Is Touch Of Inside "the teacher"

That only works if you develop a straight stroke before you EVER try to pocket a ball. Otherwise you're working up hill.

But you're right. If you develop perfect mechanics and stroke right all the time then you can develop aiming from feel.

It's about being able to isolate where you make mistakes. I teach people to practice good fundamental mechanics before ever hitting a ball.

But I still also teach ways to aim accurately. There are situations where knowing that your aim is right is essential.

Jaden

Having good mechanics and a straight stroke is what it's all about and is the most difficult thing to achieve consistently. That's what separates pros from joes. Given a good stroke, almost everyone will learn to aim and pocket intuitively.
 
The pros do this aspect better than the "shortstops"

There are three components to ball pocketing for anyone, pro or otherwise.

1) Cue Ball Target (where your tip will be aimed to contact the cue ball)
2) Cue Speed (speed that the cue will move though the cue ball)
3) Angle Creation (the relationship the cue ball will have to the object ball to create the angle desired ie: full/half/quarter/etc).

The TOI uses basically the same speed, the same cue ball target (slightly inside) and the same way to create the angle (tip slightly inside to either center or edge of object ball).

This way the three factors/components to pocket ANY BALL are all blended into one uniform "system".....'The Touch of Inside' - What could be easier? Then, the object is to calibrate your stroke so it's precise and accurate - however, this is another aspect of the game that requires an understanding of correct body/cue mechanics.

The pros do this aspect better than the "shortstops," and it is mostly because of their ability to clear the hip and coil the right shoulder properly (if they're right handed). 'The Game is Their Teacher'


That only works if you develop a straight stroke before you EVER try to pocket a ball. Otherwise you're working up hill.

But you're right. If you develop perfect mechanics and stroke right all the time then you can develop aiming from feel.

It's about being able to isolate where you make mistakes. I teach people to practice good fundamental mechanics before ever hitting a ball.

But I still also teach ways to aim accurately. There are situations where knowing that your aim is right is essential.

Jaden
 
There are three components to ball pocketing for anyone, pro or otherwise.

1) Cue Ball Target (where your tip will be aimed to contact the cue ball)
2) Cue Speed (speed that the cue will move though the cue ball)
3) Angle Creation (the relationship the cue ball will have to the object ball to create the angle desired ie: full/half/quarter/etc).

The TOI uses basically the same speed, the same cue ball target (slightly inside) and the same way to create the angle (tip slightly inside to either center or edge of object ball).

This way the three factors/components to pocket ANY BALL are all blended into one uniform "system".....'The Touch of Inside' - What could be easier? Then, the object is to calibrate your stroke so it's precise and accurate - however, this is another aspect of the game that requires an understanding of correct body/cue mechanics.

The pros do this aspect better than the "shortstops," and it is mostly because of their ability to clear the hip and coil the right shoulder properly (if they're right handed). 'The Game is Their Teacher'

Can the things that you described not be accomplished by using Touch of Center....touch of top....touch of outside......touch of bottom?????
 
I know it sounds like there's a "catch," but there's not.

Can the things that you described not be accomplished by using Touch of Center....touch of top....touch of outside......touch of bottom?????

No, you can't get anywhere on the table using "top/outside/or bottom" but you can using the 'Touch of Inside'.....I demonstrate this and it amazes even the most seasoned players.....the "Inside World" on the pool table has not been explored as much as you might expect. I can actually do more with the cue ball using TOI than someone can do using top, bottom, AND outside.....I know it sounds like there's a "catch," but there's not.

'The TOI is the Teacher'
4304195_orig.jpg
 
no, you can't get anywhere on the table using "top/outside/or bottom" but you can using the 'touch of inside'.....i demonstrate this and it amazes even the most seasoned players.....the "inside world" on the pool table has not been explored as much as you might expect. I can actually do more with the cue ball using toi than someone can do using top, bottom, and outside.....i know it sounds like there's a "catch," but there's not.

'the toi is the teacher'
4304195_orig.jpg

ok..................
 
After correcting my fundamentals and showing me the workings of TOI, CJ is now showing me some other cue ball control options. You can "spin" the cue ball all around the table with top, bottom, side, extreme side, whatever your desire, but it all starts from the basic TOI position.

When I started with TOI I was looking for a change. I was so discouraged that I was even considering giving up the game. Now I see improvements in my game weekly. The more that I put into it, the more that I am getting out of it.
 
After correcting my fundamentals and showing me the workings of TOI, CJ is now showing me some other cue ball control options. You can "spin" the cue ball all around the table with top, bottom, side, extreme side, whatever your desire, but it all starts from the basic TOI position.

When I started with TOI I was looking for a change. I was so discouraged that I was even considering giving up the game. Now I see improvements in my game weekly. The more that I put into it, the more that I am getting out of it.

Yep. TOI is the "new center". Once you've recalibrated your line you can still do everything you could before from there. A straight stroke is absolutely essential (as in any part of the game). I predict if you stay committed to it, it will be so natural that you'll wonder if you're still doing it after a while.
 
There are three components to ball pocketing for anyone, pro or otherwise.

1) Cue Ball Target (where your tip will be aimed to contact the cue ball)
2) Cue Speed (speed that the cue will move though the cue ball)
3) Angle Creation (the relationship the cue ball will have to the object ball to create the angle desired ie: full/half/quarter/etc).

The TOI uses basically the same speed, the same cue ball target (slightly inside) and the same way to create the angle (tip slightly inside to either center or edge of object ball).

This way the three factors/components to pocket ANY BALL are all blended into one uniform "system".....'The Touch of Inside' - What could be easier? Then, the object is to calibrate your stroke so it's precise and accurate - however, this is another aspect of the game that requires an understanding of correct body/cue mechanics.

The pros do this aspect better than the "shortstops," and it is mostly because of their ability to clear the hip and coil the right shoulder properly (if they're right handed). 'The Game is Their Teacher'
Clear the hip and coil the right shoulder? I have both "billiards inside secrets" and "ultimate pool secrets" vol.1, and I don't recall coming across that.
 
{naturally} stand directly behind the "line of the shot"

Clear the hip and coil the right shoulder? I have both "billiards inside secrets" and "ultimate pool secrets" vol.1, and I don't recall coming across that.

I show the feet position and how to come down squarely on the cue ball on 'The Ultimate Pool Secrets' however I don't show specifically how to "clear the hips".

Basically you want to move your head down to the cue ball by shifting your hips/legs straight back away from the cue ball. Don't bend forward and lower your head or you will change your upper body angles and "slouch" your shoulders/back....the ideal movement is done by keeping your upper body in {nearly} the same position as it is when standing above the shot.....if you don't use this type motion you won't {naturally} stand directly behind the "line of the shot" and will be forced to put the cue at your right side which leads to positioning your body right of the target line and keeping your head from remaining square (to the cue ball/target line).

I teach this movement in personal training sessions - it takes about two hours (on the average) to get a break through ..... it's well worth the effort because it dramatically simplifies the game's other fundamentals in the pre shot routine. 'The Game is Our Teacher'
 
"finding your center," and that "center" is a touch to the inside.

I'm glad you got revitalized to continue playing and I know consistent improvement is the best motivating factor for us human beings.

To see you go from where you were to being the most improved player of you league is an awesome accomplishment and I'm privileged to be a part of the process. Through our last lesson I also discovered another key element in my own game......that's how it works, when we help others we often help ourselves even more......and such is life.

Now that you have a solid "TOI Foundation" we can get into some really fun, advanced techniques like the one you mentioned. When I was in my teens I traveled with Dalton Leong, one of my most influential mentors....he said the key to pool was "finding your center," and that "center" is a touch to the inside.....'The Game is our Teacher' (through others)




After correcting my fundamentals and showing me the workings of TOI, CJ is now showing me some other cue ball control options. You can "spin" the cue ball all around the table with top, bottom, side, extreme side, whatever your desire, but it all starts from the basic TOI position.

When I started with TOI I was looking for a change. I was so discouraged that I was even considering giving up the game. Now I see improvements in my game weekly. The more that I put into it, the more that I am getting out of it.
 
The stance is very, very important to consistent play and there's no exceptions. The feet are the foundation of your body/stroke/game and, like any structure it's only as solid as it's foundation.

The left foot controls the angle of the left side of the body - the right foot controls the body angles of the right side of the body. Even if you make the same upper body angles they will differ relative to your feet position.

Make sure you have a system to get your right AND left foot in exactly the same position relative to the "line of the shot" or you will be in for a long disappointing pool experience.

If you don't know how to do this you can email me at thegameistheteacher@gmail.com and I'll be happy to
share a very effective technique or it's also on my video
'Ultimate Pool Secrets' if you want to see rather than read.

Play Well, the game is our teacher.
On Ultimate Pool Secrets you teach that the left foot should be parallel to the target line. The camera shot is from the side as you teach this. I assume you mean that the left foot should be both parallel and on the target line. For example; if a rope was placed on the floor directly on the target line, the left foot should be placed on the rope as a tight walkers foot would. If I'm right; that's simple enough.

I'm having a tough time; however, grasping what you mean when you teach that the right foot should be "on" the target line. It looks like you want the right foot to make a 45 degree angle with target line and ; hence, with the left foot. That much is clear.

What I'm having a tough time with is this: as I previously said, the camera shot is from the side. Assuming you're opened up towards the north, how many inches to the north should the the back of the right foot be from the front of the left foot. Seems that's all I need to know and I'll have this down.
 
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exaggerating changes allows the body to accommodate and adapt more quickly and easily

The left foot is "on" the parallel line...not the direct line of the shot.

If you had that rope on the floor your left foot would be over a foot to the left of that line. This opens up your body and allows your head to be square to the cue ball/object ball's connection to create the necessary angle.

I believe, at least at first to open the left foot too much rather than not enough.....many times exaggerating changes allows the body to accommodate and adapt more quickly and easily. 'The Game is the Teacher'



On Ultimate Pool Secrets you teach that the left foot should be parallel to the target line. The camera shot is from the side as you teach this. I assume you mean that the left foot should be both parallel and on the target line. For example; if a rope was placed on the floor directly on the target line, the left foot should be placed on the rope as a tight walkers foot would. If I'm right; that's simple enough.

I'm having a tough time; however, grasping what you mean when you teach that the right foot should be "on" the target line. It looks like you want the right foot to make a 45 degree angle with target line and ; hence, with the left foot. That much is clear.

What I'm having a tough time with is this: as I previously said, the camera shot is from the side. Assuming you're opened up towards the north, how many inches to the north should the the back of the right foot be from the front of the left foot. Seems that's all I need to know and I'll have this down.
 
Yep. TOI is the "new center". Once you've recalibrated your line you can still do everything you could before from there. A straight stroke is absolutely essential (as in any part of the game). I predict if you stay committed to it, it will be so natural that you'll wonder if you're still doing it after a while.

If they didn't have a problem hitting center before, why would they need to change? If they had a problem hitting center before, what good is changing going to do? :confused:
 
If they didn't have a problem hitting center before, why would they need to change? If they had a problem hitting center before, what good is changing going to do? :confused:

A miss hit when trying to hit center CB can deflect either way, leaving the shooter uncertain (especially on firm hits) why he missed; a miss-hit on the TOI line means either no deflection/squirt or more deflection squirt in one direction that the shooter can immediately perceive; and the OB path deviation due to that miss hit is within the tolerance of the whole pocket (as your line is to slip it into the near side of the pocket). When it's all calibrated and you're not trying to spin the CB, the OB goes dead center of the pocket. Hit it too thick (center CB instead of the 1/8 tip of inside), the CB slips into the near side (unless it throws due to skid/throw)...put too much inside on the CB and the squirt causes the OB to go in the far side of the pocket.

IMHO, the biggest advantage is a CB with no (or much less) spin after contact with the OB, with a more predictable path and tighter control, regardless of the table/ball conditions.
 
A miss hit when trying to hit center CB can deflect either way, leaving the shooter uncertain (especially on firm hits) why he missed; a miss-hit on the TOI line means either no deflection/squirt or more deflection squirt in one direction that the shooter can immediately perceive; and the OB path deviation due to that miss hit is within the tolerance of the whole pocket (as your line is to slip it into the near side of the pocket). When it's all calibrated and you're not trying to spin the CB, the OB goes dead center of the pocket. Hit it too thick (center CB instead of the 1/8 tip of inside), the CB slips into the near side (unless it throws due to skid/throw)...put too much inside on the CB and the squirt causes the OB to go in the far side of the pocket.

IMHO, the biggest advantage is a CB with no (or much less) spin after contact with the OB, with a more predictable path and tighter control, regardless of the table/ball conditions.

A miss hit on the TOI line can tell people something they're doing wrong, but a miss hit on center can't? That's pretty faulty logic. Now, you also must include deflection/squirt in the hit because it isn't center. Whereas, if you're off a hair from center, there is minimal difference, but being off from off-center could result in a larger difference if it isn't towards the center.

When it's all calibrated, how can you say that you're not spinning the CB? You're either hitting it center or you're spinning it, there's no hitting it off-center and not spinning it.

I could just as easily say that center ball is best, because if you're off to the left, the cb squirts to the right to negate the effect and vice versa. You don't even have to recalibrate for that.
 
The left foot is "on" the parallel line...not the direct line of the shot.

If you had that rope on the floor your left foot would be over a foot to the left of that line. This opens up your body and allows your head to be square to the cue ball/object ball's connection to create the necessary angle.

I believe, at least at first to open the left foot too much rather than not enough.....many times exaggerating changes allows the body to accommodate and adapt more quickly and easily. 'The Game is the Teacher'

Where does the shot line fall in relation to your right foot? Is your foot/toe completely left of the shot line or does it cross over a portion of your foot?

Best,
Mike
 
A miss hit on the TOI line can tell people something they're doing wrong, but a miss hit on center can't? That's pretty faulty logic. Now, you also must include deflection/squirt in the hit because it isn't center. Whereas, if you're off a hair from center, there is minimal difference, but being off from off-center could result in a larger difference if it isn't towards the center.

When it's all calibrated, how can you say that you're not spinning the CB? You're either hitting it center or you're spinning it, there's no hitting it off-center and not spinning it.

I could just as easily say that center ball is best, because if you're off to the left, the cb squirts to the right to negate the effect and vice versa. You don't even have to recalibrate for that.

I can't answer any of your questions, although I wish I could. However, TOI does work amazingly well.
 
The left foot is "on" the parallel line...not the direct line of the shot.

If you had that rope on the floor your left foot would be over a foot to the left of that line. This opens up your body and allows your head to be square to the cue ball/object ball's connection to create the necessary angle.

I believe, at least at first to open the left foot too much rather than not enough.....many times exaggerating changes allows the body to accommodate and adapt more quickly and easily. 'The Game is the Teacher'
So I'm standing on top of the rope with my right foot and the rope is right under the middle of the foot?
 
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