🎱 Prepare to Dominate

Welcome to the latest edition of Stroke of Confidence! Pull up a chair, chalk your cue, and settle in. Each week we’re here with something to sharpen your game—on the table and between the ears. Whether you’re grinding through drills, chasing consistency, or just need a little fire to get back on track, we’ve got your back.

This week’s topics:

• Essential safeties to know

• Pre-match preparation

• The greatness of Allison Fisher

Let’s dive in:

⭐ Skills & Drills

Safe and sound

If you’re only thinking about making balls, you’re only playing half the game.

One of the biggest skill jumps in pool happens when a player starts seeing safeties not as a backup plan, but as part of the plan. A well-played safety can swing momentum, frustrate your opponent, and set you up for the win. And let’s be honest—few things feel as satisfying as leaving someone totally hooked.

The best players don’t just pocket balls—they control the table. They know when to push, when to run, and when to lock things down with a smart, simple safety. If you’ve ever watched pros on tour, you’ll notice how often a match turns not on a flashy shot, but on a safety that forces an error.

Here are a few key ideas to keep in mind when playing safeties:

• Use distance as a weapon: The farther you leave your opponent from the object ball, the harder their shot becomes.

• Take a walk around the table: Sometimes a quick lap lets you spot hiding spots you’d miss from just one angle. A few scattered balls that don’t seem like much from one side can line up perfectly from another, creating a solid “wall” that blocks your opponent’s shot. Changing your viewpoint helps you find safer, smarter safety plays.

• Focus on hiding one ball well: While it is great if you can hide both the object ball and the cue ball, start by focusing on just one to simplify the shot.

• Practice safeties like you practice shots: Defensive play is a skill—and the more you drill it, the more natural it becomes.

• Keep your body and stroke consistent: Even defensive shots deserve solid mechanics for accuracy.

If you want to start building that part of your game, Dr. Dave has a great video below that breaks down essential safeties every player should know. This video shows how defensive play is just as much a weapon as offense. Enjoy!

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

🗳️ Quick Poll

💡 The importance of proper table lighting

Good lighting makes a huge difference if you're serious about your game. Poor table lighting can negatively effect your game in many ways — creating extra shadows, dulling your focus, and even throwing off your aim without you realizing it.

The hard truth for many pool table owners: most home table setups are underlit. Upgrading your table light is one of the most overlooked ways to instantly improve your setup and sharpen your game.

I’m partnering with a lighting expert to help readers who are ready to upgrade. If you're interested, click the link below I’ll send you more info soon.

🧠 Mindset Mastery

Preparation = Confidence

Playing good pool starts long before you break the first rack. How you prepare yourself mentally and physically before you even walk in can have a huge effect on the outcome of your day at the table. If your body feels tight, your mind is elsewhere, or you’re running on fumes, it’s going to show up in your stroke, your focus, and your results.

Here are some pre-match habits that can help you feel sharper and more in control the next time you play:

• Get enough sleep: A rested brain processes decisions faster and stays calm under pressure.

• Eat a light, balanced meal: Fuel up with something that gives steady energy—avoid anything too heavy or greasy.

• Stay hydrated: Even mild dehydration affects focus and coordination. Your body and brain need to be hydrated to function at their peak.

• Stretch before you play: Loosen up your shoulders, back, and legs. A more relaxed body = a smoother stroke.

• Pack your gear early: Cue, chalk, towel, water, tip tools—check it all the night before to give yourself some peace of mind.

• Bring a healthy snack: A banana, protein bar, or handful of almonds can help you avoid crashes during long sessions.

• Have some quiet time to yourself: Listening to calming music, going for a walk, or even just focused breathing will help you mentally reset.

• Dress for comfort and confidence: Wear something you feel good in and can move in freely. Comfortable shoes are a must.

• Visualize smooth shots: Picture yourself executing clean, controlled strokes. It helps you start from a positive mindset.

• Avoid negative self-talk: What you say to yourself before a match sets the tone. Keep it calm and constructive.

• Check your breathing: Shallow breathing means tension. A few slow, deep breaths go a long way.

• Remind yourself why you’re here: You don’t have to be perfect. You’re here to compete, learn, and enjoy the game.

You don’t need a perfect routine to play well—but having some routine helps you feel more grounded, focused, and ready to go when the match starts. Try a few of these ideas and see what sticks. Over time, you’ll build a pre-game rhythm that works for you. And once that’s in place, your body and mind will know: it’s time to compete.

Purchase our favorite books on mental strength for pool here: https://stroke-of-confidence-pool.beehiiv.com/c/book-recommendations

🤯 Get Inspired

The Duchess of Doom

Allison Fisher isn’t just one of the best female pool players ever—she’s a trailblazer whose dedication and consistency have inspired countless players worldwide. Known as the “Duchess of Doom,” Fisher dominated in both snooker and pool. She held the top spot on the WPBA tour almost continuously from 1996 through 2007 and earned her place in the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2009.

What makes Fisher stand out isn’t just the trophies—it’s her ironclad technique, strategic play, and unshakable mental game. She transitioned from snooker to pool seamlessly and became one of the highest-earning players of her time—even out-earning many male pros. Her legacy shows what’s possible when preparation meets precision—and passion.

For anyone looking to elevate their game, Fisher’s career offers powerful lessons: master your fundamentals, stay mentally tough, and bring your best every single time you step to the table.

Check out this video below from Predator’s Pro Billiard Tour featuring some of her best shots from recent years. There’s so much you can take from her cueing, decision-making, and quiet confidence.

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

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That’s it for this round—thanks for spending a few minutes with us. If something here helps you feel a little more focused, fired up, or just ready to hit the table, then we’ve done our job. Until next Thursday, keep showing up, keep learning, and keep building that stroke of confidence.

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