Grip Pressure and a Straight Pool Stroke

[@BooksNGuns]

You wouldn't believe how many times I've watched this video. I've heard everything you have to say about the mechanics, and today, I FINALLY got it the thumb middle finger stroke. Finally, being able to execute it with purpose has not only straightened my stroke but also straightened my wrist. I was having a problem with it bending outward and away from my body. So, if you take satisfaction with truly helping people get better, then I hope you're pleased with yourself because I'm fuggin thrilled.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@BooksNGuns That is awesome to hear Ricardo. This one thing was the most significant change I’ve made to date. It has put me in daily dead stroke since July 2023. Super happy for you man. Thank you!!! 👍🏻💪🏻

[@BooksNGuns]

@ronthepoolstudent If I upload a short 1 - to 3-minute video, would you mind checking it out? I'm so determined to get this stroke perfect that I don't mind paying you for your time.

[@dinorojo]

I always appreciate that you post the English ball-strike location on each shot. I didn’t play much pool this summer but I’m ready to get back in a learning and practice mode with the weather forcing us back inside. Keep up the great work Ron!!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Dinorojo, I’m glad the tip locator helps. Good luck getting back up to speed and feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. Thanks again 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@tommyvercetti3260]

The thumb and finger grip totally changed my stroke. No more side spin. Thank you!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tommyvercetti3260 Awesome Tommy, glad to hear that. Also, welcome to the channel 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@RhyminRome]

This video completely corroborates an epiphany I had that led me to change the way I hold a pool cue. For years as a player I imparted more right spin on the cue ball than I intended. I think that I've finally determined that going through the process of contacting the ball I was slightly clenching my wrist and rolling it a little inside toward my body. I can more consistently make shots of long distance and move the cue ball around 3 rails with middle left spin more efficiently. And I'm getting better at a stone stop shot. Thanks for sharing!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Eric, grip pressure is so so important I’ve come to find out. 👍🏻🎱❤️

[@harryplatis7430]

😊😊​@@ronthepoolstudent

[@brett6314]

I think I'm on the same journey. My draw shots, if I just shoot them, are constantly going to the left. Mechanics wise it has to be exactly what you're saying. Took shooting 30 balls before I could correct it but I'm still not using Ron's grip. I know I'm clenching and shots go left again if I try to hit them harder or longer. This loose grip isn't a thing for me yet

[@Festus2022]

I hate to sound like a golfer, but I just gave Ron's advice a try, and it seems to help my game.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Golf was my game until I started playing Pool 🤷🏻‍♂️😊 Thank you Kevin, glad this was of help. ❤️🎱

[@CueballcontrolSometimes]

Much like the bottle drill, I have started putting balls on either side of the shaft when practicing power draw. Try this with bottom and side to see how much you are clenching and the effects.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Great idea Dennis, thanks 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimlinton3679]

Years ago I played with a Kikel cue that had fluted shafts if you don't know what these are it is a thin line of ebony wood about 1/16 of an inch think that runs down the stroke length of the shaft from the tip back about 8 inches long . This is what taught me to have a loose grip . It shows you how your grip pressure pulls the cue off of your shot line and will show you how the grip on your cue controls rotation of the cue in the back swing and forward stroke.

[@jimlinton3679]

You can duplicate this with 1/16 in automotive pinstripes running down the shaft of the cue

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I like this idea of using a reference line on the cue’s shaft as you’ve described Jimmie. This would help a player maintain a straight cueing action as immediate visual feedback would be the result. Thank you for this great info. I’m sure others reading this will see the value in using a shaft reference line. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@jimlinton3679 you’ve given me an idea for a future video on this subject Jimmie. I will be setting up a cue to show exactly what it is you’ve described here. Thanks again and stay tuned.

[@onsam]

Ron, I am really excited about this video that you are going to make shaft reference line. Thanks.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@onsam great Onsam, stay tuned 👍🏻

[@tiendoan6417]

Funny how a few simple videos like this completely change how i play pool and Im a beginner who only been playing for about 1 months once a week so 4 times total. The moment im in the pool hall, APA league start seeing the “potential” but i just watch a bunch of video and practice my fundamental before i go to the hall. Pool is such a fun game , and the satisfaction you get when playing and not being tired or have proper form to avoid injuries and seeing your cue ball go straight is the best feeling ever. In the beginning , no matter what my ball wouldn’t go straight , and i knew immediately i was doing something wrong.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you for sharing Tien and welcome to the game. I too am fairly new to the game. I’m currently at 1,219 days in. Learning sound fundamentals then ingraining them into your sub-conscience is key to rapid success. Reach out at any time with questions you may have. I’ll provide an answer or i’ll forward a link so you won’t have to search through all of my content. This said, please feel free to check out my playlists for any topics related to your questions. Thanks again 👍🏻😊❤️🎱

[@tiendoan6417]

@@ronthepoolstudent thanks so much Ron. If possible these are the shot In struggling with Object ball frozen rail near corner pocket and cue ball at an angle (i understand inside english with moving bridge hand is needed to hit the rail first and bounce to the ball but dont know how unforgiving its be , I dont quite know where to aim my ferrule, at edge of object ball while applying english or edge of cue ball for max spin) 2nd one is when cue ball at an angle and object ball is not frozen , but close ( i believe this is opposite english without* moving bridge hand, but i could be wrong) 3rd one is far frozen shot to corner pocket both cue ball and object ball frozen same rail ( have no idea how to shoot those, always try to aim as straightt to pocket as possible and failed everytime)

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tiendoan6417 I have two questions for you Tien. First, how many straight in shots in a row can you pocket and second, do you know of the Mighty X drill by Bert Kinister? Thanks.

[@tiendoan6417]

@@ronthepoolstudent I can pocket maybe 2-3 straight , and wasn’t aware of mighty X drill, I’m looking it up now.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@tiendoan6417 here’s what I came up with to build my stroke Tien. I would suggest starting here till you can pocket ten straight. See link below: Troubleshooting your Pool stroke kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5-too2CjbCIhNU This is an old video from my early days.

[@lanternman13]

The loose grip is one thing that's needed to decrease the muscle tonus of your upper body and arms. It's a bit of stress relief therapy. For the biomechanics a loose grip is for straight cue delivery to keep the cue level.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

All very true 👍🏻

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

I'm a fan of the grip, that employs as few moving parts as possible. The Thumb-Middle Finger Cradle is very good & does allow the stroke to move forward & aft, without taking the Cue off-line. I have the back of my hand flat & no wrist movement. Francisco can do all that, but he's playing 50 years & doesn't know anything else. Just my 2-cents...

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@mrpoolplayer6379 Every player must find what works for them MPP. For me, this has been such a blessing. I’m now in daily dead stroke since adopting this grip. I will at times, unintentionally slip-stroke the cue as though I’m throwing it at the cue ball. What I’ve found; is how to let the cue do the work and not my arm. This has transformed my ability to consistently pocket shots and play position. I now have repeatable control and I’m lovin Pool even more.

[@johnjaskot6084]

Hey Ron, question. On the 8 ball you said you were hitting the cue with top left and a little bit of stun. What do you mean with a little bit of stun? I thought stun was hitting low on the cue ball like a stop shot. Great videos by the way!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@johnjaskot6084 Stun happens when we strike the cue ball more towards center while favoring which ever tip position John. Speed at contact on the object ball must also factor in. Hope that makes sense. Thank you 👍🏻

[@johnjaskot6084]

@@ronthepoolstudent sorry Ron but I’m still confused because you said and showed you were putting top left on the cue ball and added with a little bit of stun. The hit was not near the center.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@johnjaskot6084 it’s not at center John, it’s just not an extreme spin. It’s more about action through the cue ball. It’s very tough to teach. The player must experience the sensation as they apply varying degrees stun. I have several drills that show tip placement and video of the hit. You can find them in my Pool Drills Playlist.

[@rifqifalihhutama861]

great video, so which one should I focus on the arm, hand, or finger while pulling and stroking?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Rifqi. To answer your question, of course our goal is to ingrain everything to the point we are no longer thinking about what it is we are doing mechanically. This said, focus on maintaining a loose grip overall. When I pull the cue back for instance, I feel my thumb and index finger mostly carrying the cue. As I stroke forward, my index finger leaves the cue at around the midway point of the forward motion. It then gives way to my middle finger thus finishing with my thumb and middle finger only. Hope that makes sense 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@rifqifalihhutama861]

@@ronthepoolstudent got it so leave it naturally right? so i struggle to feel whether the fingers play or the wrist or even the arms because it is so hard to incorporate all of these (arms or finger or wrist) thx coachhh

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@rifqifalihhutama861 yes Rirqi, stroke many many shots with a loose grip and you’ll suddenly have one of those eureka moments. You’ll all of the sudden feel how the fingers are cradling the cue, in both the backward and forward motions 👍🏻💪🏻 Give me a shout if you have any other questions. Thanks again 👋

[@randallburns4946]

one more great Video. You make me play better Pool! Thanks much!!!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Randall, glad my content is helping 👍🏻😊👍🏻

[@patrickgourley5808]

Great Video Ron, as usual. Loose grip and flexible wrist (not a fan of the word limp 😁) are concepts I am working on and plan to focus more on over the next few weeks/months. Everyone's body and physical mechanics are different, so I don't focus very much on instructional specifics such as particular fingers and touch points, but the concept is important for everyone. My question for you is regarding the break. I am trying to get better at using a looser grip on firm/hard shots, but do you make an exception for break shots and allow yourself to tighten your grip a bit for more power?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Patrick. As for break shots, I use a medium grip and flick my wrist when I execute my fullest stroke with control. An important thing as well, is to exaggerate the followthrough. By doing this, you no longer need to throw your whole body into the shot as the wrist action and followthrough make up for it. This keeps you more in control.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@patrickgourley5808 Btw Patrick, here’s another flexible wrist video incase you missed it. This technique really made the difference for me with these type shots where I needed to play shape. See link below: Secret To Making This Shot kzbin.info/www/bejne/l37VqH14jbmrm9U

[@Ret_Lineman]

The proper stance and centering yourself to the cue ball are also very important in maintaining a consistent straight stroke

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Amen brother Rich. See links below 👍🏻😊❤️🎱 How a Pro steps into the shot kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2iZg3SCdrGcjM0 Creating a straight Pool stroke kzbin.info/www/bejne/emewaYWuZ66Co6c

[@SpecRec]

Will a loose grip help with correcting elbow alignment issues before, during, and after a shot? I have issues with twisting my grip upwards after I corrected a chicken wing (elbow sticking out). But now I tend to make my elbow veer inwards after I pull the trigger. I used to consistently make the craziest cut shots and run out 5-9 balls all the time. Running out more than 3 is rare now. I am beyond frustrated. Pool coaching is way too expensive. I am in desperate need of guidance.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@SpecRec Welcome to the channel K. As for elbow positioning, I developed a still/no sway elbow by pinching my armpit tight. In time, I ingrained this positioning. Today, I shoot without thought and have a straight/smooth transition Pool stroke. It is super important not to sway the elbow if you want consistency. As for elbow drop, I maintain a still elbow on close quarter shots as we often see in 8 ball Pool. When I shoot power draw shots however, I do drop my elbow when I need a full followthrough. Everyone is going to be different but this works very well for me. If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out as I’d be happy to direct you to a specific tutorial or give advice. Below is my stroke development playlist. I’m sure you’ll find helpful tutorials within. See link below: kzbin.info/aero/PLksfqQpKfbJpS4J2keqXOmhIZItSnNMam&si=RpPtVYW5rBEnsmc- Btw, some of the videos are from my early days. You’ll see everything I went through to get to where I’m at today. Thanks and good luck 👍🏻

[@SpecRec]

@@ronthepoolstudent thank you so much. been in a slump for the past 7 months or so, I hope to crawl out of it any day now

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@ Consistency is key to this game. Over stroking shots is generally the issue. But of course, you must first develop a straight/smooth transition Pool stroke. You’re welcome too K 👍🏻

[@SpecRec]

@@ronthepoolstudent what do you mean by over stroking?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@SpecRec I also refer to it as banging at balls K. In order to shoot with consistency, we must be “smooooth” with our stroke and not aggressively stab at the cue ball. Think of it this way; you need to “stroke” through the cue ball and not “hit” at it. Here’s a video that better depicts how to approach each shot. This is how I think and navigate through a run out. See link below: How to overcome “Target Panic” (free Pool lessons) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIGagZuBmpVmo7c

[@paradigmastudio9472]

I have a really big issue when hitting cue ball. My stick is always ends up in the upper air, when i hit cue ball pool stick dont end on the cusion, it ends in the air and it is going upwards. Im trying to learn how to hold stick right and to make a movement with my hand that is straight, can you make a video about this, it seems like a lot of beginners have same issue.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@paradigmastudio9472 This stems from not maintaining a still elbow. Work to freeze your elbow in position as your lower arm moves like a pendulum. This forces the follow through/tip to end on the cloth. Btw, I like your suggestion and will be creating a video on the subject. It just so happens, I’m currently covering stroke flaws. This would be a good one to add so thanks for your suggestion PS. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@calie01915]

If you don’t have a table and need to go to a location but can’t play yourself for hours. Say I have time for two racks. What can I drill with for 10-15 minutes. Most places usually have people waiting but sometimes I can have two racks to myself. What can I do to make the most of it.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Here you go Dawn, this is what I would recommend. This will really dial in your stroke. Please let me know how it goes. See link below: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaqvhYCYiricnposi=Yc1Mxc5YYk6ZJ3Fw

[@mcmcmcjose992]

whats the brand or name of the table?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Olhausen Belmont Jose.

[@blazeandcyrus]

I really liked this video, thanks.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Blaze, this one change has really made me a better player so I had to share this finding with my player friends. Thank you for watching and for your comment 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@sj460162]

Thanks bud. But wont the limp wrist take the cue offline sometimes?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Not at all Steve, for me, it’s the opposite. With a limp wrist, my cue stays naturally in-line to my lever, which then does not steer the cue. This said, I tell players to experiment with any changed and stick with them long enough to determine if they fit their game. Adopting a loose grip and limp wrist has been a game changer for me. Thank you and please give me feedback as you try working on this 👍🏻

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Also, incase you missed this one Steve, you’ll want to check this out as well. See link below: How to stroke straight/watch till the end kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnTIe6yHjLiLoKs

[@sj460162]

Thankyou bud. I will try this next time im up the club.

[@navjot4086604]

I started improving my game the same time you started 2 years back. I have changed stroke multiple times from pauses to slowing backswing but can't get that perfect stroke, although improved a lot. Can pot 80 percent balls now but can't go up to 95 percent which I believe is what professionals have. What's your potting percentage now and any tips to get that perfect stroke?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I have never tracked my shot making percentages Navjot. This said, it’s pretty decent. The other night on my table for instance, I only missed three offensive shots in six nine ball games. What has transformed my consistency, is to always think of stroking smoothly while maintaining a very loose grip. Word of advice; don’t get caught up in the worry of outcome. Instead, stay focused on the training process (practicing with purpose) and the shot at hand. As a result, your shotmaking percentage/consistency, will take care of itself. Hope that helps and good luck 🍀👍🏻❤️🎱

[@ronthepoolstudent]

One more thing about my consistency Navjot. I’ve become good at playing more accurate position. I think several balls ahead (at least four) and look for angles to flow into the shot-line and not across it. The importance of staying on the correct side of the line cannot be stressed enough. When we stay on the correct side of the line, we are able to more easily flow into positions that make our shots easier. For this reason, work on your position play consistency by performing continuation type exercises. Thanks again, hope that helps. ❤️🎱

[@vincevita6872]

Thanks Ron for the close up.... i think this is my problem.... vince... back to work.....

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Vince, this one piece of the stroke puzzle, is without a doubt, the best change I’ve ever made. My shot making consistency dramatically improved, (right away) once I adopted this grip technique. Please follow up with me, let me know how this works for your stroke and if you have any further questions. Great luck! ❤️🎱

[@vincevita6872]

i will when i'm on target i pot balls great until a force shot of some kind... which makes me feel im grabbing the cue.... will let u know. @@ronthepoolstudent

[@poolpassion]

If you watch efren, he does this all the time

[@ronthepoolstudent]

It’s common with very good players PP, especially the filipinos 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻