I don't call this stuff physics or geometry. I call it "the way the balls work".
I remember when you 1st became active here and were struggling and asking a lot of questions. Now 5-6 years later, through help from here and from figuring things out yourself on the table, you're starting ( I think) to grasp the way the balls work.
My contention is that the "why" is extremely important. Back then, if you had someone who could explain the theory (why) the balls react as they do, you'd have reached your present level of play 3 or 4 years ago. I realize a lot of your time was spent trying to straighten out your mechanics. That was necessary but you'd have had a lot more time available for that if you knew how the balls worked right from the start.
Two things are needed to play good pool. Good mechanics ( which allow development of a good stroke) and knowing what the hell you're doing on the table. I'm simplifying things here but knowing how things work takes one of those two requirements out of the equation.
Really sad thing is that it's not rocket science. The concepts are fairly simple and anyone of reasonable intelligence can pick it up very quickly provided they can find someone to explain it in an understandable way.
