Alignment problem

[jimmyc]

I have a major alignment issue that I'm not sure I've heard of before: no matter what stance or head position I set up with, my cue looks like it's pointed about 5 degrees left of where it actually is pointed. I'm right handed and left eye dominant.
Is there hope for me, or am I doomed to mediocrity? I can't imagine there are too many good players out there who can't tell where their cues are pointed. Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.

 

[greyghost]

Where ever you place you back hand on the cue KEEP IT THERE

1)place the back hand at your pocket seam on your pants and KEEP IT THERE

2)line up the cue stick with the shot, without moving it from your hip

3)drop down into the shot however you feel comfortable (do not move your back foot out of alignment with the cue it can go forward or back but no side to side.


what happens is your hand is going to automatically fall off your hip when you drop down into the stance. Your backfoot, shoulder, elbow, hand, cue and eyes will all be aligned with the shot.

Make sure you point your thumb straight down.


This is about as good as i can help ya over the internet.

here are some photos, i don't have a cue out here but hopefully you can get the point from the photos.

if the pics were big enough you would see how the elbow, hands, eye/eyes shoulder, and BACKFOOT are all in alignment with the line of the cue which should be in line with the shot.

 

[greyghost]

when you keep that hand on the hip and the cue tip goes to the cue ball your automatically going to have that 90 degree angle you want in your stroking arm. Its a great setup technique

for a better game,
Grey Ghost

 

[Cameron Smith]

I have a major alignment issue that I'm not sure I've heard of before: no matter what stance or head position I set up with, my cue looks like it's pointed about 5 degrees left of where it actually is pointed. I'm right handed and left eye dominant.
Is there hope for me, or am I doomed to mediocrity? I can't imagine there are too many good players out there who can't tell where their cues are pointed. Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.

It's hard to diagnose a problem like this without seeing you play.

But one thing comes to mind, are you setting up to close to the table? In other words, when your about to create your stance are you standing within 2-3 feet of the table or further back?

Ideally, you should be standing roughly 4-5 feet back from the table when aligning yourself. As a an aid, every table gives off a shadow that extends 3-5 feet around the table. When your making decisions and aligning your shot stand outside the shadow. As you create your stance step into the table. Standing further back will allow to see the line of the shot better and stepping in to the shot should help with your overall alignement.

If that doesn't work, try experimenting at the practice table. Move your cue until it is pointed at the target and then look back to see your hand position. You should be able to see from there whether it's a sighting issue or alignement problem.

Of course, it's always best to contact an instructor.

 

[jimmyc]

Thanks

Gentlemen, thank you for the responses. I'm still working on it, and I think I'm making progress in re-training my eyes to see which way the cue is actually pointed. WR, JC

 

[pooltchr]

Try this. While standing, hold the butt of the cue in your grip hand and lay the tip on the table. Point the cue directly at any target. (a pocket works fine). Now without letting the cue move, step forward and get down on the shot. Then get your head/eyes positioned so you are looking at a straignt line down the cue and directly toward the original target. Bingo! You just found where your eyes need to be in order to see the actual straight line you are shooting.
Steve