Pool Instruction: CueTips #14 Ten Common Pool Flaws

By NYC Grind Instructional Columnist, Mark Finkelstein

I just came back from teaching a seminar in Ohio, along with some private lessons in New Jersey.  What I observed is that a wide range of good players consistently have some common problems with their game.  I’d like to highlight them for you here so that you can see which ones apply to your game, and fix any areas that need fixing.

Here is the list in no particular order:

1. Hitting the balls too hard.  This is partly due to not contacting the cue ball high enough to get a pure rolling ball.  There is an optical illusion in looking down on the cue stick.  What they think is a high ball is in fact much lower than they think.  In order to move the cue ball, they have to hit the ball a lot harder than in necessary with a pure rolling ball.

2. A faulty bridge.  Either the bridge is too loose, too far away, or opens up on the stroke.  It is amazing how far away from the cue ball some players have their bridge.  This is not to say get right on the cue ball, but a comfortable 8 to 12 inches away is about right.

3. Jerky take back.  A rapid-fire, jerky backstroke only causes problems in accuracy.  A smooth flowing stroke is what is needed.

4. Clenching or punching the cue ball, instead of smoothly stroking through it.

5. Using too much English.  I can’t tell you how many good players use way too much English.  You will play a lot better using center ball and speed control to get around the balls.

6. Not having a plan.  A lot of players jump into the first shot they have and play area position.  If they get a little out of line, they start having to recover, and before you know it, they miss a long difficult shot.  Plan your runs with a center ball, rolling to the middle of the table.  It is amazing how much you can do with this.

7. Not having a well maintained tip.  I’ve seen this in countless players.  “I know my tip needs work….but….”  Fix it!

8. Not using chalk.  Always chalking up after the miscue is not a good idea.  Carefully chalk up before you miscue to prevent it.

9. Bumping makeable balls.  This happens too much.  Usually when you bump into balls, you create problems for yourself.  Plan your routes.

10. Not focusing 100% on the shot at hand.  The formula is 100% focus on the shot you are shooting.  Do your thinking when you are standing up.  When you are in your shoooting stance, focus only on the action of shooting.

Have a friend watch you play, or video tape your game.  If you find any of these flaws, become conscious of them when you practice, and your game will improve.

See you on the road.

Mark Finkelstein is the House Pro at Slate Billiards on 21st Street in Manhattan.

If you have questions, or would like to see a particular topic addressed, you can email Mark at mark@nycgrind.com