Yes. At least aiming and pivot points, yes I do. Without thinking about them, I'd miss. That's like asking if someone thinks about how hard to hit a ball, or if he has a pre-shot routine. It's a method, a system. We all use a system, or we all fall into the trap of failing to repeat success only to have to find that feeling again.
Did you look at my shot illustrated? What's your make percentage? What's the average player's make percentage? I"d say pretty damned low for the second question. Would you rather that someone goes happily with their blissful ignorance never being able to comfortably make that shot?
Are these posts too "scientific" for people? Methodical for sure, but so is standard BCA Instruction. . And all of you aren't going to fart too loud at those posts. And you shouldn't.They're supposed to be methodical and wordy. That's why this is a BILLIARDS DISCUSSION FORUM, and not CHAT ROOM. I'm sure if you watched Mike Page or Colin Colenso shoot (or me for that matter), you wouldn't ask the question. Regardless of what is typed here, we're players first and foremost.
If I'm allowed to be so wordy, I'll expand on this thought. The power shots in today's 9-ball game have manifested itself (or vice versa) in longer bridges. As a related note, the shot accuracy needed in 9-ball has gotten modern players to get lower on the shot. The tight control games of yesterday like 14.1 required a more standup style, presumably to see the angles better, while less power but more hit accuracy (speed and position) manifested itself in shorter bridges (compared to today.)
The few times I play 14.1 or one-pocket, my bridge length automatically gets shorter and my body stands straighter. I suspect every player is like this to a degree.
Fred
