I left the game for 35 years. I was a reasonable player in my younger days, but old age has bit me on the butt. I really think a solid aiming system would help me. But I would like to find something that does not require a PHd to understand or 3min to aim a shot. I willl never get my old game back, but thats no reason not to improve.
What systen
- Thread starter mcsock
- Start date
There's a lot of different aiming systems for different applications. I'm no expert nor am I a very advanced pool player. I do however like to learn and am open to new perspectives always.
A couple things I'd recommend looking into and find very useful are practice drills.
1. Bank shots, get comfortable banking balls learn how to avoid double kisses, know when you need speed to cut the angle short or English to throw the ball further.
2. There's a system called the spot on the wall system. It's essentially a mathematical equation where you shoot from the corner pocket to the 2nd diamond below the corner pocket furthest away from that corner pocket or diamond three if you count that corner pocket. This will bring you to the fifth diamond on the 2nd rail of the shot which will bring you to the corner pocket across from the corner you shot from (short way across). This is only with the application of following English. You adjust the first contact point until you're making the ball in the corner pocket as every table plays a bit different under different environmental conditions.
Once you've found the first contact point, you image that contact point extents forever, until you hit a wall (assuming you play indoors, lol) hopefully there's a spot on wall or an object you can use as a landmark for this shot. Now anywhere you can aim at that object with following English will aim true for that corner pocket so long as there's of course nothing in the way. This system is even still more useful.
1. you can use this for all 4 corner pockets
2. you can use this for aiming at the 2nd rail
3. you can adjust this system for aiming in front of the pocket if you were to shift all the angles in either direction
4. you can hit balls away from the rail by estimating the trajectory of the cue ball, this is particularly useful for hitting balls that you normally would have difficulty kicking at
3. also check out Buddy hall's clock system for cue ball control
4. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! as far as actually aiming at the ball everyone sights differently, some people shoot with their chin right on the cue ball with each eye naturally spaced to each side, some people shoot standing nearly up right (Minosota fats), some people have their head to one side.
A couple things I'd recommend looking into and find very useful are practice drills.
1. Bank shots, get comfortable banking balls learn how to avoid double kisses, know when you need speed to cut the angle short or English to throw the ball further.
2. There's a system called the spot on the wall system. It's essentially a mathematical equation where you shoot from the corner pocket to the 2nd diamond below the corner pocket furthest away from that corner pocket or diamond three if you count that corner pocket. This will bring you to the fifth diamond on the 2nd rail of the shot which will bring you to the corner pocket across from the corner you shot from (short way across). This is only with the application of following English. You adjust the first contact point until you're making the ball in the corner pocket as every table plays a bit different under different environmental conditions.
Once you've found the first contact point, you image that contact point extents forever, until you hit a wall (assuming you play indoors, lol) hopefully there's a spot on wall or an object you can use as a landmark for this shot. Now anywhere you can aim at that object with following English will aim true for that corner pocket so long as there's of course nothing in the way. This system is even still more useful.
1. you can use this for all 4 corner pockets
2. you can use this for aiming at the 2nd rail
3. you can adjust this system for aiming in front of the pocket if you were to shift all the angles in either direction
4. you can hit balls away from the rail by estimating the trajectory of the cue ball, this is particularly useful for hitting balls that you normally would have difficulty kicking at
3. also check out Buddy hall's clock system for cue ball control
4. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE! as far as actually aiming at the ball everyone sights differently, some people shoot with their chin right on the cue ball with each eye naturally spaced to each side, some people shoot standing nearly up right (Minosota fats), some people have their head to one side.
Thanks for reply
Back in the day I played a good game of golf on a snooker table. Banks seem to have come back naturally.
My problem is aim was always by feel and knowledge. I am just missing too many shots that I should be making. I though an aim system might help on some of the shots I am missing.
Practice still is the #1 thing. I am playing 4-5 times a week up to the point I lose concentraction then just stop. I am making much thinner cuts and getting position than before, but then missing an easy ball 2ft. from a pocket. Again I was thinking that an aiming system would help. If nothing else, it would force me to concentrate on the contact point.
Back in the day I played a good game of golf on a snooker table. Banks seem to have come back naturally.
My problem is aim was always by feel and knowledge. I am just missing too many shots that I should be making. I though an aim system might help on some of the shots I am missing.
Practice still is the #1 thing. I am playing 4-5 times a week up to the point I lose concentraction then just stop. I am making much thinner cuts and getting position than before, but then missing an easy ball 2ft. from a pocket. Again I was thinking that an aiming system would help. If nothing else, it would force me to concentrate on the contact point.
You already know how to aim. My suggestion is to work on your setup and cue delivery routine. All the aiming and position decisions should be made while standing tall from behind the shot you are about to make. From that point to the time when you pull the trigger is when most of what can go wrong usually does if you do not have a solid routine that you can repeat. Part of a good routine is the analysis phase, so that when you miss a shot you get instant feedback to understand why. A teacher can be your best option for improving. A teacher can watch you while you shoot so they can break down your flaws and come up with action items to work on for improvement. I know there are plenty of good certified instructors in the SoCa area. Seek and ye shall find.
I live in So. Cal. Long drive to DallasBut thanks for the offer
I will be in So. Cal. Summer of 2014.
randyg
+1 for the clock system. I'm mainly a center ball user, but when I get out of line (which happens often), I heavily rely on the clock system.
ouble distance aiming works when the CB and OB are 1/2 table apart or more...If you can visualize that distance.
Here are a number of simple aim systems with diagrams.