thank you to CJ Wiley for teaching, learning, growing and sharing!

There's some complex levels of TOI that would be fun to go over with you on the table, Mike, sometimes it's difficult to put into words as you're well aware. Some people make comments about me trying to "defy physics" when in actuality it's the 'Touch of Inside" that defies the normal reactions, and enables things that seem impossible possible......sometimes even pool knowledge can be the structure of magic.
structure-of-magic.jpg

I think the "magic" happens when you look at something differently, even though you've seen it a thousand times before. It may be mental or physical, but it changes your perception.

We need the physics of the game to understand what happens on every shot. We don't need to limit the creativity we employ in making these shots by analyzing each technique from a purely mental approach, rather than hands on training.

Learning to play the game by rote can get you only so far. Every once in a while you have to stop and look at what you're doing and think about it in a different light. You just might see things you've never noticed for years, that were staring right back at you all the time.

For me, I've added a few shots to the toolbox using TOI. But the main positive aspect has been the development of many different position tracks I've learned. I'd say my position play has gained about 20%. That's a ton and it's getting better as I look at newer ways to get the job done. If I can "see" it, I should be able to do it! :wink:

Best,
Mike
 
GREAT THREAD!

I agree with you 100%.


JoeyA
 
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willing to develop new ideas, attitudes and emotions regarding their pool game

Very, very well said!!!

That's what TOI does more than anything is it immediately changes perceptions. I recommend any new player to try it for 3 hours for exactly that reason.....to develop a new, fresh way of looking at the game.

If someone hasn't reached their desired level of performance they have to "shuffle the deck," in their mind.....they MUST be willing to develop new ideas, attitudes and emotions regarding their pool game (and maybe even life) to break out of mediocrity (which is a negative routine imho).

I appreciate all that aspire to improve, from my experience, if we're not getting better, we're regressing (in many ways, shapes and forms).

The path I've followed as been greatly influenced by martial arts, so I've seen this true from other perspectives.......this maturing process is essential to develop "eyes that can see, and ears that can hear" - more than what is obvious, their is a "deep level" of understanding when we're ready to set aside old ideas and beliefs. 'The Game is the Teacher'


I think the "magic" happens when you look at something differently, even though you've seen it a thousand times before. It may be mental or physical, but it changes your perception.

We need the physics of the game to understand what happens on every shot. We don't need to limit the creativity we employ in making these shots by analyzing each technique from a purely mental approach, rather than hands on training.

Learning to play the game by rote can get you only so far. Every once in a while you have to stop and look at what you're doing and think about it in a different light. You just might see things you've never noticed for years, that were staring right back at you all the time.

For me, I've added a few shots to the toolbox using TOI. But the main positive aspect has been the development of many different position tracks I've learned. I'd say my position play has gained about 20%. That's a ton and it's getting better as I look at newer ways to get the job done. If I can "see" it, I should be able to do it! :wink:

Best,
Mike
 
Despite what anyone may think there's very little reward in pool right now outside of feeling good about helping other's enjoy the game. I'm grateful for having so many players to teach and learn from in this day and communicating with thousands would have seemed impossible only a few years ago.

When I look back at all the people that helped me get to where I am it's only fair that I give back the only thing I can....my knowledge, and experience in the game. 'The Game is the Teacher'

I for one, appreciate the knowledge that you have shared CJ...
From what I'm reading, you have quite a fan club here on AzB.
 
Back in the 80s and 90s it was more common to "play for it all"

I for one, appreciate the knowledge that you have shared CJ...
From what I'm reading, you have quite a fan club here on AzB.

You're welcome, I'm glad you've benefited my friend.

I have a question (for anyone reading) concerning about "common practice" in tournaments these days:

I just got to the finals of a fairly big bar-table tournament at Rustys today. I had to beat the guy twice in the finals and he ask if I wanted to "spit" the tournament money.....since it was a race to 4 playing 8-Ball I agreed.

When I was playing all the time we never split the finals, is this common these days? Back in the 80s and 90s it was more common to "play for it all"......now the players want to split it up evenly.....hmmmmm....how times have changed.
 
I've heard a lot of people say negative things about how CJ's trying to milk everything he can out of pool since he's "washed up" now and that he contributes nothing but "the game is the teacher" or "TOI is the teacher" but I agree with YOU and not them.

Thank you for posting and everything you do on here CJ

Always a great supporter of the game.






The game IS the teacher.


And so is ziggystardust on here.

Ziggystardust is the real teacher.
 
I think many of us can "build a bridge" between games, sports or activities



Many people have ask lately "why 'The Game is the Teacher', and what does it mean?"

When I look back at my life Pocket Billiards has been my teacher and I learned to relate many things in my life to pool.

I think many of us can "build a bridge" between games, sports or activities that we love to life....and the lessons we've learned about competition, passion, humility, dedication, patience, socializing, fear of success, fear of failure, victory, defeat, ego, confidence, management, systems and controls, checks and balances, love, peace, contentment: 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
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You're welcome, I'm glad you've benefited my friend.

I have a question (for anyone reading) concerning about "common practice" in tournaments these days:

I just got to the finals of a fairly big bar-table tournament at Rustys today. I had to beat the guy twice in the finals and he ask if I wanted to "spit" the tournament money.....since it was a race to 4 playing 8-Ball I agreed.

When I was playing all the time we never split the finals, is this common these days? Back in the 80s and 90s it was more common to "play for it all"......now the players want to split it up evenly.....hmmmmm....how times have changed.

If I have to double dip the other person, they have only one opportunity to split the finals and that is, they have to ask me before I beat them that first time. If they ask after I win that first set, the answer is NO, no matter who it is.

I have been asked to split the finals by professional pool player and I kind of consider that an honor, knowing that I couldn't beat them consistently day in day out but that they had enough respect for my game for that particular day, that they didn't want to risk getting the second place money. Knowing how tough it is on the road, I wouldn't hesitate to split with a road player, unless he is a XXXX.

Splitting the finals is more common today than it was in yesteryear for sure. I think the reason is that there are actually a larger percentage of quality players in most tournaments these days.

JoeyA
 
I would rather play any of the current top 5 than Mike Sigel

Is it there's more "quality" players, or less "quality" heart? :groucho:

I've seen both generations and I would rather play any of the current top 5 than Mike Sigel, Buddy Hall, Steve Mizerak, Earl Strickland, Jimmy Rempe, Larry Hubbart, Allen Hopkins, Johnny Archer, etc. - they may not rack and break as well, but were tougher mentally. imho



If I have to double dip the other person, they have only one opportunity to split the finals and that is, they have to ask me before I beat them that first time. If they ask after I win that first set, the answer is NO, no matter who it is.

I have been asked to split the finals by professional pool player and I kind of consider that an honor, knowing that I couldn't beat them consistently day in day out but that they had enough respect for my game for that particular day, that they didn't want to risk getting the second place money. Knowing how tough it is on the road, I wouldn't hesitate to split with a road player, unless he is a XXXX.

Splitting the finals is more common today than it was in yesteryear for sure. I think the reason is that there are actually a larger percentage of quality players in most tournaments these days.

JoeyA
 
just thought this should be said (I don't know him from Adam btw)

very few world class players do much for the game in any manner at all,

this guy shares knowledge and concepts, LEARNS...as a player,......continually, he actually grows and advances himself, teaches with super affordable rates and promotes at all levels including the awesome million dollar attempt (fiasco....???, lol;) at a solid pro tour

pool needs more guys like this

good for you CJ and thank you from a lifelong fan of the game

I am also a fan of CJ and know he has been speaking about TOI for a long time. I happened on this technique a few months ago. A friend of mine who is a very strong player came over to hit some after I got a GC3 installed in my house. He told me he uses a hair of inside english on a shot I was about to shoot, and I said what?? He proceeded to show me. I started doing it and I love it now. I use it on a lot of shots. I love the way the object ball reacts. It kind of stuns into the pocket and acts like a stun stop shot in a way. The physics of it don't make sense to me, but I am really used to it now, and rarely miss anything long and straight in. I used to use to much draw on a lot of shots and would miss. With this technique I miss a lot less. I know CJ has been teching this technique forever and now I see what he is talking about. I saw Dennis Hatch use it on a straight in 9 ball when they had the camera angle from behind the cueball at the mosconi cup. I will bet a lot of pro players use it, but you just don't hear about it a lot:-). I can't believe it's taken me so long to try this technique!!!
 
I am also a fan of CJ and know he has been speaking about TOI for a long time. I happened on this technique a few months ago. A friend of mine who is a very strong player came over to hit some after I got a GC3 installed in my house. He told me he uses a hair of inside english on a shot I was about to shoot, and I said what?? He proceeded to show me. I started doing it and I love it now. I use it on a lot of shots. I love the way the object ball reacts. It kind of stuns into the pocket and acts like a stun stop shot in a way. The physics of it don't make sense to me, but I am really used to it now, and rarely miss anything long and straight in. I used to use to much draw on a lot of shots and would miss. With this technique I miss a lot less. I know CJ has been teching this technique forever and now I see what he is talking about. I saw Dennis Hatch use it on a straight in 9 ball when they had the camera angle from behind the cueball at the mosconi cup. I will bet a lot of pro players use it, but you just don't hear about it a lot:-). I can't believe it's taken me so long to try this technique!!!

What would the benefit of TOI be a straight in shot? I heard CJ say he uses center for straight in shots, and if any angle/cut, TOI comes into play.

And if you are using TOI on straight in shots, are you just favoring one side of the pocket to make that angle, and then using TOI for that angle? It seems like Dennis would have done that if he was trying to force shape out of a completely straight in shot.
 
Is it there's more "quality" players, or less "quality" heart? :groucho:

I've seen both generations and I would rather play any of the current top 5 than Mike Sigel, Buddy Hall, Steve Mizerak, Earl Strickland, Jimmy Rempe, Larry Hubbart, Allen Hopkins, Johnny Archer, etc. - they may not rack and break as well, but were tougher mentally. imho

The previous generation of top players may have been tougher mentally (if so it was most likely because of "gambling") but I believe that back then there just weren't as many top players as they have today.

Top 5 money earners for 2014:
SHANE VAN BOENING
GARETH POTTS
DENNIS ORCULLO
CHIEH-YU CHOU
JUSTIN BERGMAN

Hmmmm...........................
And this doesn't include Appleton, Morris, Melling, Deuel, Reyes, Immonen, Dechaine, Strickland or Schmidt to name a few......

Are you looking for a game? :groucho:

JoeyA
 
What would the benefit of TOI be a straight in shot? I heard CJ say he uses center for straight in shots, and if any angle/cut, TOI comes into play.

And if you are using TOI on straight in shots, are you just favoring one side of the pocket to make that angle, and then using TOI for that angle? It seems like Dennis would have done that if he was trying to force shape out of a completely straight in shot.

You're right, there wouldn't be any benefit on a straight in shot. If the shot is off even one degree from straight in, then I would definitely use it. For me, anything less than five degrees is an automatic for TOI.

Rarely is a shot absolutely dead straight in. Center cue ball is good for those, although I've heard a rumor about using TOI on long straight in shots off of the rail. Probably not something I would do. :wink:

Best,
Mike
 
without this aspect you have players that think to conservatively

The previous generation of top players may have been tougher mentally (if so it was most likely because of "gambling") but I believe that back then there just weren't as many top players as they have today.

Top 5 money earners for 2014:
SHANE VAN BOENING
GARETH POTTS
DENNIS ORCULLO
CHIEH-YU CHOU
JUSTIN BERGMAN

Hmmmm...........................
And this doesn't include Appleton, Morris, Melling, Deuel, Reyes, Immonen, Dechaine, Strickland or Schmidt to name a few......

Are you looking for a game? :groucho:

JoeyA

I ask Johnny Archer point blank who he thought were the toughest players and he didn't hesitate to say "Hall, Sigel, Miz, Rempe, West, Varner"...and I certainly agree.

Even with that being said it's possible to argue either side, however many of the players you mentioned were in their prime in the 80s/90s.....and they're still top players today ie: Archer, Strickland, Immonen, Schmidt, Ralf S. Oliver Ortmann, Bustamante, Reyes, Hatch, Morris, etc. - the break and the rack has changed more than anything recently.

The gambling is what made them mentally tougher, without this aspect you have players that think to conservatively to play the highest {gambling} levels. Don't get me wrong, conservative play will win tournaments, but it won't "get the cash" against the greatest gamblers....you can't outrun their offensive abilities "playing safe" - The Game is the Teacher'
 
remember, when your stroke is very pure you need a very, very small amount of TOI

What would the benefit of TOI be a straight in shot? I heard CJ say he uses center for straight in shots, and if any angle/cut, TOI comes into play.

And if you are using TOI on straight in shots, are you just favoring one side of the pocket to make that angle, and then using TOI for that angle? It seems like Dennis would have done that if he was trying to force shape out of a completely straight in shot.

I do use "center ball" to hit the center of the pocket on straight in shots. However the beauty of TOI comes with the added ability to hit all three sides.....even on straight in shots. If I want to favor or "cheat the pocket" on a straight in I'll use a "hair" of TOI to get the desired effect......remember, when your stroke is very pure you need a very, very small amount of TOI to move the cue ball.....it will be like you're "thinking" the cue ball to move and it does.....of course it's the 'Touch of Inside" that allows this subconscious phenomenon to take place. 'The Game is the Teacher'
 
You're right, there wouldn't be any benefit on a straight in shot. If the shot is off even one degree from straight in, then I would definitely use it. For me, anything less than five degrees is an automatic for TOI.

Rarely is a shot absolutely dead straight in. Center cue ball is good for those, although I've heard a rumor about using TOI on long straight in shots off of the rail. Probably not something I would do. :wink:

Best,
Mike

I remember a long time ago, a pool pro in a local pool hall here showed me if the balls were frozen along the rail, then you have to shoot with inside, even though it's straight. It worked for him.something about getting the object ball to roll along the rail with the transferred spin. Cj touches on that in the TOI video.

And yes you are correct, rarely is it ever straight in, and when it is, you should be able to see the zones of the pocket as cj talks about and create yourself the angle.

CJ = obi wan kenobi
 
I remember a long time ago, a pool pro in a local pool hall here showed me if the balls were frozen along the rail, then you have to shoot with inside, even though it's straight. It worked for him.something about getting the object ball to roll along the rail with the transferred spin. Cj touches on that in the TOI video.

And yes you are correct, rarely is it ever straight in, and when it is, you should be able to see the zones of the pocket as cj talks about and create yourself the angle.

CJ = obi wan kenobi

Obi wan kenobi, lol! Didn't he die? Or is he still out there in The Force somewhere?

Best,
Mike
 
The previous generation of top players may have been tougher mentally (if so it was most likely because of "gambling") but I believe that back then there just weren't as many top players as they have today.

Top 5 money earners for 2014:
SHANE VAN BOENING
GARETH POTTS
DENNIS ORCULLO
CHIEH-YU CHOU
JUSTIN BERGMAN

Hmmmm...........................
And this doesn't include Appleton, Morris, Melling, Deuel, Reyes, Immonen, Dechaine, Strickland or Schmidt to name a few......

Are you looking for a game? :groucho:

JoeyA

You rascal, you! I see what you did there. :wink:

Best,
Mike
 
like "the most interesting man in the world," only he drinks Guinness.

Obi wan kenobi, lol! Didn't he die? Or is he still out there in The Force somewhere?

Best,
Mike

He's kind of like "the most interesting man in the world," only he drinks Guinness. :D

h0C97F78A
guinness-for-strength-posters.jpg
 
CJ is the "man"

After viewing all his tapes I feel CJ is possibly the best teacher in the game and we should all be thankful for his unselfish attitude to help lesser players and even advanced players to improve their games.:thumbup:
 
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