I understand that some people have difficulty. Perhaps they aren't as good visually. Speaking of that, I think ghost-ball system is perhaps the worst of the worst. Most difficult to use. Most difficult to accurately visualize, but the easiest to generally visual. There's a difference! Yet, ghost-ball might be the only system in existence that actually provides for a 100% definitive point of aim. Assuming you can visualize a ball where it doesn't exist. I think that if you can visualize that well enough to actually work, then you have the visual/mental perception skills to just use point of contact and be done with it.
This is the only part that kinda cringe a bit in reading, mostly worst of the worst and most difficult, but I understand why some feel this way.
In my use of ghost ball, I do not try yo visualize a "ghost ball" next to the OB where it needs to be to make the OB go where you want. I also do not use the OB contact point in the same manner as most.
Look at the drawing in my avatar. You'll notice a few new terms used: contact patch-where the ball meets the table
direction of travel-the path the balls will take when moved and the path the cue moves
aiming point arc-the arc around the OB the ghost ball will take when moved around the OB
The end point of the OB direction of travel line ends, in this case, let's use the center of the pocket.
The start point is not the OB contact patch, but the ghost ball contact patch. The OB contact patch is the pivot point for any change needed in the OB direction of travel.
Its important to note the the line between the OB contact patch and the ghost ball contact patch is the same distance no matter where the ghost ball is located on the OB.
If the distance to the pocket is the same, then moving the ghost ball around the OB will result in the OB direction of travel line end point to move the same amount.
As the distance from the pocket to the OB increases, the ghost ball needs to be moved around the OB less and less in order the change where the OB directional of travel line end point was to where you want it.
In other words, shots where the OB is far from a pocket has to be hit more accurately then one that is 3 inches from the pocket.
Also since the OB is closer to the pocket, you have a bigger impact zone to use in order to cheat the pocket easier than from far away where the impact zone is smaller. Impact zone is another subject.
This is how I use ghost ball to help me find the spot on the table to put the CB to make the OB go where I want.
Also, by putting the CB on proper spot, it hits the OB in the proper contact point, since the OB contact point and the ghost ball contact patch are both on the OB direction of travel line.
These concepts apply to all shots regardless of what "aiming system" is used. Further more, they work on all shots unlike other systems.
Now, the cue ball placement method I use is based on the Arrow by Babe Cranfield. The arrow is something you can make place on the table such that that point of the arrow is where the ghost ball contact patch would be to make the OB go where you want.
The arrow has the advantage over the BAT in that is can remain on the table before, during and after the shot. So, if you miss, you can see how much, which side. Then using the concepts above, you can adjust as needed with less guess work.
With the arrow in the proper place to make the shot, all you do is roll the CB such that the the CB direction of travel line intersects with the the point on the arrow, which is in reality the start point for the direction the OB will go.
The arrow can be used not matter what "aiming system" is used. You at least will have a real world point to see to hit. This is called training.
From the drawing, hopefully it is apparent why hitting center ball is so important. When you cue center ball, the cue's direction of travel line and the CB direction of travel are on the same line. Meaning all you have to do is stroke through the CB to the point of where the arrow would be if you have been training using it.
Also, there is needed side to side movement of the eye since your target is straight ahead of you.
Anyway, if this methodology was good enough for Babe Cranfield, it's good enough for me.
Oh, the arrow can be used to train you in the use of caroms and combos.
Wonder how many people will try it......or rather would prefer to spend money DVD, instructors instead of table time using something that really will help shorten some ones learning curve.