Chalking your cue not only has an important physical function to playing the game, 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. I 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.
Options for chalk. I'll recommend keeping some new chalk, your favorite brand, inside your pool case so that you always have access to good chalk. I've been overseas and had to do a show but there was no good chalk so I had make due with what they had. You will really be rescued once in a while if you carry your own.
Also I recommend having a personal chalk holder that clips onto your belt or pocket, or if you prefer it could just be in your pocket. This way you can more easily incorporate chalking into your pre-shot routine instead of having to always hunt for a piece of chalk. Plus this helps keep the table and rails clean of excess chalk!
See you soon...
Max Eberle
Max Eberle is an author, dvd producer, and is the founder of the Pro Pool Academy. He is the 2014 10-Foot Table Derby City World 14.1 Straight Pool Champion, former 2 time ACU-I National Collegiate Champion and a former BCA Junior National Champion.
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