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Myths Of Billiards

10/30/2006 7:22:04 PM

Myths Of Billiards

Today, I got a newsletter from budget billiards that outlined the myths of pool. I gotta say, I really disagree with a good portion of what they have said.

Here is the first one:

"If you hit the ball, it's gone. What good is follow-through going to do? The ball has already left the tip of your cue. What would a baseball batter do if he hit the ball mid-swing, and THEN finished his swing. What would he have? A bunt, right? How about a golfer: if a golfer hits the ball, and then he decides to finish his swing and follow through... What would this be? Well, it'd just be a chip shot. The same principals that apply to both of these sports must, also, then apply to Billiards. A follow through is a two-part action when you hit something and THEN follow through. This is, of course, opposed to the correct method: a one-part action of hitting the ball!"

So, I was always thinking that the follow through was to prevent a jerk-stopping action which actually causes your cue to follow an undesired path before it hits the cue ball. Follow through simply allows for a more natural stroke doesn't it?

Here is the next...

"Another big mistake that players make is swinging their cue until it "feels right." That is as preposterous as aiming at a target while wave your gun until you feel it's time pull the trigger. This would never let your eye lock on the target, because you are in motion. When you move, your eyes keep gathering information so you can make a decision, but if you keep swinging until "it feels right" how will your eyes focus at the target to hit object ball correctly?"

So this one, again, goes agains what i've read. Doesn't the swing help make a more natural stroke? Even if it does not, I'm sure it won't harm the shot any, so how can they say it is "another big mistake?" Seems a bit of an exaggeration.

The one that I DO agree with is the last one that goes something like this:

"The funniest thing I have ever heard is that one's "cue never misses, because it's so good you wouldn't believe it!" I have personally laid the cue on the table, backed up, and stood and watched the cue and it has never made a shot by itself. I have actually said get it, shoot it, and despite this, it just doesn't seem to do a thing on its own. People really believe the cue is what plays the game for them. A good cue is ONLY a good cue, and will only go as far as the player's skill will take them."

This DOES make sense. It is ludacris that people sell themselves short and attribute their success to equipment.

Myths Of Billiards

Replies & Comments
  1. aspinbilliardsforum on 10/30/2006 9:05:32 PM

    Point #1 - Yes, apparently it uses the same principle as gold swing follow-through. The idea is that A proper billiard shot follow-through will help make the stroke more natural.

    I don't think he's refuting that fact. He's trying to explain proper follow through, and improper follow through. I'd read that one a little closer if I were you.

    Point #2 - Yes, I think the author is over-generalizing here. I really think they are referring to those who pre-swing all willy-nilly and out of control. If you have a nice controlled back swing, and slow down when the tip nears the cue ball, you should be just fine.

    Point #3 - Ha, this is too true, but you have to admit that those grimy night club pool cues with hardened broken tips don't play quite as well as a new cue stick right? So yes, the quality of the cue will have a small effect. If you really suck though, no billiard cue in the world will help you.

  2. aspinjana on 10/31/2006 5:04:21 PM

    I also got a copy of the article, and thought those same things. I think that this guy was just trying to fill an article. There isn't much proof to some of these things. Some do make sense though.

  3. aspinthedoc on 10/31/2006 5:06:44 PM

    I think its all bogus. Watch the top 5 professional billiard players and they all have noticably different strokes, aiming techniques, stances, and grips, yet they all play extremely well. This leads us to conclude that there is no one good way to stroke, just use what feels good.

  4. aspinuser1174404592 on 3/20/2007 3:29:52 PM

    all those guys have incredibly straight strokes.. all same in that regard.. they all stand straight and correct on the shot.. they all triple check the shot and stroke to assure it goes in the right direction.. and they always have a mature plan prior to aiming..

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Myths Of Billiards

  • Title: Myths Of Billiards
  • Author:
  • Published: 10/30/2006 7:22:04 PM