What's the last thing you see?
- Thread starter Cannonball55
- Start date
I used to always look at the OB last, but lately I look at the CB last.
I line up my shot on the Ghost Ball, and choose my draw, follow or english and add any adjustments.
Then, I focus like a laser beam on the movement of my tip during my practice strokes, striving for a smooth, repeatable, piston-like motion. At first the tip is moving all over the place, but with focus it straightens out. Then I hit.
My shot percentage went way up, especially on long shots. My draw and follow improved too, especially on long shots. My aim does not suffer for not looking at the OB last. (I think the previous "errors in my stroke" were overwhelming any "accuracies of my aim.")
I can't tell you if this is where I will stay, or if this is just another point on my journey. Everyone should try it both ways.
I line up my shot on the Ghost Ball, and choose my draw, follow or english and add any adjustments.
Then, I focus like a laser beam on the movement of my tip during my practice strokes, striving for a smooth, repeatable, piston-like motion. At first the tip is moving all over the place, but with focus it straightens out. Then I hit.
My shot percentage went way up, especially on long shots. My draw and follow improved too, especially on long shots. My aim does not suffer for not looking at the OB last. (I think the previous "errors in my stroke" were overwhelming any "accuracies of my aim.")
I can't tell you if this is where I will stay, or if this is just another point on my journey. Everyone should try it both ways.
I awalys lose to my teacher, well almost. instead of paing him by the hour-we set up a game where he is a slight favorite. I win on accasion, but overall I lose. Its better than paying him hourly cause I got a chance and I'm awalys in action.
I lost last night playing a game I can win, the bad move was playing on a table I was lost on, next time we play its going to be home court for me.
yeah I love it, but man sometimes it gets irratating.
I alway try for shape to get that view...makes it easy to select my "one pocket"
The answer is that there are actually 3 targets: one on the CB, one on the OB, and one in the pocket. Most satisfactory ball pocketers aim at each target in sequence. First, while standing and looking at the table, the shooter finds the point on the object ball which will hit the the desired last target (usually the pocket opening). Then, the player finds the path of the CB which will send it into the OB at the previously determined intermediate target. Then the shooter determines the first target on the CB which will both send the CB on the desired path and create the desired behavior from the CB. At this point, if the shooter strokes the ball consistently, he should be able to close his eyes and hit all three targets.
There are many aiming techniques used in precision activities such as shooting or playing pool. One of these techniques is to visualize the target beyond its actual position. To give one example, a baseball pitcher must visualize an invisible target above the homeplate. Since it is difficult to aim at an invisible target, the pitcher will extend the target onto something he can see: the catcher's mit. Similarly in pool, many players feel more comfortable if they extend the target beyond it's actual position. The most immediate target is the CB but more precision might be gained if the shooter aims at a spot on the cloth several inches in front of the CB. More commonly, the shooter will aim at a spot several feet in front of the CB (that spot is usually the OB). By throwing the stick at the virtual target, you will invariably strike your true target. Some pool players extend the virtual target even further to a point on the rail.
Bowlers use the opposite technique which is to create a virtual target much closer than the real target. Most bowlers do not aim at the pins. They would rather shoot for precision at a closer point, such as the sights on the lane.
Golfers, batters, and tennis players typically do not virtualize the target at all. For batters and tennis players, the reason is simple enough: their target is in motion. For a golfer, there is nothing to be gained from sighting down the fairway because of the tangential path of the ball.
There are many aiming techniques used in precision activities such as shooting or playing pool. One of these techniques is to visualize the target beyond its actual position. To give one example, a baseball pitcher must visualize an invisible target above the homeplate. Since it is difficult to aim at an invisible target, the pitcher will extend the target onto something he can see: the catcher's mit. Similarly in pool, many players feel more comfortable if they extend the target beyond it's actual position. The most immediate target is the CB but more precision might be gained if the shooter aims at a spot on the cloth several inches in front of the CB. More commonly, the shooter will aim at a spot several feet in front of the CB (that spot is usually the OB). By throwing the stick at the virtual target, you will invariably strike your true target. Some pool players extend the virtual target even further to a point on the rail.
Bowlers use the opposite technique which is to create a virtual target much closer than the real target. Most bowlers do not aim at the pins. They would rather shoot for precision at a closer point, such as the sights on the lane.
Golfers, batters, and tennis players typically do not virtualize the target at all. For batters and tennis players, the reason is simple enough: their target is in motion. For a golfer, there is nothing to be gained from sighting down the fairway because of the tangential path of the ball.
It doesn't matter if you shoot straight into the pocket hitting one object ball, or shoot a combination using 5 object balls, if you hit the first object ball in the correct spot, the last ball goes where you want it to.
As I said, but didn't go into detail, you take an over view of the shot in its entirety, you eye the contact point on the object ball, you get down on the shot and check your stance and alignment to achieve a straight through stroke to the object ball.
( then using my method of aiming LOL) (which I think is more accurate than any other)
You address the cue ball with the english you need if any, take a few practice strokes looking at the cue ball, to assure alignment and contact point on the CB.
Then you stop at the CB with your tip and picture the shot going in allowing your eye to shift from CB to OB to CB while dead stopped tip at CB. At this point (in my mind) the cue ball and stick are one.
My eyes shift to the object ball for a good second or so, backstroke and deliver the tip through the contact point on the object ball.
At the risk of getting into aiming methods, I align using the side of my shaft to the contact point on the OB. Left side for cutting left, right side for cutting right. This allowance adjusts for the variance of aiming point vs contact point on round balls and lets you aim directly at the point of contact. Looking at the OB like you were going to burn a hole through it, you deliver your cue through the contact point on the OB as you finish your stroke. But that's just me ....
I will admit that if you need to shoot a shot with draw and the CB is frozen to the rail, if I have to elevate that much I will look at CB last. This is an exception.
As I said, but didn't go into detail, you take an over view of the shot in its entirety, you eye the contact point on the object ball, you get down on the shot and check your stance and alignment to achieve a straight through stroke to the object ball.
( then using my method of aiming LOL) (which I think is more accurate than any other)
You address the cue ball with the english you need if any, take a few practice strokes looking at the cue ball, to assure alignment and contact point on the CB.
Then you stop at the CB with your tip and picture the shot going in allowing your eye to shift from CB to OB to CB while dead stopped tip at CB. At this point (in my mind) the cue ball and stick are one.
My eyes shift to the object ball for a good second or so, backstroke and deliver the tip through the contact point on the object ball.
At the risk of getting into aiming methods, I align using the side of my shaft to the contact point on the OB. Left side for cutting left, right side for cutting right. This allowance adjusts for the variance of aiming point vs contact point on round balls and lets you aim directly at the point of contact. Looking at the OB like you were going to burn a hole through it, you deliver your cue through the contact point on the OB as you finish your stroke. But that's just me ....
I will admit that if you need to shoot a shot with draw and the CB is frozen to the rail, if I have to elevate that much I will look at CB last. This is an exception.
Last edited:
It doesn't matter if you shoot straight into the pocket hitting one object ball, or shoot a combination using 5 object balls, if you hit the first object ball in the correct spot, the last ball goes where you want it to.
As I said, but didn't go into detail, you take an over view of the shot in its entirety, you eye the contact point on the object ball, you get down on the shot and check your stance and alignment to achieve a straight through stroke to the object ball.
( then using my method of aiming LOL) (which I think is more accurate than any other)
You address the cue ball with the english you need if any, take a few practice strokes looking at the cue ball, to assure alignment and contact point on the CB.
Then you stop at the CB with your tip and picture the shot going in allowing your eye to shift from CB to OB to CB while dead stopped tip at CB. At this point (in my mind) the cue ball and stick are one.
My eyes shift to the object ball for a good second or so, backstroke and deliver the tip through the contact point on the object ball.
At the risk of getting into aiming methods, I align using the side of my shaft to the contact point on the OB. Left side for cutting left, right side for cutting right. This allowance adjusts for the variance of aiming point vs contact point on round balls and lets you aim directly at the point of contact. Looking at the OB like you were going to burn a hole through it, you deliver your cue through the contact point on the OB as you finish your stroke. But that's just me ....
I will admit that if you need to shoot a shot with draw and the CB is frozen to the rail, if I have to elevate that much I will look at CB last. This is an exception.
It sounds to me like you're one of the "my way is the only way" kinda guys. As I said before, you like to extend your target beyond the real target. Some people do that and some people don't.
There are two answers to this question: the right way, and the wrong way. The one that works is the right one.
I would like to know how many players actually look at the object ball when they are Jacked up, Jumping or when they are Kicking at a ball?
For this particular topic I agree with you.
my manly physique
Tom,
It is almost a lock that with my manly physique I can't see the ball that I am kicking at near a corner pocket when I am kicking straight back even if I try to look. I don't really look for landmarks on the rail either, I know where the ball is and I know where the pocket is, I just shoot the cue ball to find the object ball and often pocket it. One of the easier shots to shoot, not necessarily make but to shoot. Nothing to aim at, nothing to overthink or try to overcontrol, just shoot the shot with a good stroke and let it happen. If I am aiming I am aiming at a memory.
Hu
Tom,
It is almost a lock that with my manly physique I can't see the ball that I am kicking at near a corner pocket when I am kicking straight back even if I try to look. I don't really look for landmarks on the rail either, I know where the ball is and I know where the pocket is, I just shoot the cue ball to find the object ball and often pocket it. One of the easier shots to shoot, not necessarily make but to shoot. Nothing to aim at, nothing to overthink or try to overcontrol, just shoot the shot with a good stroke and let it happen. If I am aiming I am aiming at a memory.
Hu
jdlough
Jim
I consider the combination of cue stick and cue ball to be an extension of my hands.
In golf, there's a putting drill where you look at the hole while you putt, instead of looking at the ball. It gives you a better feel for where you want the ball to go (as long as your fundamentals are sound and repeatable)
Actually, even more, it gives you a better feel for where you want the ball to STOP. Its easier to judge how hard to hit.
This works so well for me that that's the way I've been putting for about 20 years.
(I do get odd comments from other golfers on the rare occasion that they notice.)
Jim
Last edited:
I'm with you on this Hu. Ralf has told me in person that he looks at the cue ball last. Me, I'm a believer in the object ball last, until Ralf gives me a pool lesson and changes my mind.
Charley Brown
I'm not gonna disagree with either one!
Joey,
I don't know what is the best method but it seems a lot like different strokes, some folks can get things done one way, some another. I don't think I'll be telling you or Ralf that you are doing things all wrong! :grin:
Hu
Joey,
I don't know what is the best method but it seems a lot like different strokes, some folks can get things done one way, some another. I don't think I'll be telling you or Ralf that you are doing things all wrong! :grin:
Hu
you sight and line up every shot away from the table, you then come in on the cue ball you should be lined up to hit it where you want, you then take your eyes onto the object ball and keep them there, you shouldnt be switching between the 2 or your head will come up as you pick your eyes up.
major fault with a lot of players
major fault with a lot of players
You pick up your eyes to look at the OB, not the CB.
By your argument, you shouldn't even switch your eyes to the OB...
The bottom line is that you should do what works best. The only major fault is listening to people who tell you to do something other than what works best.
For example, I like to put a strange movement in my shoulder at the very end of my stroke. I've known about it forever. I can prevent the slight motion by focusing on it, but in the heat of a match, I tend to forget. Something that has helped much more is to focus on the CB through my stroke. My aim is good enough that I'll pocket the ball as long as I strike the CB where I mean to. If I don't focus on that spot on the CB, then my shoulder gets funky and I miss. I'll just throw out an estimate that I make 20%-30% more balls by looking at the CB. It's a HUGE difference on shots longer than 6ft. Another advantage is that every shot becomes exactly the same. Long shots, break shots, routine shots, jacked up shots, jump shots....you're always looking at the cue ball.
the last thing I saw at the pool room tonight was me paying off
That's sounds like (lol): "Haven't played in awhile", "Can't get used to this new cue", "Lost to the old guy" (nobody remembers he was the best player in three states).
A lot of instructors teach the switching back and forth between the cue ball and the object ball.
I am going to be trying some of your suggestions Lee. I can understand the switching "possibly" helping raise the head as you pick up your eyes to look at the object ball.
Thanks,
JoeyA
That's my wife you're checking out!!!
I started playing pool (never took a lesson Ha) I bumped the cue ball so I thought okay focus on the cue ball last that's the ball I'm hitting so that must be right. One day (I don't know why) I saw the object ball last and I thought "holy crap this is stealing".
Ralf Souquet told Danny Diliberto he focused on the cue ball last and he was very surprised because he said he had never heard of a good player who focused on the cue ball last.