SightRight Coaching Method

So for those of us in the US that are interested, is there anyone stateside that uses or teaches this? Could it be taught remotely?

I'm not going to fly to Europe, and if it's not something I can figure out on my own I'm not going to spend money for a gadget that I can't use. But I am interested if someone wants to make it available to me.
 
So for those of us in the US that are interested, is there anyone stateside that uses or teaches this? Could it be taught remotely?

I'm not going to fly to Europe, and if it's not something I can figure out on my own I'm not going to spend money for a gadget that I can't use. But I am interested if someone wants to make it available to me.

Alex Lely is one of the best pool instructors in Europe AND he is sight-right certified instructor AND he does Skype lessons with reasonable prices. He goes by the name Plague here and he even posted in this very thread :) Check with him and you can thank me later ;)
 
We'll have to look at two different aspects here, don't we?

1) A pure sighting problem where the player misaligns his aim eye/stick/cue ball/target. If his eye is off ever so slightly he will have a single problem which IMHO can be diagnosed by himself and only by himself (unless an optometric checks with some fancy apparatus)- for example by using either such a sightright gadget - or a cheaper cardboard copy. Not even a great pool instructor would normally be able to diagnose this problem with certainty unless the player is way off. Because he can't see through the player's eyes. And there are quite a few factors there, among them: the dominant eye, how one's brain is used to compensate for alignment issues and so on.

So there may well be some use in checking one's cue alignment by either using the sightright gadget or the free DIY copy. IMHO you can get rid of a SINGLE problem, i.e. an eye misalignment.

2) All of 1 does not correct any other problems such as poor stroke, stance and so on. So it is always a great idea to see a dedicated pool instructor. Even if your eye alignment is perfect that wobbly stroke or a poor stance, wrist wriggling etc. may not improve your results a lot - even if you perfected your alignment.

What I really meant to say by my rocket science quote: Using such a gadget to check alignment is neither useless nor rocket science. You will identify one - and only one - possible problem with it. It does not do the magic for any other problems you might have - some of which would definitely require an instructor.

Not even necessarily a dedicated "Sightright instructor", just a good one who knows how to correct all of the other problems.
 
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We'll have to look at two different aspects here, don't we?

1) A pure sighting problem where the player misaligns his aim eye/stick/cue ball/target. If his eye is off ever so slightly he will have a single problem which IMHO can be diagnosed by himself and only by himself (unless an optometric checks with some fancy apparatus)- for example by using either such a sightright gadget - or a cheaper cardboard copy. Not even a great pool instructor would normally be able to diagnose this problem with certainty unless the player is way off. Because he can't see through the player's eyes. And there are quite a few factors there, among them: the dominant eye, how one's brain is used to compensate for alignment issues and so on.

So there may well be some use in checking one's cue alignment by either using the sightright gadget or the free DIY copy. IMHO you can get rid of a SINGLE problem, i.e. an eye misalignment.

2) All of 1 does not correct any other problems such as poor stroke, stance and so on. So it is always a great idea to see a dedicated pool instructor. Even if your eye alignment is perfect that wobbly stroke or a poor stance, wrist wriggling etc. may not improve your results a lot - even if you perfected your alignment.

What I really meant to say by my rocket science quote: Using such a gadget to check alignment is neither useless nor rocket science. You will identify one - and only one - possible problem with it. It does not do the magic for any other problems you might have - some of which would definitely require an instructor.

Not even necessarily a dedicated "Sightright instructor", just a good one who knows how to correct all of the other problems.

Thats the answer I kinda agree with ;) From my experience sight-right is not about eye alignment only, you have to usually change setup position a little as well to get the best/most consistent results, so some of the rocket science is there :eek::grin: And for that good instructor is really adviced. And like I said - with Alex Lely you got one of the best Europe instructors with deep sight-right knowledge. Yes, I believe that any inteligent player can use sight-right method with success but with instructors help the whole process of aiming-flaw correction will be definitely faster/more efficient. Thats how aspiring players in Europe aproach their pool-related problems - they seek help of instructors. And thats what you actually propose. From what I see in USA they seem to use "do-it-yourself" aproach more likely. And US guys/gals wonder why US players cant keep up with Euros atm...:confused::rolleyes:
 
Well, I don't know about Europe vs. US and what you're implying there. I live in Germany since 1976 and I believe there are some important differences between the US and Europe pool-wise. I do not believe that Americans in general can't keep up with the Europeans - SVB is an example to prove the opposite. There are certain game formats favoring the Europeans - like the Mosconi cup. Americans are solitary warriors who are a lot more into gambling rather than tournaments European style. Team spirit is not acquired as much as it may be in Europe.

Back on topic: I think Sightright has finally identified one problem most of the pool instructors tend not to realize. For the reasons explained above. And this is certainly a very positive development. I do believe you can integrate this part - the misalignment of your sighting - into other training methods. Preferably with an excellent instructor. I doubt that the ONLY way to do this is by needing a dedicated Sightright instructor. Just ask your personal trainer to integrate your sighting into his teachings. A large part of which only YOU YOURSELF can identify. With the help of the gadget this becomes a lot easier.
 
Well, I don't know about Europe vs. US and what you're implying there. I live in Germany since 1976 and I believe there are some important differences between the US and Europe pool-wise. I do not believe that Americans in general can't keep up with the Europeans - SVB is an example to prove the opposite. There are certain game formats favoring the Europeans - like the Mosconi cup. Americans are solitary warriors who are a lot more into gambling rather than tournaments European style. Team spirit is not acquired as much as it may be in Europe.

Back on topic: I think Sightright has finally identified one problem most of the pool instructors tend not to realize. For the reasons explained above. And this is certainly a very positive development. I do believe you can integrate this part - the misalignment of your sighting - into other training methods. Preferably with an excellent instructor. I doubt that the ONLY way to do this is by needing a dedicated Sightright instructor. Just ask your personal trainer to integrate your sighting into his teachings. A large part of which only YOU YOURSELF can identify. With the help of the gadget this becomes a lot easier.

SVB is the only truly world class player USA currently have and is really exception to the rule. The biggest difference between USA and European (or Asian for that matter) players is the quality of fundamentals and decision-making process. These just cant be ignored. As for the sight-right method - i didnt say sight right instructor is the only way,i said it is the best way ;) other than that we dont have any argument here ;)
 
It's a smaller, stick-mounted version of the thing in post 13 above. When the lines on the two levels appear to be one unbroken line, then (theoretically) your "vision center" is where it needs to be (directly over the stick) in order to see most accurately where your stick is pointed.

pj
chgo

Does the cylinder need to be exactly laterally level for this to work correctly? If your cue is twisted slightly clockwise/counter clockwise does that throw the alignment you see off?
 
Tinman

So for those of us in the US that are interested, is there anyone stateside that uses or teaches this? Could it be taught remotely?

I'm not going to fly to Europe, and if it's not something I can figure out on my own I'm not going to spend money for a gadget that I can't use. But I am interested if someone wants to make it available to me.

Tinman, if a qualified instructor could be located, I would be willing to chip in on a group lesson. There is a nine foot diamond, with a recording set up, at the Mankato Cue Club. I could recruit at least one more for sure. Also willing to travel to Metro, but would prefer at least some privacy and would want lesson recorded.
 
Tinman, if a qualified instructor could be located, I would be willing to chip in on a group lesson. There is a nine foot diamond, with a recording set up, at the Mankato Cue Club. I could recruit at least one more for sure. Also willing to travel to Metro, but would prefer at least some privacy and would want lesson recorded.

Sending you a pm.
 
I checked out the gadget on the above pooldawg link but couldn't tell what it did. Can anyone elaborate?

It's a smaller, stick-mounted version of the thing in post 13 above. When the lines on the two levels appear to be one unbroken line, then (theoretically) your "vision center" is where it needs to be (directly over the stick) in order to see most accurately where your stick is pointed.

pj
chgo

Does the cylinder need to be exactly laterally level for this to work correctly? If your cue is twisted slightly clockwise/counter clockwise does that throw the alignment you see off?
I haven't used one, but I assume that's correct - unless it floats in a liquid to keep it upright...?

pj
chgo
 
done!

Tinman, if a qualified instructor could be located, I would be willing to chip in on a group lesson. There is a nine foot diamond, with a recording set up, at the Mankato Cue Club. I could recruit at least one more for sure. Also willing to travel to Metro, but would prefer at least some privacy and would want lesson recorded.

I'm in! Demetrius here at 612-747-9210. Shoot me a text or call over the weekend if you can, thanks!

I have some questions, like whether we'll need any special gadgets for the lesson to work, and scheduling will have to work, but I think we can iron it out!
 
Seems to me you could turn the cue so that the two levels line up to your eyes no matter where your head is.

pj
chgo

I'm sure you are right about that, but I imagine the whole point is to move your body, not the cue. The whole dominant eye thing is talked about a lot, but I have never looked into it. I've always been very right side, right eye dominant. In my case, it's not subtle, it's obvious.
 
Anybody willing to post about there experience with one of the certified SightRight coaches or maybe another instructor that teaches same or similar concept.
 
Seems to me you could turn the cue so that the two levels line up to your eyes no matter where your head is.

pj
chgo


Assuming the cylinder must be laterally level to be useful I think it'd needs a way to show you when it is level. I'd add a tiny digital accelerometer that lights up an LED when it's level. Then get your body/head in the right place with the lines aligned while the light is on. Then you'd have a very effective alignment tool.

Hey Riley, get in touch and I'll do this for you. ;)
 
Seems to me you could turn the cue so that the two levels line up to your eyes no matter where your head is.

pj
chgo

From what I remember, you are correct.

I've never had a lesson from them but have used their system. IMO, it is a good system for players from "complete beginners" to around "weaker B" players. Again, that is JMO.

"Any" system that has even a little focus on fundamentals is useful to most any amateur pool player.

Then again, even the pros are human and probably need to return to fundamental drills from time to time......I would think?

Rake
 
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