What problems have you guys gotten hung up on?

[arsenius]

First, the point of this thread is NOT to ask for advice.

Instead, I was wondering if anyone cared to share a time they got hung up on some problem in their game. Something they couldn't stop worrying about, because it seemed too important, or whatever. For me, the problem I'm going to describe has taken a lot of the pleasure out of the my game, since it has made me so much more inconsistent.

I've been hung up on this for the last year and a half or so.

For some reason I have trouble seeing a straight line most days. For example, if I do "up downs" trying to get the cue ball to hit my tip. I can do it fairly consistently, but the picture looks all wrong. It's like the line is coming from behind my left ear across my vision to the right. It doesn't matter if I stand to the right or left of the cue ball, tilt or turn my head, or anything else... I still see the line at an angle. And I can't trust that angle, it makes pocketing really hard.

It used to be that I always saw the line as straight, like standing in the middle of railroad tracks, looking into the distance. Those were the good old days!

Since I feel this is my biggest weakness, I practice to fix the problem. Mostly I practice table length straight in shots or up-downs, sometimes with my 3rd eye or laser trainer, sometimes not. On the good days I can follow the cue ball straight into the pocket consistently. On the bad days I consistently miss the OB by a diamond (or two!).

Sometimes the problem goes away for a while, but I haven't been able to pinpoint why. When I think I've got it nailed, it comes back a few days later.

So, that's what makes me crazy. How about the rest of you guys?

 

[fd_colorado]

I know you're not asking for advice, and I am not quite sure I am following your description, but if you are saying what I think you're saying I would recommend seeing a neurologist.

 

[grindz]

I find that..

when I try to identify a cause and effect in my game (and/or a specific part of my game), that by identifying the cause.....there is a huge danger of using it as a crutch (excuse) to lose. Just like Fast Eddie found his excuse to lose to Fats with a bottle in "The Hustler" and that made him a
"part loser" we all like to have that reason to lose IMO

Mine is called a familial essential tremor........ IT SUCKS, and I try NOT to identify with it..... but it's there....

In your example it sounds like a serious change in vision in one or both of your eyes, with your percieved view changing between your old combined view alternating with a singular view from one eye. I would seriously see an eye doctor and find out if the above recommended advice is in need!!!!

td

 

[smoooothstroke]

cant see straight shots

I can execute thin cuts right or left fairly consistently(I can see cut shots well).
I have a very hard time seeing striaght shots when I am down behind the CB.I know of some mechanical problems in my stroke,epecialy when using draw.To me the mechanics and the-not seeing stright shots-are two seperate isues but they may be related.

I have tried different drills to fix the mechanics problems with small sucsess but the sight line problem complicates things.I think I learned to compensate for bad mechanics for to long and that makes it confusing to try to diagnose.

 

[Cameron Smith]

Slowing Doooooooooooown

When I get going I start running around the table. The problem is that if I'm not playing my A game silly mistakes can creep in, such as playing for the wrong position, over looking a simpler (and often better) shot etc.

So, I've worked on slowing my game down, working on my pre-shot routine. However, when I get in dead stroke I go back to running around the table, and destroys everything I've been working on.

I have made considerable strides in the last month or two, but I've still got some work to do. I'm confident that if I can make this adjustment to my game I will improve considerably.

 

[Big C]

When I get going I start running around the table. The problem is that if I'm not playing my A game silly mistakes can creep in, such as playing for the wrong position, over looking a simpler (and often better) shot etc.

So, I've worked on slowing my game down, working on my pre-shot routine. However, when I get in dead stroke I go back to running around the table, and destroys everything I've been working on.

I have made considerable strides in the last month or two, but I've still got some work to do. I'm confident that if I can make this adjustment to my game I will improve considerably.

That's some great advice. I learned the slow motion drill from Randy G and it really helps.

 

[Mr Hoppe]

I know you're not asking for advice, and I am not quite sure I am following your description, but if you are saying what I think you're saying I would recommend seeing a neurologist.

I was thinking along similar lines, but with an optomitrist. A person can have different pressure levels in your eyes that can vary from day to day that may cause this problem. It's possible that it can be regulated with medication, or simple dietary changes.
Mr H

 

[arsenius]

I was thinking along similar lines, but with an optomitrist. A person can have different pressure levels in your eyes that can vary from day to day that may cause this problem. It's possible that it can be regulated with medication, or simple dietary changes.
Mr H

That's interesting. I've thought about seeing an eye doctor, but I didn't know about differing pressure levels. However, since I'm living in a foreign country, it's hard for me to get answers out of doctors.

Korea is great as far as having cheap medical care. Unfortunately you usually get what you pay for.

Thanks for your replies, keep them coming, it's interesting.