"Center Ball" - Magic or Myth?

When he makes a factually untrue claim about how TOI works. He keeps making the same claims, so I keep pointing out that they're not true. Kinda like your comments about what I've said, both here and in past threads on other topics.


I haven't needed to "admit" anything - I said weeks ago, before CJ, you or anybody else did, that increasing focus was probably the reason that TOI helps some players. It seems you're the one finally "admitting" the obvious.

pj
chgo
PJ - I'm late to the thread... catch me up... what is CJ saying that's categorically false?
 
I haven't needed to "admit" anything - I said weeks ago, before CJ, you or anybody else did, that increasing focus was probably the reason that TOI helps some players. It seems you're the one finally "admitting" the obvious.

pj
chgo

I've been playing with english, as I have said so many times for many, many years. I have very often shot right at the non-miscue limit, again for many, many years. I am & have been very, very focussed for many, many years.

TOI has not made me more focussed. TOI has given me another means to pocket balls than what I had been doing & allows for a different cue ball reaction after contact. I have been using both outside & inside spin for many, many years. TOI is something far different than anything I have been doing for so many years. TOI is a different focus not an increase in focus. I have always been focused on just how much off center I want to hit the CB in both the horizontal & verticle planes.

TOI, for now, is another tool in my tool box that helps me to be an even better player. I have no doubt that when I have the time to devote to fine tuning the angles & speed for position that it will become a very prominant portion of my game if not the predominant shot in my game. I would guess that it is now at least 20% or more of my game now & I am playing in an individual money league.

TOI is definitely more than just a means to increase one's focus. Why would one become more focused trying to hit a touch to one side than one would be trying to hit the true center. I do not understand that argument.

One is either a focused player or one is not. I do not see how trying to employ a touch of an inside hit on the CB would make someone more focussed than trying to hit the exact center of the CB

Again, the above are just my opinoins & I hope they are either enlightening or foster more options for discussion & consideration.

Regards &
 
I've never said it "doesn't work"... I've only said it doesn't help in the ways that some say it does.

pj
chgo
cookie man:
Same as saying it doesn't work, only in your roundabout way.
No, it's not the same. It can work to increase your pocketing percentage without doing the specific things (increase the margin for error, decrease the effect of bad strokes, etc.) claimed for it.

Putting your words in my mouth is your (and Joey's) way of perpetuating fights while pretending to want peace. The word for it is hypocrisy.

pj
chgo
 
No one is saying one part of the cue ball is easier or harder to hit than another, that would be ridiculous. :eek:

One of the points is if you try to hit center you can't throw the object ball, thus creating a pocket zone. It's not about being easier or harder to pocket a ball, it's about hitting a consistent shot that you can "master". Hitting all over the cue ball may be fun, but it's not consistent.

CJ - Do you find it's more consistant pocketing balls with a Touch Low/High using a TOI?

The ball seems to deflect a little more with TOI when hit on the equator of the cue ball.
It could just be me but pocketing seems easier when I hit a little low or high with TOI. Carl
 
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ENGLISH!:
One is either a focused player or one is not.
That's oversimplified.

I do not see how trying to employ a touch of an inside hit on the CB would make someone more focussed than trying to hit the exact center of the CB
Any change can stimulate increased focus, even for those who think they're fully focused all the time. A common example is "new cue syndrome" - playing better with a new cue (or a new tip, or new chalk, etc., etc.) simply because you're paying more attention to whatever details are related to that.

I'd be shocked if changing the spot you're trying to hit the CB "by a hair" didn't cause you to focus more than usual on precise tip placement (and stroke), and being more precise about tip placement is well known to be an effective way to improve your shooting.

Of course, this kind of explanation is boring compared to a "secret" technique with snappy new language and slogans... but it has the advantages of being intelligible and proven, reinforcing and building on established fundamental principles of good play, and not misleading about how things work.

pj
chgo
 
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Let's try to discuss a few points.

If your stroke varies a maximum of 1/4 inch left or right, then you have to aim to hit at least 1/4 inch from center to eliminate the risk of hitting the other side of center. If you aim only "a hair" off center like TOI dictates, then your stroke cannot vary more than "a hair" either way. That's not exactly correct. It could only vary a hair toward center but the ball would still be pocketed in the full hit side of the pocket. It could vary more than a hair to the inside & still pocket the ball in the thin side of the pocket. Whose stroke varies a 1/4 inch in either direction? Certainly not mine. And... as I said if one's stroke varies enough that it would cross over center while intending to hit on one side of center then they should be doing nothing but working on their stroke. But...if one's stroke is as bad as you suggest then they would be better off using TOI or intended english than trying to hit the exact center of the cue ball & not know if they are going to hit with right of left or luck out & actually hit center.

More importantly, missing the tip/CB contact point causes the same kind of miss no matter where you're tryin to hit the CB: What do you mean by 'kind' of mis? With TOI, you can intend to hit with TOI & if you do you pocket the ball in the center of the pocket. If you mis your intended tip/contact point & hit center instead, you pocket the ball in the full hit portion of the pocket. If you hit more away from the center than intended, you pocket the ball in the thin hit side of the pocket.

If you intend to hit with a center CB/Tip hit while aiming at the center of the pocket opening how far off to one side or the other would you say one could go before a missed pocket ocurrs due to squirt/deflection & swerve? What if the aim is off of center of the pocket in the opposite direction of the squirt/deflection & swerve?


- If you try to hit the CB on center and miss it to the right of center the CB squirts to the left of your intended CB path Correct & rather obvious & you probably mis.
- If you try to hit the CB off center but miss to the right of that off center spot the CB still squirts the same amount to the left of your intended CB path. Correct but because the TOI calls for aiming to the full hit side of the pocket the OB is still pocketed but into the thin side of the pocket. The TOI's plan of operation takes this into account.

This has been said several times in these TOI threads. Isn't it time you actually thought about it? Why do you suggest that I have not thought about it. Believe me, I understand your point that simply aiming to a different point on the cue ball will not improve one's stroke. But...the plan of operation can take the mis hit into account. I do not think that can be done with a planned center hit. Maybe a better way of saying it would be to ask, can you plan to what side you will miss your CB contact point with an intended center hit? With TOI it will be inside or center, unlless one's stroke is simply terrible, & both of those misses are planned for.

TOI does not increase the 'aiming size' of the pocket (I'm not even sure that means anything). I agree that the phrase 'aming size' is in fact incorrect as one could not aim for the thin side of the pocket & still pocket the ball unless the CB would be hit with center by mistake or a touch of outside. So 'size' is incorrect with regards to aiming. However with combination of 'touch of inside with touch of outside' one could aim for a center ball hit to mis on either side of the pocket & still make the ball. Can that be done with a center CB hit? I don't think so. So in effect the technique does allow for a wider array of availabele aiming but not with just the TOI.

TOI does not give a wider margin of error with the stroke. Why? With the TOI plan of operation one can mis to either side & still poket the ball. Can that be done with a planed center hit? It might happen with BHE at the proper bridge length matching the pivot point of the cue provided the speed is correct as well. But for that to happen other than by pure luck, one would have to plan to shoot the shot with only the correct speed to account for a mis hit. It would be sort of like carrying insurance with regard to a mis hit but you can't drive your car at different speeds.

pj
chgo

I'm just trying to discuss the different parameters as it is obvious that many are looking at it from different vantage points & therefore see it differently & discussing it in text with limited interaction is certainly not the best medium.

Sincerely & with Best Wishes to You &
 
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That's oversimplified.


Any change can stimulate increased focus, even for those who think they're fully focused all the time. A common example is "new cue syndrome" - playing better with a new cue (or a new tip, or new chalk, etc., etc.) simply because you're paying more attention to whatever details are related to that.

I'd be shocked if changing the spot you're trying to hit the CB "by a hair" didn't cause you to focus more than usual on precise tip placement (and stroke), and being more precise about tip placement is well known to be an effective way to improve your shooting.

Of course, this kind of explanation is boring compared to a "secret" technique with snappy new language and slogans... but it has the advantages of being intelligible and proven, reinforcing and building on established fundamental principles of good play, and not misleading about how things work.

pj
chgo

If it's a placebo, then no lasting effect will come from using TOI. In fact, any new technique will cause a player to gain some instant gratification and improvement, only to slip back into mediocrity after the newness wears off.

More likely, after learning how to use the technique, a player will naturally get down on a shot cueing with a TOI automatically. They'll see improvement because they've added a new tool to their box, not because of increased focus. I've found this to be true after many hours of use and the placebo effect has worn off. You say this same lame thing about everything new that comes along. sick0019.gifhappy0022.gif

Best,
Mike
 
If it's a placebo, then no lasting effect will come from using TOI.
I didn't say it's a placebo; I said the benefits aren't attributable to the causes claimed for it.

"New cue syndrome" doesn't last long because the cause of the increased focus (the newness of the new cue) doesn't last long. TOI's increased focus is caused by a continuing new practice, so I can understand it lasting longer - and even causing permanent improvement. We don't know how big or permanent a change this will ultimately be.

You say this same lame thing about everything new that comes along.
Many here are prone to believe every lame thing that comes along - I see lots of the same people among the "believers" in these system threads.

pj
chgo
 
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Get a feel for the pocket is my suggestion, the whole pocket,

CJ - Do you find it's more consistant pocketing balls with a Touch Low/High using a TOI?

The ball seems to deflect a little more with TOI when hit on the equator of the cue ball.
It could just be me but pocketing seems easier when I hit a little low or high with TOI. Carl

Yes, Carl, my "master shot" is TOI, a tip below the equator - and you are correct, from my experience the middle deflects slightly more and I have to aim INSIDE the pocket (to hit the center).

I've noted in precious posts that champion players hit slightly down on the cue ball for their master shot. Every pro has a "master shot," and you will only see it if you are aware it exists. "We only recognize what we're familiar with" - such is life

This another "hint" of why the shot angle is better with TOI is superior to the amateur who aims at the center. The fact (for me) is advanced ball pocketing has a LOT to do with a developed "Feel For The Pocket," and this isn't possible trying to "aim" at the center.

Let's be realistic, can we really "aim" at the center on most cut shots? If you can you are able to do something I don't even attempt. I hit the center, however, it's a result{of using the TOI}, not an incentive.

Think about the last time you were pocketing exceptionally well, were you aware of "aiming" or did you just FEEL the object ball hit center? We've been talking about "Zen in the Martial Arts" and "Inner Tennis" lately and this is also a key to maximizing performance.

When you feel like you are part of the Game it then opens up for you. The highest performance possible is done subconsciously, not consciously. No champion player ever got there by seeing better than everyone else, they got there because they developed their feel for the Game and had the sensation of "feeling shots with their eyes".

Develop a feel for the pocket is my suggestion, the whole pocket, not just the center. Then when I talk about (in my TOI video) how I can alter the course of the cue ball by hitting the 3 Parts (instead of using spin) you will relate to what I'm recommending and how it's achieved. 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Patrick Johnson
Many here are prone to believe every lame thing that comes along - I see lots of the same people among the "believers" in these threads.

pj
chgo

They're called amateurs and students of the game.

Best,
Mike

Patrick would rather use words like "believers" because he is trying to encourage good will and harmony in the forum. :rotflmao1:
 
The toi give$ you a license to steal the pocket.

I didn't say it's a placebo; I said the benefits aren't attributable to the causes claimed for it.

"New cue syndrome" doesn't last long because the cause of the increased focus (the newness of the new cue) doesn't last long. TOI's increased focus is caused by a continuing new practice, so I can understand it lasting longer - and even causing permanent improvement. We don't know how big or permanent a change this will ultimately be.


Many here are prone to believe every lame thing that comes along - I see lots of the same people among the "believers" in these system threads.

pj
chgo

Let's keep it professional, insinuating players that are starting to become aware of TOI are "lame, believers (sarcastically) and "nut huggers" is disrespectful at best. At least it shows a negative intention to try to hold good people back, because you are unwilling or unable to try something new, for everyone else I'm going to reveal the next level of TOI.

You see the 3Part pocket system is not just about "increasing margin of error," which you scoff at. It's about something much more valuable to your pool game as one advances. You've heard of the term "cheating the pocket?" THE TOI GIVE$ YOU A LICENSE TO STEAL THE POCKET.

When you use the 3Part pocket system you become an expert at this - why is this important you ask? Because when you, pj, get out of line on every shot, you have to use spin to get back "in good table graces".

Is this starting to make sense yet? You see, my friend, I haven't told you about the advanced reasons to use TOI and the 3 Part Pocket System, I've just stayed at the basics. As you get more aware of hitting 3 parts of the pocket, rather than just {trying} to hit center, it opens up a whole new ability.

No longer do you have to "cheat" the pocket, you now do it instinctively and no longer do you have to use spin, you can do EVERYTHING by using the "TOUCH" of Inside. This "TOUCH" enables you to do something you didn't know existed before (not cheat the pocket), to HONESTLY be about to hit any part of the pocket at will.
220px-Fry-lightbulb-on-forehead1.jpg


Yes, indeed, this is the next level you "can" reach if you commit to using the TOI on every shot for a few hours. You will start to experience an Epiphany about ball pocketing AND position play. Face it, if I can hit any part of the pocket at will and you can't....well, can you say 5, 7 and the break? That's the only way you would be able to compete in a "friendly" Game. 'The Game Will Always Be the Teacher' CJ Wiley
 
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Responding to you has been as fruitful as usual. My mistake.

pj
chgo

I wanted to discuss the topic at hand. But instead you take one point completely out of context & then ask a question for which the answer is obvious but leave out all of the other particulars.

My question to you regarding whether or not you have any other sports experience was sincere in that I or someone else might be able to relate & possibly come up with an analogy to which you might relate. But instead of answering the question, you get flippant. Perhaps it was my fault for not fully explaining my intentions. Sorry.

Those of us that have given TOI an actual fair try on the table know it's benefits. The path you take for your improvement is certainly yours to choose.

I wish you well with & a bit of luck on your pool playing journey.
 
Patrick would rather use words like "believers" because he is trying to encourage good will and harmony in the forum.
"Believers" isn't the most politically correct word I could use, but I don't use it to insult; I use it to convey the fact that systems like TOI and CTE that make illogical claims about how they work depend on users who are eager to "believe in" them without too much critical probing.

pj
chgo
 
"Believers" isn't the most politically correct word I could use, but I don't use it to insult; I use it to convey the fact that systems like TOI and CTE that make illogical claims about how they work depend on users who are eager to "believe in" them without too much critical probing.

pj
chgo

Sure you don't. :lmao:
 
CJ:
I'm going to reveal the next level of TOI... "cheating the pocket"
I consider hitting chosen parts of the pocket a basic skill that's effectively gained through normal practice - without the need to place special limitations on how you hit the CB.

pj
chgo
 
"Believers" isn't the most politically correct word I could use, but I don't use it to insult; I use it to convey the fact that systems like TOI and CTE that make illogical claims about how they work depend on users who are eager to "believe in" them without too much critical probing.

pj
chgo

Isn't it illogical for you to make the above claim if you have no actual first hand experience with these systems? Your passing speculation as fact.
 
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