Rick - excellent point IMO, and one that is not made frequently or forcefully enough. Looking from the outside, all you see are the outward manifestations of what a player is doing. And describing the pool stroke in these terms has two major problems:
This is correct!!!
I have a way to connect the entire body to the cue, then use the cue as a reference. This is very advanced, however, it can be taught to beginners and intermediates players in a matter of 12-15 hours (over 4-7 sessions).
It's not easy, although the rewards are priceless, saving the student years of frustration because of an inability to improve every day, in every way. 'The Game is my Teacher'
Hi CJ,
I just posted about athletes in another thread. An athlete has to feel what they are doing & make that connection to the implement that they are using, whether it be bat, racket, club, or whatever.
Looking at video & seeing from the outside, to me, is only a good thing if one THINKS they are doing something that they are not or THINKS that they are not doing something that they are & do not believe what the coach or instructor is telling them.
Then a video can be used to convince the athlete of what the coach or instructor is telling them. I never needed video, I just asked the player, 'What... do you really think that I am lying to you about what I'm seeing?'. After that they generally accepted what I was telling them.
Many times I have given instructions describing what a player should do to no avail. It was not until I took a literal hands on approach & made them feel what I was talking about that it finally clicked for them.
Anyway, as You well know, it's all about what comes from within & what one 'feels'. Athletes know that. Others I guess just don't get it.
To me, it's rather difficult if not impossible to have any real feel with the implement that is to be used if it is just sitting in one's hand. It's like you've said, we need to be able to control the cue well enough to sign our name in the air above the cue ball. At least that's how I feel about it.
Maybe there needs to be two different approaches to playing the game. One for athletes & one for intellectuals. Not that one can't be both at the same time.
Best 2 You & All,
Rick