Aiming Fundamentals

M

mohrt

Student of the Game
Silver Member
I'll call this fundamentals as opposed to an aiming "system", as it is more about what to do after finding the aim line. This is how I was taught early on from a local instructor.

First, you must be familiar with ghost-ball, and able to find that spot. (One method is to stand behind the object ball in line with the pocket. Note where the ghost-ball is. Now walk behind the cue-ball, keeping note where the ghost-ball is.) Lay the tip of your cue on the table directly behind center cue ball on this line. Keep your back hand under the cue, fingers near or on the table. Standing behind the cue, bend down and eye-ball the line, be certain your cue is perfectly on it. Now without moving the cue side-to-side, slide into the shot placing the bridge hand under the cue. (That takes practice.) You are now in shot alignment. If you stroke straight, you should hit the ghost-ball dead. This is the time to apply back-hand english to the shot, if spin is required.

There are other fundamentals assumed here, such as foot and body placement. The emphasis is getting the cue stick on the shot line first, then stepping into it. I apply this technique often times when I'm on a tough shot, or if I'm having an off-day and just need focus.
 
May I ask a question?

Will that method work if the player hits the ball with side or if the player cues across the shot?

Are these part of the assumptions?
 
I see the contact points a little differently, in my eyes the contact point changes from shot to shot. Outside english I aim a little fatter because it cancels out the contact throw. Inside english, I aim to contact a little thinner. Speed matters alot too, especially on certain angles like a half ball hit. To me, throw and speed changes the required contact point a little.
 
Bambu said:
I see the contact points a little differently, in my eyes the contact point changes from shot to shot. Outside english I aim a little fatter because it cancels out the contact throw. Inside english, I aim to contact a little thinner. Speed matters alot too, especially on certain angles like a half ball hit. To me, throw and speed changes the required contact point a little.
Click to expand...

Mr. Bambu,

I agree. When using english, that patch moves a bit to one side or the other depending on the planed spin as does the aim regarding the pocket.

Regards &
 
it's a natural tendency to want to spin shots in with outside "helping" English.

Bambu said:
I see the contact points a little differently, in my eyes the contact point changes from shot to shot. Outside english I aim a little fatter because it cancels out the contact throw. Inside english, I aim to contact a little thinner. Speed matters alot too, especially on certain angles like a half ball hit. To me, throw and speed changes the required contact point a little.
Click to expand...

Yes, Mr Bambu, with many pool players it's a natural tendency to want to spin shots in with outside "helping" English. This technique is very useful, especially if you're trying to change the natural angle of the cue ball after contact. There's another way to do this if you want to "master a shot" so you can hit the three parts of the pocket. To do this you must become more accurate and develop a "FEEL" for the pocket. This isn't any more difficult, it just requires you to simplify your Game and reduce calculations.

There are three {main} calculations you make to be accurate using "outside English," 1st) - you must judge the immediate deflection and 2nd) - you must judge how much the spin brings the cue ball "back" to it's original "shot line". 3rd) - you must decide where to hit the cue ball to accomplish the intended shot. (these calculations are related, but not necessarily connected like they are with the TOI Technique)

You will find it's necessary to hit these shots at a variety of speeds and a variety of spins to do what you need with the cue ball. This takes a LOT of different calculations because speed effects deflection AND spin. Where you hit the cue ball and how far over to get your "outside English" also effects deflection AND spin.

Over the course of hours, you will have to make numerous calculations and instinctive judgments to make every shot as planned. With the 'Touch Of Inside' system of play I am showing you how to reduce the amount of calculations and instinctive judgments considerably.

The TOI Technique shows you how to hit one "theme" of speeds, one "theme" of spins, and one "theme" of deflection. I have played many players in my life and the only concern I had was if they would play long enough. Because, even though this edge against other accomplished players may be only 1-2%, it will show up over time.

If you're cutting a ball at a "half ball" angle down the rail to the left and using "outside" (right English") you cue ball is immediately going to deflect into the object ball slightly. To overcome undercutting it you will need to spin the cue ball to make it curve back and the spin will help cut it in. This may "FEEL" like it's helping the cut, but IS IT REALLY?

You are having to hit the speed correctly, the spin correctly, the contact point (shot line) correctly and hit the cue ball precisely to do this. I'm sure you do this very well, but how about under pressure? How do you make all these calculations playing a champion player? This is where your unconscious will start to falter and break down.

You are simply over whelming yourself with these calculations and when you add pressure? I don't know, how does it effect you, do you play better or worse? How about over the course of a 5-10 hour set, do you rely on your game to get better and better or do you have "ups and downs?" With the TOI Technique I teach players how to use (as much as possible, of course there's exceptions, and less that you may think) ONE SPEED - ONE SHOT ANGLE REFERENCE (center or edge) - ONE TIP TARGET (the "Touch" of Inside).

The one thing you guard against {using TOI} is overcutting the ball, however, if you're going to miss a shot would you rather over cut it or under cut it? I don't know about you, but when I under cut a shot I feel like a "dogged it," however, when I over cut a shot I feel like I know what I need to do to correct what I did wrong.

TOI increases consistency, which strengthens confidence and makes your Game strong, reliable, and very intimidating. 'The Game is the Teacher' www.cjwiley.com
 
Thanks for taking the time to comment, CJ. What you have said sounds alot like my center ball speech. I agree, and tend to use as little spin as possible. The better my position, the less spin I have to use. So as a center baller, your technique interests me. I wouldnt say I crumble against pros, but I dont have the skills to keep up, especially over time.

On the half ball hit, I didnt mean swerving the cue ball into its target. I meant the extra contact throw the shot comes with.


I know I can sound negative at times, but I dont mean to. I suppose its my nature to question everything. Like when you say things like one speed, forgive me but....a red flag goes up. How can one speed get you to every zone you need to be in? Then, one shot angle reference....another red flag. Are you saying you can make any shot using only 2 object ball contact points?

CJ Wiley said:
Yes, Mr Bambu, with many pool players it's a natural tendency to want to spin shots in with outside "helping" English. This technique is very useful, especially if you're trying to change the natural angle of the cue ball after contact. There's another way to do this if you want to "master a shot" so you can hit the three parts of the pocket. To do this you must become more accurate and develop a "FEEL" for the pocket. This isn't any more difficult, it just requires you to simplify your Game and reduce calculations.

There are three {main} calculations you make to be accurate using "outside English," 1st) - you must judge the immediate deflection and 2nd) - you must judge how much the spin brings the cue ball "back" to it's original "shot line". 3rd) - you must decide where to hit the cue ball to accomplish the intended shot. (these calculations are related, but not necessarily connected like they are with the TOI Technique)

You will find it's necessary to hit these shots at a variety of speeds and a variety of spins to do what you need with the cue ball. This takes a LOT of different calculations because speed effects deflection AND spin. Where you hit the cue ball and how far over to get your "outside English" also effects deflection AND spin.

Over the course of hours, you will have to make numerous calculations and instinctive judgments to make every shot as planned. With the 'Touch Of Inside' system of play I am showing you how to reduce the amount of calculations and instinctive judgments considerably.

The TOI Technique shows you how to hit one "theme" of speeds, one "theme" of spins, and one "theme" of deflection. I have played many players in my life and the only concern I had was if they would play long enough. Because, even though this edge against other accomplished players may be only 1-2%, it will show up over time.

If you're cutting a ball at a "half ball" angle down the rail to the left and using "outside" (right English") you cue ball is immediately going to deflect into the object ball slightly. To overcome undercutting it you will need to spin the cue ball to make it curve back and the spin will help cut it in. This may "FEEL" like it's helping the cut, but IS IT REALLY?

You are having to hit the speed correctly, the spin correctly, the contact point (shot line) correctly and hit the cue ball precisely to do this. I'm sure you do this very well, but how about under pressure? How do you make all these calculations playing a champion player? This is where your unconscious will start to falter and break down.

You are simply over whelming yourself with these calculations and when you add pressure? I don't know, how does it effect you, do you play better or worse? How about over the course of a 5-10 hour set, do you rely on your game to get better and better or do you have "ups and downs?" With the TOI Technique I teach players how to use (as much as possible, of course there's exceptions, and less that you may think) ONE SPEED - ONE SHOT ANGLE REFERENCE (center or edge) - ONE TIP TARGET (the "Touch" of Inside).

The one thing you guard against {using TOI} is overcutting the ball, however, if you're going to miss a shot would you rather over cut it or under cut it? I don't know about you, but when I under cut a shot I feel like a "dogged it," however, when I over cut a shot I feel like I know what I need to do to correct what I did wrong.

TOI increases consistency, which strengthens confidence and makes your Game strong, reliable, and very intimidating. 'The Game is the Teacher' www.cjwiley.com
Click to expand...
 
Developing a way where all shots are the same

Bambu said:
Thanks for taking the time to comment, CJ. What you have said sounds alot like my center ball speech. I agree, and tend to use as little spin as possible. The better my position, the less spin I have to use. So as a center baller, your technique interests me. I wouldnt say I crumble against pros, but I dont have the skills to keep up, especially over time.

On the half ball hit, I didnt mean swerving the cue ball into its target. I meant the extra contact throw the shot comes with.


I know I can sound negative at times, but I dont mean to. I suppose its my nature to question everything. Like when you say things like one speed, forgive me but....a red flag goes up. How can one speed get you to every zone you need to be in? Then, one shot angle reference....another red flag. Are you saying you can make any shot using only 2 object ball contact points?
Click to expand...

Yes, I just use the center or the edge of the object ball as an "angle reference" and in effect aim less of the cue ball to create more of an angle (relative to center or edge). Then I have a more advanced way I do it with my tip that you can see at this link. There's more a www.cjwiley.com if you're interested....just giving you some options - be at choice/play well

DEVELOPING A WAY WHERE ALL SHOTS ARE THE SAME
 
CJ Wiley said:
Yes, I just use the center or the edge of the object ball as an "angle reference" and in effect aim less of the cue ball to create more of an angle (relative to center or edge). Then I have a more advanced way I do it with my tip that you can see at this link. There's more a www.cjwiley.com if you're interested....just giving you some options - be at choice/play well

DEVELOPING A WAY WHERE ALL SHOTS ARE THE SAME
Click to expand...

That makes sense, thanks CJ I will check it out.
 
duckie said:
Whenever I read about using any part of the OB directly to aim with ie. this part of the CB lines up with this part of the OB, I think of this shot. Rail first into the 8 ball.

So, what aiming fundamental do you use on this type of shot?
Click to expand...

i use a mirror the distance from the rail to find the piont on the rail to aim at
 
duckie said:
Whenever I read about using any part of the OB directly to aim with ie. this part of the CB lines up with this part of the OB, I think of this shot. Rail first into the 8 ball.

So, what aiming fundamental do you use on this type of shot?
Click to expand...


Expirience, a system like for example, the mirror system (what bbb shown up, too). Kicking and Banking systems have to be in your arsenal. too. Just find something that fits for you-that s the problem for the most. Furthermore a kicking or bank system is calling so loud for a perfect using of speed :-)
Knowledge is power- and you need to know a lot in billiards to play successful pool.
Finally the more knowledge you have, you will be able to keep it more and more simple ^^ paradox...but true :grin:
 
duckie said:
Whenever I read about using any part of the OB directly to aim with ie. this part of the CB lines up with this part of the OB, I think of this shot. Rail first into the 8 ball.

So, what aiming fundamental do you use on this type of shot?
Click to expand...

Place a ghost ball behind the 8 so that it is straight into the pocket.

Measure with your index finger and thumb the distance from the center of the ghost ball to the rail. Move your measurement from the rail edge onto the top of the rail. Put your finger down on the rail and look back at the QB, where that line crosses the rail is your hit spot. In the case illustrated use a little high left. The ball will go in.

What I like to do is to use low spin for better position play, Like all the way down to the other end rail.

Tor Lowery (ZeroX Billiards) has an excellent Banking DVD out that would explain the method better than I can. Its not easy for me to put this stuff into words. It can be confusing.

Have Fun :smile:

John
 
duckie said:
Whenever I read about using any part of the OB directly to aim with ie. this part of the CB lines up with this part of the OB, I think of this shot. Rail first into the 8 ball.

So, what aiming fundamental do you use on this type of shot?
Click to expand...

Greg,

I respect your devotion to Ghost Ball as an aiming method, especially if it is working the best for you.

I started with it when I was 13 without the word ghost ever being mentioned but I quickly & natually gravitated to what, for me, was a better aiming method, that of equal fractional overlaps of the CB & OB as seen from a perspective from the cue stick side of the cue ball. That is basically still Ghost Ball but from a different perspective & with a different focus.

The Ghost Ball is a basic geometric concept of pocketing balls & always will be. However, IMHO there are quite a few more substancial & refined methods of aiming.

In all of the time that the Ghost Ball concept has been around, which is proabably from the conception of the game, how many people have achieved any real accomplishment in the game that have stayed with it & not gone on to something else more refined?

If one can consistantly see the 'correct' ghost ball center location required to pocket a ball (collision throw accounted for) & then put the CB in that place and pocket balls at an efficiency level to reach the 'top dog' spot in their league then perhaps they should stay using GB. If not then one should maybe look for something else to employ that might be more efficient. I naturally did so at the young age of 13 with no instruction or coersion to do so other than my own desire to pocket more balls more consistantly.

It is not the GB concept that is deficient. It is, for so many people, their inability to successfully employ it absolutely correctly that makes it less efficient than other aiming methods.

As to your example & question as to how would one aim that kick shot. The only answer is at a spot on the rail. Would you aim at the Ghost Ball & not at a spot on the rail? I don't see your point here in trying to defend GB aiming.

I would probably envision what fractional overlap would be needed to pocket the ball from off of a 'patch' on the short rail & then figure where & with what type strike on the CB would get me there.

Either that or shoot the jump shot if I felt good about my jumping ability at that time (probably not as I am not a good jumper but many people are).

Again, I just don't get your point here regarding GB aiming.

With Respect to You &
 
duckie said:
Whenever I read about using any part of the OB directly to aim with ie. this part of the CB lines up with this part of the OB, I think of this shot. Rail first into the 8 ball.

So, what aiming fundamental do you use on this type of shot?
Click to expand...

The pic is from the position of a left eye dominant shooter. Move the camera over to the right eye dominant location and I will be able to see it and give an answer.

Best,
Mike
 
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