Mastering the Jump Shot

[maughanm]

I'm talking about using a jump cue here.....Need some tips on how to keep the cue ball in a straight line. Jumping has been rather easy, direction is a bit harder. Using a dart method, using more wrist and less arm has helped me some...but I still have problems with the CB going left. Keeping my elbow in close also seems to help. I'm just now getting around to wanting to practice more with it than I usually do..But, I don't like playing a slice. :wink: .just want someone's advice who is good with one. mike 8)

[skor]

I only use the dart stroke when the blocking ball is too close to the cue ball (I can jump higher this way), I use the following routine:
1. I step a way from the table to see the path better
2. I hold the jump cue like in the dart stroke BUT I put the butt on my chin so I can see the cue in-line with the path I want it to go.
3. As I approach the shot I go into the right dart stroke position, keeping my chin above the cue and keep my eyes going up and down along the path.
4. Make sure to hit the center of the CB, putting side english while jumping will cause the cue ball to curve as it lands (once you master that curve then you can use it to avoid scratching if the OB is hanging in the pocket).
5. stroke firm.
6. pocket the object ball :)

when using the regular stroke, the routine is as follow.
1. I hold the cue in a regular way and approach the shot with a level cue, just as if there is no blocking ball.
2. while in position, I raise my bridge hand (open bridge) to the point that the tip is right above the point I want to hit the CB.
3. I raise the butt of the cue to the right angle and lean forward at the same time making my bridge hand elbow come closer to my body (without moving the bridge).
4. stroke firm.
5. pocket the ball :)

Most important is to hit the center of the cue ball !!!!!!!!!! Making it jump is hard enough, combining a jump and a masse is too much (in most cases:) )

Hope this is will help you :)

[sonnic]

just like anything practice practice practice. The pros practice several hours a day

[dags_lax]

Skor has hit the nail pretty much on the head. Skor didn't mention that for the dart stroke to hold the cue lightly and keep your elbow tucked in. In fact the lighter the better.


As I approach the shot I go into the right dart stroke position, keeping my chin above the cue and keep my eyes going up and down along the path.

When approaching the table know how you are going to hit the shot. How hard you are going to hit it. Where you are going to strike the cue ball, and the angle of the cue. When you get to the table go right into the dart stroke position. Once you have made your bridge and have your cue ready for the warm up strokes look ONCE down the table. If you do not feel the shot is aligned properly step back and start over. If you like how the shot is lined up, and this is where I differ from Skor, do not look down the table again. Instead channel all your attention to the spot on the cue ball that you need to hit. The mechanics of the jump shot, the bridge, the stance, and the stroke are awkward and the longer that it takes to get the shot off the more likely you are to unsuccessful. Once you have your mind dialed in on the shot don't waste time with unnecessary warm up strokes.

Any way that's what works for me and I realize it may not work for others. The important thing is to be able drive the cue straight through the spot on the cue ball without the cue wobbling side to side. What ever allows you to do that is what will give you a successful jump shot.

[skor]

I agree, holding the cue lightly is something I took for granted since you're supposed to do on any shot :)

"As I approach the shot I go into the right dart stroke position, keeping my chin above the cue and keep my eyes going up and down along the path."

I do it once or twice, it takes like 2 seconds as I get into the final position.

thanks for clearing it up if I was missleading anyone :)

[Ziklag]

If you are consistently missing to the left or rolling off to the left you probably need to adjust your aim just a little. From the different angle used in the jump shot the perception of centerball can differ quite a bit. Perceived Center and Actual Center is something you have to learn for yourself it really isnt something someone can teach but having a friend watch you stroke the jump shot they might get a better view of your contact point.

[skor]

Having a friend who watch you taking any shot and then comment about it, is a great way to learn what you are doing wrong, this is true to any shot not just jump shot, if you don't have someone that you can trust on that or just to add a perspective, mount a video camera on a high angle to your home pool table (if you have one) and tape yourself play or practice and then watch it, you will be amazed how it will improve your game.

[bill190]

I practice this the same way I practice everything else. Throughout the week I practice different things like bank shots, long shots, cut shots, etc. (Too much for one day, so broken down into 7 days.)

Anyway, on jump practice day, I practice long jump shots and short jump shots.

Example for long jump shot practice: I set up an object ball near the corner pocket, the cue ball at other end of table, and an object ball in the way. Then shoot, replace the balls, shoot again, replace the balls, shoot again, etc. Just keep doing this with the balls in the same places. Eventually you will figure out what to do. OK to miss a lot at first. Just practice every week. After several months you will be better at jumping. Then try moving the object ball further from the pocket to make the practice more difficult.

This practice schedule works for everything. You are slow to improve, but it works like magic over several months time. I add shots to my practice which are difficult, frustrating, or that I have missed frequently in the past. Keep track of what you need to work on and add it to your list. Following is my practice schedule...

Monday - Long Shots
Tuesday - Position
Wednesday - Bank, Kick & Jump Shots
Thursday - Carom, Cluster, Combo Shots, & Scratch Shots
Friday - Cut shots
Saturday - Straight & Masse' shots
Sunday - Frozen balls & Break Shots

[DEATHTRON]

Here's what my weekly schedule looks like:

Monday: Shoot pool until i cant stand before i go to bed

Tuesday through Sunday: ibid