Can a Pool Player Prevent Missing Shots by Constant, Consistent, Calibration?

[3andstop]

Maybe we should use the CTE line, (paraphrased), Put Up or Shut Up. Get out the money and play CJ

I think you miss the point. No one doubts that CJ ( hi CJ) Is a great player ... the point is, everyone envisions things differently. EVERYONE ...

This is what makes the game so demanding and so difficult to teach at an advanced level. Its so impossible to explain what individuals feel, how their thought pattern interacts with shots, individual timing . How they see things, how they align, how to block outside thoughts. So impossible to convey / explain your thoughts to others, and so useless since what they mean to you, they don't mean to the next guy. ... the mental part of the game isn't something that can be cloned from person to person. That's the point.

 

[Lou Loulacy]

Agreed CJ, I always aim for the center of the pocket. Any nips and I am mad even if I make it. While I aim, I pull various tools (systems) from my toolbox, one of which is to visualize/aim for the left and then the right edge of the pocket and then shoot down the middle.

 

[SJDinPHX]

Way to thank a professional player who is kind enough to see fit to offer his advice to those of us who are not as skilled!!!

Apparently you're so good that you never miss; so I can understand your thinking this thread is pointless. Perhaps you can share your secret with the great unwashed?

CJ, thank you for taking the time to help the rest of us out!! :thumbup::thumbup2:

Bob, I'm sorry if you interpreted my post, as saying I never miss, or that I played better than CJ !..Maybe YOUR reading comprehension is somewhat lacking !...While you are profusely thanking him, would you also care to explain, (or interpret) exactly what the hell he is saying, to the rest of us 'great unwashed' ? :thumbup::thumbup2:

Thanking you in advance, sir !

PS..Also. I can't help it, that I prefer 'Clarity', to 'Confusion' and 'Contradiction' !.. (A couple of "C's" that he may have accidently overlooked !) :sorry:...Mr. Wiley has a lot of good qualities..Unfortunately, explaining his incessant rambling, about Yoga, martial arts, his worldly views, and how our brain functions, are obviously NOT his best game !

 

[SilverCue]

Actually there's only three major reasons players miss shots.

1) poor acceleration at the moment of contact

2) poor, or lazy cue ball targeting (where the tip contacts the cue ball)

3) unintentional spin, or deflection causing the object ball to "throw" out of the target line.

This sounds like an ad for TOI
That's probably redundant also**********

 

[DTL]

....................

 

[liakos]

Bob, I'm sorry if you interpreted my post, as saying I never miss, or that I played better than CJ !..Maybe YOUR reading comprehension is somewhat lacking !...While you are profusely thanking him, would you also care to explain, (or interpret) exactly what the hell he is saying, to the rest of us 'great unwashed' ? :thumbup::thumbup2:

Thanking you in advance, sir !

PS..Also. I can't help it, that I prefer 'Clarity', to 'Confusion' and 'Contradiction' !.. (A couple of "C's" that he may have accidently overlooked !) :sorry:...Mr. Wiley has a lot of good qualities..Unfortunately, explaining his incessant rambling, about Yoga, martial arts, his worldly views, and how our brain functions, are obviously NOT his best game !

For the record SJD, I don't and never had a problem understanding CJ! So maybe, just maybe you might be the one with the problem

CJ has helped me with my game more than he will ever know! But, people like you have to come out and be a true pain in the ass! Why don't you leave CJ alone and let him post whatever he chooses! There are a lot of us "ball bangers" that get help and insight from CJ!

Now, you will say that I'm drinking the coolaid and whatever and that's fine. But, ask yourself this simple little question,,,, better yet, why don't you prove a point to yourself. Why don't you start a poll and ask this question,,, "Who has helped you more with your pool game, SJD or CJ Wiley?"

And if you really want to find out how useless you are, you can try this for a poll,,,"Who has helped you more in LIFE, SJD or CJ Wiley?"

We know your a pool God and your the greatest 1-POCKET player of all time, we get that, why not try "helping" things instead of creating pure aggravation for all those who look forward to CJ's insight!

P.S. CJ, if you read this, again thanks! A few nights ago, I was practicing 10-ball and ran a 4-pack (not using magic rack ) - on the 5th rack, broke dry but still ran out and then b&r next rack the next rack,,,,, whitey needed a drink

Thanks you soooo much! I'm clearing some time in August-September to come down for a 1on1 lesson with you! Again, many of us appreciate your time you spend here with us!

 

[Bob 14:1]

Bob, I'm sorry if you interpreted my post, as saying I never miss, or that I played better than CJ !..Maybe YOUR reading comprehension is somewhat lacking !...While you are profusely thanking him, would you also care to explain, (or interpret) exactly what the hell he is saying, to the rest of us 'great unwashed' ? :thumbup::thumbup2:

Thanking you in advance, sir !

PS..Also. I can't help it, that I prefer 'Clarity', to 'Confusion' and 'Contradiction' !.. (A couple of "C's" that he may have accidently overlooked !) :sorry:...Mr. Wiley has a lot of good qualities..Unfortunately, explaining his incessant rambling, about Yoga, martial arts, his worldly views, and how our brain functions, are obviously NOT his best game !

I just visited your profile. Seems all you do in your threads is try to justify your attitude; all thinly guised as a dry sense of humor. If I had my desktop, and didn't have to hunt and peck on this lame iPad, I'd really tell you what I think of forum blowhards. All forums have them; you were just harder to find since I visit here in hopes of making new friends and actually exchanging polite and informative conversation.

 

[CJ Wiley]

It's vitally important to release with maximum acceleration at impact

I believe that most shots are missed by a slight difference in stance primarily from your head/arm being slightly off from your standard stance. The real question is how to repeat the same stance/alignment every time? One way I try to repeat the same stance is seeing your finger knuckle over the exact position over your shaft.

Any other ideas CJ Wiley?

I use the "V" between my right index finger and thumb - I like to see the V on top of the cue, with the wrist slightly cocked to it can release with maximum acceleration at impact.

 

[BlueCollarBar]

Have you ever had a match when you were playing well, then started missing for no apparent reason?

Did you have any indication this was going to happen, were there any shots that just "wobbled in" that may have been a sign that something needed to be calibrated in your aiming, or stroke?

I focus most of my attention on the cue ball after getting down on the shot, just glancing at the object ball (to make sure it's still there), then back to the cue ball.

Then, when I take my back-swing I switch my focus to the object ball and watch it go into the pocket (without moving my head, just my eyes).....I am aware what part of the pocket I hit and calibrate it to how it "feels," especially the acceleration performed.

When I slightly undercut or over-cut that shot I will adjust slightly (speed/toi/left foot) for the next shot. My philosophy is that I need to treat all shots the same to reach my highest level, so if I undercut one shot slightly I take it for granted that I will slightly undercut all the future shots.

This makes me re calibrate my shots IMMEDIATELY, instead of waiting to actually miss a shot - "The 3 C's" - Constant Consistent Calibration

After a period (the time differs) I won't have to adjust anymore and will be calibrated to the center of the pocket every time. I see players that are happy just to make the ball, even is it "wobbles in" and don't make any adjustments.

Almost without fail they will start missing shots and not understand why. Usually these misses can be traced back to several shots BEFORE that are nearly missed, neglecting to make any adjustments.

Controlling the cue with BOTH HANDS is essential to playing flawless pool. There is very little margin of error, so you must keep the cue on a "groove/slot" so it has no chance of deviating left or right - then you are at the caliber that shot calibration is vitally important to winning tournaments, league playoffs, or major championships.

'The 3 C's are the Teacher'

Do you use the 3 C's while practicing with your sword as well?

 

[BlueCollarBar]

This sounds like an ad for TOI
That's probably redundant also**********

I don't typically agree with anything Cj says but Ive got to say he is spot on with his 3 reasons for missing a shot. 99 out of 100 times I can narrow it down to one of those three.

 

[CJ Wiley]

Focus, and concentration are not something that we can not take for granted

@CJ Wiley : Very interesting and informative, especially about using recognition even when the shot is made. Many of us don't do that.

One question though. It's seems your post is based on the premise that when things start to go out of whack and require the fine adjustments, they are going out of whack consistently to one side or the other (undercutting or overcutting). But aren't we just as likely (or almost as likely) to spray our misses either way? If we undercut our misses 60% and overcut them 40%, how can you "recalibrate" that? Recalibration of anything (not just pool) requires the direction of the error to be consistent.

Or is your intent mainly to recognize that those "consistent errors" frequently do occur, to recognize them early, then recalibrate when possible?

I re-calibrate no matter which side my object ball contacts. When I under-cut a ball slightly I will definitely hit the next shot with slightly more acceleration, or use slightly more TOI (or TOO if it's required).

When I over cut the shot I will not reduce my acceleration (at first anyway), however, I will use slightly less TOI or TOO, whichever one has to used next. I'm simply fine-tuning every shot so my feel for the pocket is amplified and my focus stays sharp.

Focus, and concentration are not something that we can not take for granted. There is a process to developing these essential components, and it requires your attention. The mind is an incredible computer, and it takes positive programming and input to reach it's maximum potential.

The technique I'm describing is advanced, yet, I believe practical for the beginner and intermediate's application. 'The Game is my Teacher'

 

[Okie]

No, I'm not saying that at all. The helpful part of this is to understand why we miss to one side of the pocket or the other. Is it because of our acceleration, our cue ball targeting, or are we throwing the object ball off course.

When we understand exactly how this effects our stoke, alignment, or aiming technique it frees us to calibrate each shot on an ongoing basis.

The beauty of this is we can stay on track when many other players can not.....and it's because of our knowledge and how it relates to our individual playing characteristics.

CJ, Would you agree that we all play our best when our minds are silent and we are in "the zone"?

Ken

 

[CJ Wiley]

..I can talk for hours on this subject.

CJ, Would you agree that we all play our best when our minds are silent and we are in "the zone"?

Ken

No, it's not possible to make the mind silent. It's not designed to be that way, although we can train is through mediation and various spiritual methods.

The zone is an interesting topic and has been covered in a wide range of ways in books like 'Inner Tennis', 'Zen in the Art of Archery' and even 'Zen in the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' ....I can talk for hours on this subject.

 

[CJ Wiley]

It's important to know where the object ball hits the pocket

i guess this has to be along the same line. Playing good players in my area I've noticed if they wobble a ball in or ratlle it in, they make the adjustment very quickly on the next shot in fact. I'm usually not happy to see this as my opportunity to get back to the table has now passed. That close call has woken them up and they concentrate a little more to get back in their comfort zone. This close call is usually brought on by laziness and refocusing and getting back to fundamentals even slowing things down a bit seem to right the ship! But then I seem to get everyone's best game nowadays, I guess I'll take it as a compliment! And maximize my time at the table.

You must be playing some high level players for them to be doing this, although it's not necessarily about laziness, or lack of focus.

The cue ball is the target, the object ball is the secondary target, and the pocket is the final target. It's important to know where the object ball hits the pocket, many players don't "real eyes" how important this actually is.....for a variety of reasons.

It's also vital to not move your head, just your eyes, when you're identifying what part of the pocket zone you're contacting.

 

[(((Satori)))]

No, it's not possible to make the mind silent. It's not designed to be that way, although we can train is through mediation and various spiritual methods.

The zone is an interesting topic and has been covered in a wide range of ways in books like 'Inner Tennis', 'Zen in the Art of Archery' and even 'Zen in the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' ....I can talk for hours on this subject.

I think the zone is an elusive state that one should not "try" to fall into. One should not feel the need to get into the zone. I think that feeling the need and "trying" are both things that can prevent or snap you out of the zone. The zone is great when you get there but it is something one just has to let happen, much like falling asleep. There are things you can do to help you get there like staying in the present (focusing on the shot) and I believe one should make these habbits a regular part of what they do but again searching for the zone is the very thing that can prevent it.

Instead of searching for the zone or needing the zone, I think the thing you need and should strive for is confidence. Here are some of the best ways that I believe will help you play with confidence.

1) Prepare yourself- The best source of confidence is knowing that you have prepared for the task and that you have what it takes to succeed. To prepare yourself you have to set your goals and make a commitment to achieve them. You have to put in the hours and hours of practice and whatever else it takes.

2) Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone- You cant always feel as if you are totally prepared for easy success but you can be the kind of guy who is excited for the challenge. With each challenge comes, either proof that you can do this, or its a learning experience that will allow you to grow.

3) Love failure- It's easy to love success but you have to learn to love failure too because failure is an oppertunity to grow. Failure is required in order to become great.

4) Experience many victories- Grow in all areas of your life and live with balance. Have a good woman, good friends, good income doing what you love, skill in your passions... In a word, diversify. If all you care about and all that you tie your identity to is one thing then when that one thing becomes tough it also becomes tough to stay confident.

5) Surround yourself with cool people- A woman that supports you, friends with the same mindset, a good mentor in what you want to do, even watching motivational videos and reading good books are ways to get positive ifluence from others into your life.

And finally 6) Adopt the growth mindset- It's not so much about winning or losing as much it is about getting better. Everyday we need to get better than the last and this mindset alone will bring you confidence.

 

[Patrick53212]

I agree completely

Actually there's only three major reasons players miss shots.

1) poor acceleration at the moment of contact

2) poor, or lazy cue ball targeting (where the tip contacts the cue ball)

3) unintentional spin, or deflection causing the object ball to "throw" out of the target line.

I would agree completely CJ. I would simply add that alignment of body (stance, bridge, and head) all have an affect on the above. I know that when I miss it is typically one of the three that you have outlined as to what caused the miss. However, #2 and even #3 can be affected by body alignment. I find that #3 in particular is why I rattle a ball, miss a carom shot, or combination shot. #1 can often result in #3 happening...as can #2. #1 is typically a lack of focus/resolve and confidence.

 

[Okie]

I think the zone is an elusive state that one should not "try" to fall into. One should not feel the need to get into the zone. I think that feeling the need and "trying" are both things that can prevent or snap you out of the zone. The zone is great when you get there but it is something one just has to let happen, much like falling asleep. There are things you can do to help you get there like staying in the present (focusing on the shot) and I believe one should make these habbits a regular part of what they do but again searching for the zone is the very thing that can prevent it.

Instead of searching for the zone or needing the zone, I think the thing you need and should strive for is confidence. Here are some of the best ways that I believe will help you play with confidence.

1) Prepare yourself- The best source of confidence is knowing that you have prepared for the task and that you have what it takes to succeed. To prepare yourself you have to set your goals and make a commitment to achieve them. You have to put in the hours and hours of practice and whatever else it takes.

2) Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone- You cant always feel as if you are totally prepared for easy success but you can be the kind of guy who is excited for the challenge. With each challenge comes, either proof that you can do this, or its a learning experience that will allow you to grow.

3) Love failure- It's easy to love success but you have to learn to love failure too because failure is an oppertunity to grow. Failure is required in order to become great.

4) Experience many victories- Grow in all areas of your life and live with balance. Have a good woman, good friends, good income doing what you love, skill in your passions... In a word, diversify. If all you care about and all that you tie your identity to is one thing then when that one thing becomes tough it also becomes tough to stay confident.

5) Surround yourself with cool people- A woman that supports you, friends with the same mindset, a good mentor in what you want to do, even watching motivational videos and reading good books are ways to get positive ifluence from others into your life.

And finally 6) Adopt the growth mindset- It's not so much about winning or losing as much it is about getting better. Everyday we need to get better than the last and this mindset alone will bring you confidence.

The elusive zone - While you say do not seek it you laid out a very good path to it.

Excellent post!

Ken

 

[Okie]

No, it's not possible to make the mind silent. It's not designed to be that way, although we can train is through mediation and various spiritual methods.

The zone is an interesting topic and has been covered in a wide range of ways in books like 'Inner Tennis', 'Zen in the Art of Archery' and even 'Zen in the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' ....I can talk for hours on this subject.

I didn't pose my question as perfectly as I should have. But my point is that if a player is constantly questioning his aim then he will never succeed. Faith is the most powerful tool a pool player has! And while in a match he/she better be shooting and not thinking about his/her fundamentals! This is why the great players really don't have an answer when ask if they do XYZ while shooting. They are not thinking about it....they are doing it!

It is on the practice table where aim and other fundamentals should be "calibrated".

Yes CJ...I have read the Inner Game of Tennis. It was a long time ago but I remember "back hit". It is a wonderful tool to use to silence the mind. And by silence I mean distract the conscious mind so it gets out of the way of the subconscious mind.

Ken

 

[CJ Wiley]

I'm impressed with it's ingenious design.

I didn't pose my question as perfectly as I should have. But my point is that if a player is constantly questioning his aim then he will never succeed. Faith is the most powerful tool a pool player has! And while in a match he/she better be shooting and not thinking about his/her fundamentals! This is why the great players really don't have an answer when ask if they do XYZ while shooting. They are not thinking about it....they are doing it!

It is on the practice table where aim and other fundamentals should be "calibrated".

Yes CJ...I have read the Inner Game of Tennis. It was a long time ago but I remember "back hit". It is a wonderful tool to use to silence the mind. And by silence I mean distract the conscious mind so it gets out of the way of the subconscious mind.

Ken

We're on the same page, Ken, I was hoping that was what you meant. Just clarifying.

The more I research the subconscious, the more I'm impressed with it's ingenious design. I certainly want to meet the "Designer" some day....just not "to" day.

Play Well

 

[CJ Wiley]

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