Chalking your cue not only has an important physical function to playing the game, but it serves as an important element in your pre-shot routine that contributes to your consistency as a player.
Chalking is a ritual that helps with your success on the table. It has a place in the sequence in the way you get into your stance/shots and therefore deserves your attention.
For starters begin to pay attention to how and when you chalk the cue. Notice if your chalking frequency and technique changes depending on what is happening on the table or in a match. See if you can notice a rhythm about the way you chalk when you are playing well and try to duplicate it or recreate it all the time.
Also if you don’t have a personal chalk, how neat are you with the chalk on the table?
Do you lay it down upside down allowing everything around you to get filthy? Or do you have more respect for the game than that? (I hope so)
It may be a personal pet peeve of mine about players who are really sloppy with the chalk but those guys tend not to beat anyone. Don’t be one of them if you want to be a champion.
Look at how snooker pros all carry their own chalk and it is a part of their pre-shot routine. The table stays clean and the game moves faster. Plus you don’t have to go hunting for chalk constantly have to be moving it out of the way.
Instead of making chalking just something that must be done, incorporate it into your shot routine so that it contributes to your success! And keep it neat and clean just like your cue ball control ought to be.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Blog originally posted here.
Max Eberle is a Dover, Ohio born professional pool player, instructor, author, and artist, currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. Max is the 2013 Derby City Classic 14.1 Champion and twice a Bronze Medalist at the World 14.1 Tournament, 2014 & 2006. He is a 4 time West Coast 9-Ball Champion and 3-Time National 8-Ball Champion (1991 Junior Champ and 93 & 94 National Collegiate Champ). At the 2013 Derby City Classic 14.1 Division on the 10-Foot (Bigfoot) Tables at the Horseshoe Casino outside of Louisville, KY, Max consecutively defeated three world champions (Alex Pagulayan, Niels Feijen & Dennis Orcullo) and a world class field of 48 world champions and top ranked pros to win the coveted title. Check out his tips and videos and his website.
Photo: avramc/Flickr Editor: Dana Gornall