What's the news on SVB instructional?

[Pfnatic]

The two methods are different. [Caveat: I have not yet viewed the recent TAR video on Shane's method.]

The Mullen Method, as presented in a video by Mr. Mullen, involves aiming the edge of the ferrule at the intended contact point on the OB -- using the left side of the ferrule for cuts to the left and right side of the ferrule for cuts to the right. I have described the limitations of that method more than once.

Shane's method, so far as I know it from a TAR interview and an earlier teaching video, is to aim the center or an edge of the ferrule at the outside edge of the OB. To allow for more cut angles than that would provide, he adjusts the aiming point on the OB for some shots.

Both methods involving using the ferrule for aiming, but in different ways.

I think what Shane is doing is compensating for the "width of the cue ball" so to speak. If he were to aim the cue ball directly on the contact point of the object ball, he would end up under-cutting the shot (unless it is a straight shot, in which case he uses the center of the shaft and aims directly for the contact point on the object ball). So he uses one side of the shaft because in his head, he is thinking that the width of the shaft will compensate for the width he has to shift the contact point by.

But, I am sure, this is just a reference. There is no way that this method will work for all different angles, for different distances and for different amounts of side-spin coupled with speed. This is just for him to align himself fairly close to the line of shot. But in the end, because he has played the game so much, these angles are burned into his memory.

The first step to aiming is that you line up correctly on the shot. Since you have to line up even before you get down to aim with your shaft/ferrule, you already need to have a good idea on the angle you have to cut. Once you are down on the shot you should not "try and find the angle". All you should do is deliver the cue in a straight line.

In my opinion, there is no ultimate secret to aiming because there are so many variables in a single shot. It is all about memory and feel. The more you play the game, the more familiar you get with different angles and remember them. That's why you have a tough time with unfamiliar difficult cuts because you haven't played that angle enough to remember it. :smile:

 

[kaznj]

I would like to download the video. The page says to click on the download button, but I do not see this anywhere. Is this video not available to download?