons. We can set that up for sure. The only thing more enjoyable than working with a beginner and getting them set up right to begin is working with a hungry player like yourself who has a strong platform to build on.
I can travel to give lessons also-this weekend I'm driving seven hours to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for a one-on-one clinic with a good player.
How To Stay Down In Billiards Stroking
One tip I have for you even before we get together. This may sound strange but I want you to work very, very hard on staying down on each and every stroke.You are quite capable of dancing through the stroke and pocketing the ball anyway--something only a very few players can do successfully as I've written--but for now, I want you to not stand up from the table until BOTH the cue ball and the object ball have come to rest.
That's whether or not you pocket the ball successfully! That is, do NOT move your head and body after stroking through the cue ball until both balls come to cease all movement.
Have a friend or girlfriend hold a cue stick over your head while you shoot for about ten minutes. You'll gently bump the top of your head each time you move. You watch the videos you sent and you tell yourself when you normally get up off the stroke. Stay down faithfully and you'll pocket many more balls. We'll get you moving and dancing again when you're ready for it...
Honestly, have that person hold a stick over you until we meet in person as most people think they're staying down when they aren't.
What aim system do you use? And are you aware that you pull the cue in/twist to one side while you are lining up. This is perhaps not a fault or problem per se right now, I just want to know if you know that you "tighten" your hand onto the line this way...
Chuck The Pool Bottle
And do forget using that old Coke bottle to groove your stroke. It is totally permissible to have some vertical movement in your straight stroke. Just because a stroke loops on the vertical plane does not mean it won't provide your results.I heartily endorse and without compensation the Cue Track Stroke Trainer for your use instead.
That's all for now. Don't be discouraged. I'll help you get your old game back and then some more...! But forget using that old pool bottle for now. Store some ice water in it instead.
