When I do the standard tests for eye dominance, I seem to have only a slight preference for my right eye. When I met you, I think I aligned the cue slightly to the right of my nose (on the right-eye side). I remember you suggesting I shift my head to the right a little for shots to the right and to the left a little for shots to the left. As I remember, your DVD also suggests this.
Over the last couple of years, after doing various drills (e.g., the
vision center drill) and playing with my head position, I've found that I am most consistent and accurate on all shots (straight-ins, and cuts to the left or right) when my head is centered perfectly over the cue with my face square and eyes level. I know this is not the best position for everybody, but it seems to work the best for me. In other words, my "vision center" happens to be exactly between my eyes, even though I am slightly right-eye dominant. But not everybody's "vision center" is exactly between the eyes; although, many people do seem to prefer aligning the cue directly beneath, or even touching, the center of their chin, on all shots.
Here's a quote from the
Wikipedia ocular dominance page:
Approximately two-thirds of the population is right-eye dominant and one-third left-eye dominant;[1][4][5][6] however in a small portion of the population neither eye is dominant. Dominance does appear to change depending upon direction of gaze[2][7] due to image size changes on the retinas.[8] There also appears to be a higher prevalence of left-eye dominance in those with Williams–Beuren syndrome,[9] and possibly in migraine sufferers as well.[10] Eye dominance has been categorized as "weak" or "strong";[11]
The page cites several scientific studies on the topic, indicated by the linked references numbers in brackets.
Now, what you mean by "dominant eye" might be different from what the scientific community means by "dominant eye."
How do you define "dominant eye," and where do you think this eye should be placed relative to the cue (or line of the shot) for straight-in shots, cuts to the right, and cuts to the left?
Again, how do you define "correct position?"
I agree with you that not enough emphasis is placed on making sure one's head is in the best position to accurately and consistently visualize the line of the shot. I think finding one's "vision center" is as important as any other fundamental of pool.
Here is my statement on the
Perfect Aim section on my website:
Perfect Aim is a method of
sighting recommended by
Gene Albrecht. It is about getting the eyes in the right place for different types of shots.
I think that is an accurate description, based on my understanding. I've also mentioned your system in my BD article dealing with sighting:
But it sounds like you are referring to the quote from PJ:
[In Gene's Perfect Aim DVD, he suggests] that we should sight all pool shots by aligning the “inside” edge of the CB with the place on the OB where it should overlap for the cut angle we want, and that we should position the eye nearest that side of the CB directly over this line to get the truest picture of it.
Again, based on what I understood from your DVD, PJ's description sounds reasonable.
I would be happy to add a quote from you if you provide a clear, concise, and meaningful description. For example, I think it would be helpful if you define "dominant eye" and "correct position." It seems like both concepts are critical aspects of "Perfect Aim." I'll also watch your DVD again to see if I or PJ have any misunderstandings concerning what you presented.
Gene, I applaud you for helping to bring awareness to the importance of consistent and purposeful sighting. This is an extremely important fundamental of pool.
Regards,
Dave
