I'm not trying to get in the middle of this, but I thought I would share my experience with aiming systems.
When I first started playing, I was told over and over that I "have a good eye", whatever that's supposed to mean. I later discovered that the way I've naturally seen shots since the very beginning has a name and is actually a "system" similar to what Mr. Stroud and others spoke of earlier. From the beginning, I would look at the path of the OB to the pocket, get the CP, and go back to the CB and look at The path from CTP to CTP. Behind the CB, I would look at the overlap created by the CP on the CB to the edge of the CB when the CPs are lined up. Then I ditched the CP all together and shot at the overlap.
My biggest problem before CTE was getting my body and vision center in such a position that my cue flows through the shot on the correct line. For many years, unless I was just in dead punch, I felt awkward over the shot and and like I might miss at any given time.
About 7 years ago I pretty much quit playing and went back to college. My focus shifted from riding the highs to building my worst game up for consistency, because you can't ride the highs when you are out of stroke and there are none. On my journey to improve my weaknesses, I was introduced to CTE and, like many others, was extremely skeptical. I've been given so much bad advice over the years that I immediately dismissed the idea as BS. But I tried it anyway.
Fact is, I've tried it, quit, and gone back again quite a few times. I've had mixed feelings about the system, but I'm to the point now that I'm not going back to my old way of doing things.
My reason is is simple.. it works for me. I've found that I can switch from manually pivoting on a bad, or off, day to just using more of a Pro One approach when I'm feeling good. And I'm to the point now where I'm comfortable enough that there is very little conscious thought to the process. I no longer look at the shot and mentally say, "CTE-ETB with a right pivot". My brain just processes the visuals and I roll with it.
The one single thing that made me turn the corner and and actually made this system work for me was finally understanding how to approach the CB, lock in on the visuals, and move into the shot WHILE KEEPING THE VISUALS FIXED. As Stan likes to say, the eyes lead and the body follows. I don't have that awkward feeling when I'm down on the shot anymore. My body just falls into the correct place and my cue is on line.
I have several acquaintances on this forum on both sides of the debate, from the very outspoken ones who vehemently oppose the system to others who view it as the best thing since sliced bread.
I will say this though, I use systems for a lot of things...kicking banking and now aiming. My comfortable approach to any task is a very regimented, methodical, almost military style..so this suits me.
I've also said this on these forums before and stand by it. I view systems as useful tools to enhance your existing skills, not replace them. No system in and of itself is going to make anyone a great player. Lots of table time is required to develop a solid straight stroke and repeatable accurate delivery. The only system for that is table time and hard work. (That I know of) What stands out as a big advantage for CTE users is that you are placed in a very strong position to start with. Of course you still have to make the ball and you can't do that without putting in work on your delivery.
Anyway, have fun gents. I just wanted to throw that perspective out there for those who might be on the fence about whether or not to even learn an aiming system. Just some food for thought.
