Vertical axis aiming problem

[7stud]

I can't hit the vertical axis on the CB.

A year ago, I was hitting the CB higher than my aim point, but close to the vertical axis. After six months of daily stroke drills performed on my kitchen table following Mark Wilson's recommendations, I thought I was making good progress at refining the straightness of my stroke, but I had the opportunity to practice on a private table for two weeks, and I found that I am now hitting to the right and low of my aim point on the CB. During my practice sessions on the private table, I was using this cue ball:

I would aim at the second black circle below the center red circle on the vertical axis. I aimed the top of my cue tip at the circle, and I would take three practice strokes, then perform a final backstroke while shifting my gaze to the OB, pause, then perform the forward stroke while looking at the OB; and I would ALWAYS hit the CB about 1 circle to the right and 1/2 circle down from my aim point.

I was using Mark Wilson's recommended stance, grip, swing, and sighting recommendations, and I was practicing straight in shots with tape on the floor marking the shot line, and I meticulously lined up the corner pocket, the donut stickies for the OB and CB, and the tape on the floor with a piece of string.

However, no matter what I tried I could not hit the vertical axis on the cue ball. I finally gave up using that cue ball, and I replaced it with a measles ball and I quit trying to hit the vertical axis. After two weeks of doing other drills, for my last practice session I went back to trying to hit the vertical axis. I found that the only way I could hit the vertical axis was by picking an aim point to the left of the vertical axis.

Any suggestions/drils on how to fix my aiming issue? I don't know when I'll have the opportunity to practice on a real pool table again.

Thank you.

 

[FranCrimi]

When you have a problem, you have to start eliminating possible causes, one at a time. Test your bridge hand by changing it. If you've been using a closed bridge, then shoot the same drill with an open bridge.

 

[7stud]

When you have a problem, you have to start eliminating possible causes, one at a time. Test your bridge hand by changing it. If you've been using a closed bridge, then shoot the same drill with an open bridge.

Thanks for the response.

I used a closed bridge. Would using an open bridge alter my perception of where the vertical axis is? Or, do you suspect that my closed bridge was lined up to the right of the shot line?

 

[FranCrimi]

Thanks for the response.

I used a closed bridge. Would using an open bridge alter my perception of where the vertical axis is? Or, do you suspect that my closed bridge was lined up to the right of the shot line?

Trying a different bridge might alter your perception or it might simply change your hand position. Your bridge hand position is one possible cause. If you still have the problem after you switch to an open bridge, then it's probably not your bridge. You have to use a process of elimination. Think of possible causes and then address them one by one.