Secrets to Reflect On …
“Ms. Cue” and I have experienced thousands of treasured moments in and out of the “artistic pool” arena. We hope each of you is enjoying personal “victory” in your game and life. In this regard, I want to give you of a “secret of sorts” for the next level and beyond! !@#$%^&*()_+ … Something is definitely wrong!! L@o$o^k*S)h+arp … Better, but still not right!! Lo#ok^Sh(ar+p … Warmer – keep trying!! Look%^Sharp … You’re almost there!! Look Sharp!! … Now, you’ve got it!!
The above chameleon (changing) text holds within its pattern special meaning to correct specific “glitches” in a player’s mechanical movements…before, during, and after a shot. The foundation of this analogy is based on an “in the present” mode, as I type each line, and then review it. Making the appropriate changes as I go, from line to line, is a necessity to eventually get the last line to “look sharp”!!
In a similar light, you can enter an “in the present” training mode to your game components. An instructor’s analysis/diagnosis of a student has minimal value, if some method of corrective remedy is not prescribed for an existing glitch or glitches. Pre-stance, chalking efficiency, alignment, stroke, and/or the obvious errant movements of grip, bridge, head, and other body parts can all cause a player to play poorly and look dull. Many of the games we lose are the direct result of not “looking sharp” at the table…in our preparation and execution skills.
The “secret” – a mirror!!! How simple!!! The process of “prepping yourself” to “look sharp” occurs each morning for most of us. If something looks dull or out of place, you correct it “in the present”…with a trustworthy feedback from within the mirror’s reflection.
Imagine looking in a mirror seeing yourself step erratically into a contorted body/stance position, swinging the cue in a wild twisting hand/wrist/arm movement, “pumping oil” with the lower arm in relation to the upper shoulder hinge, and/or jumping mightily up from a final stroke movement with your head or upper body. You can correct any “glitch” of “muscle memory” / “pre-stance” by talking to yourself in the mirror, until the correction is made with comfort in a reinforced subconscious image implant. Tuning yourself to “look sharp” in a mirror with each mechanical component in its proper order and movement, will allow you to take the “new you in the mirror” to the table.
Prescription from “Dr. Cue”®:
1 to 2 minutes a day “in the present”…with a mirror…for 3 to 5 days, and then every 3000 games or 3000 miles, whichever comes first!! Chalk consistently on each approach…align body with cue under shoulder…step forward into down stance position, maintaining the cue / shoulder relationship…balance yourself with a “parallel to the cue” rear foot movement…start swinging the cue in a non-twisting and unrestricted motion of the hand / wrist / lower arm, with no upper shoulder / body / head movement…make a final “slow” back swing, hesitate slightly, and “free flight” the cue forward to the awaiting tip in the mirror.
Focused Objective / Goal:
Straight alignment and straight stroke motions…under the shoulder…with “2 tips” imaged in a gentle and unified perfection to each other.
Result: A new, improved you — “Look Sharp…Be Sharp…Feel Sharp”!!
For a “free” copy in computer format (11.6MB Color – PDF only), please request it by email or phone. If you would like this manual in hard copy format (8.5 x 11.0 inches, black / white, spiral binding), the cost is $7.00 + S/H. All funds received will be used for outreach work under the RACK Vision umbrella. May you be blessed in your sharing and your giving!
Tom “Dr. Cue”® Rossman, RACK Vision Outreach / Author
Email: drcue@artisticpool.org Phone: 765.760.7665
Copyright © 2016 Thomas D. Rossman, Cloverdale, IN
Comments