Under Pressure

When I'm practicing by myself, and make the 8, I always spot it in the pocket made. That way I am assured of some kick at the end involving multiple rails.

It also adds a little pressure not to miss, because of the 8 being right in front of a pocket. Oh yeah, if I do miss again, I block the path somehow!   Lester

2nd Chance Positive

Here's something I started to do. When I'm engaged in a SERIOUS practice, not only do I concentrate on making the shot, I also concentate on what it will take to get perfect position.

That way if you miss the shot, you have a 2nd chance of some accomplishment. It's a way for me to stay positive the rest of the rack.  Lester

Unfamiliar Table

I drew up a shot this morning that I'll make sure I try on a first-time-for-me table from now on. The shot was kicking back to a carom. You have to hit the object ball where it will drive it to your pocket. After I found the point that was halfway between the object ball and cue ball, I started with running English--too much

I found the spot on the cue ball. In this case it was a half tip amount of running English. When I practice on the new table, that's where I'll start. If it's a miss, I'll use one of my subtleties on the 2nd Chance Kick.  Lester

Friction and Momentum

Using First Gear, there are two ways to get an extra 1/8th dot of spin off the rail. The first way is switching from a closed bridge to an open one. That reduces the friction on the cues shaft going through your fingers, giving it that extra flow if you will.

The second way is to take one finger off the butt of your cue. The only finger not griping the butt of my cue is my pinkie finger, which is sticking up in the air. To get that extra 1/8th dot of spin, stick the next finger up in the air. That lessens the momentum of your stroke. Less momentum gets the cue ball spinning faster right away, as opposed to putting it out farther before it starts spinning.  Lester