How do you know you need an Aiming System?

Lol. My mom, being a teacher, would say people are wired differently and there's nothing wrong with it. Dad had a more colorful way with words. He'd say some people are born "straight-wired", or "hot-wired".

Your parents seem like very together people. I like them. What happened? :grin::grin:

I suppose some players are wired to think all A players can routinely spank the ghost 5-0 or run 8 or 9 racks of 9-ball at will.

Nope, not true at all. But at least a couple of racks and not necessarily consecutively. What can be learned immediately is the way they play the table based on the CB speed, the amount of spin, and especially the angles.

Getting natural angles to move the CB for an entire rack is the telling tale for any player. That starts immediately after the break when evaluating the entire table to determine the problem ball or balls. If a player is regularly getting out of line, on the wrong side to shoot at the OB, having to spin the hell out of the CB to get back or blast it at warp speed all around the table, you can spot whether they're an A, B, or lower player in a flash.


My best on a 9-ft diamond is 4, so that must make me at least a high C or low B on this scale.

That wouldn't be my standards.

To put it back on track with this thread about knowing whether or not a player needs an aiming system....I don't know if you need one or not. It's an individual thing.

Doesn't that depend on how satisfied the player is with his game? What does one do when their eyes start to go bad? I know, get corrective lenses but it still might not be as sharp as an eagle prior to it.
 
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,,,,,,, hitting different parts of the pocket is standard strategy for position play. If you can't hit different parts of the pocket for shots where it's reasonable, you might blame your aiming or aiming system. I take lessons from a guy that demonstrates the ability to hit the pocket thick or thin at will. If you have not seen that maybe you should.

and he likely knows that aiming at the edges of pockets is a disaster waiting to happen. Most people aim at different parts of the cueball to reach position zones, and center pocket to sync the shot. No position matters if you shoot into the pocket points. That may work on your anniversary, which is very nice btw, but you start doing that on diamonds with deep shelves and you'll get disapointed, a lot. If there is a ball partially blocking a pocket and you can aim past it, fine, but center pocket should almost always be the goal, and your teacher knows it.
 
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and he likely knows that aiming at the edges of pockets is a disaster waiting to happen. Most people aim at different parts of the cueball to reach position zones, and center pocket to sync the shot. No position matters if you shoot into the pocket points. That may work on your anniversary, which is very nice btw, but you start doing that on diamonds with deep shelves and you'll get disapointed, a lot. If there is a ball partially blocking a pocket and you can aim past it, fine, but center pocket should almost always be the goal, and your teacher knows it.

He would say it depends on your ability. He can hit the pocket thick or thin at will and his precision position depends on it. I think going around a 9' table and landing on something the size of a coaster requires that kind of precision. That is what he can do and what he expects from his master level students. I'm not saying I can do it. I am saying he can and I'm trying to learn. If you are limited to center pocket, there are position plays you can't make and I know that for damn sure.
 
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Getting natural angles to move the CB for an entire rack is the telling tale for any player. That starts immediately after the break when evaluating the entire table to determine the problem ball or balls. If a player is regularly getting out of line, on the wrong side to shoot at the OB, having to spin the hell out of the CB to get back or blast it at warp speed all around the table, you can spot whether they're an A, B, or lower player in a flash.

Now I'm beginning to think we aren't wired all that differently. :grin:. And regarding when or if a player decides an aiming system is needed, I think you nailed it Spider with the following quote:


"Doesn't that depend on how satisfied the player is with his game? What does one do when their eyes start to go bad? I know, get corrective lenses but it still might not be as sharp as an eagle prior to it."


I'm the corrective lenses guy that watches upside down runouts by young sharp-eyed players that wiz balls in from the wildest angles, sometimes getting out, often selling out. And I think to myself, when/if this kid learns how to play shape he'll make a great pool player.
 
My best is 3 racks of 9 ball on my 9' table with 4.5" corners, 4 & 5/8" sides. 5 racks playing 9 ball on 7' Diamond tables. So guess I'm a low B player also.


Oh-Oh, Lou is in big trouble now and I'm sure he's having 2nd thoughts especially since he never plays 9 ball any more.

Will you be giving him some sort of spot or playing even for $20 bucks in a set of 3?

How many sets do you plan on stopping at so he doesn't get too embarrassed or hurt financially?
 
Now I'm beginning to think we aren't wired all that differently. :grin:. And regarding when or if a player decides an aiming system is needed, I think you nailed it Spider with the following quote:


"Doesn't that depend on how satisfied the player is with his game? What does one do when their eyes start to go bad? I know, get corrective lenses but it still might not be as sharp as an eagle prior to it."


I'm the corrective lenses guy that watches upside down runouts by young sharp-eyed players that wiz balls in from the wildest angles, sometimes getting out, often selling out. And I think to myself, when/if this kid learns how to play shape he'll make a great pool player.

Dammit! Look what you've gone and done. I was just starting to really dislike you and now I have to reassess the entire scope of it.:rotflmao1:
 
Oh-Oh, Lou is in big trouble now and I'm sure he's having 2nd thoughts especially since he never plays 9 ball any more.

Will you be giving him some sort of spot or playing even for $20 bucks in a set of 3?

How many sets do you plan on stopping at so he doesn't get too embarrassed or hurt financially?

Guess I'm weird but I can have a lot of fun playing for nothing.
 
Guess I'm weird but I can have a lot of fun playing for nothing.

Maybe the guy who is getting dragged out of his home away from the wife doesn't feel that way. Make it worth his while. He was the one who suggested playing some cheap sets and you'll be going to his turf. Not the other way around. Would you go to Las Vegas just to gawk and not spend a dime doing something even if it's the slots?
 
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Maybe the guy who is getting dragged out of his home away from the wife doesn't feel that way. Make it worth his while. He was the one who suggested playing some cheap sets and you'll be going to his turf. Not the other way around. Would you go to Las Vegas just to gawk and not spend a dime doing something even if it's the slots?

Wow! You ARE in charge here and you SPEAK for everyone. Absolutely amazing Jimmy. Lou can tell me privately if he will only come out to play for money. We have each other's phone number. I don't think we need you in any form.
 
Wow! You ARE in charge here and you SPEAK for everyone. Absolutely amazing Jimmy. Lou can tell me privately if he will only come out to play for money. We have each other's phone number. I don't think we need you in any form.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Touchy old fella, aren't you. One might think you're about ready to blow a gasket and have a stroke. Real pool players like to play for something, anything. I guess you haven't reached that level yet of being considered a "real pool player".

Have fun you two. Teach him how to do a drag draw and pocket balls in all 3 sides of the pocket.
 
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He would say it depends on your ability. He can hit the pocket thick or thin at will and his precision position depends on it. I think going around a 9' table and landing on something the size of a coaster requires that kind of precision. That is what he can do and what he expects from his master level students. I'm not saying I can do it. I am saying he can and I'm trying to learn. If you are limited to center pocket, there are position plays you can't make and I know that for damn sure.

He can't do it all the time either, and if you think he's depending on cheating pockets to get there your 2 years experience in pool is showing dramatically. There is more he's not told you, probably because you aren't ready for it. Is master level determined by ability who who pays for the most lessons?
 
Guess I'm weird but I can have a lot of fun playing for nothing.

Unfortunately you won't get to test your brand new skill set playing descent players because they rarely play free.

Years ago when I started getting serious about one pocket the best around was an old fella named Duke that lived over in Greenville NC, about 50 miles away, We caled him The Duke of Greenville, but he had a sister that lived in my town and he'd come over about once a month and stay with her a weekend and spend a day or two at my local pool room for a few hours. He had played with the one hole gamblers there to the point they wouldn't play him without ridiculous spots so he couldn't get a game often. So on those days I would get him to play me, heads up, for $10 a game. Well we eventually got to be good enough friends that after we finished playing he'd show me some of the stupid shots I had shot, and what I should have done. Man that guy could play one pocket, finessing 2 and 3 railers around the table through traffic, the ball slipping in the hole like a little mouse, shots I would leave him that I didn't even know were there, shots you never shoot except in one pocket. It was a beautiful thing to watch. I'd usually play till I lost $50 then quit. As we played more and I started learning to move and got better at defense the games would take longer, and I felt like I was getting more for my money. The things I learned from him, The Duke as everyone called him, were priceless. I've taken lessons from professionals but never learned anything nearly as valuable as I did playing the Duke. I never, ever won a game against him, and he doesn't come around anymore, I heard his sister died, but I sure would like to give him a go now, not that I think I could beat him overall, but I know it would be more fun, for both of us.

Playing just to play doesn't put the needed pressure on yourself to seriously get better. You practice all the time, and play with people who maybe don't, you get to the point where you can always beat them, and that is your level, why get better now, you always win. You talk about golf a lot, didn't you ever play with people better than you for money? Remember how it felt when you had a good day and won their money? Practice and lessons help, no doubt, but pressure from somebody shooting back tells the tale.
 
Brian, do you have some kind of short in the electrical function or your brain or just like to argue?

Dave - why have you had arguments with virtually EVERY poster in this forum who has not pledged a blood oath to Stan, He Who Invented CTE Pro1?

You seem like a very angry soul for a person of only 40 years. Seriously.
 
Unfortunately you won't get to test your brand new skill set playing descent players because they rarely play free.

This is not exactly true...I have walked into many a room and simply started playing by myself and ended up shooting some of the best players I have ever seen for no money whatsoever. Often in a slow room the best players will look for the person they think can test their game even a little bit, and you can get a game. I haven't played for real money in 20 years, but a buck or three a rack will get you games against anyone you want if the conditions of the room are right.

Plus, not being the asshole that will only play for money makes you more approachable, and once word gets out that you aren't an asshole, most people will give you a game here and there even if you are under their skill level.

As to the knowing if you need an aiming system question...my personal belief in this matter, is if you think it'll help, it couldn't hurt. A lot of this game is confidence...negativity breeds negativity and it is always nice to have something positive to build upon...if an aiming system gives you that then that is awesome.

Since I got back into the game after a lengthy absence (17 years) I looked into a lot of the aiming systems, CTE, 90/90, even a shadow method from the forums and others) to be honest, they weren't a lot of help, Tor Lowry's stuff on the other hand has been quite inspiring and has really helped me progress to at least the level I was before I took my leave of absence...that dude is awesome!
 
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Dave - why have you had arguments with virtually EVERY poster in this forum who has not pledged a blood oath to Stan, He Who Invented CTE Pro1?

You seem like a very angry soul for a person of only 40 years. Seriously.

LMAO! Of all the people to come on here and post something like this is incredible when all of it applies to you from the other end.

You really do place yourself on a high pedestal looking down on everyone as you rule from high above. What a joke!

Lets flip some or YOUR words around for your end of it:

Dan - why have you had arguments with virtually EVERY poster in this forum who is pro CTE in addition to Stan and pledged a blood oath to those like yourself who know next to nothing and anti-CTE? Why have you harassed Stan every opportunity you can with the same inane questions that have been answered along with your videos that prove beyond a shadow of a doubt you don't know squat about CTE?

You seem like a very angry, hostile, psychotic soul for a person of (whatever your age is). Seriously.
 
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denwhit, this will be the only warning on insulting other users.

It will be a vacation next time.
 
This is not exactly true...I have walked into many a room and simply started playing by myself and ended up shooting some of the best players I have ever seen for no money whatsoever. Often in a slow room the best players will look for the person they think can test their game even a little bit, and you can get a game. I haven't played for real money in 20 years, but a buck or three a rack will get you games against anyone you want if the conditions of the room are right.

Plus, not being the asshole that will only play for money makes you more approachable, and once word gets out that you aren't an asshole, most people will give you a game here and there even if you are under their skill level.

As to the knowing if you need an aiming system question...my personal belief in this matter, is if you think it'll help, it couldn't hurt. A lot of this game is confidence...negativity breeds negativity and it is always nice to have something positive to build upon...if an aiming system gives you that then that is awesome.

Since I got back into the game after a lengthy absence (17 years) I looked into a lot of the aiming systems, CTE, 90/90, even a shadow method from the forums and others) to be honest, they weren't a lot of help, Tor Lowry's stuff on the other hand has been quite inspiring and has really helped me progress to at least the level I was before I took my leave of absence...that dude is awesome!

I agree. I do venture down to a bar that has one 9' Diamond with 4.25' pockets and 7-7' Diamonds also with tight pockets. There is a local professional that works there for the free pool and I play him once or twice a week. I know his only income is from tournament winnings and gambling so I play him races to 7 for $10. He gives me all the breaks and then ball in hand. I did beat him on one of the seven footers because I can run out starting with BiH (about 60% of the time). Then we move to the 9' table and he always wins those races. I keep playing him because watching him shoot is a form of lesson and I like the guy and know he can use the money. Sometimes I can run out on the 9' but usually I'll mess up shape and leave myself too tough or just out right miss a ball and of course he'll run out. My safeties are almost up to his and if the shot or shape is too tough I'll play a safety. Have not beat him on the 9' yet but we just started doing this about a month ago.
 
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This is not exactly true...I have walked into many a room and simply started playing by myself and ended up shooting some of the best players I have ever seen for no money whatsoever. Often in a slow room the best players will look for the person they think can test their game even a little bit, and you can get a game. I haven't played for real money in 20 years, but a buck or three a rack will get you games against anyone you want if the conditions of the room are right.

Plus, not being the asshole that will only play for money makes you more approachable, and once word gets out that you aren't an asshole, most people will give you a game here and there even if you are under their skill level.

As to the knowing if you need an aiming system question...my personal belief in this matter, is if you think it'll help, it couldn't hurt. A lot of this game is confidence...negativity breeds negativity and it is always nice to have something positive to build upon...if an aiming system gives you that then that is awesome.

Since I got back into the game after a lengthy absence (17 years) I looked into a lot of the aiming systems, CTE, 90/90, even a shadow method from the forums and others) to be honest, they weren't a lot of help, Tor Lowry's stuff on the other hand has been quite inspiring and has really helped me progress to at least the level I was before I took my leave of absence...that dude is awesome!

Big LIKE button needed.
 
Unfortunately you won't get to test your brand new skill set playing descent players because they rarely play free.
I disagree to a point.
The Ghost is a very formidable opponent on the big table. The player who can beat him 5-6 games in a row at 9-Ball is hitting them pretty good, in my opinion. Trying to beat him at 8-Ball is sheer torment.
Yes, it is true that it's all offense and with no practice throwing safeties at someone or getting out of safeties or traps.
On the other hand, some people like myself just enjoy seeing the balls go into the pockets without having to stand there bored to death while the other guy shoots. Listening to his mouth isn't much fun either. (The Ghost never says a word :wink:)
As for getting used to this 'pressure' thing, there is usually someone standing around who will be glad to make wagers (and give pretty good odds too) that the Ghost wins. That's good pressure and will usually attract a crowd of the usual railbirds who'll have their things to say as well.
Pool costs are up there. I'd prefer to enjoy myself without the "excitement" (says who?)....of dealing with someone else at the table with me. UNLESS...I choose to do otherwise.
Being hustled to 'play some cheap' by every swindler and derelict in a pool room annoys me greatly. But a poolroom is just that and nothing more...always has been that way and always will be that way. It is what it is.
Just my opinion...not world shaking at all
 
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