What Do You Look At Last

Tennesseejoe

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Most folks look at the object ball last. Some look at the cue ball. Does any else ever look at the shaft on some shots?
 
I look at the object ball last most of the time ( jump, jacked up, frozen on the rail would be the exceptions.)
I think the most important thing is keeping the head still before, during, and after. Quiet eye training helps.
 
Object ball.

Cue ball should only be looked at while lining up and the practice stroke leading up to the hit. There is no point in keeping your eyes on the cue ball.
 
Object ball.

Cue ball should only be looked at while lining up and the practice stroke leading up to the hit. There is no point in keeping your eyes on the cue ball.
Stephen Hendry is obviously of a different opinion. He even includes Ronnie O'Sullivan in his statement of cueball last.
My study in the topic started long ago and is documented in Experiments in looking at the cue ball while delivering the stroke
My experience and conclusion is that object ball last produces the best shot making. Cueball last produces the best cueball control. A recent article speaks of Ronnie's diminished shot making being counterbalanced by his cueball control. (If I control whitey I don't have to make as many hard shots 🤷‍♂️) The only time I am aware of Ronnie speaking on the subject was more than 10 years ago. He says to the effect of, "I suppose it's meant to be object ball but at times its cueball. " Which leads me to imagine that he probably started object ball last as I did. It would be interesting to hear him speak on the topic today. I have enough confidence in the knowledge and integrity of Stephen Hendry to accept his statement that "Ronnie does the same" as fact.
 
Object ball.

Cue ball should only be looked at while lining up and the practice stroke leading up to the hit. There is no point in keeping your eyes on the cue ball.
If you're perfectly lined up, what's the point of looking at the object ball?

Wouldn't you want to make sure that you're hitting the micro dot on the cue ball in which you're aiming?

Genuine question to spark additional (I hope) meaningful conversation.
 
Stephen Hendry is obviously of a different opinion. He even includes Ronnie O'Sullivan in his statement of cueball last.
My study in the topic started long ago and is documented in Experiments in looking at the cue ball while delivering the stroke
My experience and conclusion is that object ball last produces the best shot making. Cueball last produces the best cueball control. A recent article speaks of Ronnie's diminished shot making being counterbalanced by his cueball control. (If I control whitey I don't have to make as many hard shots 🤷‍♂️) The only time I am aware of Ronnie speaking on the subject was more than 10 years ago. He says to the effect of, "I suppose it's meant to be object ball but at times its cueball. " Which leads me to imagine that he probably started object ball last as I did. It would be interesting to hear him speak on the topic today. I have enough confidence in the knowledge and integrity of Stephen Hendry to accept his statement that "Ronnie does the same" as fact.

shaun murphy said in a podcast (could've been his own "147 pod") that it's about 50/50 among the snooker pros. so whatever works for you..
 
If you're perfectly lined up, what's the point of looking at the object ball?

Wouldn't you want to make sure that you're hitting the micro dot on the cue ball in which you're aiming?

Genuine question to spark additional (I hope) meaningful conversation.
In a perfect world it doesn't matter what you look at.

The x-factor is the stroke or the swing that can throw off the line. Nobody has a perfect stroke.

1. stroke
2. path of cue ball to object

You play with deflection in mind and we're also using english on the ball. Staring at the cue ball too long then you are missing the path. The path to the object ball is very important. You're aiming the cue ball to the object ball.

The game is not about aiming at the cue ball.

Hope this makes sense.
 
If you're perfectly lined up, what's the point of looking at the object ball?

Wouldn't you want to make sure that you're hitting the micro dot on the cue ball in which you're aiming?

Genuine question to spark additional (I hope) meaningful conversation.
I have tried to play the game in how you perceive it. Aiming at the cue ball.

Object balls are only there to assist the cue ball's movement. Playing this way is great but pocketing the ball will hurt in the long run.
 
Well sometimes I do look at the shaft last if it is the first thing in my way. I started off object ball last. After getting fairly proficient I tried cueball last. Within three weeks I was shooting just as well cueball last.

Later I went to line of sight shooting. I am looking at anywhere along the cue ball's path or even a point behind the object ball. Wherever my head and body is comfortable, there is my target.

Hu
 
shaun murphy said in a podcast (could've been his own "147 pod") that it's about 50/50 among the snooker pros. so whatever works for you..
I see a similar split in the hard vs soft tips. Some have a mushroom appearance others appear sharp and sound that way at contact.
 
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT LAST
This has helped shooting long straight in shots with the cue ball frozen to the short rail. When coming down on the shot line, I make sure the cue tip is dead center on the cue ball. Next, I aim at the spot on the object ball. I re-sight this process several times until I am comfortable with the aim. Then while looking straight down at the cue shaft, I begin stroking and shoot. It sure helps me keep a straight stroke, especially with pressure shots. Give it a try.
 
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT LAST
This has helped shooting long straight in shots with the cue ball frozen to the short rail. When coming down on the shot line, I make sure the cue tip is dead center on the cue ball. Next, I aim at the spot on the object ball. I re-sight this process several times until I am comfortable with the aim. Then while looking straight down at the cue shaft, I begin stroking and shoot. It sure helps me keep a straight stroke, especially with pressure shots. Give it a try.
OMG ☺ I will try it but I hope it's not leading me to this slippery slope.
 
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