Last month I described the feet as being the foundation of your set-up. Every time you line up for the shot, you must put your feet in the same position relative to the line of the shot. This gives you the best possible chance to get the rest of your body into a consistent position.
There are three major things that I do to get myself into position. First, I look directly down the line of the cue ball to where I want to hit the object ball, then put my right foot directly behind that line. Second, I step my left foot into position by placing it shoulder width apart from my right foot, and point it parallel to the line of the shot. I like to keep the weight evenly distributed with a feeling that I could jump straight towards the ceiling, yet solidly anchored to the floor. This creates a solid, balanced foundation.
The third fundamental aspect of good positions involves pre-setting the upper body. I look directly down the line of the shot with a clear view in my mind’s eye of the shot in completion. I want to get down on the shot as if it had already been made or at least that is what I’m striving for which leads me to pre-setting the upper body. As you stand looking comfortably down the track that the cue ball will travel you should preset the exact position that you will be in when you get down before you get down. I establish my bridge and put my left arm in the same basic angle that it will be in when I get down on the ball. I really want to emphasize that your upper body should go down on the line of the shot simply by bending over without increasing or decreasing the angle of your arm. This sets up a routine that you can repeat time and time again and it doesn’t break down under pressure.
The thing that I’m wanting to instill in your mind is how important it is to have a pre-shot routine. You will never be as consistent as you could be without one that works. I learned in my study of the martial arts how important a correct body position is. One of my favorite books, Zen and the Art of Archery, was a story of a man that went to the Far East to study with a master. In one instance, the student told the master that the only reason the master could hit the target every time was because he had been shooting there for many years and was very familiar with the area. The master then told the student to come back that night where he proved that even in the dark he could hit the bull’s eye. It should be the same in your pool game. When you get down on the ball correctly, you will be able to turn your head and still make the shot. I can actually run a rack while turning my head before each shot — only because my approach is consistent. Without an effective pre-shot routine, I would never be able to do this.
The difference between the amateur and the professional is the amateur will practice until they can do it right and the professional will practice until they can’t do it wrong. It is only possible to get to the point that you “can’t do it wrong” by practicing to develop a routine that allows you to get into the same basic position time and time again. Remember, if you can’t do it wrong, then you must be doing it right.
If you have any questions or comments regarding your game or my articles, you may contact me at cj@cjwiley.com.
