The One Thing You Must Do If You Aspire to Become Good

C

Choir Boy

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
And it's really simple to explain. But harder than hell to do.

After you decide on your shot and your position and get down over the ball after placing your left hand properly you must setup to have this in your field of view:

You must see the cue ball, object ball and pocket all at the same time.

PERIOD.

If you set up any other way or must move your head to do this you are set up incorrectly.

PERIOD.

Now if you watch the best play you'll see their eyes move between the pocket, object ball and cue ball. However when they stroke all three will be in their field of vision.
 
Choir Boy said:
And it's really simple to explain. But harder than hell to do.

After you decide on your shot and your position and get down over the ball after placing your left hand properly you must setup to have this in your field of view:

You must see the cue ball, object ball and pocket all at the same time.

PERIOD.

If you set up any other way or must move your head to do this you are set up incorrectly.

PERIOD.

Now if you watch the best play you'll see their eyes move between the pocket, object ball and cue ball. However when they stroke all three will be in their field of vision.
Click to expand...

This can't be done with certain shots on a 12' snooker table unless you are over 8' tall.

Kevin
 
You cannot see the pocket on a 1/4 ball back cut black off its spot, unless your eyes are two feet apart. Mine aren't so I have to do this by memory.
 
krupa said:
What about bank shots?
Click to expand...

Good point.

Bank shots are done in the mind before getting over the ball. From memory so to speak.

However, the object spot on the rail that you drive the ball to will be in your field of vision just as if it were the pocket..

I'll expand on memory and field of vision a bit later as I elaborate my thoughts. And if I still feel like explicating a bit more.
 
Slasher said:
You cannot see the pocket on a 1/4 ball back cut black off its spot, unless your eyes are two feet apart. Mine aren't so I have to do this by memory.
Click to expand...

If I understand what you are saying, I simply disagree. You most certainly can.

Mind you not everyone has the same field of vision.

And not everyone can pick up the spin right out of a pitchers hand like Musial.

However, most everyone can play position to suit their field of vision. It is one of the factors defining comfort zone.
 
Slasher said:
there's a reason its called a "blind pocket"
Click to expand...

The premise of this thread sounds OK upon first glance, since we probably are more accurate when all three are within our field of vision...

BUT, there are so many shots where the pocket is not, that if you actually depend on this idea, you're going to miss a lot of balls.
 
Slasher said:
there's a reason its called a "blind pocket"
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm simply misunderstanding the shot. Do you have a link to a pic?

btw, truly thin or spin cut shots don't really need you to see the pocket. Focus is completely on the object ball edge and the cue ball edge. In these special cases, the pocket becomes unimportant because it's simply a matter of cutting the ball as thin as you can.

Nonetheless, I still believe you should have the pocket in your field of view even for these. Else one can slip into the bad habit of shooting from memory. A truly seductive bad habit for top players.

Simply because it leads to bad habits and the inevitable slump that follows.
 
the420trooper said:
The premise of this thread sounds OK upon first glance, since we probably are more accurate when all three are within our field of vision...

BUT, there are so many shots where the pocket is not, that if you actually depend on this idea, you're going to miss a lot of balls.
Click to expand...

I simply disagree with this statement. It is categorically wrong.

Tell me how many racks of 9 ball you have run consecutively?

I'm not trying to put you down, just trying to make a point.
 
Choir Boy said:
I simply disagree with this statement. It is categorically wrong.

Tell me how many racks of 9 ball you have run consecutively?

I'm not trying to put you down, just trying to make a point.
Click to expand...

You disagree and I am wrong don't mean the same thing.

I ran a little 5 pack to start out a race to 9 last weekend. Scratched on the break, watched the guy run two racks, then ran the set when he missed. Soooo, I'm not just talking out of my ass.

I can use the cuetable to diagram at least 10 very common shots where you can't see the pocket.
 
the420trooper said:
You disagree and I am wrong don't mean the same thing.

I ran a little 5 pack to start out a race to 9 last weekend. Scratched on the break, watched the guy run two racks, then ran the set when he missed. Soooo, I'm not just talking out of my ass.

I can use the cuetable to diagram at least 10 very common shots where you can't see the pocket.
Click to expand...

Good, I love to hear from those who can play. We need to share more.

I'd like to see your diagrams. Seriously.

Time for dinner, but I'll check back soon.
 
Firstly, I have high hopes for Choir Boy.

Secondly, Stephen Hendry - who can run racks (or frames) occasionally - is perhaps unique, in that his eyes flit between the OB and the pocket, as if he's willing the ball to go where he's looking.

I think peripheral vision is very important in pool/sport/life. As ever, you've either got it or you ain't, although I eagerly await the DVD explaining how YOU can have it, for a very reasonable $79.99 a month for the rest of your life.
 
Why do you need to see the pocket at all once you're over the ball? It seems to me that to pocket a ball, you need to a) properly identify contact point on the object ball that will send it to your intended target (i.e. the pocket) and b) ensure through your setup, stroke mechanics, aiming...that the cueball is delivered to that contact point. If so, won't the object ball pretty much have to go in? B certainly needs to be done when down on the shot, but can't A done before that?

Granted, being able to see the pocket can provide some visual confirmation and comfort of sorts, but I don't see it as a formal requirement.
 
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the420trooper said:
You disagree and I am wrong don't mean the same thing.

I ran a little 5 pack to start out a race to 9 last weekend. Scratched on the break, watched the guy run two racks, then ran the set when he missed. Soooo, I'm not just talking out of my ass.
Click to expand...

There are some seriously strong players around here. Your only mistake in 9 racks was a scratch, with no misses or safeties at all?

Impressive.
 
Choir Boy said:
Maybe I'm simply misunderstanding the shot. Do you have a link to a pic?

btw, truly thin or spin cut shots don't really need you to see the pocket. Focus is completely on the object ball edge and the cue ball edge. In these special cases, the pocket becomes unimportant because it's simply a matter of cutting the ball as thin as you can.

Nonetheless, I still believe you should have the pocket in your field of view even for these. Else one can slip into the bad habit of shooting from memory. A truly seductive bad habit for top players.

Simply because it leads to bad habits and the inevitable slump that follows.
Click to expand...

From this camera angle you can see part of the pocket but not from the shooting angle.

http://youtu.be/WActC0bJ55k
 
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