How much table do you see?

[Angle Detective]

I realized recently that looking at too much table may be a very bad habit. There really is no reason to focus on anything but the rectangle created by the inside of the cushions, is there? Does anyone here block out the rest of the table like this?:

Jeff

 

[Blackjack]

I realized recently that looking at too much table may be a very bad habit. There really is no reason to focus on anything but the rectangle created by the inside of the cushions, is there? Does anyone here block out the rest of the table like this?:
View attachment 61217
Jeff

I don't.

It's a good idea sometimes to change your visual prosepective from time to time - sometimes shots and patterns look extremely easy when you're stuck in the chair, so its a good idea to go back there and look at the table from time to time. You'd be surprised at how well that works.

Staying with the same view can cause you to get tunnel vision - plus you need to examine some shots from different angles and distances. If faced with a tough shot, I always take a few steps away from the table. Sometimes "physically" taking a few steps back helps you you take 1 step forward "mentally".

 

[Andrew Manning]

I realized recently that looking at too much table may be a very bad habit. There really is no reason to focus on anything but the rectangle created by the inside of the cushions, is there? Does anyone here block out the rest of the table like this?:
View attachment 61217
Jeff

The pocket facings and points are critical things to include in your view, especially when shooting into the side from an acute angle, or when cheating a pocket for position, or when shooting at a pocket that is partially blocked. They don't show on the picture you posted.

-Andrew

 

[klockdoc]

I think Phil Capelle stated that your peripheral vision limited you to an area similar to the lines indicated in the diagram below. It may not be exact, but, is fairly close.

This is why it is suggested to stand up, view the shot and travel path before getting down on the shot. Hope this is what you were referring to.

CueTable Help

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Actually, every now and then, especially when I'm nervous, my focus will narrow like this. It's very strange for me when it happens. It's as though my peripheral vision ends at the rails and the entire world is the color of Simonis green. Mind you, I am actually incredibly accurate when this happens. However, it really bothers me and is my signal to take a break. I mean, this may happen like a couple times a year but when it does, you'll see me get up from a very routine shot and take a 2 minute break.

 

[DaveK]

When shooting some kick shots I am looking well outside the table boundaries. For standard pots I see the part of the table that is interesting for the shot. When my shape is outside my peripheral vision I imagine the part I cannot see. My experience is that I can play more precise shape if I have the entire path in front of me.

Dave

 

[Angle Detective]

It's just that viewing the entire big black hole of a pocket can lure the eye away from the partial of the pocket that would actually accept a particular shot.

Playing from within the cushions, and points, would immediately show you what those boundaries are.

In this screenshot, the points and front of the holes in the slate quickly allow you to define the center of the pocket for the shot at hand.
Since I wanted to show 2 pockets at once, the actual boundaries for each pocket are a bit different, but you get my point.

I realize that some shots are more easily pocketable by hitting a rail first, but as a general visualization routine I would think that this way of viewing the table could be helpful. It's as though you are actually in there with the balls with 4 walls around you. It makes the table feel smaller as well. And it seems to sharpen up the angle relationship between the shot paths and the rails.
Jeff

 

[Big C]

It's all about mental focus.

I try not to let my mind wander when I am not at the table, just waiting my turn. If I find myself looking around the room I will shift my focus to the table. It's good to keep your eyes moving, but I believe in staying focused on the table.