Is Touch Of Inside "the teacher"

[His Boy Elroy]

I play on a really crappy bar box at home. I mean a real bad table. I have been following this thread and my pocketing has doubled just following this thread. The only trouble is my table is really fast and when I go out to play on a bigger table I am leaving everything short. Can I practice on my little table and it still help me?

By the way this has helped me more than anything I have tried.

Thanks.

P.m C.J....I'll try to answer the question.

If you keep playing on your crappy, fast table, your going to keep coming up short when you play on a slower table. If your ball pocketing or anything else keeps improving on your table, that improvement will certainly transfer to the slower table. The benefit obtained from practicing on any old crappy, fast table will far, far outweigh any negative aspects when transferring to the slower table.

I read a great post once by someone who said they'd own a home table if the only place they could fit it is in a corner with walls touching both a long and short rail. They said they could still improve their game immensely. Your crappy, fast table is improving your game immensely; in fact, I think you just stated that.

 

[West Point 1987]

C.J.

I have always been curious as to what was on your mind when the slogan "the game is the teacher" came to you.

What does it refer to? We're you thinking in technical terms as in the game will teach you how to play well if you pay attention to what is occurring? Or is the meaning much deeper referring to perhaps spiritual growth?

What does it mean to you?

This is going to sound counter-intuitive, but try a slightly more delicate touch. This system is sort of self-correcting, meaning firmer hits tend to kill more than softer ones, softer ones kill less and roll further. I've found I get a little more movement if needed, if I amp down a bit on those shots with a thicker hit (half ball to full ball). A little less muscle will let the dead CB roll a little free-er, with less stun. The post collision floating CB doesn't die so much when it hits a rail. Kind of like when you're shooting a table-length shot at a ball buried in the corner pocket, and if you hit it too firm the CB just sticks down there. Hit is soft and it comes all the way back...similar principle.

 

[CJ Wiley]

the structure required to experience hitting the SAME shot, no matter what the angle

What it means any particular individual is based on their own journey in life. I try to teach on three levels, the physical level, the mental level and the spiritual or "Deeper" level. Just like using metaphors, analogies and parables effect different people in unique ways, so does instruction in anything they have a passion for.....pool's not the exception, it's the sample example.

I'm sure you've seen through the 18 months that I've posted a lot of different interpretations of the 'The Touch of Inside', the '3 Part Pocket System', 'The Zone', the 'Hammer/Sword Techniques', the 'Zen Techniques' and even my philosophies on the structure required to experience hitting the SAME shot, no matter what angle, distance or position zone a player is presented with.

My suggestions are all structured to bring out the best in someone's potential and help them develop themselves into better players..... I AM forbidden to do the work for someone else - it robs them of essential components of improvement......pain, experience and growth. Without these we tend to stay stuck, confused and will always feel as if we're missing something.

I've always urged players to not totally discount anything I refer to, but simply "put it on the shelf," and reference it later.....this is what I've done in the past with my key mentors and I'm thankful "what doesn't make sense today may be a future epiphany"....and such is life, learning and the pursuit of wisdom.

'The Game is the Teacher'

C.J.

I have always been curious as to what was on your mind when the slogan "the game is the teacher" came to you.

What does it refer to? We're you thinking in technical terms as in the game will teach you how to play well if you pay attention to what is occurring? Or is the meaning much deeper referring to perhaps spiritual growth?

What does it mean to you?

 

[Palmetto cue]

CJ,
Do you advocate applying it to every shot and just play through racks when first learning TOI? Or, do you have set up shots that are better to learn at first?

Thanks CJ!

 

[(((Satori)))]

What it means any particular individual is based on their own journey in life. I try to teach on three levels, the physical level, the mental level and the spiritual or "Deeper" level. Just like using metaphors, analogies and parables effect different people in unique ways, so does instruction in anything they have a passion for.....pool's not the exception, it's the sample example.

I'm sure you've seen through the 18 months that I've posted a lot of different interpretations of the 'The Touch of Inside', the '3 Part Pocket System', 'The Zone', the 'Hammer/Sword Techniques', the 'Zen Techniques' and even my philosophies on the structure required to experience hitting the SAME shot, no matter what angle, distance or position zone a player is presented with.

My suggestions are all structured to bring out the best in someone's potential and help them develop themselves into better players..... I AM forbidden to do the work for someone else - it robs them of essential components of improvement......pain, experience and growth. Without these we tend to stay stuck, confused and will always feel as if we're missing something.

I've always urged players to not totally discount anything I refer to, but simply "put it on the shelf," and reference it later.....this is what I've done in the past with my key mentors and I'm thankful "what doesn't make sense today may be a future epiphany"....and such is life, learning and the pursuit of wisdom.

'The Game is the Teacher'

I think it is very cool to have you here. You are cool to talk to and on top of that you give advice on how to play, something you clearly know how to do, and from what I have seen you have always answered all of the questions people have had whether it is about instruction, even if you might have covered it already numerous times, or a question about your life on the road.

Your participation here is greatly appreciated by me and I want to say thanks.

 

[Belford]

Accelerating through the CB?

T.O.I. works great for me as long as I accelerate through the cue ball instead of just hitting it. But I am inconsistent especially at slow speeds. Is there any advice, trick or a practice drill you know of that would help?

 

[CJ Wiley]

ALL OTHER SHOTS can be played with the 'Touch of Inside'

Yes, part of the TOI Process is to change how you have currently thought and applied your present pool techniques (good/bad/or other). We need to "shuffle the deck" so to speak, before we can really "learn a new hand".....in the Far East they suggest "emptying the cup" before taking on new information (tea)....these are just analogies that say the same thing "We must erase old programming before downloading new more effective techniques".

I have suggested using TOI for EVERY shot 3 solid hours - still try to play shape as you always have, and although this may seem difficult, it's something that can be done. The only exceptions is when changing an angle off the rail (you may require some spin) or shooting "straight in" or slow rolling balls. ALL OTHER SHOTS can be played with the 'Touch of Inside' - this may not be how you end up playing your regular game, but it's essential for quick development. 'The Game is Our Teacher'

CJ,
Do you advocate applying it to every shot and just play through racks when first learning TOI? Or, do you have set up shots that are better to learn at first?

Thanks CJ!

 

[CJ Wiley]

the same shot time, after time, after time, after time, after time.......

You are not alone, NO ONE can use TOI without accelerating, it's simply not possible. When I'm playing my top speed there's only two thoughts and that's "TOI/ACCELERATE".....once you get the TOI Technique "downloaded" into your subconscious the game gets much simpler because you're hitting the same side of the cue ball, using the same speed, the same type stroke and your "TOI Patterns" start getting simpler and simpler - you're basically creating the same shot time, after time, after time, after time, after time.......this is the ultimate form of consistency.

In a longer session someone that plays a conventional method can not overcome what you'll do to them using the TOI.....it's mathematically improbable anyway. The best we can ever do is continue to stack the odds to our favor and let the chips fall where they may. 'The TOI Game is the Teacher'

T.O.I. works great for me as long as I accelerate through the cue ball instead of just hitting it. But I am inconsistent especially at slow speeds. Is there any advice, trick or a practice drill you know of that would help?

 

[lstevedus]

How about when the cue ball is frozen to the cushion? Do you use TOI?

 

[CJ Wiley]

.that's why 'TWO FOUL" rules are far superior to "one foul" rules

Yes, when I was in London as the captain of the Mosconi Cup Johnny Archer and I talked about this subject. He said it was only in the last 5 years that he's used a touch of inside on his long rail shots and never hit them better.

The truth is this is the only shot I used to hit better than Johnny. We played "Two Shot Shoot Out" (2 Foul") 9 Ball and I'd constantly roll out to these long shots off the end rail. Pretty soon it would break down my opponents and I'd have a definite advantage. These shots don't come up just by luck (playing one foul), they are only utilized when you can consistently present them to your opponent......that's why 'TWO FOUL" rules are far superior, they make the game into a strategic contest, not a rack running contest. 'The Game is the Teacher'

How about when the cue ball is frozen to the cushion? Do you use TOI?

 

[Mikjary]

Yes, when I was in London as the captain of the Mosconi Cup Johnny Archer and I talked about this subject. He said it was only in the last 5 years that he's used a touch of inside on his long rail shots and never hit them better.

The truth is this is the only shot I used to hit better than Johnny. We played "Two Shot Shoot Out" (2 Foul") 9 Ball and I'd constantly roll out to these long shots off the end rail. Pretty soon it would break down my opponents and I'd have a definite advantage. These shots don't come up just by luck (playing one foul), they are only utilized when you can consistently present them to your opponent......that's why 'TWO FOUL" rules are far superior, they make the game into a strategic contest, not a rack running contest. 'The Game is the Teacher'

Zackley! The long shots off the end rail are very strong with TOI. I use it on most rail shots unless I need to draw the cue ball.

I like TOI with a harder tip for these shots. My milk dud got too soft for some reason and threw my TOI calibrations off. Usually tips get harder after playing with them. Not this time.

I predict CJ, will respond to this post in a positive helpful manner, even though his "customer service" is questionable. :wink:

Best,
Mike

 

[CJ Wiley]

the necessary "feel for the pocket" that all champions experience

The tip is the most important part of any cue....it's what make contact with the cue ball. I use "Milk Duds" myself at this time made by Jim Odom here in Ft. Worth. I tried one, then had all my shafts that I use (3) converted to Milk Duds.

The great thing about Milk Duds tips is the more you take them down the harder they get and that's perfect for me.....I usually like my tips cut in half to start with, and I've taken these down another sixteenth of an inch or so.....when they get "right" I know it, and it's like shaft size, it's essential to match your equipment to FEELS right.

The most important factor is always going to be touch and feel to play reach your top level of performance. TOI is the "TOUCH" of inside, using this technique actually enhances your touch for the game and the necessary "feel for the pocket" that all champions experience when they play. 'The Game is the Teacher'

Zackley! The long shots off the end rail are very strong with TOI. I use it on most rail shots unless I need to draw the cue ball.

I like TOI with a harder tip for these shots. My milk dud got too soft for some reason and threw my TOI calibrations off. Usually tips get harder after playing with them. Not this time.

I predict CJ, will respond to this post in a positive helpful manner, even though his "customer service" is questionable. :wink:

Best,
Mike

 

[Maxx]

I changes your perception of the pocket from a flat target to a zone. This way you can utilize the entire potential of the pocket in much the same way golfers utilize the entire fairway/green and bowlers create a "pocket" to maximize their "strike zone".

You have to experience it to appreciate the benefits.

I'm sending out the 5 FREE DVDs right now and if there's anyone else that wants one I'll send out an additional 5 MORE TOMORROW.....simply ask a TOI question here and then send me your address to thegameistheteacher@gmail.com

If more than 5 people respond I'll send them to everyone, we're having an AWESOME DAY here in Texas and want to share our good fortune......there's some exciting news coming on the horizon in pool and we're glad to be included.

Play Well Everyone, The Game's the Teacher

Any Beginners or Intermediate players reading? I will send you my 'Ultimate Pool Secrets' DVD if you ask a question as well......the same things apply as above, and I'll send out up to 10 today if necessary.

Mr. Wiley, I got the (free) TOI DVD today; I'm heading downstairs to check it out.
Thanks again!

 

[CJ Wiley]

he finally "clicked" and his subconscious responded to the training

That was quick, the USPS is on their game these days.

Let me know is you have any questions, you will certainly get some immediate feedback on the accuracy of your current stroke. Just let me know what your shot patterns are with TOI and I can give you some pretty good guidance without seeing you play.

I just got done with a 4 hour TOI / Stroke lesson and made some major breakthroughs with a long time student....I'm exhausted, it took about 3 hours and 15 minutes before he finally "clicked" and his subconscious responded to the training...it always happens, sometimes quicker than others.

Play Well, my friend, 'The TOI Game is the Teacher'

Mr. Wiley, I got the (free) TOI DVD today; I'm heading downstairs to check it out.
Thanks again!

 

[poolpariah]

My feel for touch shots and tight cb safeties seems to increase on faster cloth. CJ can you please explain why TOI works better on slower cloth with a firmer hit?

 

[CJ Wiley]

Looking for the easiest way to play a shot is not necessarily the best way

My feel for touch shots and tight cb safeties seems to increase on faster cloth. CJ can you please explain why TOI works better on slower cloth with a firmer hit?

The key to playing TOI correctly once your fundamentals are consistent is acceleration. When I'm playing my key thoughts are "TOI/Accelerate" for every shot....that makes me look for a way to play the TOI shot. Slower cloth allows you let your "TOI Stroke" out and find the ideal cue speed (ie: shot speed) that deflects the ball from the inside alignment to the CENTER of the pocket.

As I teach on the video, the essential component is to calibrate your shot patterns to the center of the pocket, by aligning to the inside (of the pocket using deflection). This is what gives you the "pocket zone," and the ability to utilize the '3 Part Pocket System'.

Looking for the easiest way to play a shot is not necessarily the best way. Many people teach the "right angle," and "the right shot," but what is that exactly? Playing the game the easiest way will not bring you anywhere close to championship level. 'The Game is the Teacher'

 

[CJ Wiley]

TOI will open up a new dimension and create a foundation you can build on

Mr. Wiley, I got the (free) TOI DVD today; I'm heading downstairs to check it out.
Thanks again!

You're welcome, let me know if you have any questions. Give yourself some time to absorb the information, after the first 3 hour session it will take a few days to process the new information.

The Touch of Inside System is certainly different, and this is one of the reasons it's so effective at "rebooting" our subconscious into a new way of perceiving the game. First we must be willing to change, then, with an open mind the TOI will open up a new dimension and create a foundation you can build on for years to come.

Play Well....'The Game is Your Teacher'

 

[CJ Wiley]

improve your game faster in 3 weeks than 3 months of regular practice

CJ,
Do you advocate applying it to every shot and just play through racks when first learning TOI? Or, do you have set up shots that are better to learn at first?

Thanks CJ!

I like taking "break, ball in hand" and running out using TOI only. Then freeze every ball to a diamond and run out with the object balls on the cushion.....then break and play the cue ball on the cushion ever time and run out ("ball in hand" - frozen to the cushion - with an angle to still play shape on the next shot).

Doing this routine for 30 minutes a day will improve your game faster in 3 weeks than 3 months of regular practice.....and it will open up the "TOI DOOR" so you can start building a solid foundation and develop your own style of TOI.

Play Well, my friend, The TOI Game is the Teacher'

 

[CJ Wiley]

the player that uses less variables and has to make LESS decisions will dominate

That is called "A Touch of Whatever is Needed."

The Layout is the Teacher

This is certainly one way to look at the game.

The other way is to make the game and layout do what YOU want .... to shoot the shot YOU want to every time, instead of {being told} by the table situation.

If I know what side of the cue ball I'm going to hit, the speed I'm going to shoot and the way to consistently create angles every time......don't I have much less to think about?

Over a long period of time the player that uses less variables and has to make LESS decisions will dominate the contest.

"The beginner will see many ways to go about playing each shot, the master will see only one". This all starts with the willingness to change your own perception....to "real eyes" that there may be another way.....a better, more effective way. 'The TOI Game is the Teacher'

 

[poolpariah]

Thanks CJ, I just received my TOI DVD today and plan to reboot my game and mind this weekend (I have planned action on Friday). I'll invest the time required to truly give it time to set in. I've been playing for 25 years so it might take me a bit longer. If you like, I can let you know how it goes.