I wasn't trying to be profound, MOJOE; I was trying to be simple. It's CTE that's profound. And it's for that very reason that I don't think it is a method that very many players can understand. You say it works for you, and I believe you. Dave (Spidey) says it works for him, and I believe him too. But I haven't seen any champions come on here and say they didn't reach champion-speed until they learned CTE. As far as that goes, I wonder just how many pro players would even tell you that they have tried using CTE - or maybe even heard of CTE? My guess is, not many.
My biggest problems with CTE are these:
1. The implication that it can improve anybody's game. I don't believe it can. It is just another stick aiming method, and a very complicated one at that. It is not magic, and it is only "easy" to those who are wired to "see" it. Other players will "see" other methods much easier.
2. While I am not a member of Randy G's "SPF (Set, Pause, Finish) Family of Billiard Instructors," I definitely agree with their philosophy. The word SET has real meaning. I believe that once you are SET up over a shot, you should move nothing off of your straight line of aim until the cue ball is well on its way to the target. That means NO pivot. Call me stubborn and old-fashioned if you will, but all this talk about pivots puts a scare into me!
I'm happy your shooting well, MOJOE. Keep up the good work. :thumbup:
Roger <----new Spidey fan (but not CTE):grin:
:grin-square:
Funny, those who have learned CTE say it has revolutionized their game (it has mine).
CTE is easy. It's the "math guys" on here who over-complicate (because they want back up for claims). I guess we get into the math for philosophical reasons; but, if you can't see a CTEL--- offset your bridge and pivot to center--- I'm not sure what you think simple is. CTE is the simplest method out there. Hal used to say, "Just CTE and the ball goes in the hole." He was the master of simplification.
LOTS of guys move their cue laterally while set. Whether it's BHE or pivoting to aim--- watch youtube videos of top pros. Many guys move their stick while addressing the ball--- more so than those who "set."
I'm NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT knocking SPF. I'm just saying the picture of pro pool is not a "set" world. As a player becomes advanced, pivoting/swooping/elbow drops/hand rolls-wrist turns become more and more commonplace.
I think even the best SPF players should always explore techniques that are new to them and assess the benefits before passing judgment. As far as instruction goes, I think SPF is super.
Dave
Last edited: