Pre-shot Routine
... the process you go through to aim and prepare for a shot.
Pre-shot Routine... the process you go through to aim and prepare for a shot.
Dr.
Dave's answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs),
mostly from the BD
CCB and AZB
discussion forums
maintained for the book: The
Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards,
the DVD series: The Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots (VEPS),
and the monthly Billiards
Digest "Illustrated Principles" instructional articles
What is a pre-shot routine?
A pre-shot routine is a sequence of steps you go through in preparation to aim and shoot a shot. It is generally recommended that this routine be followed consistently for every shot. Elements of a pre-shot routine include planning, chalking, aiming, aligning, approaching, forming the stance, and preparing and executing the stroke. For more information, see the recommended best practices.
What are some recommended "best practices" for the pre-shot routine?
An important part of a pre-shot routine is creating good alignment with your vision center positioned properly for consistent and accurate sighting.
The following video, from Disc I of the Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice (VEPP), describes and demonstrates elements of a good pre-shot routine:
For more information, see my April '12 BD article. This video also provides excellent advice: NV B.5 - Mike Page's pre-shot routine video (part 1, part 2). Also, these two articles by Bob Jewett offer excellent advice:
Bob Jewett's August '00 BD article dealing with pre-shot routine
Bob Jewett's OnTheBreak March '06 article dealing with pre-shot routine
Here's some good advice from RalphEckert focusing on the grip hand.
Concerning the stroke, recommended best practices are described and demonstrated here: