Eye pattern question.

J

JBailey

Registered
A couple years ago or so I learned about the value of developing a consistent eye pattern. My pattern is to focus on the aiming point on the object ball until I am completely down in my shot and have taken a practice stoke or two, Then I focus on the cueball for a few seconds, couple practice strokes, then its back to my aiming point on the object ball until execution of the shot is complete. This pattern worked very well for me for a long time.


Last few days I have been experimenting with my eye pattern. I have only been focusing on the aiming point on the object ball. I focus on the object ball throughout the entire shot process and never look at the cueball.

My question is:

Is the second method I described used or recommended?
 
I would not recommend this eye pattern for one reason. While your eyes should be establishing the line between cue ball and aiming point as you are bringing your cue into shooting position, once you have established that the cue is on line, your eyes should shift to the cue ball. You want to verify that your tip is going to make contact so as to apply whatever spin is required for the shot. Also, as you are doing your warm up strokes, you want your eyes on the tip and cue ball, not only to verify you will be making contact in the proper place, but to reduce the chance of accidentally touching the tip to the cue and committing a foul.
Once you have completed your warm up strokes, and are ready to pull the trigger on the shot, allow your eyes to go back to your aiming point, lock in on that point, and then begin your final back stroke, and finish your shot with your eyes remaining on the aiming point.
I think you will find this system gives you the eye pattern that gives your brain the information it needs, as it needs it.

Steve
 
JBailey...Steve is right on here. I can say it a little different way, but it is the exact same process. As you are lining up your shot (called aiming), your eyes will naturally go back and forth between your aim point on the OB and your aim point on the CB (some people move their cue back and forth during this process...some don't...but you cannot tell if you're "lined up" or not, until you stop your cuestick). This can be as quick or slow as you want, and as many times as you want. Once you are done aiming (which means you are now down in your stance, and everything "looks" and "feels" right), your cue should be stopped, with the tip VERY close to the CB (less than 1/2"). This is where the 2 second focus process begins. Focus intently on the CB aim point for a minimum of 2 seconds (do not move your cue). Then shift your focus to the aim point on the OB, for another minimum 2 seconds (don't move your cue). These time frames are determined by how much visual information your brain needs, in order to process, and give the "go ahead" to take the shot. Now you go into your 'normal' preshot shooting routine. Eyes on the CB for your warm up cycle...change focus to the OB, and take your final stroke. I'd love to teach you this when I can get up to Iron Mountain. Besides an accurate and repeatable setup and delivery process, the consistent eye pattern is the number one thing to raise up your overall skill. One more thing...this process is based on science, not speculation!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
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