I did get the camera going and bought the laser level. Definitely nice tools to have. Here's a video of me shooting MOFUDAT. I'm definitely doing better. Does anyone see any mistakes or have any pointers? Thanks again
https://youtu.be/GmuwrTEbvZk
Just a few technical things first.
1. If your camera has a grid overlay on the screen use that. Line up a grid line to the head spot/foot spot line that you are shooting on. It is important that the camera is in line with the shot.
2. Consider picking up an app like Coach's Eye or other that allows you to draw lines on your screen. I can show you examples when I get a chance.
3. Wear a tee shirt so we can see the cue and your hand better, and get the camera as close as possible to you. Put a small tripod or other on the table. That's for when you get more advanced, maybe, but something to think about, but definitely wear a tee shirt when taking video.
In no particular order:
Overall looks pretty good. Initially your cue is going sideways during the stroke but that got better as you went along. Oh, if you slow down the video to 1/4 speed on youtube you can see these things much better.
Your elbow drops during the shot. Try some while keeping the elbow fixed (not easy to do) and see if that helps. Some swear by it, others don't think it matters. I think the fixed elbow helps newer players. If you watch most pro players you don't see the elbow drop on the softer shots.
You do start to poke the ball after awhile. That's OK if it makes the ball go straight, but it doesn't necessarily correct the problem for when you don't poke it.
Notice that in your first shot (or second?) your stroke is pretty loopy yet the cue ball comes back perfectly. Cue ball feed back isn't always an indication of a good stroke. You can have offsetting errors that make it work out, or you might be in perfect alignment at the moment of contact, if nowhere else. That might not hold up at different speeds.
Speaking for myself only, but I think it is universal, I always underestimated how important it is for the hand to be relaxed. Everything from your elbow down has to feel dead like you injected it with botox. At the same time, though, you might have to manipulate your fingers as you draw back to keep them from affecting the path of the cue. Or, you might not have to. This kind of thing is individual and you'll just have to figure it out through trial and error.
I don't care for an open bridge. I think a closed bridge is easier and helps keep the cue on line. Good enough for Mosconi, good enough for me. That's just me though.
An unorthodox recommendation: Relax your facial muscles. If your face is tense during the shot then your hand probably will be, too. Don't underestimate the ability for your hand to mess up the shot. Many times you will think you aimed wrong when in fact it was your hand throwing the cue off line just enough to cause a miss.
Keep it up and eventually you will get to where you want to be!!!