At least, that’s what I’m hoping right now. My game has been on the low-end of terrible for the last couple of weeks. I think it’s because I’ve finally settled in on a comfortable stance and am focusing more on position than making the ball. This is just as wrong as focusing on making the ball and not thinking about position. The only good part about all of this is that when I miss, it usually rattles, but I nearly always get position. So, I’m close – very close to getting both aspects.
It’s very, very frustrating though.
I’ve also discovered a new flaw: my line of sight isn’t always where my cue is going. I haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact types of shots when this happens, but it’s only a select few. Having the cueball frozen on the rail with the object more than half a table away is one such example.
I think what is happening is that I’m focusing too much on the cueball during my final stroke. I constantly watch my stick during a few of the warm-up strokes to make sure I’m straight (as I’m not always due to my new stance) – and then once I am, I go back to my object ball’s contact point. I think I’m losing sight of the spot while I’m straightening myself out. I have to rebuild my muscle-memory in my stroking arm.
As such, I’m now incorporating this practice technique into my warmup routine:
I’ve also been working a few new drills this week:
The Long Shot Off-The-Rail: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsGFc0puuBI
A 9-ball situational drill:
Liz Ford’s Single Shot Drills. (which are deceptively difficult, in my opinion.)