I
can assure you that top players like Stephen Hendry, if
they have any hiccups in their form they will go straight
to the practice table to sort things out..
Both would wish to make sure they are going straight through
the cue ball smoothly and with a good follow through. All
that is needed to check this is correct, is to cue along
the baulk line addressing the brown spot, (Fig 1).
Now with nice long waggles and a good rhythm, you can check
to see that the cue remains constantly over the baulk line,
(Fig 2). It must also remain so after you have finished
the last back swing and gone through to hit your chest with
the back hand. Because you have addressed the brown spot
to start with you can also check to see how far you have
gone through the cue ball, (Fig 3).
If you should find that the cue is slightly offset from
the baulk line all that is required is to feel just where
you are hitting your chest and adjust accordingly. With
practice you should be able to groove a good straight cue
action without even hitting a ball.
Once you have re-familiarised yourself with straight cueing,
now you can concentrate on potting balls. First of all line
the balls up and down the table, (Fig 4) trying to pot red
and colour.
Afterwards test your cueing by lining up the balls across
the middle of the table, (Fig 5). The exercise is to pot
the balls after making sure you have a straight shot from
the baulk line into one of the top pockets.
After this exercise vary your practice and attempt the longer
shots with the object balls level with the pink spot. These
should be played with both back and top-spin. Remember these
shots can all be match winners and 100% concentration should
be applied when practicing.
(For more information on practice visit Practice Routines)
So how many hours practice is needed every day? I
have lost count of the amount of times I have been asked
this question and I will repeat again - you will not
get any more out of the game than you are prepared to put
in.
Having said this, practice does not have to be continuous.
Regular breaks and rests are advisable if you find your
concentration and attention span slipping.
