Landing on the shot.

[tonythetiger583]

So, I just got Lasik and this is the first time Ive ever really focused on the object ball so Im just trying to figure out what to do.

If I keep my eyes locked on OB, how do I land at the cueball?

Im scared of bumping into the cueball but I also dont know when to take my eye off the object ball.

 

[boogieman]

So, I just got Lasik and this is the first time Ive ever really focused on the object ball so Im just trying to figure out what to do.

If I keep my eyes locked on OB, how do I land at the cueball?

Im scared of bumping into the cueball but I also dont know when to take my eye off the object ball.

Not an instructor and everyone has their own method, but when I'm playing good I stand behind the OB and center the OB and the pocket, while looking at the pocket. At this point the OB is not in focus and I am focusing on the pocket. I continue looking at the pocket to see the way a ball fits with the most room for error. The OB should end up being centered in your vision automatically. You just gotta figure out how to stand for it to center up, ie it looks right. Get it to where you see the exact place the ball needs to go with the most room for error. I quickly look at the OB and almost instantly see the point that puts me into the pocket. Just a quick glance to snatch where to hit it. I keep this place on the OB in mind and focused in my vision. While looking at the OB and keeping my vision on it (think steadycam or how a chicken moves it's head), I walk behind the CB and it kind of magically centers where center ball will hit the point quickly taken on the OB. I just get down without looking at the CB and shoot. The CB is never my focus when I'm shooting good, only when I'm not focused will I find my eyes wandering to the CB.

How do I know where I'm hitting the CB? How do I know what spin and account for deflection? The trick is, I don't. I pick a target for the CB and let my subconscious do it's job on picking english. It sounds directly opposite of what should be, but it works. If I want to miss shape or my shot, the best way to do so is to focus on the CB and where my tip needs to go. It's OK for practicing new shots, but not what I do when competing. The real key is here I must feel what's happening and not think about what needs to happen. If I think about it, I'll end up picking something off and will miss the shot or the leave.

It seems like you would bump the CB, but surprisingly your body knows where the tip of the stick is and you wont bump into it. Like anything it will take a while to burn the new method into your game, but it goes much faster than you would think.

IMO, aiming systems are for use while building your trust and "pool database" in your muscle memory. Once you have that you don't need aiming systems and they serve as more of a distraction than anything. The same goes with kick shots, banks etc. The systems are for use until you can do it without them. When you no longer need the systems, that's when you really start nailing the crazy kicks/banks/etc that make your opponent's jaw drop. If I want to miss a shot, the best way is to use an aiming system rather than hit it where it needs to be hit after actually lining the OB up with the exact part of the pocket that gives the most error room.

Watch some HD matches with a few your favorite pros and pay attention to their eyes when you find one with good camera work. You'll notice different eye patterns, but the common element is how they lock their eyes on the shot once they know it is the correct one.

 

[Renegade_56]

so the only ball on the table you are allowed to hit is the one you don't want to look at?

 

[pw98]

so the only ball on the table you are allowed to hit is the one you don't want to look at?

I do a similar thing as him. He is actually looking at it out of the corner of his eye and quickly glancing at it right after he goes down but he is so focused on paying attention to the shot that he doesnt notice it. If i'm playing good I feel like I dont look at the cueball at all either but I know i actually am.

Anyways, I find the line of the shot, put my vision center on the line, place my feet where they need to be then bend my back down while making sure what I see as the line (from CB to OB with periperal vision) doesnt move at all while going down. If i see any movement on the CB OB shot line relationship I know I risk missing the shot especally if the shot isn't easy. From there I place the stick on the table with my arms and put the spin on the ball then shoot.

It's definitely easier to keep the shot line relationship while going down if you only bend your back. I know some people cant do this because they are too tall or have a bad back. If this is the case then you want to bend your knees first, while keeping your back straight. Then once your knees are bent and are stationary then you want to bend your back. If you try to bend your knees and your back at the same time it will be much harder to keep the CB OB relationship steady.

It all happens pretty naturally and I find it amazing that without thinking I can pick out the exact place for my feet so consistently to drop down on the shot without shot line movement.

Anyways, whatever method you choose is going to take a lot of practice before its second nature.

 

[Renegade_56]

what APA level are you?

 

[tomatoshooter]

Not an instructor and everyone has their own method, but when I'm playing good I stand behind the OB and center the OB and the pocket, while looking at the pocket. At this point the OB is not in focus and I am focusing on the pocket. I continue looking at the pocket to see the way a ball fits with the most room for error. The OB should end up being centered in your vision automatically. You just gotta figure out how to stand for it to center up, ie it looks right. Get it to where you see the exact place the ball needs to go with the most room for error. I quickly look at the OB and almost instantly see the point that puts me into the pocket. Just a quick glance to snatch where to hit it. I keep this place on the OB in mind and focused in my vision. While looking at the OB and keeping my vision on it (think steadycam or how a chicken moves it's head), I walk behind the CB and it kind of magically centers where center ball will hit the point quickly taken on the OB. I just get down without looking at the CB and shoot. The CB is never my focus when I'm shooting good, only when I'm not focused will I find my eyes wandering to the CB.

How do I know where I'm hitting the CB? How do I know what spin and account for deflection? The trick is, I don't. I pick a target for the CB and let my subconscious do it's job on picking english. It sounds directly opposite of what should be, but it works. If I want to miss shape or my shot, the best way to do so is to focus on the CB and where my tip needs to go. It's OK for practicing new shots, but not what I do when competing. The real key is here I must feel what's happening and not think about what needs to happen. If I think about it, I'll end up picking something off and will miss the shot or the leave.

It seems like you would bump the CB, but surprisingly your body knows where the tip of the stick is and you wont bump into it. Like anything it will take a while to burn the new method into your game, but it goes much faster than you would think.

IMO, aiming systems are for use while building your trust and "pool database" in your muscle memory. Once you have that you don't need aiming systems and they serve as more of a distraction than anything. The same goes with kick shots, banks etc. The systems are for use until you can do it without them. When you no longer need the systems, that's when you really start nailing the crazy kicks/banks/etc that make your opponent's jaw drop. If I want to miss a shot, the best way is to use an aiming system rather than hit it where it needs to be hit after actually lining the OB up with the exact part of the pocket that gives the most error room.

Watch some HD matches with a few your favorite pros and pay attention to their eyes when you find one with good camera work. You'll notice different eye patterns, but the common element is how they lock their eyes on the shot once they know it is the correct one.

That's interesting, I'll have to try that out tomorrow. I noticed a while back that a lot of my dogged shots came from poor bridge hand placement. I'll have to make sure I dial in so my hand knows where to go.

 

[JazzyJeff87]

I’ve never been able to look at the cue ball at contact. I never would’ve considered such a thing until reading about it here. Although I have looked at the CB the whole time when I’m totally tree topped and risking a foul etc but I’m not even in my normal stance in that situation.

Bumping the cue ball is one of the most horrific fouls a pool player can make. But it’s not too hard to avoid. As mentioned above, your body seems to know. I practice shots sometimes where I don’t allow myself to look at the cue ball at all, except when I’m initially lining up with the shot. And I’ve practiced stroking as close to the cue ball as possible without touching it. These probably help my body with natural “tip to cue ball radar”

When I’m shooting I look at the OB while getting down on the shot, then look to the CB to make sure my bridge is in the right place and everything is looking and feeling good, then eyes back to the OB. If it’s a delicate shot I’ll look back to the CB again to make sure of tip placement and stuff and the. I just lock onto the contact point on the OB and go for it.

 

[hang-the-9]

So, I just got Lasik and this is the first time Ive ever really focused on the object ball so Im just trying to figure out what to do.

If I keep my eyes locked on OB, how do I land at the cueball?

Im scared of bumping into the cueball but I also dont know when to take my eye off the object ball.

The way I do it, my eyes are on the tip during the forward stroke, mostly, and on the object ball on the backswing, mostly. When I'm ready to shoot, I move to the object ball when winding back and keep it there on the stroke forward. I say "mostly" because I don't always keep my eye on the object ball very well hehe.

 

[chefjeff]

So, I just got Lasik and this is the first time Ive ever really focused on the object ball so Im just trying to figure out what to do.

If I keep my eyes locked on OB, how do I land at the cueball?

Im scared of bumping into the cueball but I also dont know when to take my eye off the object ball.

Can you focus up close now or is it blurry?


Jeff Livingston

 

[tonythetiger583]

Can you focus up close now or is it blurry?


Jeff Livingston

Its much better across the board. Focusing on small stuff is still more difficult than I would like to admit. Its only been a week so it will get better with time.

I notice i still subconsiously blink when landing at the moment my vision would originally cross the rim of my glasses.

 

[tonythetiger583]

what APA level are you?

I would be a 6 or weak 7 in CPA (Canadian APA).

 

[chefjeff]

Its much better across the board. Focusing on small stuff is still more difficult than I would like to admit. Its only been a week so it will get better with time.

I notice i still subconsiously blink when landing at the moment my vision would originally cross the rim of my glasses.

Put into your setup an ingredient to be sure the tip is at the cueball exactly, even if it is blurry.

I shoot with blurry vision and that helps me. After a while, memory kicks in and that step goes pretty much automatic.

Time heals all wounds.


Jeff Livingston

 

[boogieman]

so the only ball on the table you are allowed to hit is the one you don't want to look at?

Exactly, but again everyone has their own methods. CB last is powerful if you use it. So is OB last. I literally don't care to look at the CB, it's in my peripheral vision (or whatever that is lower than where your eyes are looking). I do not focus on the CB in way, it centers in my vision. If I actually see the CB, it is showing up as 2 balls but the OB is laser focused. My stroke will deliver the CB to where I intend it to go. English is automatic for my method of aim/play. I offload all that I can from my active thinking to my subconscious. The more I think, the more I stink. YMMV.

 

[tonythetiger583]

Exactly, but again everyone has their own methods. CB last is powerful if you use it. So is OB last. I literally don't care to look at the CB, it's in my peripheral vision (or whatever that is lower than where your eyes are looking). I do not focus on the CB in way, it centers in my vision. If I actually see the CB, it is showing up as 2 balls but the OB is laser focused. My stroke will deliver the CB to where I intend it to go. English is automatic for my method of aim/play. I offload all that I can from my active thinking to my subconscious. The more I think, the more I stink. YMMV.

Ive noticed that on rail shots or shooting over a ball, My cue will be about 2 inches back and favouring the right side.

Normal shots, Im fine without looking at the CB, but something about irregular situations makes me come up short.

Im guessing I bring my cue in from the left and Im running out of runnway or am trying to not swipe across my obstacle

More tinkering is required

 

[boogieman]

I do a similar thing as him. He is actually looking at it out of the corner of his eye and quickly glancing at it right after he goes down but he is so focused on paying attention to the shot that he doesnt notice it. If i'm playing good I feel like I dont look at the cueball at all either but I know i actually am.

Anyways, I find the line of the shot, put my vision center on the line, place my feet where they need to be then bend my back down while making sure what I see as the line (from CB to OB with periperal vision) doesnt move at all while going down. If i see any movement on the CB OB shot line relationship I know I risk missing the shot especally if the shot isn't easy. From there I place the stick on the table with my arms and put the spin on the ball then shoot.

It's definitely easier to keep the shot line relationship while going down if you only bend your back. I know some people cant do this because they are too tall or have a bad back. If this is the case then you want to bend your knees first, while keeping your back straight. Then once your knees are bent and are stationary then you want to bend your back. If you try to bend your knees and your back at the same time it will be much harder to keep the CB OB relationship steady.

It all happens pretty naturally and I find it amazing that without thinking I can pick out the exact place for my feet so consistently to drop down on the shot without shot line movement.

Anyways, whatever method you choose is going to take a lot of practice before its second nature.

I actually might be peeking at it but I don't realize it. To me it's a visual distraction, similar to having a racking template left on the table.

I do have a bad back so I have to be really creative and careful about the shot picture not changing at all. You're correct though, if you keep the picture correct you can be very confident the shot will go. If you lose focus, see a piece of dirt on the table, see a template rack, a cube of chalk, whatever when you get down you can't be sure you will make the shot. It's all about keeping your eyes in the right place.

One can make the shot look very consistent from standing to being in stance with practice. Your vision center/head will also usually be slightly tilted towards the target pocket on most shots. I always like to get the highest look on a shot that I can, to me it's easier to visualize a shot when standing fully upright.

Ive noticed that on rail shots or shooting over a ball, My cue will be about 2 inches back and favouring the right side.

Normal shots, Im fine without looking at the CB, but something about irregular situations makes me come up short.

Im guessing I bring my cue in from the left and Im running out of runnway or am trying to not swipe across my obstacle

More tinkering is required

Odd situations are just that, odd. If I'm in a really touchy shot, be it from proximity to balls or the rail, I'll often look at the CB just to make sure I'm not going to foul. I'm not saying I NEVER look at the CB last or focus intently on tip position, but it's usually a very tight shot or situation. You have to do both but default when I'm playing good I barely even know the CB exists when I'm shooting.