How do we create consistency in our pool game?

[CJ Wiley]

The mental side is more than just playing under pressure, but pressure usually brings out someones weaknesses....the mental side has a lot to do with self confidence and understanding the basic elements and foundation of CONSISTENCY.....consistency is the ability to do something over and over, every day, in every way....I am a firm advocate of understanding first how your feet position (the pool shot/body foundation) aligns to the shot on the table.....My new DVD goes into great detail about how to CONNECT your feet, hips, shoulders, hands, AND eyes TO YOUR CUE.....the cue MUST be more than just a "delivery system for the tip".....it must act as a measuring device (for consistent eye perception), alignment tool (for your body), and give kinesthetic (sense of feel) feedback to you hands....if you don't know how this works, then chances are you do it differently from one day to the next.....this means you are playing a slightly different game everyday, and constancy is sure to be a problem.....ESPECIALLY under pressure.....then it's VERY TEMPTING to right it all off as as "MENTAL", when the core issue is most likely physical.....that's why at times we need to be evaluated by someone that truly knows the the essential elements of the pre-shot routine and can explain the body/cue relationship. www.cjwiley.com

 

[Maniac]

I think you're on to something good here, C.J.

I honestly believe that most of the shots (makeable ones) I miss are due to my feet not being in the right position causing my body to be improperly positioned in reference to the shot line.

I will be interested in this developing research/instruction you are doing.

Maniac

 

[Roger Long]

CJ:

This is one of those subjects that I've been interested in for a long time. I've wondered: are there "correct" (different) foot positions for different types of shots, and are there "correct" foot positions for different builds and shooting styles? And if so, what is it that makes each correct?

I'm not asking, or expecting, you to answer these questions for me here on these forums. Instead, I'm just happy to know that someone like yourself places so much importance on the subject as to address it in a dvd. I'm sure your dvd will answer my questions for me. When do you think it will be out?

Roger

 

[fathomblue]

I'm in for your new DVD, C.J.

I feel like inconsistent alignment creates inconsistency in my game.

 

[CJ Wiley]

Footwork in Pool....the hidden "sight"

CJ:

This is one of those subjects that I've been interested in for a long time. I've wondered: are there "correct" (different) foot positions for different types of shots, and are there "correct" foot positions for different builds and shooting styles? And if so, what is it that makes each correct?

I'm not asking, or expecting, you to answer these questions for me here on these forums. Instead, I'm just happy to know that someone like yourself places so much importance on the subject as to address it in a dvd. I'm sure your dvd will answer my questions for me. When do you think it will be out?

Roger

Yes, footwork is very important in all sports, because there's no other way to establish a consistent "body angle" than from the feet up.....if someone doesn't understand how this works they end up having to turn their upper body to be able to see the shot correctly.....this leads to issues with balance, head position and even lower back pain over time.....my "key body position points" are my right hip and my left foot....I believe it's important to get your left foot parallel to the line of the shot....then to change your "aim line" you do it by moving your left foot slightly, and this will create a chain reaction that encourages a slight over-cut or under-cut to happen (depending on whether you open or close the position of your foot) .....I go over this and how the complete system works in my DVD that is due out in Mid October.

 

[krychekrowe]

Sounds similar to Ekke's SEE-system which I really like. It feels fundamental which is something very important.

 

[Fastrockyf]

The mental side is more than just playing under pressure, but pressure usually brings out someones weaknesses....the mental side has a lot to do with self confidence and understanding the basic elements and foundation of CONSISTENCY.....consistency is the ability to do something over and over, every day, in every way....I am a firm advocate of understanding first how your feet position (the pool shot/body foundation) aligns to the shot on the table.....My new DVD goes into great detail about how to CONNECT your feet, hips, shoulders, hands, AND eyes TO YOUR CUE.....the cue MUST be more than just a "delivery system for the tip".....it must act as a measuring device (for consistent eye perception), alignment tool (for your body), and give kinesthetic (sense of feel) feedback to you hands....if you don't know how this works, then chances are you do it differently from one day to the next.....this means you are playing a slightly different game everyday, and constancy is sure to be a problem.....ESPECIALLY under pressure.....then it's VERY TEMPTING to right it all off as as "MENTAL", when the core issue is most likely physical.....that's why at times we need to be evaluated by someone that truly knows the the essential elements of the pre-shot routine and can explain the body/cue relationship. www.cjwiley.com

What's the name of this DVD sound like my style

 

[Tramp Steamer]

CJ, I believe that consistency is created by the old tried and true method of play, play, and then play some more. Repetition.
It's like when my Dad first caught me masturbating. He said. "Son, you're gonna go blind doing that."
I said. "Can I do it just 'til I need glasses."
Kind of like that.

 

[HurdyGurdy]

Your OP paints an accurate and embarrassing picture of my game. I'll take one DVD, please and thank ye.

Is it odd that this game is becoming a metaphor for the larger experience I generally refer to as my life? Or was that inevitable?

 

[Donny Lutz]

body awareness

The mental side is more than just playing under pressure, but pressure usually brings out someones weaknesses....the mental side has a lot to do with self confidence and understanding the basic elements and foundation of CONSISTENCY.....consistency is the ability to do something over and over, every day, in every way....I am a firm advocate of understanding first how your feet position (the pool shot/body foundation) aligns to the shot on the table.....My new DVD goes into great detail about how to CONNECT your feet, hips, shoulders, hands, AND eyes TO YOUR CUE.....the cue MUST be more than just a "delivery system for the tip".....it must act as a measuring device (for consistent eye perception), alignment tool (for your body), and give kinesthetic (sense of feel) feedback to you hands....if you don't know how this works, then chances are you do it differently from one day to the next.....this means you are playing a slightly different game everyday, and constancy is sure to be a problem.....ESPECIALLY under pressure.....then it's VERY TEMPTING to right it all off as as "MENTAL", when the core issue is most likely physical.....that's why at times we need to be evaluated by someone that truly knows the the essential elements of the pre-shot routine and can explain the body/cue relationship. www.cjwiley.com

For me it has a lot to do with "body awareness".

This comes easy to some folks, to others not so much. When one is not aware of all parts of their stance and delivery mechanics, or if they're just lazy, it's easy to assume a number of slightly different stances and mechanics even on the most basic shots. This just adds unnecessary info to one's "muscle memory bank" and shows up as inconsistency in play.

One of the little tricks I teach is playing with your eyes closed. I use it to help people learn how it FEELS to do things correctly.

For example when teaching a novice who can't seem to execute a draw stroke, I use several methods to get them to do it at least a couple times in a row. Then I have them execute immediately again, with their eyes closed, so they become aware of how it FEELS.

I also use this for people who are simply inconsistent. I tell them that when they're playing well, to close their eyes once they've addressed the cue ball, again to get the feel of their best body position. Then I'll have them close their eyes just before they execute the business stroke, to register how a good stroke FEELS.

This is a great way to cultivate muscle memory and achieve consistency.

It also works for some folks as they develop speed control...learning how it FEELS to strike the cue ball with various amounts of force.

For me, the basic goals for become an effective player are:
SIMPLICITY, CONSISTENCY & IMAGINATION

 

[gatorchad]

Yes, footwork is very important in all sports, because there's no other way to establish a consistent "body angle" than from the feet up.....if someone doesn't understand how this works they end up having to turn their upper body to be able to see the shot correctly.....this leads to issues with balance, head position and even lower back pain over time.....my "key body position points" are my right hip and my left foot....I believe it's important to get your left foot parallel to the line of the shot....then to change your "aim line" you do it by moving your left foot slightly, and this will create a chain reaction that encourages a slight over-cut or under-cut to happen (depending on whether you open or close the position of your foot) .....I go over this and how the complete system works in my DVD that is due out in Mid October.

In pool, however, we deal with variables that force us to approach the table in a different way. Whether it's stretching out to reach a ball or jacking up over a ball. How do you account for those situations?

 

[Pidge]

Why is it important for the left foot to be parallel to the aim line? I've heard you say you angle your front foot to hit different parts of the pocket...this fascinates me. I've never heard of anyone doing this before.

For me personally, I cant have my left foot angled parallel to the line of aim. Its very very uncomfortable. This is exactly how I used to have it though. I broke my front leg and ankle in my late teens and as a result (and because the line from heel to heel is 90 degrees to the line of aim for most shots) if I have my front foot parallel my knee points inwards slightly and the weight on that leg is towards my instep and is fairly unstable. I have to have it angled outwards to make my knee point forwards if that makes sense?

 

[NitPicker]

I was taught the same things CJ is talking about here. The importance of your front foot being parallel is that it helps keep your stroke inline. If your front foot is too far to one side or the other, your body will have a natural tendency to move across or off the line. I know they teach a different technique in snooker. The back foot is critical for alignment. I believe the front foot being parallel helps with accuracy, especially for power strokes...like breaks and such. It's old school and it works. I believe it was also Mosconi's stance.

 

[JeremiahGage]

I develop consistency with 2 methods:

1. Repeat the same motions over and over. This will "groove" in a neural circuit that allows you to perform that action automatically. Like creating a habit, this takes weeks and sometimes months to train.

2. Simplify my mechanics and how my body moves in relation to the shot. Eliminating unnecessary movements, getting video feedback, and having another instructor give advice are great for this.

 

[CJ Wiley]

this represents everything you'll need to know to "Play Like a Pro"

What's the name of this DVD sound like my style

This was from my 'Billiards Inside Secrets' DVD - Today we're putting out a special on ALL 8 of my videos (on 6 DVDs) for $64 (including S/H) - this represents everything you'll need to know to "Play Like a Pro" (this offer is not yet on line), ....as long as you're willing to put in the necessary time and dedication to learn to play the game effectively.....using a pre-shot routine that rehearses the upcoming shot so you can "get down on each shot as if it's already been made"!

PM me and I'll tell you how to order and will autograph the DVD sleeve to you as well THIS WEEK ONLY.

'The Game is the Teacher' - for more see www.thegameistheteacher or www.cjwiley.com

 

[CJ Wiley]

The Left Foot is like the sight on a gun, not visually, instinctively.

I was taught the same things CJ is talking about here. The importance of your front foot being parallel is that it helps keep your stroke inline. If your front foot is too far to one side or the other, your body will have a natural tendency to move across or off the line. I know they teach a different technique in snooker. The back foot is critical for alignment. I believe the front foot being parallel helps with accuracy, especially for power strokes...like breaks and such. It's old school and it works. I believe it was also Mosconi's stance.

Yes, I actually target different parts of the pocket with my left foot....it's like the sight on a gun, not visually, instinctively. 'The Touch is the Game's Teacher'

 

[SJDinPHX]

I was taught the same things CJ is talking about here. The importance of your front foot being parallel is that it helps keep your stroke inline.

Yes, I actually target different parts of the pocket with my left foot....it's like the sight on a gun, not visually, instinctively. 'The Touch is the Game's Teacher'

Do you 'real eyes' how ridiculous that sounds ?.. Besides, aren't you afraid you might shoot yourself in the foot ? :grin: :grin:

PS.. You guys are confusing us !...I thought you said "the Game was the Teacher" !..Now we have 'Touch', teaching the 'Game' ?... Next, I guess you'll have your 'Foot', teaching the 'Touch' ?

I believe Mr. Gage has the right idea...

I develop consistency with 2 methods:

1. Repeat the same motions over and over. This will "groove" in a neural circuit that allows you to perform that action automatically. Like creating a habit, this takes weeks and sometimes months to train.
2. Simplify my mechanics and how my body moves in relation to the shot. Eliminating unnecessary movements, getting video feedback, and having another instructor give advice are great for this. <--Surely you meant, 'unless' the instructor is too confusing ?

 

[CJ Wiley]

the TOUCH OF INSIDE is an overall playing technique, not just an "aiming system".

Do you 'real eyes' how ridiculous that sounds ?.. Besides, aren't you afraid you might shoot yourself in the foot ? :grin: :grin:

PS.. You guys are confusing us !...I thought you said "the Game was the Teacher" !..Now we have 'Touch', teaching the 'Game' ?... Next, I guess you'll have your 'Foot', teaching the 'Touch' ?

I believe Mr. Gage has the right idea...

I believe you just put your foot in your mouth. The feet are important, maybe you would have won a major tournament if you had better footwork? Oh, that's right, you refused to play "one foot on the floor" because of your "vertical challenges".

As far as TOI is concerned, it's about creating angles by using a system that you are unfamiliar with - the TOUCH OF INSIDE is an overall playing technique, not just an "aiming system".

At first the players that I've worked with don't like the idea of creating angles with their tip and the cue ball (without "aiming"). Then when I show them how it actually works and the precision and accuracy it generates, they quickly "open their minds" to the potential of the TOI.

I know this is "common sense," however I'll say it again "the cue ball is the target and the tip is the only direct relationship we have to the Game."

Doesn't it stand to reason that it's easier to create every "shot angle" by using the TIP as a reference point connected to a consistent "target" on the object ball (center or edge is the only target you will ever need).

When the TOI Video is watched with "an open mind," everyone will be able to "Real Eyes" the simplicity of super-accurate shot making and distance will no longer matter.

When you're just connecting to the center or edge and creating angles with your tip, you will be the same distance from the target. The CUE BALL IS THE TARGET and you can control the distance and perception the cue ball gives you EVERY TIME - this is not true with the object ball.

Some people labor for years "trying" to see {a ghost ball} or a contact point on the cue ball (then try to hit the "contact point" with a cue ball "contact point" - talk about challenging).

This is a fruitless pursuit and will lead to many frustrating hours at the table. TOI makes the Game FUN AGAIN, because you no longer have to "think" about ball pocketing, you just "point, connect the dots and click". 'The Game is the Teacher'

Just a thought, if there's any other way I can help, please feel free.

 

[SJDinPHX]

I believe you just put your foot in your mouth. The feet are important, maybe you would have won a major tournament if you had better footwork? <--How many times do I have to tell you, the only 3 major tournaments I ever played, were after I turned 65 !.. Oh, that's right, you refused to play "one foot on the floor" because of your "vertical challenges". <--Don't know what you are ranting about here ?..
.. I always played 'one foot on the floor'..(cuz, I am both taller, and better looking than you are !)

When the TOI Video is watched with "an open mind," everyone will be able to "Real Eyes" the simplicity of super-accurate shot making and distance will no longer matter. <--Good thing you always dodged me, even after I was in my 70's !--You would have been shooting ALL long shots ! (or off the rail, or hooked).. Believe me, it would have 'mattered'..A lot !

This is a fruitless pursuit and will lead to many frustrating hours at the table. TOI makes the Game FUN AGAIN, because you no longer have to "think" about ball pocketing, you just "point, connect the dots and click". 'The Game is the Teacher'. <--- There you go, confusing us again !..I thought you said "Your Feet, were teaching Your Touch" !

????????????????? :sorry:

PS..Give it up !!!..You had a better chance of beating me at one pocket, than you do at a verbal confrontation ! (which is ZERO on both counts)

 

[liakos]

Do you 'real eyes' how ridiculous that sounds ?.. Besides, aren't you afraid you might shoot yourself in the foot ? :grin: :grin:

PS.. You guys are confusing us !...I thought you said "the Game was the Teacher" !..Now we have 'Touch', teaching the 'Game' ?... Next, I guess you'll have your 'Foot', teaching the 'Touch' ?

I believe Mr. Gage has the right idea...

A few months ago I would of agreed with you BUT, I took CJ's advice on foot placement and I can tell you it made a drastic difference right away.

Now, compared to you, I'm just a ballbanger so I'm sure you think my opinion is meaningless, but I ask you this, if I have a structured practice routine and make one adjustment(foot placement) and my shotmaking increases by 10%(minimum ) would you still consider the idea of foot placement " ridiculous"?

I saw the comment that cj made about your foot placement possibly could of won a "big tournament",,,,, you never know