Aim

mr5994

mr5994

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
What's a good way to visualize the point of aim on the object ball? For some reason I can't pinpoint a spot or vertical line on the OB. I've tried the ghost ball method as well, but I just can't "see" it.

I've been playing pool off and on for the last 15 years but only recently have started to get serious about improving my game. It sounds ridiculous, but I look at the angle for a few seconds while standing, then get down into my stance and shoot with just taking a broad glance at the OB ball. Usually I don't have a problem sinking balls this way but every once in a while I'll miss a shot due to careless aim.

I'm not interested in any complex aiming system. Just walk me through the thought process as you get down into your stance. Do you pinpoint an exact spot on the object ball, do you look beyond the object ball to better see the angle, etc.?
 
There are a dozen different "aiming systems" (I really hate that term) that are designed to help players determine where to aim (not how to aim, but where). Some involve more visualization than others. Ghost ball requires the most visualization of all of them, and others such as contact - contact aiming, or double the distance still require some visualization, though not as much. Systems based on the teacings of Hal teach you how to recognize the cut angle and determine where to aim based on that. (We call the one we teach SAM)

All of them have one thing in common. When done correctly, they will all deliver the cue ball to the exact same spot on the table reletive to the object ball.

All of these systems (and more) have been discussed at great length in the past on this forum. You can try wading through all the past discussions and sort through the good and bad information that has been discussed. Or you can find someone who can work with you on the table to help you develop the ability to use these different systems to your advantage.

It may be difficult to get a satisfactory answer to your question on an internet forum. The printed word has some limitations when it comes to communicating something that is so visual. It's like trying to tell someone what "blue" looks like.

Steve
 
pooltchr said:
There are a dozen different "aiming systems" (I really hate that term) that are designed to help players determine where to aim (not how to aim, but where). Some involve more visualization than others. Ghost ball requires the most visualization of all of them, and others such as contact - contact aiming, or double the distance still require some visualization, though not as much. Systems based on the teacings of Hal teach you how to recognize the cut angle and determine where to aim based on that. (We call the one we teach SAM)

All of them have one thing in common. When done correctly, they will all deliver the cue ball to the exact same spot on the table reletive to the object ball.

All of these systems (and more) have been discussed at great length in the past on this forum. You can try wading through all the past discussions and sort through the good and bad information that has been discussed. Or you can find someone who can work with you on the table to help you develop the ability to use these different systems to your advantage.

It may be difficult to get a satisfactory answer to your question on an internet forum. The printed word has some limitations when it comes to communicating something that is so visual. It's like trying to tell someone what "blue" looks like.

Steve
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response. I've looked through many of the aiming threads, but I haven't found much applicable to my question. I am not looking for a system on how to choose the point of aim. Rather, once you've determined the aim point how do you deliver the cueball to that point. I believe I need a higher level of concentration on the object ball while in my stance. But concentrate on what?...a point?...a ghost ball?...a vertical line?...etc. But like you said, it is very hard to put into words.
 
mr5994 said:
For some reason I can't pinpoint a spot or vertical line on the OB.
Click to expand...

It's impossible to find and lock on a specific spot in an area with a solid homogeneous color. If your target is on the ball, you need to use something that provides contrast. Dirt, reflections, shadows, lines between colors, etc. If you can't lock on to the target on the ball, find another target elsewhere.

You might try pointing the cue through the object ball towards the target, with the tip on the table one half a ball from the object ball. Slowly rotate the cue around its tip until the cue is over the cue ball. Your target is where the tip is on the table, or another spot along the line of the cue.

If you use this method in competition, make sure you don't leave a chalk mark on the table.
 
On anything other than brand new cloth, you can usually find a white burn mark somewhere on the cloth very close, or on line with your aiming line. They can come in handy.

Steve
 
As someone new to the forum I've been trying to follow various posts, mainly in this sub-forum, and this one caught my attention.

I feel like a total pool newb. Other than "ghost ball" I've never heard of any of these things. My method is to just eyeball it and know how much off center to hit it.

Is this a case of "use what works" or do you guys think an aiming system is an important part to improving? I'm not a fan of the ghost ball, I think I understand it, but it doesn't work well for me. If you think an aiming system is important, can you recommend one or two for someone who has played a while without using any system? I can research more on how they work, I just need the name such as parallel aiming technique that Descente36 mentioned.
 
skeptic said:
As someone new to the forum I've been trying to follow various posts, mainly in this sub-forum, and this one caught my attention.

I feel like a total pool newb. Other than "ghost ball" I've never heard of any of these things. My method is to just eyeball it and know how much off center to hit it.

Is this a case of "use what works" or do you guys think an aiming system is an important part to improving? I'm not a fan of the ghost ball, I think I understand it, but it doesn't work well for me. If you think an aiming system is important, can you recommend one or two for someone who has played a while without using any system? I can research more on how they work, I just need the name such as parallel aiming technique that Descente36 mentioned.
Click to expand...




Fractional Aiming is usefull....SPF=randyg
 
@sceptic,

there are so many threads and postings about *aiming systems*. In my opinion they re for sure helpful- but in billiards it s like in lif- knowledge is power! So if you know several systems and understand them, you re a step further. So you can just try it out- The most players know several and just found a way what is useful for them and which not. I m also using parts of several. There is absolutly for sure NOT *the one and only system*.
And not to forget......no matter what system someone uses- you have to spend time shooting many balls-and most important: You need a repeatable, straight stroke-without it not one system on this planet would work :o)

lg from germany-hope you understand what i mean (low english :p)

Ingo
 
Minor correction. To quote my friend Randy, Knowledge is only power when application is included.

You can know a lot, but if you never practice using it, it is worthless.

:wink:

Steve
 
Here's the parallel aiming system in 3D if it helps you any. And yes, that is a snooker table :D
aim1copy.jpg
[/URL] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]
 
Draw a line from the Pocket to the OB, then draw a parallel to the CB. Connect the two lines together and that's your line of aim
 
The shortest path between two parallel lines is a perpendicular line. The location of that line can be anywhere along the two parallel lines and be the same distance.

But the real question is, as your diagram indicates, that parallel line is located at the ends of the parallel lines, where specifically do the lines end? Do they go to the center of the cue ball and the object ball? If that's the case, wouldn't you always be aiming center to center?

I'm not trying to be difficult here, but something is not clear in the diagram that leaves too many questions.

Steve
 
The first line drawn to the OB goes through to the contact point. Then draw a parallel line through to the CB contact point. Essentially you're connecting the two contact points together using the shortest path that will connect the 2 parallel lines together.

parallel_aiming_05.png
 
Descente36 said:
The first line drawn to the OB goes through to the contact point. Then draw a parallel line through to the CB contact point. Essentially you're connecting the two contact points together using the shortest path that will connect the 2 parallel lines together.

parallel_aiming_05.png
Click to expand...

another way to say it without all the geometry..

make the point on the CB that is closest to the pocket

contact the point on the OB that is farthest from the pocket..

a true statement but difficult for many people to visualize.

I find that the true value of aiming systems is as practice exercises..

I find that by spending a portion of daily practice on the primary fractional hits.( full ball, 3/4 ball, 1/2 ball, and 1/4 ball hits) and committing those angles to memory to the point where it is automatic.. allows you a reference in actual game situations.. everything about this game is adjustment.. and those who perform well often have rigid points across a spectrum to adjust from..

it works for me:thumbup:
 
Descente36 said:
The first line drawn to the OB goes through to the contact point. Then draw a parallel line through to the CB contact point. Essentially you're connecting the two contact points together using the shortest path that will connect the 2 parallel lines together.

parallel_aiming_05.png
Click to expand...

Thank you for clarifying.
So you use contact point aiming.
Very similar to Joe Tucker's system.

Steve
 
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