Pick the smallest spot for the cue ball landing?

Bobkitty

Bobkitty

I said: "Here kitty, kitty". Got this frown.
Silver Member
I'm back to pool after a 30-40 year lay off. Golf was my game for all that time but arthritis and two neck operations ended that. But here is my question for the pool teachers: In golf, it's common knowledge that the player should pick the smallest target he can, see the ball going to that target in his mind, and then strike the ball with that mental picture. I wonder if that concept would help one's position play??? I've been playing with just the thought of a general area for the cue ball landing. Maybe training the mind, resetting the pre shot routine, getting down to a small square inch specific target, actually seeing and imagining the cue ball route to that target in his mind, and then stroking.
Anybody play this way?
 
Great post. Yes, absolutely. Playing that way has a multitude of benefits.

1.) It's great for improving: By picking an exact spot you can observe what the cb actually did, assess it, and determine how you would shoot it differently the next time.

2.) You will find that in many cases you can work with your mistakes because they are not that far off the mark as opposed to playing area pool.

3.) Playing area position instead of pinpoint can cause players to become lazy. Often times they don't even bother to walk around to the next shot to visualize what they need to continue their run. Then when the cb lands, they're surprised that what they wound up with isn't going to work for them.

I created a drill for my clients which I call the business card drill. I have them place a business card at the point where they want the cb to land for their next shot. It's a great way to practice, but it comes with a warning: It's a very frustrating drill and you will see all the flaws in your game very clearly. Take it in small doses.

I also do a variation of that drill where I ask them to stand behind their current shot and point to where they want me to place the card for the next shot. I place the card and then have them walk around to look at the result. They are shocked to find that their perspective was way off base without walking around and looking first. Unfortunately, this is what most players do. They don't walk around and look. Playing pinpoint position forces you to walk around and look.
 
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I also do a variation of that drill where I ask them to stand behind their current shot and point to where they want me to place the card for the next shot. I place the card and then have them walk around to look at the result. They are shocked to find that their perspective was way off base without walking around and looking first. Unfortunately, this is what most players do. They don't walk around and look. Playing pinpoint position forces you to walk around and look.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for that suggestion!! I'll work on it. Where are you located?
 
I've played lazy pool for 10+ years. I just tried this for 30 minutes. It is mentally exhausting. Does it become automatic after 3000 shots or is it always draining?
 
Fran's post is right on target - as usual... :)

I'm guilty of not being in the pinpoint camp - that's necessary more often in 8-ball or straight pool, where you are working in traffic. But in 9 or 10 ball, you are often moving the cue ball a bit more and trying to come into a certain zone properly with the most margin for error.

I still "see" the zone or line and where I want to be, and confess I don't mentally visualize a specific spot. However, that's a good practice to get into.

The second part of what Fran mentioned I definitely do, although I didn't use to nearly as often. Walking around the table to get a proper perspective can greatly simplify your run outs and eliminate a lot of silly mistakes.

Great advice Fran!
Scott
 
FranCrimi said:
Great post. Yes, absolutely. Playing that way has a multitude of benefits.

1.) It's great for improving: By picking an exact spot you can observe what the cb actually did, assess it, and determine how you would shoot it differently the next time.

2.) You will find that in many cases you can work with your mistakes because they are not that far off the mark as opposed to playing area pool.

3.) Playing area position instead of pinpoint can cause players to become lazy. Often times they don't even bother to walk around to the next shot to visualize what they need to continue their run. Then when the cb lands, they're surprised that what they wound up with isn't going to work for them.

I created a drill for my clients which I call the business card drill. I have them place a business card at the point where they want the cb to land for their next shot. It's a great way to practice, but it comes with a warning: It's a very frustrating drill and you will see all the flaws in your game very clearly. Take it in small doses.

I also do a variation of that drill where I ask them to stand behind their current shot and point to where they want me to place the card for the next shot. I place the card and then have them walk around to look at the result. They are shocked to find that their perspective was way off base without walking around and looking first. Unfortunately, this is what most players do. They don't walk around and look. Playing pinpoint position forces you to walk around and look.
Click to expand...


Okay, I'm guilty.
Once again, another little golden nugget. :)
I'll work on this tomorrow morning.

Thanks Fran

John
 
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Joules said:
I've played lazy pool for 10+ years. I just tried this for 30 minutes. It is mentally exhausting. Does it become automatic after 3000 shots or is it always draining?
Click to expand...

In my mind it would be more of a casual exercise that you would perform while chalking your cue. JMHO.

John
 
Joules said:
I've played lazy pool for 10+ years. I just tried this for 30 minutes. It is mentally exhausting. Does it become automatic after 3000 shots or is it always draining?
Click to expand...

Pool is a game of memory. Top players move more quickly around the table because they recognize situations and they remember what to do when they come up.

Before you can do that, you have to create the memories. That's what you're doing every time you place that business card and evaluate the result. You're storing data in your mind. Over time, you will be able to recall similar situations and you'll be able to decide faster. That's when you know you're making progress.

But yes, there will be pain and suffering in the beginning.
 
I use the heat marks on the table, it doesn't get much smaller than that. If you can't use the friction marks use the diamonds and measure your distance in quadrants or zones. The speed zone has 3 sections, the top end, bottom end, and the center zone, or the cradle.

Section the table into 3 work areas or zones. Work your speed within the area selected, aiming for a heat mark or a diamond.
Work your speed for the top end if you want to get closer to your work. (Shorter Shots)
Bottom end to be safe and not lose the cue ball. (Longer Shots)
Landing in the cradle is probably the overall best place to be. (Home Sweet Home)

The ability to control the speed for all 3 is the ultimate cue ball control, especially if you come in tight to your work consistently.
Of course we are not talking about moving the cue ball a few inches; we are using the table and the rails here.

More important is to use the triangle zone and land on the right side of the ball. Combine the triangle with the speed zones and you have a winning combination for sure. One is useless without the other

It's very simple to practice. Once you have a feel for it there is not much thought involved, all visual recognition and muscle memory, simple stuff.
When you can play close to your work the game gets easy and you can do anything with your cue ball.
I always try to get close to my work, at times I take a lay up and do what the game allows me to do.

The cue ball is all that matters, everything else is second place.

Sincerely:SS
 
Good thread, this is one of my worst habits (getting too lazy to be sure on position). You guys gave good suggestions. I will add them to my practice tonite
 
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