Pro Pool Workout #6
In the last issue, we started exploring the principle of gravity as it relates to correct fundamentals. As you may recall, I mentioned that your bridge, grip, stroke, and stance all exist in a field of gravity and if you work on these elements to discover their relationship with gravity, you will improve your ability to execute.
The relationship of gravity to your fundamentals can be seen from three different perspectives. These are feel, balance, and stability. Each of these terms refers to a separate concept, but the central theme or governing core of each one is gravity.
Feel relates to sensing weight and tension and gravity gives us that ability. Balance relates to feeling the relationship of weight and tension in one place and another place at the same time. Stability comes from placing weight and tension into three or more equalized places at the same time. Let’s look at the concept of feel as it relates to playing pool.
The most obvious place to look for feel is in the weight of the cue stick and the clearest place to find that is in the gripping hand. The bulk of the weight of the cue stick sits in this hand and some is translated to the wrist, forearm, elbow, upper arm, shoulder, and even the neck. A good way to increase your sensitivity is to assume your stance, address the cue ball, and then close your eyes. Direct your conscious awareness to the different body parts and try to sense the weight of the cue stick in each part. Take a few relaxed strokes to see how the placement of the weight shifts as you move the cue stick forward and backwards.
After you have done this for a few minutes, open your eyes and throw the balls out on the table. Begin to pocket them in a relaxed manner. On each shot keep your concentration on the feel of weight and don’t be concerned at all whether you make the ball or not. Just sense the effect of the weight on your body. Do this exercise for an hour or so several days in a row.
Your bridge hand also supports some of the weight of the cue stick. In addition, the weight of your hand and some of your body rests directly on the table bed. This weight presses into the cloth and is translated through your arm to your shoulder and upper torso.
Do another closed eye exercise and notice how the weight of your arm on the table effects all of the body parts on that side of your body. Notice how the front of the cue stick rests in a “V” formed by your thumb and ring finger and how part of the weight of the cue shaft is deflected to the left and part is deflected to the right. See if you can shift the structure of your bridge so that the weight is displaced equally to both sides. This will center the cue stick in relationship with gravity.
After you have spent several minutes in this closed eye exercise, open your eyes and throw the balls out on the table. Shoot them off in a relaxed manner with your concentration focused on the feel of weight. Once again, don’t be concerned at all whether you make the ball or not. Just sense the effect of weight on your body. Do this for several days in a row.
If you do these exercises faithfully, you will increase your ability to feel tension and weight in your body relative to your cue stick. This will allow you to make corrections sooner and reduce your error swing from perfect posture. You will become a more consistent player!
Good luck & good shootin’!