Can't Sell This Aiming Aid For Much

JoeyInCali said:
You can't sell geometrically correct aiming "system" like equal parts and opposite contact points.

Or stroking line.
Not worth one dvd.
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The truth is not a marketable product. What do people want? Fake boobs, fake hair, shortcuts to becoming a millionaire, "The Secret" (Seriously how lame was that book? I wish I could use the "powers of the Universe" :barf: to unread it. My mom made me promise I'd read it, OMG!). Poolplayers want to play like a pro without effort, without talent...

Appeal to peoples greed and lazyness, that's the ticket. Never forget to assume that everyone is an idiot (you'll be right 90% of the time). BIG WORDS, nonsensical statements and never, ever admit you're wrong on anything. You'll have a following in an instant.
 
A tip that is entirely unmarketable

My impression of people who have problems with aiming is that they are "playing the object ball", by which I mean that they are trying to shoot the cueball into the object ball to create an angle and they are thinking about that when they are stroking. I had a realization that this caused me to steer the cueball into the object ball in many instances, causing me to hit it slightly thick, especially on blind cuts. I wasn't steering my stroke as much as minutely adjusting the aim as I was bending down. I started doing better, once I started taking my time to visualize the path the cueball would take and play for that instead. This lets me forget about the pocket and the object ball path (thinking about that as you stroke will often lead to steering). There is also a tendency to rely too much on cheating the pocket in regular pool. Playing a centre pocket game like snooker will teach you to play the angle you have (which is the correct attitude to have MOST of the time).

It's a sort of double check. I get the "visual input" from both the imagined path of the cueball and object ball (and they are checked against each other). When I shoot I aim for the cueball path. That makes sure that I won't steer into the object ball, if anything I steer away from it (but it is much, much less of an issue). Forgetting the pocket when you're stroking lets your mind concentrate on the exact aim.

This will not make you a pro player. It is just a thing to try, and it may even help you a little bit on some shots. If it doesn't, at least you didn't pay 80 bucks for it.
 
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DTL said:
CP2CP aiming. Is this done first at address to get a rough CB/OB overlap/shot line, and then use ghost ball, feel or other method after that?

Or, does one aim (sight) down the CP2CP line during the whole PSR and while shooting the shot? If so, using this method, if you have a thin cut to the right and want to put left side spin on the CB your aim line, stick line and shot line are all different lines.
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I don't know how others do it, but I aim the center of the CB a learned distance from the OB contact point (adjusted for squirt/swerve if sidespin is used).

I sight through the center of the cue ball. If it's a centerball hit, then I'm also sighting along the stick - if it's a sidespin hit, then I'm sighting parallel with the stick. I also choose a "distant target" for my stick/stroke (on or near the OB) to keep my stroke straight and accurate.

Being aware of exactly where the CB's center and my stick are pointed in relation to the OB contact point is my "aiming metric" (what I use to "measure" the cut angle). Over time (not a million balls) it becomes a very accurate gauge, and has the advantage of being simple to understand with no unexplained "mysteries", and based on the most direct and universal aiming target, the OB contact point itself.

pj <- that'll be $39.95
chgo
 
Patrick Johnson said:
I don't know how others do it, but I aim the center of the CB a learned distance from the OB contact point (adjusted for squirt/swerve if sidespin is used).

I sight through the center of the cue ball. If it's a centerball hit, then I'm also sighting along the stick - if it's a sidespin hit, then I'm sighting parallel with the stick. I also choose a "distant target" for my stick/stroke (on or near the OB) to keep my stroke straight and accurate.

Being aware of exactly where the CB's center and my stick are pointed in relation to the OB contact point is my "aiming metric" (what I use to "measure" the cut angle). Over time (not a million balls) it becomes a very accurate gauge, and has the advantage of being simple to understand with no unexplained "mysteries", and based on the most direct and universal aiming target, the OB contact point itself.

pj <- that'll be $39.95
chgo
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$39.95 for a graph, pics and DVD on that "learned distance"?
 
Most people don't want to hear what the OP wrote (ME). Some can't stand that it's so easy, but they still can't do it, mostly because of a poor stroke. Of course DVD sellers don't want to hear it because they can't sell it. If most of the players that are fighting aiming since they started playing would take the time to practice a PERFECT STROKE with the same amount of time they spend hunting for that silver bullet, their shot making would all come together.

To me the hardest part of this game is the mental...to keep my focus. The balls won't fall over and over again W/O focus on every shot. The contact/aim point is very small. It won't get there by wishing...you need to focus. Johnnyt
 
Johnnyt said:
Most people don't want to hear what the OP wrote (ME). Some can't stand that it's so easy, but they still can't do it, mostly because of a poor stroke. Of course DVD sellers don't want to hear it because they can't sell it. If most of the players that are fighting aiming since they started playing would take the time to practice a PERFECT STROKE with the same amount of time they spend hunting for that silver bullet, their shot making would all come together.

To me the hardest part of this game is the mental...to keep my focus. The balls won't fall over and over again W/O focus on every shot. The contact/aim point is very small. It won't get there by wishing...you need to focus. Johnnyt
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And this is the post that ended the great aiming war. I totally agree with what you have said. Good one Johnny.
 
Patrick Johnson said:
What I have to say about aiming isn't complicated or mystical enough to be worth any money - it's just simple, common sense stuff.

The $39.95 is for not making you dive into a pile of bullshit to find it.

pj
chgo
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With your help they might be a C player after a few million balls.....
Isn't that about where your at? That's probably stretching it though
 
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Not a wishing ......

In teaching pool to players of all different levels of play, I have found that there are so many things that go into pocketing accuracy, it is often difficult to determine just why is failing them.

The easiest culprit for me to see is poor alignment. Another easy one is poor eye patterns.

The next culprit that's easy to see is a crooked stroke. Even a barely crooked stroke can inhibit pocketing consistency.

Other culprits are body movement, off balance, weak bridge, weak knowledge of and command of squerve.

A tough one to see is grip pressure changing. Lack of confidence is sometimes hard to determine. I've seen players that are confident in everything they do EXCEPT pool.

Pressure is another culprit that reduces pocketing consistency. Pressure can be nothing more than an instructor or a friend watching you play or it could be betting more than you can afford to lose or whatever.

I agree with you that a straight, smooth, accelerating stroke is a great part of pocketing accuracy. I have thought for years that aiming systems help increase one's focus. I am using a "new aiming system" that seems to really increase my focus. Most likely, I won't be selling it as a DVD but if it holds up under pressure long-term, I will find a way to share it with others. I've been asked by some very good friends who live in other areas to share this new method of aiming and I choose not to do so for the moment. I have had many things that have helped my pool game over the years and I want to make sure that this isn't a mirage and that it stays long term. As I determine that it works for others, I will know that it isn't just idiosyncratic. A lot of times, people do different things to accomplish the same goal, sometimes they are doing unique things just to correct innate problems that are specific to their body/eyes, way of play and way of thinking.

Anyway, I agree that ALL aiming systems, even ghost ball, contact point to contact point, shadow aiming, light aiming, ferrule aiming, shaft aiming, CTE/Pro One, need A LOT MORE THINGS working well to help you put the balls in the pocket consistently. I would be very surprised to hear ANYONE that understands what it takes to play pool at a high level to say different.


For most people the challenge of getting two very small, selected contact points on two different balls to hit each other during the collision is a very difficult thing to do and that is probably why a lot of people miss straight in shots. I think that aiming is only a small portion of the challenge to play pool at a high level.

JoeyA

Johnnyt said:
Most people don't want to hear what the OP wrote (ME). Some can't stand that it's so easy, but they still can't do it, mostly because of a poor stroke. Of course DVD sellers don't want to hear it because they can't sell it. If most of the players that are fighting aiming since they started playing would take the time to practice a PERFECT STROKE with the same amount of time they spend hunting for that silver bullet, their shot making would all come together.

To me the hardest part of this game is the mental...to keep my focus. The balls won't fall over and over again W/O focus on every shot. The contact/aim point is very small. It won't get there by wishing...you need to focus. Johnnyt
Click to expand...
 
Agreed

JoeyA said:
In teaching pool to players of all different levels of play, I have found that there are so many things that go into pocketing accuracy, it is often difficult to determine just why is failing them.

The easiest culprit for me to see is poor alignment. Another easy one is poor eye patterns.

The next culprit that's easy to see is a crooked stroke. Even a barely crooked stroke can inhibit pocketing consistency.

Other culprits are body movement, off balance, weak bridge, weak knowledge of and command of squerve.

A tough one to see is grip pressure changing. Lack of confidence is sometimes hard to determine. I've seen players that are confident in everything they do EXCEPT pool.

Pressure is another culprit that reduces pocketing consistency. Pressure can be nothing more than an instructor or a friend watching you play or it could be betting more than you can afford to lose or whatever.

I agree with you that a straight, smooth, accelerating stroke is a great part of pocketing accuracy. I have thought for years that aiming systems help increase one's focus. I am using a "new aiming system" that seems to really increase my focus. Most likely, I won't be selling it as a DVD but if it holds up under pressure long-term, I will find a way to share it with others. I've been asked by some very good friends who live in other areas to share this new method of aiming and I choose not to do so for the moment. I have had many things that have helped my pool game over the years and I want to make sure that this isn't a mirage and that it stays long term. As I determine that it works for others, I will know that it isn't just idiosyncratic. A lot of times, people do different things to accomplish the same goal, sometimes they are doing unique things just to correct innate problems that are specific to their body/eyes, way of play and way of thinking.

Anyway, I agree that ALL aiming systems, even ghost ball, contact point to contact point, shadow aiming, light aiming, ferrule aiming, shaft aiming, CTE/Pro One, need A LOT MORE THINGS working well to help you put the balls in the pocket consistently. I would be very surprised to hear ANYONE that understands what it takes to play pool at a high level to say different.


For most people the challenge of getting two very small, selected contact points on two different balls to hit each other during the collision is a very difficult thing to do and that is probably why a lot of people miss straight in shots. I think that aiming is only a small portion of the challenge to play pool at a high level.

JoeyA
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I have to agree with you 100%.

When all of what you mention is done, the repetition and the process of using a system in practice and in play for it to become valid with the person using it there will be a point at which shots are not just merely figured, plotted and made, it will give way to the view of the shot as an Organic Whole if the system will lead to a notable visual conclusion and it will become almost automatic for the player. He will go through his motions as a part of his/her PSR and will pot balls with confidence and will attain a higher level faster than just hitting ball after ball after ball because the thinking process was started with the goal of excellence in mind. If the systems conclusion is strong after the Organic Whole is established and a delivery point is known, then you will be able to work on using English/Spin on the cue ball which is another separate skill. I judge a system by ease of use, alignment and ability to progress beyond the use of just Center Ball.
 
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Johnny. You could sell it for more if you renamed it.

ATOGB.

A Touch Of Ghost Ball.

There, you don't even have to give me a cut of the profits.
 
I've been in a slump for 4 days, so don't even read this post! :o

My initial visual center alignment is always center to (rough) ghost ball (CTGB?)

I look at the pocket, visualize a line straight through the center of the OB. I then visualize this line intersecting the equator on the visible side of the OB. It is important to clearly understand that the equator line of the OB is perceived as an ellipse from any practical eye elevation. Depending on the lighting conditions, you can even see both hemispheres roughly divided by the reflection of the rails. This intersection is the physical contact point. Our eyes and brain can see this very precisely - at least at the precision required to pocket a ball.

The rest is where I believe the difficulties multiply...

People dissing ghost ball will say that you're aiming at something that isn't there. That's true, but that's not the way we should be thinking about the ghost ball. PJ says he shoots at a learnt distance (1 1/8") from the OB. That's accurate, but I believe our brain has a hard time seeing that. I think ghost ball contact patch suffers from this also.

I truly believe our brain sees areas and volumes better. Once I clearly see the contact point, I ask my brain and body to make the cue ball (a volume which is, as luck would have it, the same as the OB) go touch the OB at the contact point. With this in mind (and other considerations such as which position/spin/speed I need), it's time to assume shooting stance all the while looking at this picture with eyes focused on the impending collision of the two spheres, but with the brain aware of the pathes of CB-to-OB and OB-to-pocket.

One of the smartest things I read about aiming is on Dr Dave's website: "Good shooters use all visual information available to them to help see the required angle of the shot and the necessary line of aim."

I started looking into the various aiming systems that are around, thinking it would make my game more consistent. I came to the personal conclusion that my aiming was fine, but I didn't care as much for making all balls as I would like to believe. Sometimes I'll shoot some ball instead of another, not because it's the right sequence, but because the shot appeals to me for other reason, like: let me try that combo, I like those reverse english shots to the side pocket, etc. I decided not to worry too much about behind super-humanly consistent, because it seems, at this point in my life, it's not that important to me. If I catch myself thinking: "I which I were better", the only answer I could give myself would be: "Really? Then do what you need to do, and mean it!"

I hope you haven't read any of this, as I'm having a hard time beating the 6-ball Ghost! :mad: But if you did, can you relate to any of this?

Pool: a game I love to hate... Or is it the opposite?
 
Straightpool_99 said:
The truth is not a marketable product. What do people want? Fake boobs, fake hair, shortcuts to becoming a millionaire, "The Secret" (Seriously how lame was that book? I wish I could use the "powers of the Universe" :barf: to unread it. My mom made me promise I'd read it, OMG!). Poolplayers want to play like a pro without effort, without talent...

Appeal to peoples greed and lazyness, that's the ticket. Never forget to assume that everyone is an idiot (you'll be right 90% of the time). BIG WORDS, nonsensical statements and never, ever admit you're wrong on anything. You'll have a following in an instant.
Click to expand...

I don't understand. You can't earn talent you either have it or you don't. I don't get why a "shortcut" aiming systems would be considered laziness. I don't think I've ever read a poster who fully adapted to a particular pivot based aiming system ever say it was an easy process to learn.

I also feel that those people who do succumb to their "greed and lazyness" are actually just open minded people that are willing to take the risk to maybe learn something new and I think the idea of a "silver bullet" is the farthest thing from their mind.

Also maybe these same people keep looking for new information because they just want to be educated in a sport that is filled with feel-based voodoo zen bullshit and "BIG WORDS, nonsensical statements" are pretty much all that this community is capable of.
 
Johnnyt said:
Most people don't want to hear what the OP wrote (ME). Some can't stand that it's so easy, but they still can't do it, mostly because of a poor stroke. Of course DVD sellers don't want to hear it because they can't sell it. If most of the players that are fighting aiming since they started playing would take the time to practice a PERFECT STROKE with the same amount of time they spend hunting for that silver bullet, their shot making would all come together.

To me the hardest part of this game is the mental...to keep my focus. The balls won't fall over and over again W/O focus on every shot. The contact/aim point is very small. It won't get there by wishing...you need to focus. Johnnyt
Click to expand...
Totally agree with this. Of all the phases of the game (stroke/execution, strategy/planning, mental focus, and aiming) I always thought aiming was the simple part and the rest the hard part. I was shocked when I started paying more attention to the aiming discussions on here and realize a lot of people believe the opposite.
 
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