Eyes Jump UP

ICUE

ICUE

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I was practicing the other day and missed a couple of easy shots. So I figured I was getting lazy and not really concentrating on the ball. So I tried to really concentrate on seeing the cue ball contact the object ball. I was surprised that by doing this I could not see the ball go into the pocket except out of my preferal vision. This was different, as I would usually shoot then watch the ball go into the pocket. Which made me think that I could be missing some shots by looking to the pocket before the cue ball made contact with the object ball. So I made me wonder is there a "right way" follow the cue ball to the object ball. Any feedback would be appreciated.
 
ICUE said:
I was practicing the other day and missed a couple of easy shots. So I figured I was getting lazy and not really concentrating on the ball. So I tried to really concentrate on seeing the cue ball contact the object ball. I was surprised that by doing this I could not see the ball go into the pocket except out of my preferal vision. This was different, as I would usually shoot then watch the ball go into the pocket. Which made me think that I could be missing some shots by looking to the pocket before the cue ball made contact with the object ball. So I made me wonder is there a "right way" follow the cue ball to the object ball. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

The pocket does not matter, what matters is where you hit the obj ball. If you strike it correctly the pocket can be 3" wide or 50ft. I aim with my stick (S.A.M.) and you described how I see when I shoot, except I'm just trying to touch the obj contact point with my tip. Once I'm lined up on the shot correctly with center or any kind of english , I just " point the tip at the contact point and when I deliver the stroke I'm trying to pretend that my cue is really long and it reaches out and touches that obj. ball contact point.

If I deliver the tip to that point the ball falls, if I don't you get to shoot. The cue ball is a reference to play position just as you use english to move the rock not to make the ball, for its all about position, the cue stick is what you aim and pocket the ball with. Always focus on the point you said, but pratice your perifial recognition skills also (quite eyes) , see the whole pic without scrutinizing every detail.

Grey Ghost
 
ICUE...Your cue goes where your eyes go. You should be looking at your aim point on the OB, when you pull the trigger (Exceptions: the break, a jump shot, a kick shot, a masse').

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

ICUE said:
I was practicing the other day and missed a couple of easy shots. So I figured I was getting lazy and not really concentrating on the ball. So I tried to really concentrate on seeing the cue ball contact the object ball. I was surprised that by doing this I could not see the ball go into the pocket except out of my preferal vision. This was different, as I would usually shoot then watch the ball go into the pocket. Which made me think that I could be missing some shots by looking to the pocket before the cue ball made contact with the object ball. So I made me wonder is there a "right way" follow the cue ball to the object ball. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
 
The pocket is NOT your target!
The aiming point at the cue ball is your target. (or if you are kicking, the aiming point on the rail)
When you are delivering the cue stick, your eyes need to be on your target. You do NOT need to see the object ball go into the pocket.
Delivering the cue ball to your target is the goal. Pocketing the object ball is just the result of properly delivering the cue ball to the object ball.

Steve
 
Thanks for your input

There seems to be a agreement that I had a flaw in my technique. I know that when I was down on the shot I was concentrating very much on the object ball all the way until I contacted the CB and as soon as I hit the CB I was peeking to see if I had made the shot or watch it go in the pocket if I was very sure I was going to make the OB. So I am going to try and stay focused on the OB, watch the CB make contact with the OB and not try to follow th OB in the pocket with my eyes. I have done some of this and it does feel very different. Again thanks all of you for your help
 
It is truely amazing how important your personal eye patterns are to your game. I was in a slump a couple of years ago, and just couldn't figure out why. I ended up playing pool with Randy for a couple of hours, and on the way home, asked him what he had observed. His very simple answer was that my eye patterns were off. That was all I needed to hear, and after about a week of PEP drills, I was right back on top of my game.

As Randy likes to say, PEP is the second most important thing we teach in pool school.

Steve
 
Tom Ross (AZ Billiards) has a column where he says follow the object ball to the pocket with your eyes.

Never made sense to me on cut shots and on straight shots I would think it would cause you to jump especially when the ball and the pocket aren't close together.

Anybody see any "sense" in following the object ball into the pocket with your eyes?
 
I know a player here who, during aiming, uses a method that works well for him. He gets down on the shot and literally feels the right side of the pocket, and left side of the pocket.

He then fires in and moves on to the next shot.

I personally don't think there's any importance to follow the OB in the hole with your eyes. You should know that it's going in before you even fire. It's the cue ball you should be paying attention to after contact.
 
accustatsfan said:
Tom Ross (AZ Billiards) has a column where he says follow the object ball to the pocket with your eyes.

Never made sense to me on cut shots and on straight shots I would think it would cause you to jump especially when the ball and the pocket aren't close together.

Anybody see any "sense" in following the object ball into the pocket with your eyes?
Click to expand...



I doubt if Tom Ross wrote that. He is a good instructor and would know better. If anything your eyes will follow the cueball....SPF=randyg
 
So I spent a couple of hours concentrating on watching the CB travel to the OB to the contact point and then staying focused at that point. I think that it is going to be a big help. A very important additional benefit is that it kept me frozen in my follow through position and there was no tendancy to try to jump up after I stroked the ball. I work hard on staying down on the shot but sometimes on really tough shots I would pop up. This stopped happening when I stayed focused on the CB all the way to contact point. So if anyone has problems with popping up I would say this might be a solution for that problem
 
ICUE said:
So I spent a couple of hours concentrating on watching the CB travel to the OB to the contact point and then staying focused at that point. I think that it is going to be a big help. A very important additional benefit is that it kept me frozen in my follow through position and there was no tendancy to try to jump up after I stroked the ball. I work hard on staying down on the shot but sometimes on really tough shots I would pop up. This stopped happening when I stayed focused on the CB all the way to contact point. So if anyone has problems with popping up I would say this might be a solution for that problem
Click to expand...

We try to only offer advice that will help. :grin:

Steve
 
randyg said:
I doubt if Tom Ross wrote that. He is a good instructor and would know better. If anything your eyes will follow the cueball....SPF=randyg
Click to expand...

It's the "Tempo" article.

"There are some rules for the exercise and you should follow them closely. Begin with chalking your tip, an essential step in preparation for every shot. Now comes the routine set forth last month. Connect with the object ball; make your stance; warm up; move your eyes to the object ball; pause and shoot. After shooting make certain that your tip remains forward and that you stay down, no pulling back or jumping up allowed, and that you follow the object ball to the pocket with your eyes".
 
I think the point Tom was trying to make was to not follow the ball with your head. I'm sure he means you should first make sure the tip of the cue stays on line and then follow the object ball's path with your eyes while still staying down in your stance.

Your eyes are moving with the object ball AFTER the cue ball leaves the tip of the cue.
 
bcm said:
I think the point Tom was trying to make was to not follow the ball with your head. I'm sure he means you should first make sure the tip of the cue stays on line and then follow the object ball's path with your eyes while still staying down in your stance.

Your eyes are moving with the object ball AFTER the cue ball leaves the tip of the cue.
Click to expand...

Thanks that sounds better. I just know from shooting firearms if you start looking to see if you hit the target before you complete the follow-through you will miss.
 
These guys are all right............

ICUE said:
I was practicing the other day and missed a couple of easy shots. So I figured I was getting lazy and not really concentrating on the ball. So I tried to really concentrate on seeing the cue ball contact the object ball. I was surprised that by doing this I could not see the ball go into the pocket except out of my preferal vision. This was different, as I would usually shoot then watch the ball go into the pocket. Which made me think that I could be missing some shots by looking to the pocket before the cue ball made contact with the object ball. So I made me wonder is there a "right way" follow the cue ball to the object ball. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Hi there,

You do need to look at the object at the last moment. And keep looking at it until the shot is completed. Unless you are trying to get the cue stick out of the way you should practice seeing the cue ball hit the object ball.

I have an old method that I used to do. Believe it or not I just remembered it after about 10 years. About 7 of those years I did not play.
I've never seen this done or explained anywhere. I call it the DRIFT METHOD. I named it myself because I can. It had no existence before. I have made it available with a simple call to my personal cell phone to Perfect Aim customers. They have called me back to let me know that it worked great for them also. If you want to give me a call I will explain this to you. This will fit right in with everything you are talking about and make it easier. It will show you how to get a final visual of the ball and the pocket. It can be done. And it works......... Kind of like getting cake with your ice cream.
Give me a call 715-563-8712 after 7:00 PM

Have a great day Geno...............
 
greyghost said:
The pocket does not matter, what matters is where you hit the obj ball. If you strike it correctly the pocket can be 3" wide or 50ft. I aim with my stick (S.A.M.) and you described how I see when I shoot, except I'm just trying to touch the obj contact point with my tip. Once I'm lined up on the shot correctly with center or any kind of english , I just " point the tip at the contact point and when I deliver the stroke I'm trying to pretend that my cue is really long and it reaches out and touches that obj. ball contact point.

If I deliver the tip to that point the ball falls, if I don't you get to shoot. The cue ball is a reference to play position just as you use english to move the rock not to make the ball, for its all about position, the cue stick is what you aim and pocket the ball with. Always focus on the point you said, but pratice your perifial recognition skills also (quite eyes) , see the whole pic without scrutinizing every detail.

Grey Ghost
Click to expand...

++++1

I dont take my eyes off the object ball contact point or raise up until I hear the cue ball strike the object ball. I'm always listening for the pure hit on the object ball.

Message too short had to add ten more characters.
 
accustatsfan said:
Tom Ross (AZ Billiards) has a column where he says follow the object ball to the pocket with your eyes.

Never made sense to me on cut shots and on straight shots I would think it would cause you to jump especially when the ball and the pocket aren't close together.

Anybody see any "sense" in following the object ball into the pocket with your eyes?
Click to expand...


Never made sense to me either.
Rule #1 in pool: Believe everything you read......:-)
That's why we have "certified" instructors...SPF=randyg
 
#Rule No 2: Never believe without trying yourself :grin-square:

lg
:rotflmao1:
Ingo
 
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