I get the sensation that I can create the angles mentally, not just physically.
Why? CJ doesn't use TOI on all shots. He uses the alignment for consistency and uses center ball and outside when needed. I do the same.
Best,
Mike
That's correct, the slight, inside position could be thought of as an "inside center," which counters the after contact spin. If I want to apply a slight amount of spin I can simply pivot a hair to center, however, my cue is slightly angled towards the side of the object ball I'm contacting.
This slight pivot will still creates an approach to the object ball that will cut the ball more so the players can still favor the inside of the pocket. It's easy to experiment with, simply set up a straight-in shot to the middle diamond of the end rail. Then cue the ball to the inside and pivot to center - hit the ball without adjusting and you'll create an angle.
I show this at the very beginning of the TOI DVD, don't overlook how important it is, and if you don't remember what I'm referring to, watch the video again, paying close attention to the first section.
Focus on where you're tip is contacting the cue ball, after all it's the main target. What the object ball does is a reflection of how we contact the cue ball. In other words it has a "mirror effect," (low on the cue ball puts high on the OB, left puts right, high puts low, etc).
In the case of TOI the mirror effect is neutralized (as long as minimal spin is applied to the cue ball) - the more you target the cue ball to the right, the more the ball cuts to the right, the more you cue the ball to the left, the more the object ball cuts to the left.
From my experience this opens a "new dimension" in my mind - I get the sensation of creating the angles mentally, not just physically.
This state of mind is what is referred to as "the zone". The "Touch" of inside develops a feeling of connection, I describe this as "feeling the angle or Game with my eyes".
There are a few other ways to get into the zone, however, using TOI is the best way I've found, and it's proven it's self over many years of competitive matches. The longer I play, the deeper into the zone, - it will reach a point that I can't even remember (consciously) the last game, and sometimes the last shot.