A new way to think about position?

[Oikawa]

if you think spot then your mind and body tries to make it go to that spot. if you think area or a line then it wants to do that.
take your pick. chose wisely.

To put this another way, an area/zone/line should be a tool used for picking the precise target, not the target itself. The subconsciousness wants simple and concrete tasks (land here), not ambiguous ones (land somewhere in this area).

 

[tomatoshooter]

Hey, thanks for all the advice everyone! I've been working on it and I'm seeing some improvements already. I think shooting a lot of 8 ball has gotten me into the habit of sometimes trying to roll the ball into a target rich area but just being more specific has made me aim for a more precise area, and because I now have a more concrete standard I can compare how I did to what I wanted.

 

[The_JV]

Here is Sharivari's presentation in favor of tight, careful position. I don't think there's anything new here, but it might be convincing to those who still feel accuracy is not important to position play.

That is a great example of talking about playing tight/simple position but mostly failing at doing so...lol

Considering that I'm one of the posters saying not to stress about tight position. I'll use the video you posted to make my point. Sharivari got out of his intended line more often than not, but for the most part stayed on the correct side of the next ball to make it work.

I find videos that talk position but conveniently don't mark the target zone prior to pulling the trigger, somewhat humourous.

When I'm putting slightly more than standard effort at home, or goofing around pre/post league. I'll place my chalk where I want the CB to end up prior to shooting. Provides a bit more street cred, then just saying "oh that's where I wanted it".

 

[The_JV]

To put this another way, an area/zone/line should be a tool used for picking the precise target, not the target itself. The subconsciousness wants simple and concrete tasks (land here), not ambiguous ones (land somewhere in this area).

Nailed it...

Although I don't stress about spot shape. I do pick a spot in a zone that provides the greatest +/- or error. I gauge success based on being within that zone. So if I'm warming up on a foreign table. I won't chase shape perfection down to a couple of inches. I think just my +/- is larger than what most would consider "spot" accuracy.

 

[boogieman]

One time while practicing I put a marble on the table where I wanted the CB to end up. I've also did it on the "line" that I wanted the CB to go. It was a decent way to practice but that thing sure was hard to hit. I may have to try it again now that I've played a few years.

 

[maha]

throw a couple balls on the table and a piece of chalk. play for the cueball to stop at the chalk on different shots. and move all around each time or frequently. dont worry or even play hard to make the balls or even try on some shots..

this gets position and speed.