[gian323]

I've been trying to learn to shoot with my mcdermott but its really hard. The mcdermott has a much thinner taper than my other cue i've been using, not to mention a different tip.

So how would i go about getting used to a new cue? What drills would you recommend?

[TryingHard]

Definitely the side pocket drill with englsh - you know, the one where you set the balls in a semi-circle and shoot a little draw with each ball to make the next one? Then I'd shoot the long shots - full table cross corner with no english. That's worked for me.

[Billy_Bob]

Well as you have just learned, getting a new *different* cue will wreck your playing!

The best thing to do for the long run is to pick a certain set of cue specifications which you want to play with. Then stick with that forever.

If you change this, you will need to re-learn how to shoot, especially shots with a non-center ball hit. (Learn about muscle memory.)

So pick an exact cue weight and get your own accurate scale as many cues have the wrong weight marked on them.

Pick a shaft which deflects the cue ball the same. This is a mass (weight) in the tip end of the cue thing. Disconnect shaft from butt and lean tip end on accurate scale with joint resting on floor. Similar deflection shafts should get a similar reading on the scale. Here is an accurate scale (KD-200-110)...
http://www.scalesgal...tanitakd200.htm

A specific model of Predator shaft should play the same (using same exact tip) or shaft made with same density (weight) wood (using same exact tip).

Always use the same brand tip and radius of tip (nickel, dime, etc.). And always keep your tip the same radius by using a sandpaper tip shaping tool. Lightly sand about once a week. No tip tapping.

And always using a shaft with the same taper and diameter of shaft size at tip probably helps as well.

Players will typically not know what brand/hardness tip they are using and will not keep it the same radius. Then they get a new (different) tip installed and their game goes out the window! A different radius tip will change cue ball deflection (squirt), so you will need to re-learn shots with english.

So watch the players around you. Watch when they get a new [different] tip. Watch when they get a new [different] cue. Then watch their game go out the window!

If you get a new cue which is the same weight as old, same deflection shaft, same taper/diameter shaft, and same brand/hardness/radius tip, it should play the same as the old. No re-learning needed.

[The_Woim]

Perhaps this will put to rest all those "It's the Indian, not the arrow" arguments. If using a new cue throws your game off, perhaps the cue plays a bigger role than people are willing to say.

However, it's the indian who has to shoot the arrow. So, just play with that McDermott over and over again. Make the McDermott the "ONLY" cue you'll play with and soon you'll feel completely at ease with it.

Not to get too technical, but it's muscle memory that your fooling with by rotating cues. That's why for many years The Woim mistakenly thought his Meucci was the smoothest cue he ever stroked and now I just won't play with one.

So, play lots with that McDermott.

And have fun playing pool!

Yours Truly,
The Woim

[Pelican]

Yea, it's kinda like gettin' used to a new girlfriend, ya gots to 'play with it' a lot.

Pel

[headmuses]

Time to let your body mechanics adjust to the new weight, balance, hit and feel of the cue, plus plenty of PRACTICE. and yes I was yelling practice, practice, practice It took me almost a year to get used to a Predator with the Z shaft.

[Pelican]

I know this is going to sound nuts, but for some reason when I change cues I shoot BETTER for a while. Reckon it's somekinda cycolodgejikcall thing.

Pel

[The_Woim]

Pelican, on Nov 22 2007, 03:54 PM, said:

I know this is going to sound nuts, but for some reason when I change cues I shoot BETTER for a while. Reckon it's somekinda cycolodgejikcall thing.

Pel

Pel,

Me too! When The Woim test drives another cue, particularly one that he loves, everything just falls right into place! But that's just the excitement of using a new cue. I believe this, but it may sound nutty. A cue feels right after you spend weeks practicing with it because you've acclimated (programmed) your muscle memory to that cue and it's individual characteristics. A new cue often excites those muscles by tingling them with variations in weight, and distribution.

So, the short answer from The Woim is that you're playing games on your muscle memory.

Yours Truly,
The Woim

[pool2da]

I just ordered one of FL cues for my Christmas present when ever I get back home and I am sure looking forward to the Indian or the arrow. I know the Indian has no talent, but I am anxious to see if the straighter arrow improves on the Indian’s mental side which will help the final out come of putting whup a** on his cowboy opponent.

[Pin]

I think the mentality you use is important.

When you're shooting with the attitude of trying to make shots, you decide what you're doing, then look to see whether it worked or not. I don't think you can learn so much from your mistakes that way.

When you're experimenting, trying out different shots, and trying to learn what happens, I think you can absorb a lot more.


I've not really tested this rigorously, but thinking about my experiences, it seems to fit.

[sofy60]

Just practice, practice, practice. After awhile, it starts to feel natural.