Here's how I do it. Doesn't mean it is right for everyone. And I sure hope I can convey my mental thoughts into text here to explain.
I do all this while standing and or chalking. ( By the way, all this only takes a second or so to see and do, this explanation takes forever.)
I approach the shot considering what position I need for the next shot. In other words, which part of the pocket do I need to make the object ball in to achieve the angle with the least extra CB work.
Then I see a line from the pocket through the back of the object ball and out to the other side of it. ( That is the contact point.) The only point on the object ball of any importance.
One person mentioned somewhere on some thread, "think small" I thought that was good information.
I burn that pinpoint on the equator of the object ball in my minds eye.
Assuming I'm cutting the ball to the left, (still standing) I envision this laser light turned on on the left side of my shaft running down its entire length and ( importantly) out into infinity and moving with the cue stick like a Star Wars light beam so to speak laser thin and precise.
I mentally see the shot in its entirety. I feel it, hear it and watch it happen mentally.
I drop my cue shaft down on the shot, on that line, with this laser line illuminating that pinpoint on the object ball from behind the cue ball.
If I need high inside english this is when I align the shot from behind the cue ball with high inside, or low outside, or any other english I need.
The point is the laser line is going through the cue ball at the point on the cue ball to achieve the english I need, raising or lowering my bridge hand to maintain a parallel stroke to the table surface, and through the cue ball directly to the pinpoint contact point on the equator of the object ball.
OK, now I've dropped into my stance. My cue stick, my body, is in alignment to deliver a straight line stroke. No twisting, no pivoting no nothing just a true straight delivery. (technically, at this point I could close my eyes, if my stroke is truly delivered on this line and my stance angle is correct)
My stick is mentally running its left side along the laser line, through the cue ball and burning into the contact point on the object ball.
I few practice strokes to oil up the old stroke. Then a pause at the cue ball. (very close to it) A recheck of the cue ball to be sure I'm applying the english I want where I want.
Then a very quick glance at that second line. (very important) The line that takes the object ball to the pocket.
Another practice stroke stopping at the cue ball again (very close), now burning my attention to that pinpoint contact point on the object ball.
Nothing else now, just total focus on the object ball. The path the cue ball will take is automatic in my mind with no need to pay it any physical attention.
I then stroke the shot, delivering the cue stick through the cue ball with a subtle acceleration (even on very soft shots) to the contact point on the object ball with
total complete focus on the object ball.
I see the object ball all the way into the pocket.
I watch the object ball into the pocket, never looking at the cue ball. Once the object all is made, I'm still down on the shot, I can glance over to watch the cue ball fall where intended if I like.
I had to add this line. Once locked on to the object ball, it would do players good (IMO) not to glance back and forth from OB to CB. Keep your eye on the OB. Don't make your brain adjust eye focus near and far any more, it's not good. You are down, in line and your cue stick can't twist if you are stroking through the cue ball to the contact point. Don't add a variable by shifting eye movement.
Now, for the nay sayers. I know it can't work, I know it's not geometrically good. I know it is way too simple, I understand its impossible to use any english without adjustment. I get it.
But ...understand I don't give a rat's ass if anyone else uses this method.
I offer this explanation in the event that it can or does help someone who can feel it and use it.
If it works for anyone, then they can save thousands of dollars of tuition taking advanced college courses to try to understand some of those other systems that I've scratched a bald spot in my head trying to understand. :thumbup:
