What is your preshot ritual?

Question

Every time before I shoot I try to slow myself down a bit to gain composure. I chalk my cue and walk around the table so I can plan out my next shots. What do you do to get yourself in the game?

Answer 1

Nice question! I never really thought about it much until now.

~ Pre-shot ~

As I'm chalking my cue, walking around the table, and 'air-stroking' my cue to relax, feel my rhythm and stroke, I'm always looking at --- and assessing the table. I'm looking at the position/location of ALL of the balls. In assessing the table, I look at potential 'trouble' areas (clusters of balls, "sewn-up" balls, 'hidden' balls). I think about my game-plan, the most logical strategy (3-5 balls ahead --- reassessing the table after each shot) I visualize the run-out and the execution necessary, to accomplish the run. As I get my body into position at the table to shoot, I assume the necesssary stance and bridge that will best accomplish the shot-at-hand. At that point, I visualize and concentrate on executing that ONE shot; to pocket the ball and apply the proper stroke, speed, power, and spin (if any). I always slow my breathing and naturally become very still and relaxed. After years of practice, repetition, and discipline, your "rituals" have become second-nature. I don't think about my "pre-shot ritual(s)" --- my pre-shot preparation just 'happens', though it is not random. It is a disciplined behavior that comes with years of repetition and countless hours of play. If I'm 'second-guessing' my shot, I stand up, chalk up, and walk around the table and reassess the table and gather myself. Then, I readdress my stance and approach, as I set up again to execute the task at hand with full confidence. I like to get into a rhythm and a good pace when I play pool ---though I stay mindful to not get ahead of the game. Staying mindful or aware of my pace, keeps me from making mental errors ---as I never hurry my shots. I don't 'think' about my composure. Because I am so 'tuned in' and focused on what I'm doing --- I believe composure is just that :  focus and concentration.



                        ~ Getting myself into the game ~

I assemble my pool cues, check the tips (I always manicure and 'burnish' my tips to keep them from "mushrooming" or weakening, AFTER I am finished playing for the day or night. I also clean my clues thoroughly). I do a few squats to loosen my legs, do a few arm stretches and shake my arms to loosen up. I pick up the cue ball --(examine it for dings while I'm getting my head into "pool-mode") --- I roll the cue ball around the table a few times to get a feel for the speed of the table and the action of the cushions. I examine the table ---removing 'chalk-crumbs', foreign particles, and whatever else doesn't belong on the table. I head to an adjacent pool table (if there's one open) and I take several good practice-strokes. If there are any balls lying around on a vacated table, I'll set them up and shoot a few quick drills. Getting myself into the game, doesn't take much at all. I love to play pool.

As soon as I know that I am going out to play pool, I naturally begin to get myself into the game --- something I just cannot put into words.

Best wishes, pool player!

LAG

Answer 2

walk, chalk, look, stroke, shoot.... never changes. keeping a consistent pre-shot routine will help you shoot consistently. sounds like you're doing good.

Answer 3

The only thing I am aware of doing routinely is I take a deep breath before I get down on the shot, exhaale as I get down, and breath at the same rythm as my stroke breathing out on the in stroke and hold my breath as I play the shot, with a sharp exhale just after cue contacts white.

Answer 4

i wouldn't say i have a ritual. study the clusters, i look at least 3 shots ahead depending on the layout, then i see what type of shot it is, to get to my next position, i drop down on the shot(depending on what type of shot is at hand to get, to my next position) then i look at the object ball, start swinging my arm and feeding the cue in my back hand to the weight of the shot, and it basic common sence with balls rolling from there, as i see the shots very clearlly, and feel them clearlly. im a fast player reyes-strickland speed (depends on the layout) if something doesn't feel right, i get off the shot, usually chalk and start again. my stance, and bridge length is different on every shot, (i don't even think about that) sorry last clues im putting on the net, until i release my dvd)  i really don't believe i have a set n stone routine, like many other do, im sure i have my quirks. johnny is right though, if something doesn't feel right, get off the shot, because most likely you will miss. thats 1 of the only things i need 2 remind myself. i rarelly get distracted, i can carry on a conversationwhile im playing, but when im dropped down on a shot, i get selictive hearing real fast :) just some thoughts. (Johnny, im getting an operation in bout 2 weeks, i got a great chance of healing fast, it should stop the trigger, causing the spasms in my neck:) which will stop the cervical dystonia symptoms. get a spare room ready 4 me, i'll be headed there sooner than expected, if it goes well:)

Answer 5

Pretty much what you just said-Then just make the world go away its just me and those balls

While im down on a shot  3 nude super models could walk by the table I wouldnt see them ,If i do get a distraction I get up off the shot and start over