Set - Pause - Finish
The stroke should be controlled and fluid. The goal is to accelerate the cue forward in a straight line. By simply moving the forearm from one position to the next, the pendulum is naturally created. The cue ball just happens to be in the way of this arc. The “ideal” stroke uses as few muscle groups as possible so there are fewer things that can go wrong. A smooth backstroke with a “pause” helps a smooth transfer from one muscle group to another while the accelerating motion helps to ensure that only one group of muscles are being used during the forward stroke.
The set-pause-finish stroke routines are key positions in all sports, which use the pendulum. Not only are these positions crucial to developing the correct stroke on a physical level, they also contribute to mental thinking patterns.
Set is the most important of the 3 positions. The set is the first fundamental correct position, which establishes the sweet spot. A perfect pause and a perfect finish will not always contact the cue ball, however a perfect set will. The set position establishes every key point so that the movement of the stroke will ultimately bring the cue right back through to contact the cue ball.
Pause position is extremely essential for two things. First, it is the second fundamental correct position of the stroke where the transfer of muscles occurs. It also is the point where the focus transfer of the eyes to lock-in on the target occurs. The pause should be at least 1 second in length during play and an exaggerated 2 seconds during practice. Make sure that the shoulder, head and especially the elbow remain completely locked in position.
Finish position is where most players unfortunately never reach. The finish is the third fundamental correct position of the stroke where the goal is located. It is extremely important to always get to the goal on every stroke. The job of the stroke is not to hit the cue ball. It is to complete the pendulum.
The biggest obstacle is the Latissimus dorsi muscle. It is contracted to set the elbow. During the stroke the antagonist, (deltoid and trapezius) have a tendency to contract causing scapular depression - rotating shoulder. If all muscle fibers contract simultaneously, the deltoid becomes the prime mover of the arm along the frontal plane - (pushing). If the lat’s maintain contraction, the elbow remains locked and all forward stroke speed results from gravity and bicep contraction -(pulling).
Focus on pushing the cue backward and pulling it forward.
Academy of the Cueing Arts
BSACA International Master Academy
http://www.billiardinstruction.com
