Sweet little tool!
Fast Improvement Training Method for Shot Making
- Thread starter AimPro Billiards
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Sweet little tool!
AimPro Billiards
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The confusion about what I'm aiming at should be cleared up visually in my next video(s) (I'm currently thinking to separate what I've filmed and have to say in 2 videos, but we'll see). But as a preview, I'll repeat what I've said before, when shooting the AimRight Straight-Cut Drill, I'm repeating the cue ball up and back drill and putting a ball in the way. So ask yourself, what is it that you do (what do you 'aim' at) when you shoot that drill shot? I'm doing the same or similar. No AimRight, Ghost Ball indicator or any such thing is needed; just a target at the rail.
And I agree that the mind is tricky and even though I'm trying to shoot nothing but straight, I'm obviously aware of the ball I'm trying to pocket as well as what my previous errors and tendencies are. So I wind up with arm swerving and a temptation to aim off center a tiny bit if I'm missing consistently to one side. Also, right at the end of the stroke, I can often tell when I'm going to miss and I put in some body english (mostly stick swerving) to try to help the ball go in -- obviously that's crazy and poor form, but I find it's a VERY HARD habit to break. I keep trying to prevent such things either by will power, altered methods or altered body mechanics and dry practice repetition (but I can't do much of that -- see below).
You'll say: Stay down on the shot frozen until the balls (go in/stop moving or whatever). Yes, I know all of that. But you haven't seen my back MRI or know the pain I feel when bent over a shot. I can't stay down very long, so I pay a price for the time spent bent over a shot; I try to minimize that so I can play more shots before I have to quit for the session. I may soon have to quit playing entirely, but maybe the right drugs, supplements or PT or other therapy may help. I'm pleased I can still play at all. And I'll stick to short games like 8 9 and 10 ball; no way I could hope to physically handle a long run in straight pool, if I were to get that good. And I may not be able to play a short tournament anymore either.
Folks want to see how I look now. Sorry, but I won't look much different than before. What's mostly different are the results, which are the consequence of things that are more subtle than most are likely to see in the forthcoming videos. This also means that the gross things you see that are unconventional at best don't make much difference to my shot results at my current level. I won't look like a semi-pro or professional player and that's not my goal. I merely need to improve my shot making somewhat and have no goal to turn pro nor claim my current shot mechanics are what folks should strive for. So far, I've found that I just need to reform habits related to the problems and fixes I've found and be consistent with them; I don't need a more elaborate preshot routine or any of the other conventional things -- to get the level of improvement I'm after. I'm old and don't have the energy nor need to improve/fix all my stroke fundamentals. Maybe you do with your own goals, but not me.
So the point of my videos is NEVER to say to do it the way I'm doing it. Besides that everyone is different, I propose to fix the low hanging fruit in a process that in incremental. Find and fix what proves to be the biggest source of stroke error. So, I'm presenting a process, not a solution.
If training a kid to be a champion and the kid has the patience for it, start with the basics that are thought to be correct for everyone and build strong habits -- with lots of dry practice, maybe with stroke trainers, etc. I'm at a different stage of life with different goals and I'm only trying to change the things that PROVE to me that they make the most difference because change is hard. And I DON'T CARE what others think about how I look when shooting -- otherwise I would never post videos of myself. I know how it looks.
Please try to focus on the process I'm presenting (IF you are interested in a process to improve accuracy and aiming in a methodical way) and let's discuss that.
And I agree that the mind is tricky and even though I'm trying to shoot nothing but straight, I'm obviously aware of the ball I'm trying to pocket as well as what my previous errors and tendencies are. So I wind up with arm swerving and a temptation to aim off center a tiny bit if I'm missing consistently to one side. Also, right at the end of the stroke, I can often tell when I'm going to miss and I put in some body english (mostly stick swerving) to try to help the ball go in -- obviously that's crazy and poor form, but I find it's a VERY HARD habit to break. I keep trying to prevent such things either by will power, altered methods or altered body mechanics and dry practice repetition (but I can't do much of that -- see below).
You'll say: Stay down on the shot frozen until the balls (go in/stop moving or whatever). Yes, I know all of that. But you haven't seen my back MRI or know the pain I feel when bent over a shot. I can't stay down very long, so I pay a price for the time spent bent over a shot; I try to minimize that so I can play more shots before I have to quit for the session. I may soon have to quit playing entirely, but maybe the right drugs, supplements or PT or other therapy may help. I'm pleased I can still play at all. And I'll stick to short games like 8 9 and 10 ball; no way I could hope to physically handle a long run in straight pool, if I were to get that good. And I may not be able to play a short tournament anymore either.
Folks want to see how I look now. Sorry, but I won't look much different than before. What's mostly different are the results, which are the consequence of things that are more subtle than most are likely to see in the forthcoming videos. This also means that the gross things you see that are unconventional at best don't make much difference to my shot results at my current level. I won't look like a semi-pro or professional player and that's not my goal. I merely need to improve my shot making somewhat and have no goal to turn pro nor claim my current shot mechanics are what folks should strive for. So far, I've found that I just need to reform habits related to the problems and fixes I've found and be consistent with them; I don't need a more elaborate preshot routine or any of the other conventional things -- to get the level of improvement I'm after. I'm old and don't have the energy nor need to improve/fix all my stroke fundamentals. Maybe you do with your own goals, but not me.
So the point of my videos is NEVER to say to do it the way I'm doing it. Besides that everyone is different, I propose to fix the low hanging fruit in a process that in incremental. Find and fix what proves to be the biggest source of stroke error. So, I'm presenting a process, not a solution.
If training a kid to be a champion and the kid has the patience for it, start with the basics that are thought to be correct for everyone and build strong habits -- with lots of dry practice, maybe with stroke trainers, etc. I'm at a different stage of life with different goals and I'm only trying to change the things that PROVE to me that they make the most difference because change is hard. And I DON'T CARE what others think about how I look when shooting -- otherwise I would never post videos of myself. I know how it looks.
Please try to focus on the process I'm presenting (IF you are interested in a process to improve accuracy and aiming in a methodical way) and let's discuss that.
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AimPro Billiards
Registered
For those wondering about the AimRight and if this post is just a nefarious plot by me to increase sales and if it's too pricey compared to alternatives, let me say a few things.
I've been selling AimPro Billiards products (AimRight and Cut Angles Challenge 101 computer game) for about 5 years. I developed these because I thought they would be good to help MY game and shooting and I commercialized them to share with the broader pool community. I also post youtube videos that are on related topics, both to share information and promote product awareness. I have no website, because this is all a VERY low-budget operation. My net profits in this business are less than 1% of my income; so the money I make is materially insignificant. My hourly wage when considering the videos (I get no revenue from youtube) and the computer game development and posting here and manufacturing/shipping/support processes are probably less than $0.10 per hour [originally said 0.01]. I am definitely NOT doing this 'business' to make money, but rather to try to make enough to cover costs with a little left over to provide incentive to keep doing it. I'm doing it to share useful tools and information for those who are interested.
The AimRight, as compared to other similar products, has several advantages. That's why I made it. I couldn't find what I wanted on the market. It's very durable and a nice size. It lays nicely and balls roll over it smoothly compared to paper products you might cheaply print. And it has two templates for left and right cuts, which offers several advantages. The product comes with lifetime technical support (via email). The product has a 10 page (8.5 x 11) color User Guide crammed with data supporting related aspects of pool shooting, like what're the relative travel distances after the shot of cue ball and object ball at each cut angle; how much gearing english is needed to negate CIT at each cut angle; what's the travel path of the CB after the shot at each cut angle with normal roll and strong draw; etc. This is WAY more than you get with those other aim training devices. Did I mention you can leave it on the table and shoot over it without interference? Billiard Product Reviews (billiardproductreviews.com) has an independent review of the AimRight and Steve Sherman thinks highly of it and describes other advantages. Read his review of the AimRight and form your own opinion. And check his reviews of other billiard products; he has a nice site.
I made this specific post because I learned a new shot improvement process that makes sense to me and has given me results. Having an AimRight facilitated the process. But it is not needed. It would be nice to sell more AimRights, but even better, would be to help more players learn about alternative methods to improve their shot making: accuracy and aiming. Even better still would be if pool teachers would find value and then present it as an option to their students.
I've been selling AimPro Billiards products (AimRight and Cut Angles Challenge 101 computer game) for about 5 years. I developed these because I thought they would be good to help MY game and shooting and I commercialized them to share with the broader pool community. I also post youtube videos that are on related topics, both to share information and promote product awareness. I have no website, because this is all a VERY low-budget operation. My net profits in this business are less than 1% of my income; so the money I make is materially insignificant. My hourly wage when considering the videos (I get no revenue from youtube) and the computer game development and posting here and manufacturing/shipping/support processes are probably less than $0.10 per hour [originally said 0.01]. I am definitely NOT doing this 'business' to make money, but rather to try to make enough to cover costs with a little left over to provide incentive to keep doing it. I'm doing it to share useful tools and information for those who are interested.
The AimRight, as compared to other similar products, has several advantages. That's why I made it. I couldn't find what I wanted on the market. It's very durable and a nice size. It lays nicely and balls roll over it smoothly compared to paper products you might cheaply print. And it has two templates for left and right cuts, which offers several advantages. The product comes with lifetime technical support (via email). The product has a 10 page (8.5 x 11) color User Guide crammed with data supporting related aspects of pool shooting, like what're the relative travel distances after the shot of cue ball and object ball at each cut angle; how much gearing english is needed to negate CIT at each cut angle; what's the travel path of the CB after the shot at each cut angle with normal roll and strong draw; etc. This is WAY more than you get with those other aim training devices. Did I mention you can leave it on the table and shoot over it without interference? Billiard Product Reviews (billiardproductreviews.com) has an independent review of the AimRight and Steve Sherman thinks highly of it and describes other advantages. Read his review of the AimRight and form your own opinion. And check his reviews of other billiard products; he has a nice site.
I made this specific post because I learned a new shot improvement process that makes sense to me and has given me results. Having an AimRight facilitated the process. But it is not needed. It would be nice to sell more AimRights, but even better, would be to help more players learn about alternative methods to improve their shot making: accuracy and aiming. Even better still would be if pool teachers would find value and then present it as an option to their students.
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FYI....I went to that site and when you click on links it downloads files......No bueno.
This is really, really bad. I'm not sure what AimPro is trying to do or whether that site has been hijacked, but this is really, really bad.
AimPro Billiards
Registered
??? really, really bad ??? how so? Is harm being done somehow?
I have noted similar problems just recently at his site using microsoft edge (and I notified Steve). But I can bring it up just fine with Firefox (although I'm using a very old version of it). (on Windows 11 PC)
In Chrome when I go to that site, I'm asked to download a file and where do I want to put it.
Chrome is the most common browser in nearly every country. Sites have to work with Chrome.
AimPro Billiards
Registered
Yeah, I agree the site should work. It used to work. It's not mine and I have no affiliation with the owner of it.
So no harm is being done then? Site is just broken for common browsers?
I notified Steve Sherman again. When I notified him a month ago, he replied that he'd look into it. A few weeks ago, I checked and it was working then. Now it's not again (except for my old version of Firefox).
What is in the downloaded file? I am not brave enough to download it. Does it turn your computer into one of those zombies that does the bidding of its masters in Russia?
Nah, but you can probably "do this genius hack" to double the size of your penis if you download it.
AimPro Billiards
Registered
I don't know. I downloaded it several times, but never tried opening it. But ignore that file. The site is having a problem and Steve advises that he's duplicated the problem; doesn't know what it is; and is asking his provider to troubleshoot the problem.
AimPro Billiards
Registered
The Billiard Product Reviews web site now seems to be working correctly now. Let me know if you encounter any issues while checking out the review of the AimRight, etc.
I'm a bit late in the conversation so I apologize for the redundancy.
Ray is a good friend, and I appreciate his contribution to this game. I believe that content meant to be should be free from any restraint upon its usage. If anything, he’s sharing intellectual knowledge which is freely accessible to all.
IMHO - Ray is not attempting to sell anything that can't be accessed from Dr. Goggle. That's how I initially found his work. However, his choice to make his videos private prevents me from unhindered public access.
There are many websites that allow you to link content via an embedded link. If Ray’s intent was to share his opinions publicly, he’ll need to change the YouTube sharing restrictions. Otherwise, we’ll have to search out the content ourselves.
I say release the restrictions or remove this thread - IMHO
Edit: I checked the link and the restriction is still there.
What the heck with the sneaky YouTube link? You guys need to stop marketing and abide to the rules. I don't believe that Ray needs to prove anything more than what’s being shared here.
Your crafty BS sneak link was not expected or needed.
The moderator should have pulled your convo
btw - No aid will fix a faulty stroke. See Ray’s first video.
Well...you are sure welcome to report my post...but you may want to re-read it first after pulling your head out your arse...What the heck with the sneaky YouTube link? You guys need to stop marketing and abide to the rules. I don't believe that Ray needs to prove anything more than what’s being shared here.
Your crafty BS sneak link was not expected or needed.
The moderator should have pulled your convo
btw - No aid will fix a faulty stroke. See Ray’s first video.
I don't know of any sneaky YouTube link I posted ....Other than an OBVIOUS joke in my signature which is not "marketing" and is in every post I make since it is a "signature"..
I have done no "marketing" ....The only "marketing" is being done by the OP.....Which I have no complaint about......In this thread I have only posted a picture of a device I made with a 3D printer ....(I make crap for the fun of it).....I did not offer it for sale..in fact I don't market it......and further more it is in my post that talks about how they are not a good stroke development tool...they are only good to demonstrate for the un-knowing...I have no interest in marketing it for sale ..Now if someone asks for one privately....that is none of your damn business.
The only "sneaky-ness" links that were posted were by your fine upstanding OP friend that posted links that tried to download (who knows what) on my computer....My last post in this thread was that notification...
I am no longer interested in this thread and have no intention of any further posts within it ..
So kindly.....Shove It!!
Good Day Sir
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