OK, "offcenter hit" then...
Thanks for the link - that's a great match. But of course there's no way to see that you're using this technique.
pj
chgo
Would I be pulling your leg pj? I'm trying to make a "Player" out of you


OK, "offcenter hit" then...
Thanks for the link - that's a great match. But of course there's no way to see that you're using this technique.
pj
chgo
I don't doubt CJ when he says he was using his technique in that match - but that doesn't change my opinion that the "offcenter" technique doesn't really add to his great shotmaking skills (but as I said, the "aiming small" part is great).Hey Pat, I think you can see it, maybe not from behind his cue but just watch how he strikes the shots, where the ob goes to the hole how the cue ball reacts and I think you'll see it & feel it. I was lucky enough to have that match on hand and went right to it when I heard CJ explain his technique and I believe I can pretty much see it.
I don't doubt CJ when he says he was using his technique in that match - but that doesn't change my opinion that the "offcenter" technique doesn't really add to his great shotmaking skills (but as I said, the "aiming small" part is great).
pj
chgo
Here's a pertinent quote from my cue natural pivot length resource page:I gotcha, just wanted to make sure you were experiencing what I was while watching him hit those shots while knowing what he has told us.
For anyone;
Is the amount of squirt distance the same for center cb to 1/8 tip accidental side as an 1/8 tip intentional side to a 1/4 tip additional side, all hit at the same speed? Is it exactly double?
Yes, it's the same amount of "squirt error" whether:Is the amount of squirt distance the same for center cb to 1/8 tip accidental side as an 1/8 tip intentional side to a 1/4 tip additional side, all hit at the same speed? Is it exactly double?
It's exactly as hard to hit an offcenter point as it is to hit the centerball point. And when you miss either point the results of that error will be the same.Logically, sure-- why not just hit the center, right?
Practical application-- it's easier to not hit the center on purpose.
Based on your comment above, it isn't clear to you....the logical perspective (which you've already made perfectly clear).
PJ:
Looking forward to it.
Dave
Yes, it's the same amount of "squirt error" whether:
- you're trying to hit centerball and instead hit 1/8" left of center
...or...
- you're trying to hit 1/8" left of center and instead hit 1/4" left of center
...or...
- you're trying to hit 1/8" left of center and instead hit centerball.
That's part of the point I've been trying to make about this technique: it doesn't matter if you're trying to hit centerball or you're trying to hit offcenter - the magnitude (and direction) of any error will be the same.
It's exactly as hard to hit an offcenter point as it is to hit the centerball point. And when you miss either point the results of that error will be the same.
The choice isn't between hitting dead center and hitting anywhere to one side of it. The choice is between hitting dead on centerball and hitting dead on another point. In other words, it's not a choice with a practical difference.
And, as I've said, the added focus on "aiming small" (at a part of the pocket) is also beneficial. In fact, I suspect this is the major benefit.Well stated. I agree. Also, hitting a small amount off-center (on purpose or accidentally) also creates a small amount of swerve (in addition to a small amount of squirt), and swerve varies with shot speed, shot distance, cue elevation, and conditions. This could also affect the results of the shot.
However, none of this factors in the mental side of things. If hitting slightly off center feels better and makes one more confident, it will probably be more effective, regardless of the underlying physics.
Yes, it's the same amount of "squirt error" whether:
- you're trying to hit centerball and instead hit 1/8" left of center
...or...
- you're trying to hit 1/8" left of center and instead hit 1/4" left of center
...or...
- you're trying to hit 1/8" left of center and instead hit centerball.
That's part of the point I've been trying to make about this technique: it doesn't matter if you're trying to hit centerball or you're trying to hit offcenter - the magnitude (and direction) of any error will be the same.
pj
chgo
This is a misperception....the magnitude [of potential error] isn't as important, as long as it's all in the direction you want.
You've got the same 1-pocket target that you did without this technique, and the same potential for error (except the potential for error may be magnified by squirt/swerve considerations).You aim at the teat on the near side of the pocket, put maybe half tip of inside on the cueball...it pushes (squirts) the cue ball thinner than the aim point, which sends the object ball clearing the teat you were aiming at. From there, you've got the whole pocket for the variance of the track...which varies depending on the velocity and if you hit the cue ball with more inside than you wanted, etc. It's A LOT of variance doing it this way.![]()
Agreed. If nothing else, this might help provide more focus while aiming, which is always a good thing.And, as I've said, the added focus on "aiming small" (at a part of the pocket) is also beneficial. In fact, I suspect this is the major benefit.
PJ:
Actually, that's the cool thing about this...the magnitude isn't as important, as long as it's all in the direction you want. You aim at the teat on the near side of the pocket, put maybe half tip of inside on the cueball...it pushes (squirts) the cue ball thinner than the aim point, which sends the object ball clearing the teat you were aiming at. From there, you've got the whole pocket for the variance of the track...which varies depending on the velocity and if you hit the cue ball with more inside than you wanted, etc. It's A LOT of variance doing it this way.![]()
PJ:
Actually, that's the cool thing about this...the magnitude isn't as important, as long as it's all in the direction you want. You aim at the teat on the near side of the pocket, put maybe half tip of inside on the cueball...it pushes (squirts) the cue ball thinner than the aim point, which sends the object ball clearing the teat you were aiming at. From there, you've got the whole pocket for the variance of the track...which varies depending on the velocity and if you hit the cue ball with more inside than you wanted, etc. It's A LOT of variance doing it this way.![]()