I think I just had an epiphany.
Usually I practice at home and due to a lack of focus or over-focusing I shoot much worse than when I'm out. I usually shoot best on the weekends shooting with my buddies who are all better than me, better than on league night. I shoot best when the brain is turned off and I'm not really thinking, I'm just shooting. This is something I haven't been able to just "turn" on. When I think about position for the next ball it usually ruins my ability to pocket a ball AND get position.
Today I picked up my cue and stopped aiming altogether. I stood above each shot and visualized the entire shot from pocketing the object ball to where the cue ball would end up. I did not focus on aiming to edges or object balls. I focused on my desired outcome and allowed my subconscious to figure out the rest.
It was amazing how by using this technique both potting and position went up dramatically. Usually I focus more on one to the detriment of the other. When my visualization was something that the balls had the capability of doing, more often than not I achieved what I had set out to do.
I then realized that the pros must be using a similar technique because I've seen them often set their cue on the table where they want the cue ball to rest for the next ball. It could very well be that they are using this overall visualization technique and could explain why many claim not to use aiming systems.
I know my conscious mind is terrible at pool and my subconscious is pretty good at it. Hopefully this technique will allow my conscious mind to guide my unconscious mind in all degrees of pressure. I look forward to testing it in league and gambling.
Usually I practice at home and due to a lack of focus or over-focusing I shoot much worse than when I'm out. I usually shoot best on the weekends shooting with my buddies who are all better than me, better than on league night. I shoot best when the brain is turned off and I'm not really thinking, I'm just shooting. This is something I haven't been able to just "turn" on. When I think about position for the next ball it usually ruins my ability to pocket a ball AND get position.
Today I picked up my cue and stopped aiming altogether. I stood above each shot and visualized the entire shot from pocketing the object ball to where the cue ball would end up. I did not focus on aiming to edges or object balls. I focused on my desired outcome and allowed my subconscious to figure out the rest.
It was amazing how by using this technique both potting and position went up dramatically. Usually I focus more on one to the detriment of the other. When my visualization was something that the balls had the capability of doing, more often than not I achieved what I had set out to do.
I then realized that the pros must be using a similar technique because I've seen them often set their cue on the table where they want the cue ball to rest for the next ball. It could very well be that they are using this overall visualization technique and could explain why many claim not to use aiming systems.
I know my conscious mind is terrible at pool and my subconscious is pretty good at it. Hopefully this technique will allow my conscious mind to guide my unconscious mind in all degrees of pressure. I look forward to testing it in league and gambling.
