Do you know what stroke speed to use? There are several (soft, medium, large) to choose from. There is one that can help you with the fine tuning of your stroke speed. It’s called the Finesse stroke speed or Finesse stroke standard. This one has a softer touch. It begins as a lag and goes down to two diamonds, in sets of twos.There are seven speeds. Using the cue ball, each speed is stroked. Each number stands for something. For instance, the number 7 stands for the lag while the number 1 is for two diamonds. These diamonds reach from the head string to the center table or middle pocket are. The number 3 speed represents the head string going to the foot rail. This was considered a very soft speed.

You can plan and communicate by fine tuning your stroke speed. One of the advantages of this is that you develop the confidence you need to make the strokes and you also get control over them. This really works out to your best interest when it’s a soft stroke.

One thing you need to know about executing soft stroke shots is that you do not move your full arm. Doing so can make it difficult for you to finish the strokes. Only use your wrist and leave your arm in a still position.

Any of the seven speeds can be executed by using your wrist, as long as the shots are precise. Testing the stroke speeds will let you know which ones are lags and which ones are more precise.

In addition to using the finesse stroke for fine tuning your stroke speed, keep in mind that when there’s a decrease in speed, there is an increase in the throw technique. When using the finesse stroke, the throw technique works well.

The cue ball doesn’t have to use as much power and only rolls a short distance after making contact. This way when the ball gets into position there are no difficulties. The risk with doing this also decreases.

When practicing, if you get in just a little bit of good practice, that’s better than having a lot of negative practice. Take that in stride and learn from your mistakes. Fine tuning your stroke speed should not be done if you’re fatigued or not in a good mood.

 
Practicing and playing are two different things. You learn more from fine tuning when you practice more. You learn things that you shouldn’t when you’re playing. So stick with the practice and you’ll be just fine.