Hey PoolSkoolers, Let me tell you something straight from the felt: fancy shots don’t win games—fundamentals do. I’ve seen it a thousand times. Players chasing trick shots, banking three rails, trying to look like a highlight reel. But when the pressure’s on? It’s the player with the clean stance, the quiet bridge, and the repeatable stroke who walks away with the cash. 🧱 The Foundation: Stance, Grip, and Stroke Your fundamentals are your foundation. Without them, your game is built on sand. That means: - Stance: Balanced, grounded, and stable. You should feel like a tripod—unshakable. - Grip: Loose but controlled. Death-gripping the cue is like trying to write with a frozen hand. - Stroke: Smooth, straight, and repeatable. No chicken wings, no jerks, no drama. These aren’t just checkboxes—they’re habits. And habits become muscle memory. 🧠 Muscle Memory: Your Secret Weapon When your stroke is pure, your body learns fast. You don’t have to “think” about every shot—you just line up and let it flow. That’s muscle memory at work. It’s what lets you stay cool under pressure, shoot consistent patterns, and recover from mistakes without spiraling. And here’s the kicker: good habits lock in just as fast as bad ones. So if you’re gonna groove something into your game, make sure it’s solid. 🔁 Repetition with Intention Drills aren’t punishment—they’re your shortcut to mastery. But only if you do them right. That means: - Slow down. - Focus on form. - Repeat with purpose. Don’t just go through the motions. Every stroke is a vote for the player you’re becoming. 🎯 Bottom Line If you want to run racks, win tournaments, or just stop scratching on the 8, start with your base. Master the boring stuff. Groove the fundamentals. Because when your body knows what to do, your mind is free to play. See you at the table. —Coach