Training with Paper Spot idea.

[papercut]

He was. I saw him at the IPT KotH in Orlando, and asked him if it was still available. The guy who was making/distributing them had told him it would cost too much to make another batch. You might find an old set at an older billiard supply store.

A description of Target Pool and a way you can make your own infinite variety of target pool shots is explained at: Target Pool, Revived

Bob,

This is a great drill with the playing cards. I developed something similar for my own practice where the OB and CB were put in a place where I could get position anywhere and the drawn card dictated where the CB had to end up. I would go through all 52 cards for 52 different position spots from the same starting OB and CB position (2-Ace determined length (13 chunks) while suit determined width (4 chunks)). Of course, a handful of positions would be extremely challenging but even these provided good insight to position difficulties. By the time I went through 52, I had a really solid understanding of the multitude of position paths.

I like your idea of having the card dictate not only the position goal but also the OB starting point. I'll have to give that a try. Thanks!

 

[Donovan]

Early on I did the Bert Kinister's 60 Minute Workout religiously and the paper part was what I felt really helped me learn what shape was all about. Today, when playing a tough shot for shape, I still imagine that half sheet of paper laying on the table. It helps me focus that leave. I am now fairly successful on the shot position, espicailly when other people think I won't get another shot.

 

[pillage6]

I dont want to be picky but your diagram is wrong.
You cant come off those 2 rails and land the QB on the paper. Its impossible. After hitting rail A, the angle will widen and the path of the QB will be towards the corner pocket.

Gabber

You are wrong, if you hit the ball slowly with a lot of spin it will follow the path as Colin has described. The cue ball will follow the tangent line with that type of English only if you hit the living snot out of it, in which case you have no chance of landing on the designated spot anyways.

 

[Cornerman]

I'm surely not the first to use this training method but I'm finding it very useful for planning, learning angles and CB control.

Ever hear of Target Pool? California Kim Davenport used to endorse it. It's a "game" and a heckuva training aid that uses a piece of paper with a bullseye target (like archery) on it. The closer to the center, the more points you get.

Fred <~~~ has an unopened box.

 

[chefjeff]

I sometimes throw a paper beer coaster onto the table and it rolls somewhere. I then shoot my easy shot and attempt to land the cueball on or near the coaster. This adds a random element to the exercise which seems more realistic to me.

fwiw,

Jeff Livingston

 

[pillage6]

I believe since the line is on the paper it would make a HUGE difference in just trying to land the ball on the spot.

 

[Colin Colenso]

You are wrong, if you hit the ball slowly with a lot of spin it will follow the path as Colin has described. The cue ball will follow the tangent line with that type of English only if you hit the living snot out of it, in which case you have no chance of landing on the designated spot anyways.

I'll take the middle of the fence and say that I think I positioned A (the second rail hit) a ball width or so too far left in the diagram, but the end result from this position is doable on most tables with normal rail slide.

 

[DaveK]

I'm surely not the first to use this training method but I'm finding it very useful for planning, learning angles and CB control.

<edit>

I cut out a paper circle, the width of an A4 piece of paper.

In Bob Hennings Pro Book he suggests using paper targets for the drills. Heck, without the paper targets you have a more difficult time measuring success. The shot you show is roughly shot #4. For this shot the target is a piece of round paper 5" in diameter. Your circle would be about 8" in diameter. The 'extension' shots use a 10" circle (many of Bobs shots end with position in the center of the table, the extension shots pass through the center on the way to the other end of the table).

Dave

 

[Colin Colenso]

Actually I find the most useful part of this exercise is not just to stop on the paper. As when we move from table to table or humidity changes, we need to recalculate our speed feel.

The most useful parts are these:
1. The line should indicate where the CB comes from. Most useful when the CB is coming off rails.
2. Placing of the paper makes one consider a high probability region with maximum error capability, particularly in regard to speed.
3. It forces one to plan some exactness into positional planning, rather than just rush shots and get into general areas that give a good enough shot. This means more lessons to be learned from each shot. Increasing the effectiveness of training time.

Perhaps a wedge shaped piece of paper is a better method, with the thinner edge of the wedge poited at the position the CB will come from.