Power of Aiming Systems

[Cornerman]

This is just a continuation of the long and repeated discussion of aiming systems. I use them. They make me a better player. I don't always use an aiming system, but I have to on shots that have always plagued me. Without aiming systems, I would not have these shots. These are all from last night, and I ran out all of them.

All the situation shown were either positions that I was left with from my opponet or after a breakout. The tired standard fare answer of "play better position" is moot for these situations. These represent shots that I'm guess every player on this board except the A-players struggle with mightely.

Wei 9-ball Table

Close range sever back cut
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Long range, sharp cut down the short rail.
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Short to object ball, sharp cut down the long rail.

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Common side pocket shot, cueball doubling the corner.

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I show this one because I hesitated on the safety or the shot. I decided on the shot and forgot to use my aiming system, used intuitive judgement because it seemed like a hanger, hit the point at A, but the 5-ball slid down the cushion and planted itself into pocket B. Do your thinking while standing.

I find that many intermediates have a tremendous problem shooting at the side pocket from any angle other than directly down the middle (down the throat)

Common side pocket, 3-railer around the table, don't forget about squirt.

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)END


Fred

 

[pete lafond]

. Do your thinking while standing.


Fred

Good post but this point really hits hard. I think one of the biggest reasons for missing a shot and missing position are because we sometimes do not do this.

 

[pbat2751]

This is just a continuation of the long and repeated discussion of aiming systems. I use them. They make me a better player.

I agree... The one I know works.


Do your thinking while standing.

I need to remember to think... or not to think. Paralysis by analysis


Fred

Fred,

S.A.M. really works for me, when I remember to use it.... That was an eye opening day in class.

 

[mnShooter]

Fred,

What would you say your percentages are on each of these shots? Also do you use the same aiming system for all shots?

 

[Cornerman]

Fred,

What would you say your percentages are on each of these shots?

Tough question. I don't know. Better than the average bear's? For example, that first back cut on the three ball, I was absolutely horrible at that shot, if I made that shot, even on a bar table 5 out of 10 times under the gun, it would be a minor miracle. I mean, I just have always had a hard time seeing the angle. Today, I go through my stick aiming routine and have no idea if it looks right (in other words, it looks wrong), but I shoot at the new line, and the shot goes in. Here's one a couple of week ago (bar table) that I was forced to play position, and calmly cut it in:

(I ran into the 8-ball and got a shot afterwards)

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%ZN6Z8%[L9D4%\D3K9%eB4b1%_O0Z8%`O4Z2%aP4Z1
)END

This is yet another shot that I think most people are going to plain suck out at.

Also do you use the same aiming system for all shots?

No, definitely not. I find some systems to be more intuitive on some shots than others.

Fred