Have you ever had a match when you were playing well, then started missing for no apparent reason?
Did you have any indication this was going to happen, were there any shots that just "wobbled in" that may have been a sign that something needed to be calibrated in your aiming, or stroke?
I focus most of my attention on the cue ball after getting down on the shot, just glancing at the object ball (to make sure it's still there
), then back to the cue ball.
Then, when I take my back-swing I switch my focus to the object ball and watch it go into the pocket (without moving my head, just my eyes).....I am aware what part of the pocket I hit and calibrate it to how it "feels," especially the acceleration performed.
When I slightly undercut or over-cut that shot I will adjust slightly (speed/toi/left foot) for the next shot. My philosophy is that I need to treat all shots the same to reach my highest level, so if I undercut one shot slightly I take it for granted that I will slightly undercut all the future shots.
This makes me re calibrate my shots IMMEDIATELY, instead of waiting to actually miss a shot - "The 3 C's" - Constant Consistent Calibration
After a period (the time differs) I won't have to adjust anymore and will be calibrated to the center of the pocket every time. I see players that are happy just to make the ball, even is it "wobbles in" and don't make any adjustments.
Almost without fail they will start missing shots and not understand why. Usually these misses can be traced back to several shots BEFORE that are nearly missed, neglecting to make any adjustments.
Controlling the cue with BOTH HANDS is essential to playing flawless pool. There is very little margin of error, so you must keep the cue on a "groove/slot" so it has no chance of deviating left or right - then you are at the caliber that shot calibration is vitally important to winning tournaments, league playoffs, or major championships.
'The 3 C's are the Teacher'
Did you have any indication this was going to happen, were there any shots that just "wobbled in" that may have been a sign that something needed to be calibrated in your aiming, or stroke?
I focus most of my attention on the cue ball after getting down on the shot, just glancing at the object ball (to make sure it's still there
), then back to the cue ball. Then, when I take my back-swing I switch my focus to the object ball and watch it go into the pocket (without moving my head, just my eyes).....I am aware what part of the pocket I hit and calibrate it to how it "feels," especially the acceleration performed.
When I slightly undercut or over-cut that shot I will adjust slightly (speed/toi/left foot) for the next shot. My philosophy is that I need to treat all shots the same to reach my highest level, so if I undercut one shot slightly I take it for granted that I will slightly undercut all the future shots.
This makes me re calibrate my shots IMMEDIATELY, instead of waiting to actually miss a shot - "The 3 C's" - Constant Consistent Calibration
After a period (the time differs) I won't have to adjust anymore and will be calibrated to the center of the pocket every time. I see players that are happy just to make the ball, even is it "wobbles in" and don't make any adjustments.
Almost without fail they will start missing shots and not understand why. Usually these misses can be traced back to several shots BEFORE that are nearly missed, neglecting to make any adjustments.
Controlling the cue with BOTH HANDS is essential to playing flawless pool. There is very little margin of error, so you must keep the cue on a "groove/slot" so it has no chance of deviating left or right - then you are at the caliber that shot calibration is vitally important to winning tournaments, league playoffs, or major championships.
'The 3 C's are the Teacher'
