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Oct 25, 2004 :: It's The Fundamentals,Stupid
The Four Strokes of Pool
I have received many letters and I am shocked by how many players do not know the
four strokes of pool .
In the next four weeks we will look at each stroke. You can read all about the four strokes of pool in “The Lesson.” You must master the four strokes of pool because the stroke determines the track line.
You must master the four strokes of pool because the stroke determines the speed of the cue ball.
You must master the four strokes before you can master cue ball speed or position play.
If you skip the four strokes of pool, you will be plagued and over come with an inconsistent game. One day you’re up and some days you’re down.
If you are an inconsistent player you need to master the four strokes of pool. You should order “The Lesson”” and begin to put your game together so it will not let you down when you need it. When it comes to your game, “do it right.”
Stroke #1 - The Punch Stroke
This is, by far, the most popular stroke in pool. Willie Mosconi used it over 80 percent of the time. It gives you natural speed and natural track lines.
To master this stroke, line up a shot straight in the side pocket. The cue ball should be a couple diamonds away.
Deliver a “pop” sound one sixteenth below center. If the cue ball stops dead in its tracks, you have discovered your punch stroke. Whatever it takes to stop the cue ball dead is a punch stroke. If the cue ball drifts back towards you, you have added a little draw into your punch stroke.
If the cue ball drifts forward you have allowed a little follow in your punch stroke. You must stop the cue ball dead. When you do, pay attention to that sound. Pay attention to how it feels. You will want to master this stroke.
k lines. In The Lesson book I give you a series of shots you can use to begin to develop cue ball speed and cue ball control. If you do not possess a good solid reliable punch stroke, you will never find the consistency you seek. The Punch Stroke: don’t leave home with out it.
