A Key to Consistent Shot Making
by Max Eberle
While there is no single trick to consistently pocketing balls, there are a few of them that when combined, make for a very deadly equation. One extremely important element to this equation is body positioning, or what I
call lining up into the shot.
Have you ever been down on a ball ready to shoot when you suddenly had
the feeling that you were not aiming on the proper line? The answer is yes,
I would guess. If so, what did you do about it? Perhaps you made a correction by pivoting your torso slightly, bending your knees differently,
moving your bridge hand, leaning over, or trying to steer your cue in a better direction on your last stroke. If you often find yourself using one
or more of the above elixers, then at least you do have the desire to pocket
balls, but probably feel that life could somehow be more rewarding. By adjusting your body once you have already assumed your stance, your
are losing accuracy by hindering other important parts of the shot making equation. These include good balance, proper cueing of the ball, relaxation,
ample preparation (warm up strokes, feeling, mental comfort), and a straight
stroke from your center of vision to name a few.
Now, have you ever lined up on a shot feeling right - only to change your line of aim because of doubt, and then realize that you would have made it
had you followed your first instinct? Imagine if you could utilize that keen
instinct on every shot. With a little cultivating, you can. You have got to
develop a sense of trust that you have already positioned your body correctly
on every shot. Practice making a commitment to the line of aim that you initially determine as being correct. Trust and commitment begin while you
are standing upright. It is important to be deliberate in choosing where to
stand on each shot and in crouching down into the line of aim. Basically, it
is best to position your body correctly into each shot to that you can properly execute the
fundamentals. If you feel like you will miss, stand up and reposition your body. Also remember to allow for spin when you are
lining up your body into the shot.
Try shooting a few racks like this: On each shot put your focus on
aiming and finding the angle while you are standing, and position your stance
accordingly. Once you are in your stance take one back-swing and shoot the
shot. You may even close your eyes after that first back swing. Feel free to smile when you hear balls dropping into pockets!
- Max Eberle
Max Eberle is a
professional pool player and instructor, and some of you might have seen
him play in the ESPN Ultimate 9 Ball Challenge on various occasions.
Presently, in addition to playing
pool, Max is painting for a May art exhibition at Art Framing & Design
in Arlington, VA., (5179 Lee Highway, ). Max is a
nutrition and home based internet business consultant, for more
information visit www.maxeberle.freelife.com.
He has recently been creating a new line of billiard designs and apparel
which may be available soon at www..
For more about Max, read his Bio.
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