Aiming - Not Everyone Sees The Same Thing

HawaiianEye

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
The problem with aiming and perception is that everyone sees the same thing but they see it differently.

It is like the picture...depends upon how you look at it. The same goes when playing pool.
 

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The objective (truthful) answer is that there are only two(2) there...

one on each end with some lines in between to form the illusion that there are one or two more, but there is not & there are just lines that do not form another one.

Some can see the proper objective truth & some can not because they are 'blinded' by their biased subjective perceptions.

Best Wishes to All.
 
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The problem with aiming and perception is that everyone sees the same thing but they see it differently.

It is like the picture...depends upon how you look at it. The same goes when playing pool.

BINGO....we have an explanation for the aiming wars....:wink::wink::wink::wink::wink:
those that see 3
vs those that see 4
vs those that see 2
will argue until the threat or reality of being banned is upon them
ALSO
the proponents of each answer 2/3/4/
will swear their "perception " is the voice of god (non objective but a strong belief system)
i don't have a dog in the race and hope all of you make all the balls you shoot..:wink: regardless of your "system " or feel
 
The Hardest Person

The Hardest Person you will ever have to get past is ...yourself.
 
Then we'd be missing straight-in shots often.

There are rather many that do miss straight in shots rather often, at least the long ones.

But I do not quite get to what your post is related.

Is it related to a false perception, because I would guess that there are rather many that are seeing an angled line as straight & have compensations subconsciously built into their alignment & stroke.

That may be why the long true straight shot is difficult for them.

Best Wishes to All.
 
If you look at the puzzle from the left or right you get four or three, If you concentrate at only the ends and blur the rest, you will see but two. aiming takes concentration ignoring the blur of paarallax.
 
There are rather many that do miss straight in shots rather often, at least the long ones.

But I do not quite get to what your post is related.

Is it related to a false perception, because I would guess that there are rather many that are seeing an angled line as straight & have compensations subconsciously built into their alignment & stroke.

That may be why the long true straight shot is difficult for them.

Best Wishes to All.
Rick,
How long a straight shot are we talking about? Let's pull a string from the middle of a corner pocket to it's diagonal opposite. Place the cue ball on that string 5 inches from the pocket. Place the object ball on that string 2 inches past he first diamond on the other side of the table.

I find this to be the most challenging distance for any straight in shot. In fact; I've been infatuated with this shot for quite some time. So much so; in fact, that I've burnt a bunch of white into my cloth near all four corners.

I've come to the conclusion that it's not quite proper to think of the straight in shot as "easy" or "difficult;" rather, I find it more apt to think of it as the ultimate "Tester." There's no aiming involved. It's straight; therefore, I don't believe anyone gets down and has trouble perceiving the line of the shot. It's STRAIGHT!

There's only one reason the shot is missed. It's because he shooter does not come forward perfectly straight with the cue. Even very slight "Swoop" will cause a miss. Come forward perfectly straight and hitting the vertical center takes care of itself. I find it hard to believe there are many who come forward perfectly straight, miss the vertices center, and put parallel spin on the ball.

Having said all this, I find it hard to believe that this shot is not the ULTIMATE "Tester" for EVERYBODY....including pro's! Maybe the pro's don't miss them often; nevertheless, I simply don't believe ANYONE who finds this shot to be anything less than the "Ultimte tester."

I think, maybe, that's why I'm so infatuated with the shot All you have to do is coming forward perfectly straight and it falls right in the middle of the pocket.....The thing is - coming forward perfectly straight with the cue every time is ONE HECK of a challenge!
 
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I really can't figure out how I sometimes accidentally post the same thing twice!
 
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Rick,
How long a straight shot are we talking about? Let's pull a string from the middle of a corner pocket to it's diagonal opposite. Place the cue ball on that string 5 inches from the pocket. Place the object ball on that string 2 inches past he first diamond on the other side of the table.

I find this to be the most challenging distance for any straight in shot. In fact; I've been infatuated with this shot for quite some time. So much so; in fact, that I've burnt a bunch of white into my cloth near all four corners.

I've come to the conclusion that it's not quite proper to think of the straight in shot as "easy" or "difficult;" rather, I find it more apt to think of it as the ultimate "Tester." There's no aiming involved. It's straight; therefore, I don't believe anyone gets down and has trouble perceiving the line of the shot. It's STRAIGHT!

There's only one reason the shot is missed. It's because he shooter does not come forward perfectly straight with the cue. Even very slight "Swoop" will cause a miss. Come forward perfectly straight and hitting the vertical center takes care of itself. I find it hard to believe there are many who come forward perfectly straight, miss the vertices center, and put parallel spin on the ball.

Having said all this, I find it hard to believe that this shot is not the ULTIMATE "Tester" for EVERYBODY....including pro's! Maybe the pro's don't miss them often; nevertheless, I simply don't believe ANYONE who finds this shot to be anything less than the "Ultimte tester."

I think, maybe, that's why I'm so infatuated with the shot All you have to do is coming forward perfectly straight and it falls right in the middle of the pocket.....The thing is - coming forward perfectly straight with the cue every time is ONE HECK of a challenge!

Hi Tim,

Check your PMs.

Best 2 Ya.
 
Rick,
How long a straight shot are we talking about? Let's pull a string from the middle of a corner pocket to it's diagonal opposite. Place the cue ball on that string 5 inches from the pocket. Place the object ball on that string 2 inches past he first diamond on the other side of the table.

I find this to be the most challenging distance for any straight in shot. In fact; I've been infatuated with this shot for quite some time. So much so; in fact, that I've burnt a bunch of white into my cloth near all four corners.

I've come to the conclusion that it's not quite proper to think of the straight in shot as "easy" or "difficult;" rather, I find it more apt to think of it as the ultimate "Tester." There's no aiming involved. It's straight; therefore, I don't believe anyone gets down and has trouble perceiving the line of the shot. It's STRAIGHT!

There's only one reason the shot is missed. It's because he shooter does not come forward perfectly straight with the cue. Even very slight "Swoop" will cause a miss. Come forward perfectly straight and hitting the vertical center takes care of itself. I find it hard to believe there are many who come forward perfectly straight, miss the vertices center, and put parallel spin on the ball.

Having said all this, I find it hard to believe that this shot is not the ULTIMATE "Tester" for EVERYBODY....including pro's! Maybe the pro's don't miss them often; nevertheless, I simply don't believe ANYONE who finds this shot to be anything less than the "Ultimte tester."

I think, maybe, that's why I'm so infatuated with the shot All you have to do is coming forward perfectly straight and it falls right in the middle of the pocket.....The thing is - coming forward perfectly straight with the cue every time is ONE HECK of a challenge!

:thumbup: Yup, its the tester. I shoot this shot many times everyday. And it will bring out any minor flaws in your set up and forward straightness delivery of the cue.

I also have white lines on my cloth. :smile:

Great post. Thanks

John
 
Rick,
How long a straight shot are we talking about? Let's pull a string from the middle of a corner pocket to it's diagonal opposite. Place the cue ball on that string 5 inches from the pocket. Place the object ball on that string 2 inches past he first diamond on the other side of the table.

I find this to be the most challenging distance for any straight in shot. In fact; I've been infatuated with this shot for quite some time. So much so; in fact, that I've burnt a bunch of white into my cloth near all four corners.

I've come to the conclusion that it's not quite proper to think of the straight in shot as "easy" or "difficult;" rather, I find it more apt to think of it as the ultimate "Tester." There's no aiming involved. It's straight; therefore, I don't believe anyone gets down and has trouble perceiving the line of the shot. It's STRAIGHT!

There's only one reason the shot is missed. It's because he shooter does not come forward perfectly straight with the cue. Even very slight "Swoop" will cause a miss. Come forward perfectly straight and hitting the vertical center takes care of itself. I find it hard to believe there are many who come forward perfectly straight, miss the vertices center, and put parallel spin on the ball.

Having said all this, I find it hard to believe that this shot is not the ULTIMATE "Tester" for EVERYBODY....including pro's! Maybe the pro's don't miss them often; nevertheless, I simply don't believe ANYONE who finds this shot to be anything less than the "Ultimte tester."

I think, maybe, that's why I'm so infatuated with the shot All you have to do is coming forward perfectly straight and it falls right in the middle of the pocket.....The thing is - coming forward perfectly straight with the cue every time is ONE HECK of a challenge!

with all due respect you can have a perfectly straight stroke and miss this shot ....:eek:
because of your vision center
http://www.billiards.colostate.edu/threads/eyes.html#vision_center
icbw
 
Rick,
How long a straight shot are we talking about? Let's pull a string from the middle of a corner pocket to it's diagonal opposite. Place the cue ball on that string 5 inches from the pocket. Place the object ball on that string 2 inches past he first diamond on the other side of the table.

I find this to be the most challenging distance for any straight in shot. In fact; I've been infatuated with this shot for quite some time. So much so; in fact, that I've burnt a bunch of white into my cloth near all four corners.

I've come to the conclusion that it's not quite proper to think of the straight in shot as "easy" or "difficult;" rather, I find it more apt to think of it as the ultimate "Tester." There's no aiming involved. It's straight; therefore, I don't believe anyone gets down and has trouble perceiving the line of the shot. It's STRAIGHT!

There's only one reason the shot is missed. It's because he shooter does not come forward perfectly straight with the cue. Even very slight "Swoop" will cause a miss. Come forward perfectly straight and hitting the vertical center takes care of itself. I find it hard to believe there are many who come forward perfectly straight, miss the vertices center, and put parallel spin on the ball.

Having said all this, I find it hard to believe that this shot is not the ULTIMATE "Tester" for EVERYBODY....including pro's! Maybe the pro's don't miss them often; nevertheless, I simply don't believe ANYONE who finds this shot to be anything less than the "Ultimte tester."

I think, maybe, that's why I'm so infatuated with the shot All you have to do is coming forward perfectly straight and it falls right in the middle of the pocket.....The thing is - coming forward perfectly straight with the cue every time is ONE HECK of a challenge!
Everyone can perceive a straight line, not everyone can perceive what their hands, feet and head are doing without directly looking at them. Straight shots are the easiest shots imo no matter the distance involved. Like you say they are the easiest to aim. People struggle with them for numerous reasons, even those with accurate strokes. Why? Because they don't approach the perceived aim line head on. When you find the line of aim your eyes are in a unique place and angle on this line which allows someone to see it perfectly, but as people get down into position they shift the eyes off this line making the perception change and that causes a player to align the cue either at centre ball but not on the line of aim or parallel to the line of aim but slightly off of centre ball.

The pros even do this but because they have played so much they have learned to compensate for every different angle and so on.. Stuart Bingham a snooker professional used to line shots up with his eyes completely off the line of aim and got his eyes on the line of aim as he was getting down. He is now sponsored by and has been using a sight right cue made by rileys. They are quite clever and show you how to stand behind a shot which allows you to see and approach the line of aim with the most consistency and accuracy. Since he has been approaching shots in his new way... Keeping the eyes in his unique position along the line of aim all the way down and throughout the shot he has gone from being a decent professional to one of the best and is now considered a serious contender in any event he enters.
 
That's why the straight-in exercise is so important. Your vision center is established from the standing position and remain established all the way down into the shooting position.

John

Good Morning John,

Yes that seems to be what is required of many & now myself.

In the past I have always gone down on a shot with no real focus or attention of my eye sight. Once down, I would do a little wiggle shuffle type 'dance' into position as I fine tuned the cue stick to were I wanted it to be.

I played rather well for many many years in that fashion.

That is until not too long ago when some misses started popping up that just should not have been.

Gene read of my problem & contacted me & diagnosed & fixed my problem with a simple manual prescription.

For pool... I'm not right eye dominant as I would be for most other things & hence have to manually use & keep my left eye in the operation of 'aiming'.

What you speak of... establishing the line while standing & maintaining it ALL the way until the execution of the shot is now my key.

If for some reason I do not do that & I realize that I did not, I am now capable of reestablishing it while down, as I am one that 'hates' to get back up once down in the shooting 'stance'.

It is a simple point, but an important point.

I'm very glad that you made it & hence I am trying to reinforce it.

Best 2 You & All.
 
Actually, it's a example of not to use a optical illusion to base your reality on.

In pool this would be the belief of hitting 1/2 a ball. You think you see it, but the reality is it's impossible to do.

Don't always trust what you see in other words.
 
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Everyone can perceive a straight line, not everyone can perceive what their hands, feet and head are doing without directly looking at them. Straight shots are the easiest shots imo no matter the distance involved. Like you say they are the easiest to aim. People struggle with them for numerous reasons, even those with accurate strokes. Why? Because they don't approach the perceived aim line head on. When you find the line of aim your eyes are in a unique place and angle on this line which allows someone to see it perfectly, but as people get down into position they shift the eyes off this line making the perception change and that causes a player to align the cue either at centre ball but not on the line of aim or parallel to the line of aim but slightly off of centre ball.

The pros even do this but because they have played so much they have learned to compensate for every different angle and so on.. Stuart Bingham a snooker professional used to line shots up with his eyes completely off the line of aim and got his eyes on the line of aim as he was getting down. He is now sponsored by and has been using a sight right cue made by rileys. They are quite clever and show you how to stand behind a shot which allows you to see and approach the line of aim with the most consistency and accuracy. Since he has been approaching shots in his new way... Keeping the eyes in his unique position along the line of aim all the way down and throughout the shot he has gone from being a decent professional to one of the best and is now considered a serious contender in any event he enters.
I'm totally befuddled. You're a fine poster. So is BBB. I simply don't believe you when you say straight in shots are the easiest of all shots. Please don't feel slighted. These forums are filled with fine posters who believe as you do. I rarely tell posters such as you I don't believe something they state. It's just that there is something very odd that goes on around here when the subject of straight - in shots comes up.

I have zero problems recognizing shot lines. I don't think about my dominant eye or non - dominant eye or any of that stuff. A while back C J Wiley recommended to me an exercise where I only look at the OB while shooting. When I do that, the CB is basically invisible to me. I only know where it is and hit it by feel.

Not only do I hit it by feel, but I use T.O.I while only hitting it only by feel. I'll say I make 75 to 80% of the shots I would make if I was looking at the CB.

When I shoot straight in shots, I know if I made them the instant the ball leaves the tip. I can tell if I came back perfectly straight with the cue and came forward perfectly straight also. If I come back straight and come forward straight I make the shot EVERY TIME! If there's the slightest "swoop" in my stroke I miss the shot EVERY TIME!

So after you guys have figured out your issues with dominant eye and shot lines, etc., which is something that I very fortunately don't have to deal with, you're still in the same boat I am. You still have to come back perfectly straight with the cue and come forward perfectly straight with the cue.

You say this shot is easy for you. I say anyone who finds this shot easy must shoot at a pro level; for the simple reason that I find it to be the ULTIMATE TESTER. If you don't shoot a the pro level, I don't believe you. Once again, please don't feel slighted. There are many other fine posters who claim they find this shot easy and I don't believe them either. I hope I'm not offending you or them; rather, I think there's just something funny going on with the straight - in shot and all discussions of it around here. Maybe we'll discover where that "Funniness lies."

.......And hey.....I've been wrong before!
 
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