Calling All Cross Dominant Players

BeiberLvr

BeiberLvr

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Everyone knows that Ronnie O'Sullivan is one of the greatest to ever hold a cue, and most probably know he's also cross dominant. I came across this video of him [and Trump] shooting long shots. It's a YouTube video, but I copied the URL to RowVid which allows you to go frame by frame and slow it down to 0.25

I created a 3 page PDF (attached) which shows exactly what I noticed.

Let me know what you guys think.
 

Attachments

Nice job on the workup. In the first picture, how did you decide his non-dominant eye was on the shot line? Is it done by the program? If it's accurate, this contradicts a lot of information and techniques out there, today! :scratchhead:

Best,
Mike
 
BeiberLvr said:
Everyone knows that Ronnie O'Sullivan is one of the greatest to ever hold a cue, and most probably know he's also cross dominant. I came across this video of him [and Trump] shooting long shots. It's a YouTube video, but I copied the URL to RowVid which allows you to go frame by frame and slow it down to 0.25

I created a 3 page PDF (attached) which shows exactly what I noticed.

Let me know what you guys think.
Click to expand...


Well without his direct verbal input about what he is analysing at the exact screen shot image time, I think I'd be hard pressed to make any 3 party assumptions... What does he say about his 'visual alignment' to HIS aim line, Shot line and Vision center above the ball and at full CB address?

I think THAT would be the best reference before presenting an assumption. He may be thinking 'whats for dinner' in the first image... i mean, What am I thinking right now? :wink:

Interesting though what other think they see...

R
 
I did a quick search to see if Ronnie actually had any comments around the subject but couldn't find anything. I would love to hear Ronnie comment on how he compensates for being cross dominant. I also am cross dominant and would like to try some new things out to see what works.
 
After 47 yrs. of playing 'knowing' that I am right eye dominant, I recently learned through Gene Albrecth & his Perfect Aim that, FOR POOL, I am left eye dominant.

Please note the capitalized words, FOR POOL.

If I am shooting a rifle, pistol, or bow & arrow I am right eye dominant.

Those that think that they are cross dominant may in fact not be so (For Pool)

I think every player that is serious about their game should get Gene's DVD & then make the complimentary phone call to Gene before watching it.

I a right handed.
 
Last edited:
I maintain that cross dominance is an advantage since in a 45 degree stance for any player, right or left handed, it would be your dominant eye that is closest to the shot.
 
3andstop said:
I maintain that cross dominance is an advantage since in a 45 degree stance for any player, right or left handed, it would be your dominant eye that is closest to the shot.
Click to expand...

Some say a similar thing for baseball batting. When coaching I have had to reposition quite a few batters heads so that they can get a good view & sighting of the ball.

The improvements were nothing short of amazing.

I guess it's a good thing that our eyes are in our head which is on top of a 'swiveling' neck.
 
I am exactly the same as Ronnie. He sights with both eyes and then aims at the cue ball with the left. I think on the first image he isn't using his right eye, its more both eyes. He has said he uses both eyes when finding the line of aim. I asked why he places the cue under his left and he said it felt most natural and comfortable. I've not watched the video but if he was playing with a little bit of side which he often does at that length then that could be why it looks like its in line with the right eye.


Nice thread and I think it could help a lot of players if it stays on track.
 
Pidge said:
I am exactly the same as Ronnie. He sights with both eyes and then aims at the cue ball with the left. I think on the first image he isn't using his right eye, its more both eyes. He has said he uses both eyes when finding the line of aim. I asked why he places the cue under his left and he said it felt most natural and comfortable. I've not watched the video but if he was playing with a little bit of side which he often does at that length then that could be why it looks like its in line with the right eye.


Nice thread and I think it could help a lot of players if it stays on track.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply he's sighting the shot with his right eye exclusively. Just that it [at least] appears that he has his right eye on the line while standing. To me it seems that as he his turning his torso to make clearance, that's what causes his head to move to his right and gets his left eye on the line.


I believe he plays the shot with a little stun run through.
 
Interesting post.

I'm right handed and my strongest eye is my right eye.

But

When playing pool, from the standing position behind the shot I line up on the shot line based on what my left eye is seeing.
When I get down into the shooting position the cue ends just off to the right side of the bridge of my nose.

Don't depend on your eyes to line up a shot for this experiment. Use a long straight edge or snap a chalk line.
A simple experiment is to line up a shot from the standing position using your right eye (left eye closed). Still in the standing position close the right eye and notice if your left eye (left eye open) is telling you that your still on the shot line. My guess is that the cue ball may appear to be off to the right of the OB.

If you line up on the shot line using what the left eye is telling you and then close the left eye you may notice that the shot now appears on line. No matter which eye you open and close the shot will still be on.

Now when you bend over to shoot, since the QB is close to your face, the cue will fall on the right side of your nose bridge. Just go with it.

Its called Retinal Disparity.

Hope this helps some. :smile:

John
 
Last edited:
What your seeing is most likely using depth perception! I've noticed Mike dechaine would get down on a shot, and sometimes slightly lift his head and shift over to his left eye, look at the shot resettle himself back to his right eye! He told me it was because he has bad depth perception with his right eye!

I'm left eye dominate and I have a similar issue only opposite! I've never done such an experiment, but I'm confident I do the same. I've seen myself while still standing over the shot to shift my head to the right to "see" how far the shot is. When I get down, my left eye is over the cue!

Definitely gonna try this, I want to physically see it happen:)
 
Ronnie shoots equally well with either hand.
Maybe he isn't cross dominant at all, just a natural leftie. :D
 
3andstop said:
I maintain that cross dominance is an advantage since in a 45 degree stance for any player, right or left handed, it would be your dominant eye that is closest to the shot.
Click to expand...

You have hit the nail upon the head sir.

Dale
 
One Pocket John said:
Interesting post.

I'm right handed and my strongest eye is my right eye.

But

When playing pool, from the standing position behind the shot I line up on the shot line based on what my left eye is seeing.
When I get down into the shooting position the cue ends just off to the right side of the bridge of my nose.

A simple experiment is to line up a shot from the standing position using your right eye (left eye closed). Still in the standing position close the right eye and notice if your left eye (left eye open) is telling you that your still on the shot line. My guess is that the cue ball may appear to be off to the right of the OB.

If you line up on the shot line using what the left eye is telling you and then close the left eye you may notice that the shot now appears on line. No matter which eye you open and close the shot will still be on.

Now when you bend over to shoot, since the QB is close to your face, the cue will fall on the right side of your nose bridge. Just go with it.

Its called Retinal Disparity.

Hope this helps some. :smile:

John
Click to expand...

Hi John,

Didn't you post something awhile back about distance being a factor as to what eye is 'dominant'?

What I was advised to do is to keep my eyes on the OB when going down onto the shot.

I had been switching to the CB on the way down & then had to re-find the line once down which was then using my right eye.

It's not a totally simple thing but it's not complicated when one has the correct information as to what to eye is doing what when.

As I said, I'd recommend Gene's Perfect Aim with the phone call.
 
Mikjary said:
Nice job on the workup. In the first picture, how did you decide his non-dominant eye was on the shot line? Is it done by the program? If it's accurate, this contradicts a lot of information and techniques out there, today! :scratchhead:

Best,
Mike
Click to expand...

A snapshot of the right eye crossing over the shot line doesn't prove he's using the right eye for the line up. It could be for multiple reasons, one being consistently, initially lining up all shots the same way such as 1/2 ball then determining and moving into the shot line.

The problem with most broadcasts is the cameramen don't allow us to learn anything other than balls will drop if they pass the jaws of the pocket. Take a look at Trump @ 5:37 of the OP's link. Notice his head movement. IMO this is what's going on.
 
BeiberLvr said:
Everyone knows that Ronnie O'Sullivan is one of the greatest to ever hold a cue, and most probably know he's also cross dominant. I came across this video of him [and Trump] shooting long shots. It's a YouTube video, but I copied the URL to RowVid which allows you to go frame by frame and slow it down to 0.25

I created a 3 page PDF (attached) which shows exactly what I noticed.

Let me know what you guys think.
Click to expand...

I saw the pdf. I have not read the other posts. I am left eye dominant.

Ray Martin is also left eye dominant...we've all heard of The 99 Critical Shots in Pool.

This is my take on it: I did great on most all shots for a long time except long straight ins until I finally decided to shoot a lot of them in practice. Shooting with both eyes wide open not as in a gun shooting at sights who knows what happens except when you are left eye dominant you adjust until you learn what looks right...from what you think looks right but actually isnt right. So until you have done that, there is no telling where you are cueing the ball or where its going on long straight ins.

What I found was after working with it that there was an adjustment that I had needed to make to when I could recognize that the ball was in a center of sorts because I am unsure where my left eye is in conjunction to the cue shaft. All I know is that now I am playing better than I ever have and things to do not seem distorted to one side as they used to be. I would have to have someone take a picture of me in order to find out but what I tried to do was get the ball and the cue out from under the right eye and in the center under my nose. Since I am right handed and your head is at somewhat of an angle its entirely possible that what I did was put the left eye in that perfect plane because I don't miss a lot.
 
I measured the distance from the red vertical line to the end of the photo and based on that, it appears that the line is tilted very slightly to the left. Correct that and it centers the line over his nose.

First, there could be a slight camera distortion there. But I think that at that point in our shooting process, all we're really doing is eyeballing the line (pardon the pun) --- just getting a general idea of where it is. He also could be planting his right foot at that point which can take your head slightly out of line until you begin to descend and lean towards your other foot.

But then his dominant eye is right on the line as he begins his descent, gets down and gets into balance for the shot, which makes perfect sense to me --- and which is also why it's so important to get your feet right.
 
Last edited:
I agree the line should be in between both eyes. The angle of the camera is a bit off putting. The shot isn't dead straight and is a slight cut to the left so the line should not go vertically up in the picture but should be slanted to the right slightly. Thus, in between both eyes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top