Shooting combination shots with accuracy..

[pete lafond]

Within the aiming forum, DM had asked me my process in aiming for a combo.

As simple as this may be, some are able to shoot these with greater accuracy than others. Just curious what methods are out there and % success;

Consider the OB (object ball) as the one you are going to pocket, next the IB (intermediary ball) as the ball in the middle and then the CB (cue ball).

My method is to first see the path of the OB to the pocket. I next align the IB as if it were the CB. Once I have this engraved in my mind, I then align the IB into the absolute part of the OB as if the OB were the pocket.
While I am behind the cue ball stroking, I can see two very distinct paths 1. OB to Pocket 2. IB to OB. And as I am stroking I am making final adjustments. Because my aiming system is a complete path from the point of my object ball to the part of the pocket I am playing, my mind is trained and I see 2 very distinct lines (paths). Next my tendency is to undercut, so I always overcut just a little.


Other methods include using points on balls.

And yet another is after aligning points, see path of the IB through the OB to a point on the rail. In effect what is happening is that you would be aiming the IB to a point on the rail.

What method do most use.

 

[drivermaker]

Within the aiming forum, DM had asked me my process in aiming for a combo.

As simple as this may be, some are able to shoot these with greater accuracy than others. Just curious what methods are out there and % success;

Consider the OB (object ball) as the one you are going to pocket, next the IB (intermediary ball) as the ball in the middle and then the CB (cue ball).

My method is to first see the path of the OB to the pocket. I next align the IB as if it were the CB. Once I have this engraved in my mind, I then align the IB into the absolute part of the OB as if the OB were the pocket.
While I am behind the cue ball stroking, I can see two very distinct paths 1. OB to Pocket 2. IB to OB. And as I am stroking I am making final adjustments. Because my aiming system is a complete path from the point of my object ball to the part of the pocket I am playing, my mind is trained and I see 2 very distinct lines (paths). Next my tendency is to undercut, so I always overcut just a little.


Other methods include using points on balls.

And yet another is after aligning points, see path of the IB through the OB to a point on the rail. In effect what is happening is that you would be aiming the IB to a point on the rail.

What method do most use.

Heaven forbid anyone uses either of these or whatever they're going to post.
They both border too much on "AIMING" and a "process/system", ESPECIALLY the points on balls one. I say let intuition be the guide as well as some hokus-pokus mysticism and just blast the balls.

 

[pete lafond]

Heaven forbid anyone uses either of these or whatever they're going to post.
They both border too much on "AIMING" and a "process/system", ESPECIALLY the points on balls one. I say let intuition be the guide as well as some hokus-pokus mysticism and just blast the balls.

I am not asking which of the 3 posted they use, rather what method they use. So my question to you is what method do you use when shooting combos and include multiple for different distances and angles if you choose.

 

[Colin Colenso]

I first line up the IB as if it were the CB to make the pot on the OB. I then find either a point on the cushion on this line or something like a table leg 10 feet away on this line.

When I make the shot, I completey ignore the OB line. I just pot the IB to the point I selected.

 

[Bruce S. de Lis]

See if you can find a copy of the VHS Tape to Watch Rempe & Jones. Meucci made call POER POOL., as the subject is cover well. Yes I like Tapes, as I can watch em over and over again....

 

[Billy_Bob]

I make a higher percentage of combo shots than most other players in my area (which is still a low percentage - not a sure thing). With that said, I try to avoid combo shots if possible.

The way I got better at combo shots was by practicing them. This is all variations of combo shots... 2nd OB close to pocket, 1st OB further and further away. Then move 2nd OB further and further away from pocket. By practicing these with various distances, I learned which combo shots were fairly easy and which were almost impossible.

I aim by pretending the 1st OB is the cue ball. Where would I hit it with my cue to pocket the 2nd ball? Well that is basically where the CB needs to contact it. But if a cut shot, then also factor in throw (practice, practice, practice).

Also there are special cases. Two object balls lined up in front of a corner pocket and different distances varying from quite close to each other to maybe 1 ft. apart. You can pocket both balls if done correctly. In different cases speed of hit and using follow or draw will make the difference between both balls going in or not. I use draw if both balls are quite close. And the first ball needs to contact the second ball exactly dead center.

Then the case of the 2nd ball being frozen to a rail and near the corner pocket. These are very difficult and require a very soft hit as well as perfect aim.

Practice, practice, practice.... (Then don't shoot combos unless absolutely necessary.)