How to Shoot Every Ball in Pool

Recently, I've embraced a game-changing concept that led to peak performances in competition. It has completely changed how I approach the game. The only thing required is a profound understanding of the cue ball's physics. But what exactly is this new approach?

A common mindset is to base everything around our stroke, making it the center of attention. And to a degree, it makes sense because the stroke determines whether we pocket the ball and where the cue ball ultimately stops.

But have you ever considered that the rotation on the cue ball is what actually influences every aspect of the shot? The rotation is what decides where the cue ball will end on the table, and it eventually changes the stroke you have to put on.

So let's tweak our mindset. Let's not make the stroke our center of attention anymore, but reverse it. "The type of rotation I want to generate determines the stroke I have to apply."

So I completely shifted my concentration to the rotation the cue ball needs to have upon impacting the object ball. Whenever I put my focus on visualizing and feeling the required rotation, all necessary actions almost become automatic.

The cue ball's final position on the table is 100% dependent on the rotation and its intensity. If you grasp the physics of spin, you also realize that even the aiming point on the object ball changes significantly with the cue ball's rotation. So every decision, whether it's your aiming or your stroke, is based on the rotation you want to generate.

This mindset shift will take a lot of weight off your shoulders and it simplifies the game. It eliminates the need to manage multiple thoughts about speed, cue ball control, stroke, and aiming simultaneously. This focused approach allows everything else to naturally fall into place, which is much easier for us humans who excel when concentrating on a single task.

Furthermore, this approach has been the most powerful tool for moving away from being solely results-driven. Focusing only on the outcome can lead to anxiety. Instead, a process-driven approach not only reduces stress but also makes playing more fun, as you shift from fearing mistakes to exploring and mastering the game.

Obviously, if you are at a point in your game where you're still working on understanding cue ball physics or improving your fundamentals to a reliable level, this approach might not transform your game overnight. However, if you're a more experienced player, a mindset shift like this can significantly enhance your game. It certainly has for me. For beginners, remember that every expert was once a beginner. And this knowledge can guide your practice as you advance.

The real challenge, regardless of skill level, is that it's still very easy to fall into mental traps, old habits, or simply forget about this approach.