Pool stroke transition

[@jamescathcart4762]

Ron, you have a real knack relating to everyday folks which most pool players are. You showed hard work pays off.Enjoy your videos.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you James, this has always been my goal…keep it real as I share what has worked for me and be relatable. Thanks again! 👍🏻

[@jamescathcart4762]

@@ronthepoolstudent Yea boy u my homie! Do u ever gamble? What did u do before u retired? l lived in muskegon for four years. Love your videos. By the way how tall are you? Have you ever seen a really really tall pool player in person that could actually run out?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@jamescathcart4762company owner and yes, I have seen tall players that are 700+ players shoot.

[@johngies4024]

It took me a while to get the pause into my stroke but once I did, wow what a game changer. Also Ron, yourself and Niels are fantastic teachers. Thank you. I learned much by watching both your channels

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks John, it’s awesome that I have participated in your growth as a player…👍🏻👍🏻😊👍🏻👍🏻

[@randallburns4946]

The best Lesson I have seen on the Pause. Thank You Ron!!!!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Randall, great to hear feedback like this. I’m just trying to articulate what goes on in my head so it helps as many Players as possible.

[@MarkSlade-hn7sj]

I find videoing of myself when I'm studying my pool game the best feedback teacher. Stroking properly is so important. It starts the entire chain of events necessary to pot the ball. The Mark Wilson clinic videos are excellent as yours Ron.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Mark, you are spot on. Also, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shared Mark Wilson’s 3 part clinic videos. What an EXCELLENT tutorial set. His clinic helped me battle through changing my old jab stroke habit. Thanks again 👍🏻❤️🎱

[@glenwilliamson9745]

what you are teaching is so true it helped me so much

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Awesome and thanks Glen! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kentdawson2460]

Very good advice i really appreciate it 👍

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@kentdawson2460 Thank you Kent and glad this resonated. Please ask any questions you may have 👍🏻

[@TheKcnoman111]

Sunni, Ron is spot on about stepping into the shot. Me personally step forward, placing my right toe in line with the target and cue ball. Left foot is placed to create tripod with left foot, right foot and bridge hand. Your bridge hand should fall behind the cue ball in line with the target. The grip hand falls behind the bridge in line with the target and cue ball. It is an overlay of lines, resting on top of the other. If you do that and still miss, it's probably your stroke. There must be a pause when making a stroke. IMHO the "stroke" is a forward motion only. The backstroke is the distance set for the stroke, it should never be one move, back and forth. Backstroke, Set, Stroke. The "Set" is your pause. Another good video Ron. Nice to see people helping people.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Well said and thanks TK. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@kenclarke8207]

Thanks, great video. This will help a lot.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Ken, I sure hope so 👍🏻

[@Rubster760]

I’m definitely digging this. Once the muscle memory picks this up. The Rhythm will be flawless. Nice video Ron 🤩👍.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Ruben! 👍🏻

[@justsaying3594]

Your followers should also check out Jerry Briesath's videos. He's the one Mark jokes about telling him to take two weeks off, and when he gets back, quit. If your viewers are having trouble with the pause, it's probably because they are not doing the set. I noticed you do. There is a forward pause right after the practice strokes then draw back slowly under control pause then stroke.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

This is when I totally focus on the stroke and stroking the object ball precisely.

[@chuckrhodes4253]

First of all, thank you for taking the time to do these videos. That being said also a BIG thank you for the mention of Mark Wilson's 3 part video series. Part 2 was extremely helpful because I couldn't figure out a stance that aligned me with the cue ball correctly. After watching it (a few times) I've changed my pre-shot routine and the results have been amazing. I hit much straighter than I've been doing. I even had a guy ask me if I was in a league ( not yet) because he said my form was good and relaxed. But enough about me. Thank you, thank you, for sharing your growth with us. Take care

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Chuck, I’m happy my content is helping you out bud. 👍🏻

[@JosePolanco-my7nb]

the best one so far that explains this correctly

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Jose 👍🏻

[@doncardinal912]

I haven't got the full pause yet, it's probably a milli-second, I'm seeing more consistency, especially on the longer shots. Thanks for helping us grow with you Ron.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Don, it’s great to hear feedback that what I download helps others. 👍🏻👍🏻😊👍🏻👍🏻

[@bombers9238]

That's funny that you mentioned John Disque because that is the same video I watched that lead me to this video. Great job and thanks for sharing the knowledge.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Cool Joseph, 👍🏻

[@terellwalker2352]

Working on the follow through...I poke alot.....getting better at it...u have great videos thank you

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@terellwalker2352 Thank you Terell, glad my content is helping. Breaking a habit is difficult so stick with it. It took me a year to stop poke stroking just to let you know.

[@kennewhouse3806]

Recently found and have gotten great tips from this channel I am also an older person that got back into the game about 3 years ago after taking a 20 year break and am obsessed with getting better Some great videos - keep up the great work

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Ken for watching and I’m glad my videos are helping. Let me know if you have any questions as you work to improve and I’ll be glad to help if I can. 👍🏻😊

[@kennewhouse3806]

@@ronthepoolstudent - Thank you - another video you posted really helped me regarding English - and the need to use only maybe a tip or so - I always thought I had to use the full amount which contributes to missing more shots if you don't compensate properly for deflection

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@kennewhouse3806 right, I think most players overdo it when they first use it, I know I did.

[@MisterEDit1]

Good vid, Ron 👍 the longer I pause in the back stroke, the more likely I am to miss. Sometimes I poke em, gotta stroke em!!!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

It does take time to overcome those misses. Developing that muscle memory for greater cue ball control/accuracy is key. Thanks Darin! 👍🏻

[@rolagator]

that works great keep up the good work I've seen the video its good

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks rolagator…👍🏻👍🏻

[@MrMalbaghdady]

I am a snooker player but I found yr video’s very useful for the game , thnx a lot 🙏🙏

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Mohammed, I really appreciate the feedback. It is my hope to help as many Players as possible as I document my growth and what it took to get me there. Thanks again 👍🏻😊👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@sharkymoon422]

I do a long pause on tough long shots or when I need to concentrate more it’s like a reset button, or use it to slowdown me or the opponent, reason being I don’t always take a full swing on all shots and I find the pause on the back stroke a distraction on most easy shots.. So I use the pause as a ‘special weapon’ rather than all the time.. Boxers very rarely can change styles once learned, yes they can change in the gym but when under pressure in the fight they revert back to type, I believe it’s the same in pool when tired or under pressure, of course there is the odd person who manages the transition.. I agree with you, it’s a great technique and does improve thee.. You’re videos are brilliant and appreciated 👍

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I do hear and agree with ya on those super short shots Sharky. We must always go with what feels correct for every shot. The pause is truly a weapon and can aid in accuracy at the same time. As for slowing down your opponent, my sparring partner (for example) is a fast player and I’ve noticed this does bug him somewhat when I play methodically with my pause stroke. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sharkymoon422]

@@ronthepoolstudent I am still a fast player but learning and practicing that pause stroke really made me more dimensional, and I feel more able to calm down using it, especially when I’m in a rhythm, it really is a tool for reset too.. Without a doubt everyone should have in this in their locker👍🙏

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@sharkymoon422 your reset comment resonates. When I’ve struggled during my nine ball pattern practices, I’ve really focused on pausing and it straightens me out immediately. 👍🏻

[@jerryhughes4256]

Great advice!. Everyone should watch Mark Wilson’s 3 part lesson.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

AMEN to that Jerry! Thank you for your comment 👍🏻😊 ❤️🎱

[@PaulWickman]

Lots of good info here. Clearly Ron (and myself) are big fans of Mark Wilson. The preshot routine and a smooth transition are both super important to success on the pool table. What I have found is that when I'm practicing I say out loud, "I don't care if the ball goes in! I'm only going to focus on my stroke!" Almost inevitably, I pocket more balls and play at the top end of my abilities. When I become results based- like in a tournament- my game regresses. I've seen this time and time again. I'm trying to "care less" in big games and just focus on the stroke and the process.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Paul and you’re spot on. When we execute a fundamentally sound stroke, the test takes care of itself 👍🏻 ❤️🎱

[@anthonybrookspoolandbillia5289]

Ron another great video! I think it is important to point out that there are a large number of top pros that have no back pause but almost all of them have a front pause. While the back pause will be very helpful to some players and everyone should probably give it a try... it is not necessary to develop a great pool game. Some examples of pros that have no pause in the back ... shane van boening and Earl Strickland. However both of them have front pauses.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Very true

[@shotmakerjack]

Always trying to perfect my stroke . Discovered I was only half doing the process. Now, I have a pre-shot routine and a pre-stroke routine . This process helps me slow the tempo of everything and creates smoothness I did not have before. Pre-Shot is standing up to see the aim point and visualize the cue ball path. This includes body alignment to the shot. Once done, I drop down for the pre-stroke routine. I am already aligned properly, now a few pre-stroke for feel, then pause before doing stroke. Making certain the tip goes 7-8” past cue ball starting position. When I do it well the results are great!!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Awesome Jack, the pre-shot routine can not be overstressed. This to me, sets us up for consistent success. Thanks for watching and for your spot on comment 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@724riff]

Thanks for the videos but i wanted to ask . i am older now and my left eye has beome extremely dominant , but i am right handed and really feels like i am coming across the cue ball . have you ever seem any topics or tutorials that address this issue . its been creating a chicken wing also now . and I cannot correct this .

[@ronthepoolstudent]

There are players that have this situation. Search Dr Dave as I think I saw a video on this that he once posted.

[@djlduro]

Great video, as always, Ron. Much appreciated! Question: Do you have any "swing thoughts" or words you repeat to lock in the timing/process of the pause?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you Jim and yes, I settle in at the cue ball then focus in on maintaining a still head and body other than my stroke motion. When I pull back, I make sure I implement a subtle hesitation at “full-back”, I then slowly “push” the cue slightly forward to then accelerate through the cue ball. Also; I don’t have a rhythmic clock or anything like that, I simply try to stroke straight and smooth without thoughts of any unwanted clutter only when I’m ready. Hope that makes sense.

[@djlduro]

That's very helpful; thanks for the reply!@@ronthepoolstudent. Also, I later watched the recommended Mark Wilson series and got a lot out of it. He repeats the phrase "ladies and gentlemen" to help him achieve the proper tempo.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@djlduro right, this always messed me up however. For me, I have to shoot when my mind is totally clear of everything, which includes, “Ladies & Gentleman”.

[@djlduro]

Makes sense! @@ronthepoolstudent

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

Check out the young Ko Bro vs Chang on the Acustats Channel at Derby City Classic 9 ball. Young Ko is so fluid, slow and perfect. Checking out! That is what I try to emulate in stroke tempo

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I’m on it now! Thanks!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I just quickly viewed a three shot finish by Ko to the nine ball and wow!, you’re spot on in your observation Ronnie. A must watch !!!

[@jeremywillhoit7923]

Can you teach how to shoot a double bank shot into the side pocket and what English to put on the cue ball? Like if your on the 🎱 and the bank shot is blocked so you need to do a double bank to win!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Advanced shot Jeremy. Most have no clue about this shot.

[@williamsheppard8738]

Your head your shoulder and your cue has to be all in a line with each other you stroked the ball a real secret is the fact that once you get to doing this on the regular you will start getting tunnel vision and start seeing a black line appear on the table then you will not have to imagine it anymore because it will be there what's that starts happening you know you were in that zone you always wanted to be

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Excellent points

[@MrMalbaghdady]

👍👍🙏🙏👌👌

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@vincentsaldana5235]

When I am strictly practicing I exaggerate the pause and it helps me to incorporate into my playing stroke.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I like that practice! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@edtamboni4752]

I too can vouch for the pause...had a bad stroke, incorporated the pause...fast, noticeable improvement...

[@ronthepoolstudent]

👍🏻

[@kevinhowe8725]

I definitely have to work on staying down with my stroke. I have a habit of lifting up and peeking to soon after my stroke. But when I stay down it's always a better feel and stroke.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

There ya go, you’re aware of the issue. Half the battle is recognizing the problem.

[@724riff]

Ok , I have to ask and have watched his videos which I do not agree with but I am confused because if your foot is on the inside of the target line amd then you have to rotate your body x amount of degrees clockwise isn't that undoing the visualization part etc . Plus if your right handed and left eye dominant you have to have your head way way over the line . It does create great clearance no doubt but then again it creates weight or balance issues . I tried it the first day with good success and the second day I looked like a fish out of water and looked like a fish out of water because I cant get my eye over the cue stick .

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Every player will need to tweak their stance, head position for vision center and overall body position based on their physique. This said, what works for one, may not work for another. See Mark Wilson’s “3 part clinic” on KZbin. Also, if you do not agree with my tutorials, sorry about that. Don’t let your frustration spew over on someone that’s only trying to help Riff.

[@724riff]

@ronthepoolstudent I didn't say I didn't agree , I said I don't understand that's why I asked a question , maybe it came off wrong . But back to my question marks system looks 100 percent perfect but I don't see alot or all pros get that much clearance. It seems for me because I am right handed but left eye dominant there is a trade off of a pure stroke but cannot see the shot line and balance if that makes any sense . I'm not sure how tall your table is but when you play on a 29 inch table that requires alot ofnextra work , I've played only on a few diamonds that are almost 2 inched taller and the adjustments are minimal. In any event the theory is to bring your eye to the shot line or stick and never the stick to your sight line . Idk maybe bringing the stick to the shot line after I am bent over creates the lack of space is that possible

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@724riff you actually say in the beginning of your first comment; “I watched his videos which I don’t agree with”. No worries however. Experiment with your body positioning till it feels right.

[@tonytechsupport]

Ron when you started you mentioned the question by Ronnie where he wasn't accurate with his shot when he paused on the backswing and he didnt trust it. You really didn't answer his question on what he should do. You are just saying that the pause is critical and you talk about getting down on the shot properly. How do we get "Comfortable" pausing when the cue tip is not near the ball and stroking away for an accurate shot.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Playing a match right now so I’ll get back after Tony.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thanks Tony, I’m finally free to answer your question. The main thing we must do is maintain a smooth transition. I’ve since come to realize it’s not that important to have a long pronounced Allison Fisher pause, it is important however, to be smooth when transitioning from back to forward stroke. This of course is what happens once we are down in the shot. Stepping into the shot is important as well. Body alignment needs to be established while standing behind the shot. We must then step into position so we are balanced and in alignment with the shot line. It boils down to sound fundamentals from there and maintaining a repeatable pre-shot routine. I hope that’s helped to answer your question and thanks again 👍🏻

[@LaVerdad65]

Hey brother, your videos are super nitpicky about technique, and thats exactly what Im looking for at my level. If I explained the amount of nuances that go into my grip, even most pool players would think I was a schizo conspiracy theorist lol

[@ronthepoolstudent]

I hear ya No No 👍🏻 Right now, Im super fired up about a eureka moment I’ve just come to learn. I’ll be posting video on this tomorrow. Btw, if I could only leave three videos on my channel, this one would top the list of those three…stay tuned!

[@gregsaiter3768]

Hi Ron. I watch all your videos. You are correct on all of this. I had developed a good pause and it works great. One thing I would add is that I miss more than my share of long shots. I believe it is due to a scooping stroke such that toward the end of the stroke I tend to end the stroke with an ugly upward finish. I noticed in this lesson that you end all of your shots with the cue tip landing on or near the table surface. I am working hard on that but I thought I would throw my 2 cents worth in. Thanks for the great videos Pool Friend. Greg...

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Thank you very much for watching Greg. Let’s talk follow through. Early on, I focused on maintaining a quiet elbow. This meant I would not let it fall/drop during this portion of my stroke. I knew I was successful as the tip would finish near or at the cloth. When first doing this however, I found I would sometimes strike the cue ball too low. This was due to early timing. Early timing is not a good thing as the tip will be dropping at impact. When the grip hand goes beyond 90° before impact, you will hit too low and sometimes scoop. You’ve heard me mention this in my videos. Here’s my advice: In your quest to finish with a low tip/quiet elbow, be aware of this early timing situation. Address the cue ball very close (1/4” away) and keep your grip hand slightly back of 90°. (1/2” or so) Video yourself from the side so you can see your entire arm movement as well as the cue tip going through the cue ball. You can then critique and adjust from there as needed. Thanks again and luck, I hope this helps 👍🏻

[@gregsaiter3768]

@@ronthepoolstudent Wow, thanks Ron. That is great information. I'll work on it.

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@gregsaiter3768 thanks Greg, keep me posted 👍🏻

[@gregsaiter3768]

@@ronthepoolstudent I wish we lived closer. I'd like to meet you. I am in central Ohio. Thanks for all your great advice. Greg...

[@ronthepoolstudent]

👍🏻 if ever up this way, we could shoot at one of our halls.