In
this post about Stick Aiming (in the "Basic Aiming Methods Illustrated" thread) I proposed the following idea:
Systems can be used with varying degrees of awareness of how they function:
- "consciously", with real time awareness of estimations and adjustments being made
- "subconsciously", with abstract understanding that estimations and adjustments are made
- "unconsciously", with no awareness that estimations and adjustments are made (believing the method is "exact" for all shots)
I wonder if you think this is true and if so to what systems or kinds of systems it applies. I think it applies to most (maybe all) aiming systems.
I don't think one way is better than another for everybody.
pj
chgo
Anything can be used with varying degrees of awareness of how it functions.
In fact GB relies heavily on making very conscious adjustments from the actual GB line to the adjusted-for-throw GB line. Naturally as the player gains experience through practice and competition they learn what conditions produce what amount of throw and adjust automatically.
But I don't believe that most people figure this out on their own. They are instructed as to what throw is and how to compensate for it.
Then they consciously train themselves to make those adjustments until such a time as they don't need to think about it any longer. But they quite deliberately went through a time where they did make those choices in a trial and error fashion.
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Using CTE however the variable not estimating the position of the ghostball but instead learning where to stand in relation to the CTE line. And this is not a matter of consciously choosing to stand say .5" inch to the right on this shot and 1" on that shot. No it is learning to find the right spot for a single shot and once found that same spot works for all other shots. That is the conscious part.
Other than using laser lines and precise measurements I can't see how this debate will ever end.
You cannot and will not understand that some of us have undertook to attempt to figure out the exact mechanics of the method. When we present our findings you never ever ever ever ever discuss them. Instead you revert back to your standard line which is, "you don't understand what you are doing and how you are adjusting."
You completely and totally discount the efforts we make to consciously pay attention to the steps and the body position when we are using the CTE system.
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The only totally unconscious aiming is the person who has zero knoweldge of Ghost Ball or any aiming method, someone who doesn't even know what a contact point is who simply points and shoots. You can find these people in every bar and every pool room. Some of them manage to become halfway decent players.
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Otherwise, all aiming is a conscious effort until it becomes ingrained and is done automatically. Even if the automatic choice is often wrong. Which is what then leads to "body english" to make the ball.
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Your definition of unconsciously is not correct. The person who uses any aiming system which is any method with steps to follow is quite conscious of what is going on. They know when they are in the learning phase what types of adjustments they are making and why. Only you don't happen to agree with their own observations and stated experiences in the case of CTE and perhaps with other methods as well.
