The biggest obstacle to sighting the line to the pocket is finding the contact point on the object ball. Being that it's curved makes it very difficult to see. What I try to focus on is a spot on the object balls equator. From there I draw a mental line to the contact point on the front of the cueball, which is a reverse image. Joe Tuckers' aiming by the numbers illustrates this very well. The main thing is, do whatever works best for you. Just be open to other methods and continue to learn.has anyone else noticed that if you look near the base of the object ball, you can see the line-path to the pocket and more easily judge cue position? it gives me an overall perspective on the entire shot which makes for more effortless play.
has anyone else noticed that if you look near the base of the object ball, you can see the line-path to the pocket and more easily judge cue position?
Yes, I've used this as an aiming technique for years. But, I use it only when the shot alignment is straight-in. It is especially helpful to me when the CB and OB are separated cross table.
YES, that is what i have learned too. i also use it when i'm making a long-shot from behind the rack, to the head pocket. what is visible to me is the path of the object ball. i know this because on these long-shots, i KNOW that i've missed the shot after the OB travels only a short distance because it's not on the track. if i concentrate only on that fricking spot on the ball without taking the entire shot into consideration, my time at the table is limited.
For me, alignment, in all its vagarities, has always been the biggest challenge. Watching guys like SVB is almost disheartening. His ablility to hit super straight every time is remarkable not to mention his control of speed of stroke. It is always telling on long, straight shots; his cueball never slides a millimeter either side after contact, just dead straight stop.