🎱 Composure Starts in the Chair

Welcome back to Stroke of Confidence! I appreciate you taking the time to read my newsletter. Whether this is your first issue or your fifteenth, it means a lot to have you here and you’re the reason this newsletter keeps going. Let’s get into it.

This week’s topics:

• Rail cut shots

• Using chair time wisely

• Jump shot highlights

Let’s dive in:

Don’t fail on the rail

Cutting a ball that’s frozen or tight to the rail is one of the tougher shots in pool. A lot of players either miss these completely or make them and end up with no shape.

The problem isn’t just aim. It’s knowing how the cue ball reacts when you're dealing with a rail shot. The rail adds variables. You get less contact time, a tighter margin for error, and limited friction to work with. But when you understand the mechanics, you can start making these shots more consistently and leave the cue ball where you want it.

Here are some key points to help you improve both your make percentage and your shape when the object ball is near or frozen to the rail:

• Hit the rail first  — When the object ball is frozen to the rail, your cue ball should not make contact with both the object ball and the rail at the same time. You should try to send the cue ball slightly into the rail first. Just enough for the cue ball to touch the rail a fraction before it meets the object ball.

• Understand the tangent line — A stun shot off a rail cut sends the cue ball on a path perpendicular to the line to the pocket. If you don’t apply spin, this line gives you a reliable base for predicting the cue ball’s direction. Know what it looks like on each shot.

• Use follow or inside spin to go forward — Adding top or inside spin lets the cue ball roll forward after contact, which helps when you need to move the cue ball further up table. When you use topspin on a rail cut, the cue ball is more likely to stay on its path and roll naturally after contact.

• Draw helps the cue ball pull back or hold position — If you're cutting a rail ball thin and want the cue ball to stay on the same side of the table, use draw. With the right stroke, the cue ball grabs and tracks back toward the shooter.

• Outside spin helps widen the angle — Outside English on a rail cut helps the cue ball come off at a wider angle after contact. This spin also helps the object ball throw slightly toward the pocket, making the shot more forgiving if you undercut.

• Spin + speed must be matched to the angle — If you use spin but hit too hard, the cue ball won’t grab and the spin won’t take. Make sure your stroke tempo matches the spin you’re applying so the cue ball does what you need it to.

• Use two-rails for shape when needed — Sometimes one rail won’t get you where you want to go. Adding speed and hitting the cue ball with running spin can open up two-rail paths that give you better shape and a wider landing area.

Whether you're playing 8-ball, 9-ball, or any other game, rail cuts are going to come up again and again. Making these shots can feel like a win all by itself. But if the cue ball finishes with zero position on the next shot, the celebration will stop real quick. If you want to win matches, you need both shot-making and playing position. Check out the video below from Dr. Dave more a more in-depth look at rail shots.

My pool ball cleaner: Aramith Pool Ball Cleaner and Towel Kit

If your pool balls are looking dull or rolling weird, this kit is an easy fix. The Aramith Pool Ball Cleaner and Towel Kit keeps your gear shiny and your game smooth. It’s quick to use, mess-free, and actually works. Definitely one of the easiest ways to level up your table without spending big.

Why I like it:

• Aramith polish formula — Cuts through chalk, grease, and grime without being harsh. Specially made for phenolic resin balls so you’re not risking damage.

• Noticeable results — Balls get that slick, glossy look again. You’ll feel the difference when they roll.

• Long-lasting bottle — You only need a little per session. One bottle will last dozens of cleanings, even if you’re doing a full set.

• Cleaner + cloth combo — Everything you need is included. No hunting for extras or guessing what products are safe.

• Compact and portable — Small enough to stash in your case if you play at pool halls or leagues.

Downsides:

• Not the cheapest — Costs more than DIY solutions like soap and water, but those don’t protect your investment like this does.

• Manual work — It’s not a spray-and-go. You’ll still need to put in a little elbow grease to buff each ball properly. If you're cleaning all 16 balls, it’ll take a few minutes unless you have a ball cleaner machine.

If you’re tired of chalk build-up, weird rolls, or foggy cue balls, clean 'em up with this. It’s fast, satisfying, and brings a subtle boost to your play.

🧼 Aramith Ball Cleaner & Towel Kit

🧰 See more gear I use and trust here.

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Take a seat

What you do in the chair while your opponent is shooting matters. Too many players treat that time like a break, but the best players use their time in the chair to stay ready. They don’t sag, fidget, or sulk. They don’t let the last miss stress them out. And they don’t let a great run from their opponent rattle them either. They know they’ll be back at the table soon and they stay ready for when that moment comes.

Here are some things you can do to sharpen your chair game and stay locked in between turns:

• Fix your posture — Slumping in your chair signals defeat to your opponent and your own mind. Sit tall and stay connected to the match.

• Let go of the last shot — If you missed, you missed. If you got a bad roll, it happened. Holding onto frustration doesn’t help your next trip to the table.

• Control your breathing — Sitting down is a great time to reset your breath. A few slow, steady inhales can lower your heart rate and help you stay composed.

• Avoid emotional reactions — Rolling your eyes, shaking your head, or muttering under your breath doesn’t help you and shows your opponent you’re unsettled.

• Protect your energy — Matches can take time. If you stay mentally locked in the whole time you’re in the chair, you’ll burn out. Use those minutes to breathe and recoup your energy.

Your chair game won’t win you a rack by itself, but it can absolutely keep you from losing one. A strong mental presence between turns helps you recover faster, respond better, and stay in rhythm over the course of a long set. It shows your opponent that you’re not going anywhere. Let your time in the chair work for you, not against you. Treat it like part of the match. Because it is.

📚️ Our favorite books on the mental game for pool.

Jumping for joy

Like it or not, the jump cue is here to stay. Traditionalists may grumble about it, but the truth is, it’s become a standard part of the modern game.

Years ago, it was considered a trick shot or a last-ditch effort. Now it’s just another tool. Watch a high-level tournament and you’ll see it over and over. A safety gets laid down, the player grabs the jump cue, and with one great stroke, they’re back in control.

The jump shot is more than just flashy. It solves problems and gets you out of trouble. Keeps the pressure on your opponent instead of handing them ball in hand. If you’re not working on this shot yet, you’re leaving a gap in your game.

If you want to see what a dialed-in jump stroke looks like, the video below from Predator Pro Billiard Series has you covered. This highlight reel is packed with examples of smart, controlled jump shots pulled off under pressure. Even if you’re not using your jump cue much now, this is worth a watch. It might give you a new appreciation for the shot or a reason to start practicing.

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Oct 28– Nov 2 | 10-Ball | Watch
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📖 Our favorite books on the mental game
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That wraps it up for this week’s edition of Stroke of Confidence! If you liked this issue, share it with someone who keeps missing that ball on the rail. See you next week.

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