When I am practicing straight pool, I focus on the balls and prospective layouts more than my technique. I always watch, watch, watch what the balls do, especially the cue ball. No two clusters are exactly the same, but there is similarity. And in my most favorable patterns, they seem to come up over and over. I have learned, by repetition, how to approach these "serial" clusters. Conversely, when I am working on my technique, I focus on what my mechanics are..........and, again, I watch, watch, watch. If you want to improve your straight poll play, practice when you are alert....and pay attention to the road map being laid out by the balls.