Billiards Speak

(1) You miss an easy shot before you get the winning shot. Often the shot was so easy you can’t believe it didn’t go in. The reason you miss is your mind isn’t on the shot you are shooting right then. It is on position or the next shot. You are not ‘in the moment’ you are asleep at the wheel. Pool is (usually) played one ball at a time. When you play to win, you focus on each shot as if it was your last. If you don’t, chances are good; it probably will be your last shot in that rack.

(2) By trying to get perfect ’shape’ under pressure either tight muscles or adrenalin causes just the opposite. The cue ball gets out of position requiring even tougher ‘shape’ for the next shot. The trick is to realistically evaluate your chances of getting a tight position play. If your chance of success is 50% or less under casual situations, it is nearly impossible to make this shot under pressure. It is unfortunate we actually pull off some of those shots under pressure. Remembering that one impossible shot we made, keeps us from remembering the three-dozen impossible shots we missed. That one great shot does make a good ‘war story’. The problem is, trying to duplicate it, under pressure, probably cost you enough to have bought a really nice cue.

From ‘Finishing the Rack’… continued

Does it seem like you can run quite a few balls but just seem to have difficulty making those last few? Or you can run out to the 8 ball or 9 ball only to miss a fairly easy shot on the game-winning ball. If so you certainly aren’t alone.

I find, most often, when people have a problem finishing the last few balls in a rack it is because of the mounting pressure and anticipation of winning. Or, it is anxiety over not wanting to miss with so little to go to win. Sometimes it is just a lack of confidence or the memory of “blowing it” in a similar situation. Either way the result is usually the same.

From ‘Finishing the Rack’… continued

There will occasionally be a new product added or a discontinued one removed but our expansion is complete.  We hope you find everything you need in the way of pool and billiard products. 

Below is an example of what they are like. 

2nd Generation Predator Extra Z-Shaft

NEW SECOND GENERATION PREDATOR SHAFTS Tip: 12 ¾mm Tiger Everest Tip, medium. Tip: Z-shaft 11 ¾mm Tiger Everest Tip, medium. Ferrule: Polymer developed by predator especially for its stiffness and hardness. It is approximately 6/10″ of an inch long. Ferrule: Z-shaft Polymer developed by predator especially for its stiffness and hardness. It is approximately 4/10″of an inch long. Shaft: 10 radial spliced hard rock maple pieces. 15″ pro taper, 29″ long. Shaft: Z-shaft 10 radial spliced hard rock maple pieces. Euro taper, 29″ long. Collar: black proprietary plastic. Joint: Standard 314 shaft joint is Uniloc set in a solid phenolic core. Joint: Standard Z-shaft joint is Uniloc set in a solid phenolic core. Pin Sizes available for 314 shaft: 5/16 x 14″, stainless steel, 5/16 x 14 w/silver ring, 3/8 10, Unilock, Unilock w/silver ring, 5/16 x 18. 30 inch length also available. Pin Sizes available for Z-Shaft: Unilock, Unilock w/silver ring, 3/8x 10″, 5/16x 14″ w/silver ring, 5/16 X18.

Predator cues have a medium hit due to the stainless steel piloted joint and a longer taper. The Predator 314 shaft dramatically reduces cue ball deflection and helps less experienced players move quickly through the learning process. In fact, the majority of beginning or intermediate players notice an immediate improvement in their game when they use a Predator. Predators ferrule (Pat. 5725437) and internal bore (Pat. 6162128) reduce the shafts tendency to buckle on impact and allow the cue ball to push the shaft aside instead of the shaft pushing the cue ball off line. Predator’s technology makes it easier to hit what you’re aiming at because it shoots straighter. The pure transfer of energy in a Predator produces less vibration and gives the player a solid and positive feedback. And better feel leads to better control. Predator’s unique 10-piece construction produces a straighter cue with a more consistent flex than any traditional one-piece shaft. Predator cues and shafts are used by over 50% of the top 40 ranked men professionals, 3 out of 5 top women professionals, and over 35,000 competitive players worldwide. None of these players are paid to play with their Predator cue. The patented Predator 314 shaft is the result of two years of research and development. It is designed to increase accuracy and reduce cue deflection for both the professional and beginner pool player.