Ok! let us break down the fundamentals of the game. This first drill shot in my book is the perfect tool to do this. A copy of that drill is at the bottom of this page.
The tip: As you approach the shot make sure the tip is chalked and ready for play.
The bridge: Begin the shot with your bridge hand approximately 8 inches from the cueball and the tip of the cue almost touching the ball Any more than 8 inches and your back hand will not be placed properly on the butt of the cue, and your follow through will be shortened.
The eyes: As you bend over for the shot keep your eyes on the aiming point on the object ball, the spot where you want the cueball to contact it. This will let your subconscious place your bridge properly. Most instructors tell you the last thing you should be looking at, as you stroke through the cue ball, is the object ball. I don't entirely agree with that theory. My eyes move from object ball to cue ball during my practice strokes, on my final stroke they actually lift from the cue ball to the object ball following the path of the cueball as it rolls forward.
Balance: The shoulders, your weight, and your feet: All can be broke down to one word. Balance, your shoulders will be square, your weight will be evenly distributed, and you feet will be the proper distance apart. You will be balanced.
The back hand: you know your back hand is on the right part of the cuestick because you can feel your arm is perpendicular to the stick when the tip is at its closest point to the cueball. You are squeezing the base of the stick with the proper strength because your fingers are relaxed.
The stroke: You are concentrating on a smooth back and forth stroke, feeling, more than looking. As you play more the stroke will smooth out, it won't wiggle like a fish. Using the same number of strokes on every shot is the only part of the basics that can be used consistently. All the other basics depend on the particulars of each shot. When practicing count the number of strokes you use, and use the same number every shot. I use 3 strokes. On the third stoke I hit the cue ball. Pull the trigger when the tip of the stick is at the closest point to the cueball. Stroke back, then the forward stroke takes the tip of the cuestick well past the place where the cueball rested. Let the follow through finish naturally, do not try to stop it, or push it farther than it will go naturally, this is very important.
Your mind: To make a good shot in pool, it is like any other sport, your mind needs to be in your game, not somewhere else. Forget about that argument with your significant other; forget about your last shot as good or as bad as it was. Keep your mind in the game.
See how easy this game is? All you have to do is practice, practice, and practice.
Okay, this shot looks too simple to be a drill shot, but believe me, it is very important that you do it right. the idea behind this shot is to concentrate on everything from the top of the cuestick to the placement of your feet. Making the shot is unimportant; therefore, I have made it extremely easy. You must approach the shot every time as if you are just comingn to the table, from an upright position. Be aware of all of your actions and concentrate on doing the same thing every time. Consistency is the key to reaching the next level.
