Jump Shot... To learn or not to learn that is the qustion

[sonnic]

I play somewhat competitivly in a neiborhood bar pool league, where jump shots are not allowed. At this bar they also use one of those big cue balls so im guessing the jump shot wouldn't work nearly as good if at all. I guess what im asking is how often do you use the jump shot? when im playing at home i can jump the ball very well the illegal way (hitting below the cueball) but haven't really tried jumping correctly with a jump cue. Is it worth it to me to buy a jump cue? I know it comes down to priorities and to me as of now it would be low but could be effective down the line. I think im just looking for some opinions... Thanks

[DZ314]

If you're in the BCA or playing somewhere that they allow jumping I say get a Bungee Jumper or another jump cue. If that is not the case I don't think it is worth it. I don't have one, BTW. I just play APA and pubs. :D

[sonnic]

yeah same here i think the only reason i want one is so people cannot complain about my nigga pool when i jump the wrong way.

[DZ314]

LOL, tell them to get over it! ;)

Now, you mean when you jump by intentionally mis-cueing?

[skor]

If you don't need it then don't get it.
But if you have the extra cash then why not, you might need it in the future if you'll decide to take your game into a higher level, the way things are going it will cost you more later.
I can jump very good but I only do so when there is no other option to get out of a safe or when a jump shot is 100% sure to pocket the ball

[maughanm]

Where I play, they are allowed. I usually do a few tournaments a year and play at the Local Moose Lodge...both allows the jump cue. We play at my place on Friday nights, and at another guys place one week night a week....so jump cues are always welcomed. If you play ball in hand...the jumper will get you out of a lot of jams....and I've even sunk the winning ball a time or two with mine....If nothing else, it is fun to practice with it...I've got a Lucasi, and am still in the learning process...but love it....You can look real impressive, or look a real fool with it.....Iv'e done both...but when you make a winning shot with it....it is worth it all...besides, they are not expensive compared to a playing cue....For the big cue ball you were talking about...it would be useless however...guess it all depends on where you play.... 8) mike

[DZ314]

That's right, trying to jump one of those "rocks from the moon" which are commonly found on bar tables will not help your confidence very much! :lol:

[dags_lax]

When you start playing the better competition the jump cue becomes very important. A good player will exploit your weakness (inability to jump) to his advantage and frustrate you to no end with safety play while your losses mount because you continually give ball in hand.

More often than not when shooting a jump shot you are shooting not with the intention of making a called shot, but just getting a good hit.

[dags_lax]

As for playing with "bar cue balls" jumping is still not much of a problem. You just might need 2 1/2" inches to work with instead of 2".

[Tanar]

Jump cues are a handy tool and do help you out of a tricky situation. However, I have seen guys practice their jumps so much that they let their normal game go to crap. Also, I keep asking myself, what did I do before i had this thing? I would recomend them, but don't rely on them too heavily. Make sure you can still kick or bank your way out of a situation. I have also made two balls on league night, one to sink the object and one to win the game. The 8 to win was a fluke (caroming off of another ball), but I called the pocket and it was the intended shot, just minus the carom. Happy jumping.

[dags_lax]

what did I do before i had this thing?

I know what I did before I got one of those things. I gave up a lot of ball in hands. Kick shots are the weakest part of my game.

[maughanm]

That is why I bought mine....I just don't have the eyes for kick shots...I'm so bad at it. :oops: ..I hate to even attempt it in a real game.

[audiopro]

I am just the opposite. My eye for banks and kicks, while not great, are much better than my jump skills.. I think the control involved with kicks or banks is much easier though when compared to jumps.

I probably need to practice both of them a lot more though honestly..

[Tanar]

Okay, here is another related question. What method do you use to jump? The daryt or the regular stroke? I use a regular stroke as I find it is more accurate. Opinions?

[Ziklag]

jumps and masse's are excellant tools to have on your side i wouldn't go anywhere without my jump cue

[audiopro]

Dart sucks for me.. Regular stroke.. However I use a regular cue, not a jump cue.

[maughanm]

Tanar, to be honest, when I first got mine, I started out using the dart method...and I just continued learning that way and never even tried the stroke method...so I can't answer but for one way...It seems like I read somewhere that the dart was easier...I would think the jumper is too short for using a regular stroke....but maybe someone else will comment. I have gotton pretty good with the jump part....the direction is what I haven't mastered...I just don't have the time to practice with it like I want.....If I can just retire one day....I might get to be a pretty good pool player..... 8) mike

[dags_lax]

dart or regular?

Depends on how close I am to the interfering ball. The more I need to jack the cue up the more likely I am to use the dart stroke. If I have enough distance between the cue ball and the interfering ball I can use my break cue (18.3 oz with a phenolic tip) and with a modest amount of elevation and a regular stroke, jump satisfactorily.

[skor]

I use both methods, it's realy up to the shot I have.
I find both ways to be accurate just the same