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Use the same routine every shot

Do the same few things before every shot, in the same order. It keeps you calm and makes good habits automatic.

  • Mental game
  • All levels
  • 10-second clip

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head stillpausethumb and two fingers, lightstay loosestroke 1straight downelbow stays stilla hand’s width paststill on the line
1

Take the same number of practice strokes every time.

Drawn on the site, with the CueSensei character.

Why it matters

Under pressure, players rush or skip steps. A routine you have done a thousand times takes over when you are nervous. It also gives you a clear moment to decide, so you never shoot while you are still unsure.

How to do it

  1. 1

    Stand behind the shot and decide: which ball, which pocket, and where the cue ball goes.

  2. 2

    Step into your stance along the line of the shot.

  3. 3

    Take the same number of practice strokes every time.

  4. 4

    Pause, then shoot. If anything feels wrong, stand up and start again.

Common mistake

Shooting while still unsure

If you are still choosing the shot when you are down on it, you will doubt it during the stroke. Make every decision standing up. When you get down, only aim and stroke.

Try it tonight

Exercise · All levels

Same routine, every shot

Object ball on the foot spot. Cue ball two diamonds behind it, on the line to a corner pocket at the foot end. Play every shot with exactly the same routine, and count your practice strokes: the number should never change. Every attempt counts.

  • Pass: 4 of your last 5
  • Then: Use it for a whole rack