So much of success in pool is traced to consistency, which often comes from repeatability. That is especially true with your fundamentals. If you can pin down your fundamentals and repeat the same process on each and every trip to the table, your game will profit immeasurably, and consistency will be the cornerstone of your game.

Of course, you can only gain this kind of consistency and confidence in your stroke through hours and hours at the practice table.

The foundation of consistency at the table begins the second you approach your next shot. The pre-shot routine is the single most important facet of consistency. Every time you go to the table — no matter how easy or how difficult the shot — you should have the same pre-shot routine. Now, that doesn’t mean that you should take the same time to shoot every shot. Some shots, of course, are going to take a second and maybe a third look. Some shots require more study. But once you’ve determined your course of action, your pre-shot routine should kick in and you should approach the shot like you do every other.

Here’s a solid pre-shot routine that you should adapt for your game:

Before stepping into your stance, stand directly on the line of the shot. That line is the path from the cue ball to the contact point on the object ball. Don’t fall into the habit of “sliding” into the shot, which is moving into position from the side instead of stepping back and aligning yourself with the next shot.

Once you’ve stepped into your stance, maintain focus on the shot line. As you lower your body, your eyes should follow directly in line with the intended path of the cue ball. Again, avoid the sliding motion that can creep into your routine. A direct approach to the cue ball will keep everything in line. Maintain focus on the cue ball’s intended path to the object ball. There is precious little margin for error in pool, so it’s important that stepping into your stance becomes a bedrock of your pre-shot routine.

Okay, now you’re down on the shot. What do you do with your eyes? I like to tell players that it is important that there is a rhythm to the movement of your eyes. Always try to keep the same pattern of focus, switching your focus back and forth between the cue ball and the object ball to ensure that your alignment is set and correct.

Are you comfortable? If you are not 100 percent committed to the shot, now is the time to get up off the shot and start over again. Never try to make an adjustment while you are down on the shot. It may take more time, but you will get used to it.

Like all other aspects of your game, the pre-shot routine should become a trusted process and second nature. A consistent, reliable pre-shot routine will allow you to then confidently shift focus to your stroke delivery.