In the 1960’s I read a book by Willie Mosconi that described an aiming system that used a paralell line thru the cue that was paralell to the line through the object ball to the center of the pocket. The idea was to align the opposite point of the cue ball to the aim point on the object ball and you would have to pocket the object ball if these two contact points met. Over the years I would use this method on long shots or difficult cut shots. It was uncanny that I would make these difficult shots a high percentage of the time.
In 2008 I adopted this aiming method for almost all shots. My pocket making ability jumped significantly. However it is difficult sometimes to visualize these lines. I discoverd Mike Massey’s and Joe Tucker’s ”Aiming by the Numbers” training aids. Mike and Joe have assigned numbers on the cue and object balls. The number is derived from the object balls position relative to the pocket to be pocketed. You aim or match the number on the cue ball to the object and shoot.
It is second nature for me now to walk around the table and select the numbers and execute the shot with confidence. In addition, you can use the numbers when object ball is stuck on the side rail and you want to place the object ball at center of end rail to nail a safety play.
I walk around with the discs in my pocket included in the “aiming by the numbers” package so I can practice pool anywhere at anytime.
Technorati Tags: aiming, aiming by numbers, pool
Shooting from the rail presents problems for most players because rail shots are not frequently practiced. Here are some general guide lines for shooting from the rail. Keep the cue as level as possible. Rest the tips of the bridge fingers at the outside edge of the rail. This helps to keep cue as close to level as possible. Jimmy Caras recommended I use a closed bridge for power shots on rail but most players will do best with the open bridge. The open bridge will provide best view from cue to object ball.
With the above guidelines practice this drill. Place an object ball in center of table between the side pockets. Now shoot the cue ball from on the rail at each of the diamonds along the side rails to pocket the object ball in opposite side pocket. If you miss the shot shoot it again before progessing to the next diamond. The shot from the diamond closest to the side pocket is a natural scratch shot into corner pocket. See if you can keep it from scratching. Also shoot with the cue ball placed in the corner and then move one diamond along the head and foot rail. These last two shots are difficult but can be made. Good luck and keep practicing!
If you are using the aiming by the numbers system the aim for this drill is “9″.
Technorati Tags: rail shots
1) Learn from the best. Consider a coach/ mentor or instructor. Find a BCA instructor in your area and attend their school / seminar. Or look for an instructor in your local room. Here in Jacksonville, FL Thorsten Hohman, Neil Fujiwara and Butch Croft ((904) 714-3857) are some local instructors. I (904 537-8252) do a basic stroke building session for 4 hours for 100.00.
2) Develope a straight stroke. I see there is a new stroke trainer on the market called Cue Track. I use a similar device and pull it out once every 3 months of so and work with it for 2 weeks or more almost every day. I couldn’t find a link to this product. Or use a coke bottle and stroke through the opening. The stroke trainers will take the twists and crossing patterns out of your stroke.
3) Master the stop shot. The most important shot in pool is the stop shot. You need to know there are two variables to mastering the stop shot – speed and distance. The lower the cue to the axis the slower the speed to stop the cue ball. The stop occurs when the cue arrives with no spin at time of impact with the object ball. The farther away you are away from the object ball the harder you have to hit to create the stop. If there is an angle and the cue arrives with no spin then the cue slides at a right angle to the direction of the object ball. Knowing the stop shot gives you the ability to start mastering position play. Throw the balls on the table and position cue ball straight in for first stop shop. Shoot the stop shop and then select next ball that is straight into a pocket. This drill will teach the two things to master the stop shot. Speed and distance.
4) Do the circle drill. Place all 15 balls in a circle in middle of table spanning about 2 diamonds. Start with cue in circle and object is to pocket all the balls without cue touching another ball or a rail. When you touch a ball or rail with cue start over. Stick with it and do this daily for 3 months. You will have to learn to shoot softly and stroke through the ball on every shot. This drill develops shooting alignment, stop shots and tempo. This is an addicting drill.
5) Shoot straight. on a straight line form corner to corner pocket set object ball 2 diamonds away from corner pocket and set cue 2 1/2 diamonds from other corner pocket. Pocket ball with stop , follow and draw 33 times each.
6) Enjoy the game. Join a pool league.
7) Play competitively. Play in local 8 ball and 9 ball tournamenets. Play in regional league tournaments.
Read “Inner Game of Tennis” . Best pool book ever written but it is not about pool.
9) Study the game and read the best books about pool. Learn aiming by the numbers, banking systems, kicking systems and safety paly.
10) Practice , practice , practice. Commit to putting in about 10,00 hours of practice.