🎱 Positive Self Talk

Hey everyone! Thanks for joining us for another week of Stroke of Confidence—your weekly dose of pool advice, mental edge tips, and the inspiration to keep sharpening your game.

We appreciate every one of you—whether you’ve just signed up or have been with us from the start. Your support keeps this newsletter going and growing, and we’re pumped to have you along for the ride!

This week’s topics:

• One rail banks

• The power of affirmations

• Best shots of 2024

Let’s dive in:

⭐ Skills & Drills

Bank On It

One topic that our readers keep asking us to cover is bank shots. Bank shots are one of the most satisfying—and frustrating—parts of pool. When they drop, you feel like a genius. When they miss, they often miss badly. That’s because banking isn't just about aim—it's about understanding the hidden variables that can affect how the cue ball and object ball interact with the rails.

The way a ball comes off the rail depends on far more than just your aim. Small changes in speed, spin, or table conditions can throw your shot off by inches. Here are some factors that can influence bank shots:

• Speed – Harder shots tend to “shorten” the angle, coming off the rail at a shallower path. Softer shots widen the angle.

• Spin – Side spin can dramatically change the angle off the rail. Even unintentional spin from poor cue alignment can affect the shot. Outside spin on the cue ball can widen the rebound angle of the object ball. Inside spin can shorten the rebound angle.

• Cue Ball Position – Hitting the object ball full vs. thin changes the angle it travels to the rail and how it rebounds.

• Cloth Conditions – Newer, slicker cloth can play faster and longer.

• Rails and Cushions – Cushions can be "dead" (less rebound) especially on older tables. They can also be "lively" (more bounce) on new tables.

Watch Brandon’s video below to see how you can get a basic idea for executing one rail banks and then head to a table to try it for yourself. Start with practicing at a consistent speed and angle before including other variables such as spin and varying speeds. Be sure to subscribe to his channel for more helpful videos.

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🗳️ Quick Poll

🧠 Mindset Mastery

Change the conversation

This week, we’re diving into a simple mental skill that can dramatically improve your performance at the table: affirmations.

In The Pro Book by Bob Henning, the author stresses the importance of training your mind just as seriously as your stroke. One key tool to strengthen your mentality is positive affirmations. These aren’t just feel-good quotes—they’re specific, present-tense statements that shape how you see yourself and how you act when it matters most.

Think of it this way: If you tell yourself “I always choke on the 9-ball,” you’re programming failure. But if you say, “I stay calm and focused under pressure,” you’re building the mindset of a winner.

Here are just a few of the many affirmations Henning mentions in his book:

• “I am calm and relaxed.”

• “I am comfortable in competition.”

• “My stroke is smooth and rhythmic.”

• “I have perfect control and concentration.”

• “I am a fearless and confident competitor.”

• “The tougher the match, the better I play.”

Pick any of these that resonate with you or come up with your own. Repeat it until you believe it and feel it in your bones. Repetition is key to maximizing the effect of these affirmations. Create a list and say them to yourself before every match, rack, shot, or any time a negative thought creeps in while playing. Do this consistently and you might be surprised how quickly your inner voice shifts from doubt to dominance.

Affirmations won’t make you a champion overnight. But they will help you think like one. And that’s the first step.

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🤯 Get Inspired

2024 shots of the year

Pool’s best players keep pushing the limits. Every year, they come up with new shots that open your eyes to what is possible on a pool table. Lucky for us fans of the game, 2024 was no different. If you need a shot of inspiration, the video below has you covered. It’s a highlight reel of the most jaw-dropping pool shots from 2024—precision jumps, unreal kick and bank shots, and devastating safeties.

Watch the video below to see what kind of crazy skill is on display at the highest level. While many of these have a high degree of difficulty, pay attention and see what you can learn and apply to your own game. Also be sure to subscribe to Adam’s channel MrCUEBALL on Youtube for great pool tutorials and more highlight videos like this one.

Want your video featured in the Stroke of Confidence newsletter? Reach out to us at [email protected].

💥 Quick Links

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That's all for now! Thanks again to everyone who has shared feedback on what you'd like to see in the newsletter. More tips and helpful advice coming soon. We’ll see you on Thursday for our next edition!

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