While some have deviated from your original options I will do the same. You originally stated, "assuming your aim is correct and your stroke is straight", I will add an option that causes most missed shots.
That could be the case with players that look at object ball last. Some of us focus on the intimate interaction of the cue tip and cueball. It works well for some, perhaps not the majority but it's hard to argue with success. Stephen Hendry speaks on the topic. He says Ronnie O'sullivan does it too. Cueball last that is.
I would have to disagree. What you're describing is the symptom, not the cause. It's like looking away when you're driving, you tend to steer towards where you're looking.
What do you look at last?That could be the case with players that look at object ball last. Some of us focus on the intimate interaction of the cue tip and cueball. It works well for some, perhaps not the majority but it's hard to argue with success. Stephen Hendry speaks on the topic. He says Ronnie O'sullivan does it too. Cueball last that is.
What do you look normally look at last?
This is an important point. Placement of the body is part of your pre-shot routine and, just as you note, more than a few misses are caused by errors made in pre-shot routine. Nice post!
I started with object ball last as Willie Mosconi prescribed. I did quite well with it and was possibly still object ball last when I was elevated to the Masters division. I did however make the switch. When object ball last my shot making was my strength. Cueball last has my position play (controlling whitey) is what I now consider my strength. The better position play makes for fewer extreme shots. Still feel good about my shot making, just fewer occasions of hard shots.
Just to clarify, many people responded to his post before it was edited. His OP did NOT have the bolded line above.
There's an interesting demo steve davis did many years ago on the importance of keeping ur eye on the ball...
This is an excellent point that is both obvious and often brushed over.
Oh absolutely, I closed them on that shot, you don't want any point of focus if it's not the target. I only turned my head so that they would all know that my eyes were closed. But as a former marine, the thousand yard stare is just as good at avoiding a focal point as closing your eyes.
I thought there was "no such thing as a former Marine".
Sounds like straight pool foundation.
there's no such thing as an ex-marineI thought there was "no such thing as a former Marine".
Sounds like straight pool foundation.
In my study of professional 9 ball starting mid 80s that was stamped on the games of the straight pool Champions. Then there was Cole then Efren with Aside of Earl.
Efren brought a game of 9 ball that was astronomical.
Me neither but a high run in practice just above 45. 3 racks was proof of concept. I saw Efren run 2 racks in rotation on the practice table. Somebody was barking to play straight pool. After the second rack Efren inquired, " are you sure you want to play straight pool?" Crickets....
