How to Aim Pool Shots (HAPS) - new videos by Dr. Dave and Bob Jewett

[336Robin]

Backhand English ditto

Typically the main problem with intermediate players is their lack of a consistent stroke.

Here is a quote by Ray Martin;
Thousands of players miss millions of shots, unaware that it is not their aim which is at fault, but the fact that they are hitting the cue ball off center.

I ,for one, really like Dr Dave's info on backhand English and how to apply it.

I agree about the back hand English. I find that I have some shots Im not as comfortable making a backhand adjustment but there are a lot of others that I feel that is absolutely the way to go. I like to use back hand the further away I am from the shot. Shots with separation of 3 diamonds separation from cb to obj and up I like backhand. Shots up to that I like parallell especially on thin cuts., but thats just me.

 

[BasementDweller]

First of all, these clips are just selected excerpts from the DVDs. The DVDs contain much more information and lots of examples.

Concerning new material in the excerpts, I have not seen the 40% system for applying gearing outside english covered in any online videos (until I posted this excerpt). Also, I developed the 1/3-more-than-twice bank-shot aiming system fairly recently and have not seen anything presented on that (although, Tom Ross and I did present an early and crude version of it on VEPS). Also, even though lots of info and videos can be found online relating to BHE and FHE, I think the coverage and examples on the DVDs provide the most clear and useful presentation I've seen to date.

If you have seen the 40%-gearing-outside-english or 1/3-more-than-twice systems in online videos elsewhere, please post or send me links so I can add them to my online resource pages.

Regardless, even if nothing on the DVDs was new, the DVDs would still be of value to people. They present a large amount of information in an organized, structured, and well-illustrated way, with lots of pertinent and clear examples, providing an efficient learning experience and resource-rich reference. Hunting for material on the Internet, hoping to find high-quality material, is not always a fruitful or helpful experience.

Concerning, who the DVDs will benefit, that's up to each and every potential customer. Somebody who thinks they already know everything would obviously not benefit or be interested. Most beginner and intermediate players can benefit tremendously. Also, many topic players can also learn things that can be helpful in their games. But again, that's up to the individual customer to decide after viewing all of the excerpts and the complete and detailed table of contents of the HAPS series.

Thank you for your input,
Dave

Dave,

I just watched the clip of your 1/3-more-than-twice system and I was really impressed with it.

You took what could have been a 15-20 minute demonstration and turned it into a perfect 5 minute demostration. All the fluff was cut out and just the needed information was presented. I love that.

I'll be trying this out when I get home.

Thanks for the previews.

 

[dr_dave]

I personally feel that aiming systems allow an advanced player to rely on a concrete procedure, not feel, that ultimately becomes the core of their PSR. That way, practice strokes/feel are invested into speed control for position, not to pocket the ball. Using 95% of your process for position and NOT ball pocketing is the key to progressing and getting out under pressure.

If you're worrying about making the ball at address, you will always reside on the bottom half of pool players

Agreed, and well stated. A purposeful and consistent pre-shot routine with good body and head alignment should be practiced so much that it becomes a natural and sub conscious element of one's game. This is definitely something we focus on in HAPS.

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Since 99% of the pool playing market is less than an advanced player, I'd say Dr. Dave picked the right audience to market to. However, I also think many advanced players are actually unconsciously competent and could benefit from knowledge.

Well stated. I agree. I sometimes see top players miss shots due to lack of knowledge or intuitive understanding (for example, sometimes by not adjusting for throw appropriately, and then blaming it on cling/skid/kick).

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Dave,

I just watched the clip of your 1/3-more-than-twice system and I was really impressed with it.

You took what could have been a 15-20 minute demonstration and turned it into a perfect 5 minute demostration. All the fluff was cut out and just the needed information was presented. I love that.

I'll be trying this out when I get home.

Thanks for the previews.

I'm glad you like it, and thank you for the positive feedback.

Catch you later,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Typically the main problem with intermediate players is their lack of a consistent stroke.

I personally think that intermediate players have difficulty with aiming also (at least as much difficulty as with their strokes).

Here is a quote by Ray Martin;
Thousands of players miss millions of shots, unaware that it is not their aim which is at fault, but the fact that they are hitting the cue ball off center.

I certainly agree with this. Having one's vision center placed properly and consistently is probably THE most important fundamental of pool!

I, for one, really like Dr Dave's info on backhand English and how to apply it.

Thank you.

Cheers,
Dave

 

[cookie man]

Do you play any one pocket?

yes?????????

 

[336Robin]

Cue Ball

yes?????????

The reason I asked if you played One Pocket was that some of these clips offer clues for cue ball control and why someone like you and myself that play One Pocket might be very familiar with Cue Ball control, some of the suggestions a lot of the material that I have seen lend directly to controlling the white ball. As you know it doesnt take much of an edge with the cue ball to make a significant difference in having a shot and...or not...so for that reason I kind of see them as things that might be easy to forget over time but yet advanced but thats just my opinion.

 

[dr_dave]

Any AZB'ers out there who have purchased HAPS willing to post a review (positive or negative) or share their impressions? Bob and I would like to know what you guys think after viewing the entire DVD set.

Tom Simpson just e-mailed me a flattering review, and he said I could share it. Here it is:

"It's such a pleasure to work through instructional material that's clear, organized, and correct. This is a fantastic product. There's no substitute for actually seeing the principles & systems applied through simple and appropriate shooting demonstrations. You get three DVDs worth of that here. Combining clear-headed explanations, excellent graphic overlays, and great choices of demonstration shots, it's another home run from our top billiard physics jocks. Take notes."

Thanks,
Dave

I am happy to announce that Bob Jewett and I just finished up a year-long project called How to Aim Pool Shots (HAPS). If you want to check it out, the following free clips are posted online:

HAPS-I: Aiming Systems, Aiming with Sidespin
NV E.1 - Fractional-Ball Aiming, from HAPS I
NV E.2 - Back-Hand (BHE) and Front-Hand English (FHE), from HAPS I
NV E.3 - Using "Gearing" Outside English to Eliminate Throw, from HAPS I

HAPS-II: Aiming Specialty Shots
NV E.4 - Carom-Shot Trisect-Draw System, from HAPS II
NV E.5 - Combination Shot Throw Adjustment, from HAPS II
NV E.6 - Rail Cut Shot Aiming, w/ and w/o Sidespin, from HAPS II

HAPS-III: Aiming Kick and Bank Shots
NV E.7 - Mirror Kick-Shot Aiming System, from HAPS III
NV E.8 - 1/3-More-Than-Twice Bank-Shot Aiming System, from HAPS III

We hope you enjoy and benefit from the clips, and we look forward to your comments and questions.

Best regards,
Dave and Bob

PS: If you want to learn more about HAPS, lots of info including a complete, detailed outline (listing everything covered) and useful online resources, can be found on the HAPS website.

 

[drhanson]

Any AZB'ers out there who have purchased HAPS willing to post a review (positive or negative) or share their impressions? Bob and I would like to know what you guys think after viewing the entire DVD set.

I purchased HAPS at the end of August and took my time watching the three DVDs in short sessions throughout the month of September. I played the disks near my table where I could pause them and attempt to replicate the shots as they were demonstrated. Here are my thoughts on the three disks:

HAPS I – Aiming Systems, Aiming with Sidespin. I think one of the things I failed to recognize in the past was just how important it is to have an extremely regimented and consistent pre-shot routine. Highlighting the importance of those basics is always a good review and should be reinforced regularly.

I think it was highly effective to have six aiming methods explained. On tougher, critical shots, I’ve found that using two or three of the aiming systems help me triangulate on the correct aiming line. There are times when I get down on a shot and it doesn’t quite look right. By introducing one of the other aiming methods as well, I’ve found I’m able to make the minor adjustment to make it look right. Knowledge of alternative aiming methods helps when I’m struggling to find my groove. Sometimes bringing in another method or perspective helps me get myself aligned mentally, physically and last but not least, optically.

For me, the first ‘wow’ moment of the disk was the gearing english to eliminate cut-induced throw. I learned early on in my journey to play better that outside english would counteract cut-induced throw (thanks to a Mike Sigel interview) but I never knew how much tip offset to use. I also didn’t know that the tip offset amount is dependent on the cut angle. This was my ‘wow’ moment because now, when I miss a shot I’m armed with a better understanding of CIT, another variable that I can either attribute the miss to or eliminate from the list of possibilities. The more I learn what’s physically going on with this game the less frustrating and more enjoyable this game is.

The next section, “Aiming with Sidespin” is what really prompted me to purchase HAPS and it lived up to my high expectations. This was ‘wow’ moment number two. I’m using english much more effectively and more so every week. I’m now equipped with the fundamental knowledge I had lacked to use Back-Hand, Front-Hand and the combinations of each. I no longer feel as though I’m taking a big risk when I depart from the vertical axis of the cue ball and my position play shows it. I had been exposed to the different types of english previously but before HAPS I hadn’t found a good explanation on when to use which one and how, why to mix the two. I think Dr. Dave and Bob Jewett filled in a major void that existed in the world of pool and billiard instruction with this section.

HAPS II – Aiming Specialty Shots. This disk I really need to watch again and practice with at the table. A few of these “Specialty Shots” haven’t come up often enough for me to remember how to apply all the techniques covered. Case in point is the “Frozen combination throw” section; it came up at league a couple of weeks ago in my 9 ball match. I called time out and asked my wife (who watched the DVDs with me) “what did Dave and Bob do here?” Luckily, she remembered the very simple and effective method and reminded me. It was a two way shot I barely missed but left my opponent hooked.

The more common topics like carom angles, rail cut shots and elevated cue shots were presented very thoroughly yet in a concise manner.

HAPS III – Aiming Kick and Bank Shots. I think this is one area in pool and billiard educational material that is well covered. Even though there is a lot of other material on the subject, Dr. Dave and Mr. Jewett presented another ‘wow’ moment for me. The “Fast-speed 1/3-more-than –twice system” is the easiest bank shot system I’ve seen. While my kicks and banks have advanced to where I use experience more than I do systems, I’ll be using this system to instruct my kids and teammates.

What’s my bottom line impression of the HAPS DVDs? I do and I don’t want my teammates on my APA team to watch them. I want them to improve because I know they want to. I also know if they watch these three 50 minute disks and practice with them they’ll quickly move up in rank and we’ll be over the skill level limit of 23, looking for new players and splitting our team in two. I guess I shouldn’t hesitate and just let the cat out of the bag. At least I’ll have another team of cool people to play against that will provide good competition.

 

[dr_dave]

Thank you for posting this flattering review! I appreciate it, and I'm glad the material is helping your game.

Best regards,
Dave

I purchased HAPS at the end of August and took my time watching the three DVDs in short sessions throughout the month of September. I played the disks near my table where I could pause them and attempt to replicate the shots as they were demonstrated. Here are my thoughts on the three disks:

HAPS I – Aiming Systems, Aiming with Sidespin. I think one of the things I failed to recognize in the past was just how important it is to have an extremely regimented and consistent pre-shot routine. Highlighting the importance of those basics is always a good review and should be reinforced regularly.

I think it was highly effective to have six aiming methods explained. On tougher, critical shots, I’ve found that using two or three of the aiming systems help me triangulate on the correct aiming line. There are times when I get down on a shot and it doesn’t quite look right. By introducing one of the other aiming methods as well, I’ve found I’m able to make the minor adjustment to make it look right. Knowledge of alternative aiming methods helps when I’m struggling to find my groove. Sometimes bringing in another method or perspective helps me get myself aligned mentally, physically and last but not least, optically.

For me, the first ‘wow’ moment of the disk was the gearing english to eliminate cut-induced throw. I learned early on in my journey to play better that outside english would counteract cut-induced throw (thanks to a Mike Sigel interview) but I never knew how much tip offset to use. I also didn’t know that the tip offset amount is dependent on the cut angle. This was my ‘wow’ moment because now, when I miss a shot I’m armed with a better understanding of CIT, another variable that I can either attribute the miss to or eliminate from the list of possibilities. The more I learn what’s physically going on with this game the less frustrating and more enjoyable this game is.

The next section, “Aiming with Sidespin” is what really prompted me to purchase HAPS and it lived up to my high expectations. This was ‘wow’ moment number two. I’m using english much more effectively and more so every week. I’m now equipped with the fundamental knowledge I had lacked to use Back-Hand, Front-Hand and the combinations of each. I no longer feel as though I’m taking a big risk when I depart from the vertical axis of the cue ball and my position play shows it. I had been exposed to the different types of english previously but before HAPS I hadn’t found a good explanation on when to use which one and how, why to mix the two. I think Dr. Dave and Bob Jewett filled in a major void that existed in the world of pool and billiard instruction with this section.

HAPS II – Aiming Specialty Shots. This disk I really need to watch again and practice with at the table. A few of these “Specialty Shots” haven’t come up often enough for me to remember how to apply all the techniques covered. Case in point is the “Frozen combination throw” section; it came up at league a couple of weeks ago in my 9 ball match. I called time out and asked my wife (who watched the DVDs with me) “what did Dave and Bob do here?” Luckily, she remembered the very simple and effective method and reminded me. It was a two way shot I barely missed but left my opponent hooked.

The more common topics like carom angles, rail cut shots and elevated cue shots were presented very thoroughly yet in a concise manner.

HAPS III – Aiming Kick and Bank Shots. I think this is one area in pool and billiard educational material that is well covered. Even though there is a lot of other material on the subject, Dr. Dave and Mr. Jewett presented another ‘wow’ moment for me. The “Fast-speed 1/3-more-than –twice system” is the easiest bank shot system I’ve seen. While my kicks and banks have advanced to where I use experience more than I do systems, I’ll be using this system to instruct my kids and teammates.

What’s my bottom line impression of the HAPS DVDs? I do and I don’t want my teammates on my APA team to watch them. I want them to improve because I know they want to. I also know if they watch these three 50 minute disks and practice with them they’ll quickly move up in rank and we’ll be over the skill level limit of 23, looking for new players and splitting our team in two. I guess I shouldn’t hesitate and just let the cat out of the bag. At least I’ll have another team of cool people to play against that will provide good competition.

 

[Ratta]

I personally feel that aiming systems allow an advanced player to rely on a concrete procedure, not feel, that ultimately becomes the core of their PSR. That way, practice strokes/feel are invested into speed control for position, not to pocket the ball. Using 95% of your process for position and NOT ball pocketing is the key to progressing and getting out under pressure.

If you're worrying about making the ball at address, you will always reside on the bottom half of pool players

bam!

well thought and written words!

 

[dr_dave]

I personally feel that aiming systems allow an advanced player to rely on a concrete procedure, not feel, that ultimately becomes the core of their PSR. That way, practice strokes/feel are invested into speed control for position, not to pocket the ball. Using 95% of your process for position and NOT ball pocketing is the key to progressing and getting out under pressure.

If you're worrying about making the ball at address, you will always reside on the bottom half of pool players

bam!

well thought and written words!

Agreed! Well stated, Spidey.

Catch you later,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Is there anybody else out there who purchased HAPS and is willing to post a review (positive or negative)? Bob and I would appreciate your opinions, concerns, questions, or suggestions for future projects.

Thanks,
Dave

Any AZB'ers out there who have purchased HAPS willing to post a review (positive or negative) or share their impressions? Bob and I would like to know what you guys think after viewing the entire DVD set.

Tom Simpson just e-mailed me a flattering review, and he said I could share it. Here it is:

"It's such a pleasure to work through instructional material that's clear, organized, and correct. This is a fantastic product. There's no substitute for actually seeing the principles & systems applied through simple and appropriate shooting demonstrations. You get three DVDs worth of that here. Combining clear-headed explanations, excellent graphic overlays, and great choices of demonstration shots, it's another home run from our top billiard physics jocks. Take notes."

I purchased HAPS at the end of August and took my time watching the three DVDs in short sessions throughout the month of September. I played the disks near my table where I could pause them and attempt to replicate the shots as they were demonstrated. Here are my thoughts on the three disks:

HAPS I – Aiming Systems, Aiming with Sidespin. I think one of the things I failed to recognize in the past was just how important it is to have an extremely regimented and consistent pre-shot routine. Highlighting the importance of those basics is always a good review and should be reinforced regularly.

I think it was highly effective to have six aiming methods explained. On tougher, critical shots, I’ve found that using two or three of the aiming systems help me triangulate on the correct aiming line. There are times when I get down on a shot and it doesn’t quite look right. By introducing one of the other aiming methods as well, I’ve found I’m able to make the minor adjustment to make it look right. Knowledge of alternative aiming methods helps when I’m struggling to find my groove. Sometimes bringing in another method or perspective helps me get myself aligned mentally, physically and last but not least, optically.

For me, the first ‘wow’ moment of the disk was the gearing english to eliminate cut-induced throw. I learned early on in my journey to play better that outside english would counteract cut-induced throw (thanks to a Mike Sigel interview) but I never knew how much tip offset to use. I also didn’t know that the tip offset amount is dependent on the cut angle. This was my ‘wow’ moment because now, when I miss a shot I’m armed with a better understanding of CIT, another variable that I can either attribute the miss to or eliminate from the list of possibilities. The more I learn what’s physically going on with this game the less frustrating and more enjoyable this game is.

The next section, “Aiming with Sidespin” is what really prompted me to purchase HAPS and it lived up to my high expectations. This was ‘wow’ moment number two. I’m using english much more effectively and more so every week. I’m now equipped with the fundamental knowledge I had lacked to use Back-Hand, Front-Hand and the combinations of each. I no longer feel as though I’m taking a big risk when I depart from the vertical axis of the cue ball and my position play shows it. I had been exposed to the different types of english previously but before HAPS I hadn’t found a good explanation on when to use which one and how, why to mix the two. I think Dr. Dave and Bob Jewett filled in a major void that existed in the world of pool and billiard instruction with this section.

HAPS II – Aiming Specialty Shots. This disk I really need to watch again and practice with at the table. A few of these “Specialty Shots” haven’t come up often enough for me to remember how to apply all the techniques covered. Case in point is the “Frozen combination throw” section; it came up at league a couple of weeks ago in my 9 ball match. I called time out and asked my wife (who watched the DVDs with me) “what did Dave and Bob do here?” Luckily, she remembered the very simple and effective method and reminded me. It was a two way shot I barely missed but left my opponent hooked.

The more common topics like carom angles, rail cut shots and elevated cue shots were presented very thoroughly yet in a concise manner.

HAPS III – Aiming Kick and Bank Shots. I think this is one area in pool and billiard educational material that is well covered. Even though there is a lot of other material on the subject, Dr. Dave and Mr. Jewett presented another ‘wow’ moment for me. The “Fast-speed 1/3-more-than –twice system” is the easiest bank shot system I’ve seen. While my kicks and banks have advanced to where I use experience more than I do systems, I’ll be using this system to instruct my kids and teammates.

What’s my bottom line impression of the HAPS DVDs? I do and I don’t want my teammates on my APA team to watch them. I want them to improve because I know they want to. I also know if they watch these three 50 minute disks and practice with them they’ll quickly move up in rank and we’ll be over the skill level limit of 23, looking for new players and splitting our team in two. I guess I shouldn’t hesitate and just let the cat out of the bag. At least I’ll have another team of cool people to play against that will provide good competition.

 

[tashworth19191]

I just ordered this today and will give it a review as soon as I can view it and practice the material.

 

[dr_dave]

I just ordered this today and will give it a review as soon as I can view it and practice the material.

Sounds good.

Thanks,
Dave

PS: I hope you enjoy and benefit from HAPS.

 

[bbb]

I just ordered this today and will give it a review as soon as I can view it and practice the material.

me too
will review after going thru it

 

[dr_dave]

me too
will review after going thru it

Thanks! Bob and I look forward to seeing what you guys think.

Enjoy,
Dave

 

[Imotv8u]

Dr. Dave, I am just beginning to get into playing pool. I want you to know that the works of you and your colleagues have been very helpful to my game. I never realized how much math and physics were involved in pool until I found some of your resources on the Internet. I plan on purchasing all of your instructional dvd's as soon as I can. Thank you for everything you do to advance the knowledge of this sport.

 

[dr_dave]

Dr. Dave, I am just beginning to get into playing pool. I want you to know that the works of you and your colleagues have been very helpful to my game. I never realized how much math and physics were involved in pool until I found some of your resources on the Internet. I plan on purchasing all of your instructional dvd's as soon as I can. Thank you for everything you do to advance the knowledge of this sport.

I'm glad to here my stuff has been helpful, and I hope you enjoy and benefit from the DVDs.

Good luck with your game,
Dave