Developing a Sound Pre-shot Routine

By Rick “White Wolf" Prince

Rick "White Wolf” Prince

One of the most critical aspects of Your game takes place before you ever take the shot.

It’s Your Pre- Shot routine. It’s so simple that most players often skip over it in favor of the more tangible or challenging aspects of the game.

Just imagine this, you’re in a money match with an opponent who ran four racks on you right out of the gate! The opponent finally misses a tough bank shot and leaves you a shot.

You’ve been sitting in your chair for four racks, so your reaction is to jump out of your chair and Shoot that shot so that you feel like you’re Back in the Game!

But “ Woah Nellie”!!!... Not So fast!

Before the Uncontrollable urge to shoot overwhelms you, Step Back a second and Take a Deep Breath. This is the time when you’re Pre- Shot routine should kick in. Your routine will do a few things for you. It will Bring Comfort to your body and give Confidence to your mind, promoting Familiarity and Consistency.

The Pre- Shot routine starts in your brain, allowing you to analyze the table and the situation at hand. Pool is, in fact, a lot like chess; you don’t have the luxury of thinking just one move at a time! Success is determined by how well thought-out your coordination of moves is applied.

Before you ever get down on the shot, you must have a sound plan. Remember, Indecision equals Disaster!

Now, the 9-Ball strategy is somewhat different (easier) in some respects than other cue sports simply because the table dictates the next shot.

Others Don’t afford such luxuries because the patterns are virtually limitless, and naturally, some patterns are better than others. That’s where your experience and knowledge of the different cue sports come into play.

The following are the 7 Steps to my Pre-Shot Routine, and if you follow these simple steps, I’ll guarantee you a successful Pre-Shot routine.

1. Step up to the table and chalk up really good.

2. Carefully Observe the pattern and all the options dictated by the lay of the Balls.

3. Make a firm decision where you are going to put both the Object Ball and the Cue Ball.

4. Visualize the shot happening along with all its related table activity.

5. Now, Step into the Shot!

6. Put All your Focus on pocketing the ball with Confidence that the cue ball will end up in the exact location you had visualized.

7. Now Shoot that Shot like you Own it, With Confidence!

Now, these 7 Steps will produce Better results After you’ve Mastered the Proper Fundamentals.

Grip, Stance, Bridge selection, Rhythm, and Timing should all be determined before taking your Pre-Shot Routine!

These simple steps will help you up your game to its maximum!

Until Next Time, Happy Shootin’

From “ The White Wolf”