One has to appreciate the amount of HIGH QUALITY AND CLASS information you're giving away freely! It develops and makes the whole sport more accessible for everyone and levels the playing field in a good way. Thank you!
Thank you for all the effort you put into your videos, including the dry, witty humor you sprinkle in from time to time. It's really appreciated. All your videos are easy to follow, easy to understand, and, if not for laziness, they'd probably be really easy to implement. :) I look forward to the next (DAM good) one!
Probably the single best video ever made on aiming. Thanks Dr Dave for putting out the best information in the simpliest terms. You knowledge of the game is outstanding. Best I've seen.
I was going to comment that no aiming system works for cut shots except for lots of practice, but Dr Dave covered that right away. That’s why Dave’s videos are so great: he gives the viewer the correct information so s/he knows how to apply it in a game, which is extremely helpful. Now I need to go practice my “Florida shot,” which I miss far too often. It’s a down the rail or slightly off the rail cut shot that looks like the state of Florida if you line up the cue ball and object ball paths required to make it.
Rail cut shots (especially Florida ones) should be the easiest to see, based on the info and examples here: th-cam.com/video/hAYjgQN7bw8/w-d-xo.html And for more help, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/rail-cut/aiming/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you for the links. I will watch them here in a bit. Part of the problem for me is that I have two lazy eyes and my glasses used to correct it, but I got LASIK 22 years ago and don’t wear glasses anymore. I’m thinking on trying some non-prescription “pool glasses” to see if it helps for some cut shots because that’s where my eyes betray me.
Dr. Dave is a master instructor where i trust the title unlike all the other hacks out there who think they masters coz they took a 2-day course and never shot the same stop shot over 10,000 times ever.
DAMN -- Dave's Aiming Method Nonsense? No! It's Dave's Aiming Method Nirvana! I like the context of this video. A divide can sometimes be seen between those who are hung up on the technicalities and those who just want to shoot by "feel" alone. But it has to be both. Start out learning the technical aspects of the game. Then HAMB (hit a million balls) until those technicalities merge and evolve into an intuitive feel for the shot. With all the technical details on your website, and with great videos like this, you've got both aspects covered. I'm still somewhere in the HAMB middle (but it's the journey, not the destination!). Thanks for all your guidance, Dr. Dave. (Love the backward cap.)
BTW, if you can deliver such stroke like in 0:39 with your head turned, your fundamentals are solidly ingrained in your body. Try at first closing your eyes after your last back swing at your pause. Then try your back swing with eyes closed. You will experience that your body knows what to do. Then you can tilt your head and even watch if your elbow is dropping/dipping or not. You can watch your wrist and control visually how your fingers let room on the butt during back swing and envelope during delivery.
Awesome video, as always. I personally think that a key step for beginners is to objectively determine the reason they're missing shots: is it improper aiming or failure to hit where they're aiming. You can't have effective practice if you don't KNOW what you actually need to practice.
That's how i always address beginners if I'm teaching them to shoot... figure out whether you aimed wrong or if your stroke was bad... though sometimes it can be difficult to tell.
I just seen your post..I am working on my shots.Even tho i have shot pool for sometime i can have a great first game and play a second and fall apart.But things you mentioned above i have issues with..
I have found for myself that yes, aiming while standing is maybe THE biggest help, but I also lay the cue down on the table while standing, and then keep that aim point when I make my bridge come under it and get ready to shoot. Sometimes even stand up again to check. This works really well for me!
Perfect video! Load it with data from these videos then trust the computer between your ears to help you execute the physical motions of aiming and pocketing. Thank you!
I have had a lot of success using Lee Brett the snooker teacher and his approach to center ball, center to edge , etc and C.J. Wiley’s a “ touch of inside “ all in combination . At 72 yrs. Of age I’ve never felt more confident and I hit balls for a couple hrs. ( Drills Included )Pretty well 5 days a week . Just me but it’s working better than ever especially lee Brett’s approach to aiming but CJ’s “ Touch of Inside “ really completes the process . Cheers !!
This video is exactly what I needed to see. I've always been an intuitive player. Recently, I've been struggling with my shot as I've had a few orthopedic surgeries which have forced me to change my body mechanics. I need to re-establish my pre-shot routine with the necessary changes to body mechanics until it becomes automatic again. I've been watching a bunch of 'aiming system' videos which just introduce (IMO) too many things to think about. As an engineer, I'm a big fan of the elegance of simplicity. Thanks for posting these.
A good strategy I use (when I remember to do it!) is to look at a precise point in the pocket where chances are best to go in (I.e. not to catch an edge, best side, etc). I find it much easier to aim to an exact point rather than to a large vague pocket.
True Line of Aim is a straight line originating at the point where the cue is bridged and extending from there through the exact center (not the contact point!) of the cue ball and projects to the target (ghost ball) center. Initial Aim and any adjustments to aim are solely accomplished by changing the placement of the bridge hand location, and then aim visualizing the line described above. If the bridge distance is the same as the cues pivot point for cue deflection then the cue stick can be "aimed" offline right up to the miscue limit, but still create a shot having the cue ball travel down the true line of aim described above, regardless of whether or not the player even bothers to open his eyes to shoot after placing his bridge hand.
Awesome video! If I haven’t seen every video on aiming on YT, but I’m close, and this is far and away the best. Other videos have many of these elements, but you have them ALL. What also lifts this video above others are the subtleties, and understanding the “feel” of the shot, and the importance of instinct. Your understanding of the game, the presentation, the additional links, and the time you take to help viewers in the comments, all set a standard that no other Master Instructor on YT can touch. Congratulations! I am sending this to many of my students.
nice to know, thats exactly how i did it from the beginning. i could never tell what i do, but i knew it was somthing without thinking, like throwing a ball.
2:17 YES!!! THANK YOU! ive been just visualizing where i think the balls would hit but it makes so much sense that its just the center of the overlap 🤯
Good video Dave. I've watched a lot of snooker and pool coaching videos, and it's so rare to see a coach even discuss the distinction between visual alignment (aligning the edges of the balls) and cue alignment. They just seem to assume your cue will always be magically pointing exactly forward, even though it's not that easy! since it can come down to fractions of millimeters sometimes. Or that you might need different focal points when aligning your cue compared with aligning your vision. In my case, atm I actually need 3 differnet focal points, one for aligning the balls, one for aligning my cue and one for centering my cue, since I discovered recently that if I just look at the top of the cue ball, I cannot accurately find the center of the cue ball (I'm actually waaaay off), and that I need to focus more directly on my cue tip in order to find the center. I have a theory lately that the reason some players obsess too much over their stance and cue action is because they have trouble seeing where their cue is pointing. So they're trying to learn pool a bit like a blind juggler would learn to juggle balls. I.e. their cue is 1mm to the left of straight, so they make an adjustment to their stance, and now their cue is 1mm to the right of straight etc, and eventually they calibrate it like a blind person so that it's probabilistically pointing straight most of the time, at least for that day. Then the next practice session it's slightly off again. Whereas that's not actually a cue action problem, it's that their cue was never pointing in the right direction to start with. Yes the pros can play with their eyes closed, but they certainly didn't learn that way from the beginning. They also have accurate visual feedback which was what allowed them to gain that level of consistency with their body.
I really like this. Been doung this for a while. It was always called the x system. Straight lines till you make an x. Its nice to hear someone explain it.
Love this kind of humorous content! Thank you for all your hard work Dr. Dave, the invaluable knowledge you provide will surely incentivize the growth of this amazing sport🎉
i use svb aiming system with ghost ball i combined both and created my own aiming . but nice refreshing video and easy to remember if you can made svb aiming on detail am so happy and maybe another people will loved it who knows . pis and love dr. dave
A strong parallel can be drawn between the idea of aiming "intuitively" instead of using fancy systems, and learning a second language. When learning a second language, people often have a tendency to "translate" sentences actively in their head before speaking them. A common goal for language-learners is to get to the point of fluently THINKING in their target language instead of having to translate before speaking. This is exactly what happens in our brains when we go from using a bunch of systems and "mumbo jumbo" to aim, to aiming because we simply KNOW where we need to hit the ball to make it go where we want it. TLDR: Learning to cue in any billiards sport is akin to learning another language.
Good comparison. I make the same analogy with playing music. Knowing all the scales and chords, etc. helps. But if you're not playing with feeling, you'll miss the target.
If you want to verify that your alignment is perfect, see the simple procedure in the first video here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks so much for responding Dr Dave! :D I love your videos. They are BEYOND helpful. On the rest of TH-cam, people give random, unstructured tips. Your videos are coherent, structured, easy to follow and packed with value. Keep it up!
Hey doc so i tried the q ball last today for 3 hrs and you were right it works but not so much on long shots , I was able to control the rock much better though especially on draw shot . For some reason it actually made me focus more on my alignment . Also i like that it was easier on my eyes because when i stare at the object ball my eyes are slightly uncomfortable.
FYI, it helps to have a low stance: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/low/ And rock-solid fundamentals: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/fundamentals/
I use the ghost ball alot on my cut shots and it has also vastly improved my combination shots.. I have always used the Willie Masconi get low to the table for best perception on cut shot, but I'm going to try stand up alignment then get low and keep focus on alignment...I have incorporated alot of Dr.Dave's techiques in my game..My 'go to' bank shot is Dr. Dave's cut in 1/2 add a 1/3
Check out my new “twice plus tenths” banking system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/twice-plus-tenths/ which is better than the “1/3 more than twice” system.
Hi Dr. Dave, I have been watching and following your channel since two years ago, but I have only been seriously practicing pool for two weeks now. I practice roughly 4-5 hours a day on average and about 5 days a week. I really wish I had a mentor who can guide me on the process of improving in pool. I'm writing this comment to describe the current practicing process I'm having. Currently, my practicing sessions consist of: 1. Shooting LOTS of diagonal stop shots. I'm working on my stroke delivery. This drill is my favorite as I get to pocket balls and check if my aim, stance, or delivery was off. However, after two weeks that felt like I have shot thousands of balls, I still feel that, although there are certain improvements, as I could now tell if my stance or cue delivery was off, these shots are still a coin flip for me, especially when the CB and OB are very far away. 2. A few minutes of shooting the CB along the long rail to make it bounce back to the tip of my cue. I have noticed that I'm always adding a hair of right spin. I have been checking my aim, stance, and delivery but the CB somehow still goes off-line to the right. I have had a few successful attempts when my stroke length was relative short though, but it's still a coin flip. 3. Draw and Follow. I find shooting follow shots quite easy and effortless, but draw shots are a nightmare. I could only draw the CB when it is very close to the OB, and the balls are perfectly straight into the pocket. 4. Play several racks of 8-ball and 9-ball. I'm still a total amateur when it comes to CB control. I watched tons of your videos about errors that amateurs make, about smart positional plays, but I could NEVER actually and successfully use probably any of them in real game situations. When I think I do know which spin I need on the CB to get position on the next ball, I either 1) missed the shot badly, or 2) made the shot, but still get horrible position for the next ball, despite taking into account the CB action that I thought is correct. I have seen many people improve very fast in this sport. I don't really think that they just simply have talent while I don't, I think they're just following the right direction with the right mentor. I started watching your channel since two years ago, which is when I held the cuestick for the first time. I have tried incorporating everything I could learn from your videos, but the lack of improvement in my game despite my hours of very hard work is making me wondering if I'm following the wrong direction of practicing pool. I really hope that my sharing could help you get a good understanding of my current ability in this game. I wholeheartedly thank you for your time and patience reading through this wall of text. I would really appreciate it if you could give me several advices regarding the matters I have discussed above. You are my inspiration ever since I started pool, Dr. Dave. I thank you for every wonderful thing you have done for this community.
I hope you continue to enjoy and benefit from my stuff. Continued good luck with your game, and keep up the excellent practice (assuming you are not practicing bad fundamentals).
Depending on the felt, draw shots can require quite a bit of power when there is distance between cue ball and object ball. They're some of the more difficult shots to hit consistently, especially to get draw distance consistent...
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you for your kind reply. I was wondering if I am doing smart practicing right now, since it’s something you always mentioned in your videos. I had no idea if I am practicing bad fundamentals also. That’s why I am really worried that my hard work may be going in the wrong direction
@@Stellarffxi Cloth conditions can definitely make draw more challenging, per the info here! billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/cloth-effects/ But concerning distance control, lots of good advice can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/advice-and-drills/
@@hummonity293 Concerning fundamentals, it is best to work with an experienced and qualified instructor. The videos and info here might also be helpful: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/fundamentals/
Doesn't matter how many of these great videos you watch. If you don't practice what you watch then they are for entertainment purposes only. Your game won't change.
ONE very important concept that DrDave mentioned in the wrap up part is a "PURPOSEFUL" pre-shot routine. This is LOW-KEY huge !!! Instead of mimicing the moves that pros do before shot because they look cool with all these movements, we need do actually know what we're doing!!! "PURPOSEFUL" !!!
Aiming is about time, practice, and practicing. People tend to be lazy, they think work or practicing is too much work. Work and practice don’t hurt. Dr. Dave’s info is solid but can only be mastered with practice.
@1:32 I would disagree. Shane Van Boening uses an aiming system he invented, Joshua Filler also uses a system and many of the top pro's are using a system to show them precisely where to strike the object ball. Visualizing an imaginary ghostball is not consistent and tends to break down under pressure.
The pros often don't always describe how they aim very well; and sometimes, what they say isn't exactly what they do. Regardless, when I have watched them live and have talked to them in person, I don't think they use a system like you think they might be. And even if they are using a "system," they are still doing all the important things in this video.
@@DrDaveBilliards All good points. Shane did do an instructional that can be watched on Vimeo. "Aiming Shanes Way". I would love to see your thoughts on what Shane is doing in that video.
Thank you for your awesome content DrDave! Could you please recommend for a new player a reinforcement sticker layout on the table and a practice drill for potting some common angles such as full ball, half ball etc.?
since I Incorporated the word dam in my pool game.my game has improved tremendously..I used to use words like heck ,shoot ,darn and also God please help me! Dam really works !..
lol Great Video. I like the humor, it made me laugh 🤣Great content as always - just ordered a couple things off your Store to show some support. Thank you for your contributions to pool! You should be in some kind of Pool Hall of Fame.
If you haven't done the vision center alignment yet, do it next. Having played for more than 12 years, I thought was quite a good player and didn't need such a thing for my game. However, I kept missing a lot of longer shots and decided to give a go at realigning my vision, as I used to aim from the middle of my head (even though my right eye is clearly my stronger one). I moved my aiming slightly under my right eye, and my aiming instantly improved tremendously. Now I can play a lot of mid-range and even long shots almost as effortlessly as shorter ones.
Agreed. Proper personal vision center alignment is probably the most important fundamental of pool. For those who want help, see the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/
Great stuff as always! I’m interested in your thoughts on cue ball vs object ball in terms of where focus finishes for contact? Personally I fall on the cue ball for contact but you tech here to make contact with focus on the object ball. I saw a video somewhere of someone asking pros which they finish on and it seemed to vary quite a lot. Would be keen to hear you thoughts on this. Maybe even a video discussing the pros and cons of each.
Well I can tell you for many years of experience when it comes to Aiming there are three things that absolutely matter the first one is your alignment with you're fundamentals the second is your vision center and knowing what it means and how to find it and the third and most important in my opinion is actually knowing where center ball is on the object ball and cue ball with a control slower back stroke
can you please make a video how to line up shot in details in relation to eye dominant and stronger eye eg: i am right eye dominant but my left eye is stronger , for years i have been playing with my right foot online of aim but this way my right eye is online of aim but when i get down my left eye takes over. tried leaning to right while standing sometimes work sometimes doesnt. tried both feet together and the head is behind line of aim but as i walk in my right eye takes over as i walk and when i get down left eye takes over cannot find a single video on youtube how to line up in details thank you
First, it is helpful to find a stance that allows you to get you’re eyes as level as possible, with your face as square as possible to the shot. The videos here can help with that: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/ Then you need to carefully find your “personal vision center” position in your stance using the simple procedure in the 1st video here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ Then follow the advice in this DAM video to bring your head straight down into your stance, keeping your face in the stance orientation while standing and during the entire drop.
@@DrDaveBilliards thank you for the reply. i have tried many things to make my head as square as possible but it turns to right do you have a video how to make a head as square as possible? while standing my head is perfect but as i get down its different and that is why my vision centre is messed up when down please make a video how to make head square when down, cannot find a single video on entire internet community, no where including youtube tnx
@@meeemalef5849 Have you tried the advice in the 1st video on the stance resource page linked above? While in your stance, try to move everything around to try to get your head in a better position (I.e., do the “stance dance”). You might need to open your stance. If you can’t achieve a better in-stance head position, an alternative is to position your head the same way in your standing position. That way, the “shot picture” will look the same the whole way down.
@@meeemalef5849 Sorry, but I don’t think I can add anything beyond what I described and linked to above. Also, I already have a huge list of future video topics I plan to work on.
i find dominant eye is a big yet hidden factor of posture, especially when it comes to pool stance. long story short, "crossdominant" (ie left eye dominant but right arm dominant and vice versa) will usually have a thinner sideways stance, whereas those with same side dominant are squared off. so my opinion is that the stances should actually differ for the two types. my theory is that the proper snooker stance was developed by a same side dominant player. in general, i think cueing sports actually favor the cross dominant player in ergonomics, unlike other marksman sports.
Just like I think it is important for each individual to find their "personal vision center" using the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ One should also find their "personal best stance" (regardless of "tradition" or "convention"), using the advice in my stance videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/
Great and helpful video, Dr. Dave! I just had a clarifying question. In the video you say apart of how pros aim is “Without cluttering your brain..by trying to focus on a single thing like a contact point or imaginary ghost ball”…but throughout the video and on the resource page you mention: “For seeing the required line of aim of a shot, it is recommended to use a combination of straight intuition and feel (just “seeing the angle”) and ghost-ball aiming…Good shooters use all visual information available to them to help see the required angle of the shot and the necessary line of aim. They might use any or all of: ghost-ball visualization, ball-to-ball contact-point visualization…” Is it recommended to practice aiming without using ghost ball or contact point to help determine the line of aim? Or is it fine practice to do so, but just in combination with intuition and making sure to not allow it to clutter the brain? Thank you again for the helpful video!
Most good players just “see the angle” and visualize the “shot picture” necessary to create that angle. If you can’t do that yet, it can help to visualize the ghost ball or contact point. I don’t consider that “cluttering the brain.”
That makes sense! In visualizing the shot picture, do good players imagine the aim line / shot line as apart of the “shot picture”? Or is there any use of visual cues such as contact point to focus on the target while looking at the shot line and moving to behind the cue ball? I want to practice the angle / shot picture way, but want to make sure I understand what visual cues can be used in combination to determine the shot line that will help with that intuitive aiming. I usually look at the shot line, see the angle, and use the contact point as a reference / focus point to intuitively adjust to the correct aim line as I’m moving from behind the shot line to behind the cue ball while thinking about throw & squerve, but I’m wondering if I should try and avoid any use of a contact point or visualizing shot / aim lines (which I started doing after reading the resource page that says top shooters use any / all information that’s useful to combine intuition with visual cues) based on that. Sorry for the long question - I model my approach based off your training material so really try to get a sense of your advice to implement. Thanks again Dr. Dave!
@@philipv.mcharris5010 I think you are overthinking it. Try to aim more naturally. See the line to the pocket, see the angle and necessary CB direction, align vision with the aim line, drop the shot picture straight down. I adjust for CB deflection and throw separately using SAWS so I don’t need to think about those things during the visual aiming process: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/
Ahh, that makes sense!! Thanks Dr. Dave. And when using quiet eyes and focus / vision lock, is it best to focus on the whole OB? Or to pick a point on the ball (or rail etc.)? Thank you again! This is beyond helpful!
@@philipv.mcharris5010 I think it is best to not pick a specific point. Just focus at the OB in the direction you want the CB to head, with the correct “shot picture.”
It’s reassuring to hear the Dr say you literally have to pot a million balls for aiming excellence. That means setbacks when your potting is not consistent are also midway through to success. Knowing what I’m doing is not wrong even if I fail to pot balls is important.
One of my team members brought your site to my attention.I am working on clearing some issues up with my game.And your videos i have been watching to work on clearing it up.I can have a good run one game and fall apart the next.I am missing alot of shots into the side or corner pockets just barely..I am still trying to figure out if i am hitting the cue ball in the wrong spot and so forth..Any advice please let me know and i can explain more issues i have..
Make sure your vision center is aligned properly: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ Do all the aiming-related things recommended here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam/#advice And make sure you have solid stroke fundamentals per the advice here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/
Hey Dr. Dave, love the content but would be very cool if you did reviews on Pool accessories tips brake cues pool chalk Cheap cues jump cues things like that
@@PerryLowr This really isn’t my “thing;” although, I have tested cues in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/carbon/ I have also done lots of chalk testing over the years: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/chalk/comparison/ Check it out.
Quick question: at the stage of locking your eyes on the target ball before the actual stroke, are you simply looking at that ball in general or are you focusing on a specific spot on the target ball? If you are focusing on a specific spot, which spot is it? Thank you!
Most people are not focussing in a single point. Instead, we look along the direction we want the CB to head, as if we are staring at the ghost ball position next to the OB.
I switched to using CTE or center to edge going on 4or5 years ago. It improved my shot making so much. Although it’s a system you kinda have to make it your own. Regardless I still use all the techniques explained here. No system will magically work if you don’t have proper pre shot fundamentals.
You know, the last I was at a local pool hall, I think I’ve seen some people do the pool shots miss and I think I know the reasons. Firstly; They didn’t visualize and/or plan the shot properly. Secondly; Applying too much speed. Thirdly; Poor stands. Oh, the HAMB you provide reminds me of something, is applying 10,000 times/hours of practice theory so you’ll able to improve your billiard sports. Luckily for me, I have a special red and white stripe training cue ball which allows me to practice some certain shots. Anyway, thanks for the advice.
The only piece of info I think is missing from this video… if you lose the line of the shot… start over. & corollary to that: Don’t shoot till you know you’ll make the shot. I developed these procedures for myself. I had very poor natural sight line vision… ie couldn’t see the shot. Had an incredibly goofy stance… after 3 or 4 years of APA league play as a solid 3…. Decided to change my stance to something normal. To accomplish this I took 4 weeks & practiced 2 hours couple times a week on a 9’ table. Practice being simple sight drills. -Spread balls out evenly. - choose object ball & pocket. Easiest. - position body in line with the shot. - bend over - with no dry strokes… shoot. Keep doing this rack after rack. Don’t worry about missing. Understand. You’re training your eyes & body. I did work on, or pay attention to my stroke. Used top or center only. Not only did I develop a natural stance… I improved my shooting ability significantly.
Hey Dr. Dave, can you explain why locking your focus on the object ball rather than the cue ball helps? I switched to doing that recently and it gave me great results, but I don't understand why.
dave, when are you going to readdress the issue of cue stroke timing ? (cue tip contact time on cue ball in relation to the amount of work applied to the cue ball). you said your friend was doing some analysis. how's that going ?
@@haydenwalton2766 Not at all. On the contrary, I am confident new video will confirm the generally-accepted principles backed up by sound reasoning and supporting evidence here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/acceleration/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/contact-time/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/grip/light-vs-tight/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/good-timing/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/follow-through/
BTW, the effect of acceleration during tip contact is interesting (and I hope Pubo still finds time to study it with his camera), but it is kind of a moot point since top players do not accelerate during tip contact (except on break shots). See the study here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705815014976
I mostly use edge ball aiming. The only ghost ball aiming I ever use are straight in shots when I can't find the edge. Perhaps I have a different style but missing the angle is rare.
There are many ways to visualize aim, per the link below. You obvious need to go with works best for you as an individual: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/
i was told to parallel the cue to bed of table years ago and since then i cannot play at all. my body weight has changed, i have huge alignment problem now, i can see that my cue is very parallel to the table and if forces me to have a bent bridge arm and my body weight feels strange, watched a recent shaun murphys video where he "says body weight should be on left leg if its not then ur stance is wrong"..... do you have any video about weight balance in relation to cue parallel , thank you
The videos here might help you find your “personal best stance” with your cue level: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/ The advantages of a low stance can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/low/ And the reasons why a level cue is better can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/elevation/
A possible video and a question - do joint types and joint materials influence how a cue plays? I often read on forums that 3/8x10 is better than a 5/16x18 or a radial beats a unilock, etc. People claim that they prefer steel or wood or phenolic or brass. Others want no joint at all and play with a one piece cue - most snooker players have a one piece cue or a joint 3/4 of the way up the cue (which admittedly is more to do with the feel of the cue on the chin). So how much does the joint affect how the cue plays or is it all in the mind? Thanks
I think type of joint is mostly a non factor concerning playing performance; although, the material can have a very slight effect on hit efficiency: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/efficiency/ The choice of tip is more important per the info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/hardness/ Although, a good player can play well with any cue, joint, or tip.
@@DrDaveBilliards thank you. There is a lot of myths in cue sports that are taught as gospel and joints seem to be no exception. It would be difficult to minimize all of the variables in a cue so that only the joints were different. Tips certainly are the biggest influence on feel for me- I find a Kamui medium as the sweet spot for me (but I am an APA 5 so by no means an expert)
I don’t, because I am not a fan of CTE, but I have lots of info and links to videos from others at the links here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/CTE/
I agree with everything Dr Dave is saying but maybe someone can explain to me why CJ Wiley says he focuses on the Q ball while shooting and not the object ball which is completely backwards IMHO ?
The most important thing is to have still focus. Although, the majority of top players (in pool and snooker) do focus on the OB during the final stroke, especially on long shots where accuracy is critical.
I feel like the growth of pool shows that in today's time international players who have learned it from the scatch with technical education are now breaking this wall where once only gifted money players from US and the natural talented from the Phil players dominated, Even in Basketball i see this thing, like Eurpeans who get to the NBA and have had fundamental solid training from childhhood are more effective than the college players who got to the NBA for their raw talent and athletisism only, u see this transition happening also ?@@DrDaveBilliards
*Contents:*
0:00 - Intro
1:18 - Aim While Standing
---- 2:08 - aim visualization
4:01 - Vision Center Alignment
4:32 - Focused and Straight Drop
5:23 - Tip and Cue Alignment Check
6:43 - Focus Lock and Execution
7:30 - HAMB
7:58 - Wrap Up
*Supporting Resources:*
- aiming resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/
- DAM resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam
- cut angle estimation resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cut/estimating-angle/
- cut angle template: billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/oldschool_cut-angle_template.pdf
- vision center resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/
- stroke “best practices” resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/
- practice advice resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/practice/
- pre-shot routine resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/pre-shot-routine/best-practices/
- throw tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/throw/
- aiming when using sidespin: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/sidespin/
*Subscribe to Dr. Dave's TH-cam Channel:*
th-cam.com/users/DrDaveBilliards
That is the correct 9:28
@@RogerShoemaker-pe8my Sorry, but I don’t know what you mean.
This is a man who knows his stuff. On and off the table.
Thanks.
One has to appreciate the amount of HIGH QUALITY AND CLASS information you're giving away freely! It develops and makes the whole sport more accessible for everyone and levels the playing field in a good way. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind words. You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
100% agree. Thanks for putting these together.
Thank you for all the effort you put into your videos, including the dry, witty humor you sprinkle in from time to time. It's really appreciated. All your videos are easy to follow, easy to understand, and, if not for laziness, they'd probably be really easy to implement. :)
I look forward to the next (DAM good) one!
You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
Probably the single best video ever made on aiming. Thanks Dr Dave for putting out the best information in the simpliest terms. You knowledge of the game is outstanding. Best I've seen.
Thank you. This is definitely one of the best videos I have done, with the most important info for most people to improve their game.
I was going to comment that no aiming system works for cut shots except for lots of practice, but Dr Dave covered that right away. That’s why Dave’s videos are so great: he gives the viewer the correct information so s/he knows how to apply it in a game, which is extremely helpful. Now I need to go practice my “Florida shot,” which I miss far too often. It’s a down the rail or slightly off the rail cut shot that looks like the state of Florida if you line up the cue ball and object ball paths required to make it.
Rail cut shots (especially Florida ones) should be the easiest to see, based on the info and examples here:
th-cam.com/video/hAYjgQN7bw8/w-d-xo.html
And for more help, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/rail-cut/aiming/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you for the links. I will watch them here in a bit. Part of the problem for me is that I have two lazy eyes and my glasses used to correct it, but I got LASIK 22 years ago and don’t wear glasses anymore. I’m thinking on trying some non-prescription “pool glasses” to see if it helps for some cut shots because that’s where my eyes betray me.
Damn...
@@djamo1969 FYI, I have good glasses advice here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/glasses/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks, Dr. Dave. Aiming to swerve, like always! 😂
I say the name of your aiming system every time I miss a shot. Thanks Doc.
DAM!
You should change that to FAWC.....Flawed and Wasteful Connection
Dr. Dave is a master instructor where i trust the title unlike all the other hacks out there who think they masters coz they took a 2-day course and never shot the same stop shot over 10,000 times ever.
Lots of good advice on becoming a better pool player on TH-cam, but Dr Dave's lessons are at another level.
Thank you Dr Dave!
I’m glad you think so. You’re welcome.
DAMN -- Dave's Aiming Method Nonsense? No! It's Dave's Aiming Method Nirvana!
I like the context of this video. A divide can sometimes be seen between those who are hung up on the technicalities and those who just want to shoot by "feel" alone. But it has to be both. Start out learning the technical aspects of the game. Then HAMB (hit a million balls) until those technicalities merge and evolve into an intuitive feel for the shot. With all the technical details on your website, and with great videos like this, you've got both aspects covered. I'm still somewhere in the HAMB middle (but it's the journey, not the destination!). Thanks for all your guidance, Dr. Dave. (Love the backward cap.)
Your welcome. I hope you continue to enjoy and benefit from my stuff.
BTW, if you can deliver such stroke like in 0:39 with your head turned, your fundamentals are solidly ingrained in your body. Try at first closing your eyes after your last back swing at your pause. Then try your back swing with eyes closed. You will experience that your body knows what to do. Then you can tilt your head and even watch if your elbow is dropping/dipping or not. You can watch your wrist and control visually how your fingers let room on the butt during back swing and envelope during delivery.
Good advice.
Awesome video, as always. I personally think that a key step for beginners is to objectively determine the reason they're missing shots: is it improper aiming or failure to hit where they're aiming. You can't have effective practice if you don't KNOW what you actually need to practice.
That's how i always address beginners if I'm teaching them to shoot... figure out whether you aimed wrong or if your stroke was bad... though sometimes it can be difficult to tell.
Agreed. That’s an important part of “smart practice.”
I just seen your post..I am working on my shots.Even tho i have shot pool for sometime i can have a great first game and play a second and fall apart.But things you mentioned above i have issues with..
I have found for myself that yes, aiming while standing is maybe THE biggest help, but I also lay the cue down on the table while standing, and then keep that aim point when I make my bridge come under it and get ready to shoot. Sometimes even stand up again to check. This works really well for me!
@@shader26 Sounds good to me.
This is exactly why I’ve been working on my alignment and stroke recently. It actually helped me to step up my game a bit.
Hard work on important fundamentals usually pays dividends.
Perfect video! Load it with data from these videos then trust the computer between your ears to help you execute the physical motions of aiming and pocketing. Thank you!
Thank you, and you're welcome. May your "computer" be all-powerful. :)
I have had a lot of success using
Lee Brett the snooker teacher and his approach to center ball, center to edge , etc and C.J. Wiley’s a “ touch of inside “ all in combination . At 72 yrs. Of age I’ve never felt more confident and I hit balls for a couple hrs. ( Drills Included )Pretty well 5 days a week . Just me but it’s working better than ever especially lee Brett’s approach to aiming but CJ’s “ Touch of Inside “ really completes the process . Cheers !!
If something works, stick with it; although, the DAM principles can still help, regardless of which method or system you might use.
This video is exactly what I needed to see. I've always been an intuitive player. Recently, I've been struggling with my shot as I've had a few orthopedic surgeries which have forced me to change my body mechanics. I need to re-establish my pre-shot routine with the necessary changes to body mechanics until it becomes automatic again.
I've been watching a bunch of 'aiming system' videos which just introduce (IMO) too many things to think about. As an engineer, I'm a big fan of the elegance of simplicity.
Thanks for posting these.
I'm glad you liked it. If you want more info and videos related to DAM, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam/#advice
A good strategy I use (when I remember to do it!) is to look at a precise point in the pocket where chances are best to go in (I.e. not to catch an edge, best side, etc). I find it much easier to aim to an exact point rather than to a large vague pocket.
That’s smart. All good players do this.
True Line of Aim is a straight line originating at the point where the cue is bridged and extending from there through the exact center (not the contact point!) of the cue ball and projects to the target (ghost ball) center. Initial Aim and any adjustments to aim are solely accomplished by changing the placement of the bridge hand location, and then aim visualizing the line described above. If the bridge distance is the same as the cues pivot point for cue deflection then the cue stick can be "aimed" offline right up to the miscue limit, but still create a shot having the cue ball travel down the true line of aim described above, regardless of whether or not the player even bothers to open his eyes to shoot after placing his bridge hand.
Awesome video! If I haven’t seen every video on aiming on YT, but I’m close, and this is far and away the best. Other videos have many of these elements, but you have them ALL. What also lifts this video above others are the subtleties, and understanding the “feel” of the shot, and the importance of instinct. Your understanding of the game, the presentation, the additional links, and the time you take to help viewers in the comments, all set a standard that no other Master Instructor on YT can touch. Congratulations! I am sending this to many of my students.
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it. I'm glad you think the video is good enough to share.
nice to know, thats exactly how i did it from the beginning. i could never tell what i do, but i knew it was somthing without thinking, like throwing a ball.
2:17 YES!!! THANK YOU! ive been just visualizing where i think the balls would hit but it makes so much sense that its just the center of the overlap 🤯
@@gabew3506 I’m glad you liked that “tidbit.”
Good video Dave. I've watched a lot of snooker and pool coaching videos, and it's so rare to see a coach even discuss the distinction between visual alignment (aligning the edges of the balls) and cue alignment. They just seem to assume your cue will always be magically pointing exactly forward, even though it's not that easy! since it can come down to fractions of millimeters sometimes. Or that you might need different focal points when aligning your cue compared with aligning your vision. In my case, atm I actually need 3 differnet focal points, one for aligning the balls, one for aligning my cue and one for centering my cue, since I discovered recently that if I just look at the top of the cue ball, I cannot accurately find the center of the cue ball (I'm actually waaaay off), and that I need to focus more directly on my cue tip in order to find the center.
I have a theory lately that the reason some players obsess too much over their stance and cue action is because they have trouble seeing where their cue is pointing. So they're trying to learn pool a bit like a blind juggler would learn to juggle balls. I.e. their cue is 1mm to the left of straight, so they make an adjustment to their stance, and now their cue is 1mm to the right of straight etc, and eventually they calibrate it like a blind person so that it's probabilistically pointing straight most of the time, at least for that day. Then the next practice session it's slightly off again. Whereas that's not actually a cue action problem, it's that their cue was never pointing in the right direction to start with. Yes the pros can play with their eyes closed, but they certainly didn't learn that way from the beginning. They also have accurate visual feedback which was what allowed them to gain that level of consistency with their body.
Agreed. Aim, cue direction, and “vision center” alignment are all critical.
I really like this. Been doung this for a while. It was always called the x system. Straight lines till you make an x. Its nice to hear someone explain it.
I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.
Love this kind of humorous content! Thank you for all your hard work Dr. Dave, the invaluable knowledge you provide will surely incentivize the growth of this amazing sport🎉
Thank you for your kind words. I hope you are right.
Well done, Dr. Dave, well done!
Thanks! This video was fun to do, especially the first minute. DAM!
A good foundation in your stance, visualization of ball going into pocket and your aiming setup with correct speed with follow thru. Focus!
Good summary. The "details" are in the video and on the DAM resource page:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam
i use svb aiming system with ghost ball i combined both and created my own aiming . but nice refreshing video and easy to remember if you can made svb aiming on detail am so happy and maybe another people will loved it who knows . pis and love dr. dave
I've used the ghost ball quite frequently not too long ago and it has been working well so far
Nailed it - great video as usual, Dave!
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it,
Exactly what im looking for. Brilliant video, Dave
I’m glad to hear it. I hope it helps.
Looks really great . Thank you from England will give it a go in tonight’s match . May you have years of fun playing . Kind regards
I hope it helps. Play well and have fun!
A strong parallel can be drawn between the idea of aiming "intuitively" instead of using fancy systems, and learning a second language. When learning a second language, people often have a tendency to "translate" sentences actively in their head before speaking them. A common goal for language-learners is to get to the point of fluently THINKING in their target language instead of having to translate before speaking. This is exactly what happens in our brains when we go from using a bunch of systems and "mumbo jumbo" to aim, to aiming because we simply KNOW where we need to hit the ball to make it go where we want it.
TLDR: Learning to cue in any billiards sport is akin to learning another language.
Excellent analogy!
Good comparison. I make the same analogy with playing music. Knowing all the scales and chords, etc. helps. But if you're not playing with feeling, you'll miss the target.
I been shooting for 17 years. Experimenting from using various cues to different stances. The cue alignment with chin above cue shaft
If you want to verify that your alignment is perfect, see the simple procedure in the first video here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/
This makes me SO happy thank you Dr! I love the humor
I’m glad you enjoyed it. That makes me happy to!
I liked the video because he actually held up a piece of sliced bread when he said "sliced bread".
Also helpful video
@@2terrabytes40 I’m glad at least one person appreciated the piece of bread. Thanks.
@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks so much for responding Dr Dave! :D I love your videos. They are BEYOND helpful.
On the rest of TH-cam, people give random, unstructured tips.
Your videos are coherent, structured, easy to follow and packed with value.
Keep it up!
@@2terrabytes40 Thanks!
Hey doc so i tried the q ball last today for 3 hrs and you were right it works but not so much on long shots , I was able to control the rock much better though especially on draw shot . For some reason it actually made me focus more on my alignment . Also i like that it was easier on my eyes because when i stare at the object ball my eyes are slightly uncomfortable.
FYI, it helps to have a low stance:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/low/
And rock-solid fundamentals:
billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/fundamentals/
Yes sir my chin is touching my cue just like yours.@@DrDaveBilliards
You crack me up. Thank you for the good information!
I’m glad you liked it.
Thanks!
You’re welcome, and thank you for your support! I appreciate it.
Amazing video Dr Dave ❤
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it. I had fun making it.
I use the ghost ball alot on my cut shots and it has also vastly improved my combination shots.. I have always used the Willie Masconi get low to the table for best perception on cut shot, but I'm going to try stand up alignment then get low and keep focus on alignment...I have incorporated alot of Dr.Dave's techiques in my game..My 'go to' bank shot is Dr. Dave's cut in 1/2 add a 1/3
Check out my new “twice plus tenths” banking system:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/twice-plus-tenths/
which is better than the “1/3 more than twice” system.
Hi Dr. Dave, I have been watching and following your channel since two years ago, but I have only been seriously practicing pool for two weeks now. I practice roughly 4-5 hours a day on average and about 5 days a week. I really wish I had a mentor who can guide me on the process of improving in pool. I'm writing this comment to describe the current practicing process I'm having.
Currently, my practicing sessions consist of:
1. Shooting LOTS of diagonal stop shots. I'm working on my stroke delivery. This drill is my favorite as I get to pocket balls and check if my aim, stance, or delivery was off. However, after two weeks that felt like I have shot thousands of balls, I still feel that, although there are certain improvements, as I could now tell if my stance or cue delivery was off, these shots are still a coin flip for me, especially when the CB and OB are very far away.
2. A few minutes of shooting the CB along the long rail to make it bounce back to the tip of my cue. I have noticed that I'm always adding a hair of right spin. I have been checking my aim, stance, and delivery but the CB somehow still goes off-line to the right. I have had a few successful attempts when my stroke length was relative short though, but it's still a coin flip.
3. Draw and Follow. I find shooting follow shots quite easy and effortless, but draw shots are a nightmare. I could only draw the CB when it is very close to the OB, and the balls are perfectly straight into the pocket.
4. Play several racks of 8-ball and 9-ball. I'm still a total amateur when it comes to CB control. I watched tons of your videos about errors that amateurs make, about smart positional plays, but I could NEVER actually and successfully use probably any of them in real game situations. When I think I do know which spin I need on the CB to get position on the next ball, I either 1) missed the shot badly, or 2) made the shot, but still get horrible position for the next ball, despite taking into account the CB action that I thought is correct.
I have seen many people improve very fast in this sport. I don't really think that they just simply have talent while I don't, I think they're just following the right direction with the right mentor. I started watching your channel since two years ago, which is when I held the cuestick for the first time. I have tried incorporating everything I could learn from your videos, but the lack of improvement in my game despite my hours of very hard work is making me wondering if I'm following the wrong direction of practicing pool.
I really hope that my sharing could help you get a good understanding of my current ability in this game. I wholeheartedly thank you for your time and patience reading through this wall of text. I would really appreciate it if you could give me several advices regarding the matters I have discussed above. You are my inspiration ever since I started pool, Dr. Dave. I thank you for every wonderful thing you have done for this community.
I hope you continue to enjoy and benefit from my stuff. Continued good luck with your game, and keep up the excellent practice (assuming you are not practicing bad fundamentals).
Depending on the felt, draw shots can require quite a bit of power when there is distance between cue ball and object ball. They're some of the more difficult shots to hit consistently, especially to get draw distance consistent...
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you for your kind reply. I was wondering if I am doing smart practicing right now, since it’s something you always mentioned in your videos. I had no idea if I am practicing bad fundamentals also. That’s why I am really worried that my hard work may be going in the wrong direction
@@Stellarffxi Cloth conditions can definitely make draw more challenging, per the info here!
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/cloth-effects/
But concerning distance control, lots of good advice can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/advice-and-drills/
@@hummonity293 Concerning fundamentals, it is best to work with an experienced and qualified instructor. The videos and info here might also be helpful:
billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/fundamentals/
Thanks as always Dr. Dave.
You’re welcome. As always, I aim to swerve. :)
Doesn't matter how many of these great videos you watch. If you don't practice what you watch then they are for entertainment purposes only. Your game won't change.
Good point. Information and knowledge isn't much help without skill and experience.
ONE very important concept that DrDave mentioned in the wrap up part is a "PURPOSEFUL" pre-shot routine. This is LOW-KEY huge !!! Instead of mimicing the moves that pros do before shot because they look cool with all these movements, we need do actually know what we're doing!!! "PURPOSEFUL" !!!
For those interested, the topic is covered in detail here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/pre-shot-routine/best-practices/
Aiming is about time, practice, and practicing.
People tend to be lazy, they think work or practicing is too much work.
Work and practice don’t hurt.
Dr. Dave’s info is solid but can only be mastered with practice.
DAM! HAMB!
I love this video, thanks again for knowledge of the game 🎯
You’re welcome.
All i have to say is just trust Dr Dave!!
@@georgiougeorge9261 DAM! I like your comment. :)
Excellent, very helpful.
Thank you. I’m glad to hear it.
@1:32 I would disagree. Shane Van Boening uses an aiming system he invented, Joshua Filler also uses a system and many of the top pro's are using a system to show them precisely where to strike the object ball. Visualizing an imaginary ghostball is not consistent and tends to break down under pressure.
The pros often don't always describe how they aim very well; and sometimes, what they say isn't exactly what they do. Regardless, when I have watched them live and have talked to them in person, I don't think they use a system like you think they might be. And even if they are using a "system," they are still doing all the important things in this video.
@@DrDaveBilliards All good points. Shane did do an instructional that can be watched on Vimeo. "Aiming Shanes Way". I would love to see your thoughts on what Shane is doing in that video.
Thank you for your awesome content DrDave! Could you please recommend for a new player a reinforcement sticker layout on the table and a practice drill for potting some common angles such as full ball, half ball etc.?
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/fractional/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/colin-pot/
thanks you DR DAVE, very effective
You’re welcome, and thank you.
since I Incorporated the word dam in my pool game.my game has improved tremendously..I used to use words like heck ,shoot ,darn and also God please help me! Dam really works !..
@@javelinzamot9907 I’m DAM glad to hear it.
lol Great Video. I like the humor, it made me laugh 🤣Great content as always - just ordered a couple things off your Store to show some support. Thank you for your contributions to pool! You should be in some kind of Pool Hall of Fame.
I'm glad I gave you a laugh. It was fun to film. Thank you for your kind words and support!
Damn, this is great work Dr 'DAM Of DOOM' Dave!
I’m glad you think so.
If you haven't done the vision center alignment yet, do it next. Having played for more than 12 years, I thought was quite a good player and didn't need such a thing for my game. However, I kept missing a lot of longer shots and decided to give a go at realigning my vision, as I used to aim from the middle of my head (even though my right eye is clearly my stronger one). I moved my aiming slightly under my right eye, and my aiming instantly improved tremendously. Now I can play a lot of mid-range and even long shots almost as effortlessly as shorter ones.
Agreed. Proper personal vision center alignment is probably the most important fundamental of pool. For those who want help, see the videos and info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/
Excellent video, thank you
Thank you, and you’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
Ur the best human on earth
DAM. That is kind of you.
Great stuff as always! I’m interested in your thoughts on cue ball vs object ball in terms of where focus finishes for contact? Personally I fall on the cue ball for contact but you tech here to make contact with focus on the object ball. I saw a video somewhere of someone asking pros which they finish on and it seemed to vary quite a lot. Would be keen to hear you thoughts on this. Maybe even a video discussing the pros and cons of each.
FYI, I cover this topic in detail here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/pattern/
Well I can tell you for many years of experience when it comes to Aiming there are three things that absolutely matter the first one is your alignment with you're fundamentals the second is your vision center and knowing what it means and how to find it and the third and most important in my opinion is actually knowing where center ball is on the object ball and cue ball with a control slower back stroke
That's all DAM good stuff.
Myth buster. Well said.
Thanks. If you or others want to see many more busted pool myths, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/myths/
0:03 DrDave took the hat from 'genipool' 🙂
can you please make a video how to line up shot in details in relation to eye dominant and stronger eye
eg: i am right eye dominant but my left eye is stronger , for years i have been playing with my right foot online of aim but this way my right eye is online of aim but when i get down my left eye takes over.
tried leaning to right while standing sometimes work sometimes doesnt.
tried both feet together and the head is behind line of aim but as i walk in my right eye takes over as i walk and when i get down left eye takes over
cannot find a single video on youtube how to line up in details
thank you
First, it is helpful to find a stance that allows you to get you’re eyes as level as possible, with your face as square as possible to the shot. The videos here can help with that:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/
Then you need to carefully find your “personal vision center” position in your stance using the simple procedure in the 1st video here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/
Then follow the advice in this DAM video to bring your head straight down into your stance, keeping your face in the stance orientation while standing and during the entire drop.
@@DrDaveBilliards thank you for the reply. i have tried many things to make my head as square as possible but it turns to right
do you have a video how to make a head as square as possible?
while standing my head is perfect but as i get down its different and that is why my vision centre is messed up when down
please make a video how to make head square when down, cannot find a single video on entire internet community, no where including youtube
tnx
@@meeemalef5849 Have you tried the advice in the 1st video on the stance resource page linked above? While in your stance, try to move everything around to try to get your head in a better position (I.e., do the “stance dance”). You might need to open your stance. If you can’t achieve a better in-stance head position, an alternative is to position your head the same way in your standing position. That way, the “shot picture” will look the same the whole way down.
@@DrDaveBilliards yes i have but isnt working, can you please please make a video
@@meeemalef5849 Sorry, but I don’t think I can add anything beyond what I described and linked to above. Also, I already have a huge list of future video topics I plan to work on.
i find dominant eye is a big yet hidden factor of posture, especially when it comes to pool stance. long story short, "crossdominant" (ie left eye dominant but right arm dominant and vice versa) will usually have a thinner sideways stance, whereas those with same side dominant are squared off. so my opinion is that the stances should actually differ for the two types. my theory is that the proper snooker stance was developed by a same side dominant player. in general, i think cueing sports actually favor the cross dominant player in ergonomics, unlike other marksman sports.
Just like I think it is important for each individual to find their "personal vision center" using the videos and info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/
One should also find their "personal best stance" (regardless of "tradition" or "convention"), using the advice in my stance videos here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/
00:03:15 That is a nice "I GOT LUCKY" poster!
Thanks. It is available here:
drdavebilliardtshirts.com/
Great and helpful video, Dr. Dave! I just had a clarifying question. In the video you say apart of how pros aim is “Without cluttering your brain..by trying to focus on a single thing like a contact point or imaginary ghost ball”…but throughout the video and on the resource page you mention: “For seeing the required line of aim of a shot, it is recommended to use a combination of straight intuition and feel (just “seeing the angle”) and ghost-ball aiming…Good shooters use all visual information available to them to help see the required angle of the shot and the necessary line of aim. They might use any or all of: ghost-ball visualization, ball-to-ball contact-point visualization…”
Is it recommended to practice aiming without using ghost ball or contact point to help determine the line of aim? Or is it fine practice to do so, but just in combination with intuition and making sure to not allow it to clutter the brain?
Thank you again for the helpful video!
Most good players just “see the angle” and visualize the “shot picture” necessary to create that angle. If you can’t do that yet, it can help to visualize the ghost ball or contact point. I don’t consider that “cluttering the brain.”
That makes sense! In visualizing the shot picture, do good players imagine the aim line / shot line as apart of the “shot picture”? Or is there any use of visual cues such as contact point to focus on the target while looking at the shot line and moving to behind the cue ball? I want to practice the angle / shot picture way, but want to make sure I understand what visual cues can be used in combination to determine the shot line that will help with that intuitive aiming. I usually look at the shot line, see the angle, and use the contact point as a reference / focus point to intuitively adjust to the correct aim line as I’m moving from behind the shot line to behind the cue ball while thinking about throw & squerve, but I’m wondering if I should try and avoid any use of a contact point or visualizing shot / aim lines (which I started doing after reading the resource page that says top shooters use any / all information that’s useful to combine intuition with visual cues) based on that. Sorry for the long question - I model my approach based off your training material so really try to get a sense of your advice to implement. Thanks again Dr. Dave!
@@philipv.mcharris5010 I think you are overthinking it. Try to aim more naturally. See the line to the pocket, see the angle and necessary CB direction, align vision with the aim line, drop the shot picture straight down. I adjust for CB deflection and throw separately using SAWS so I don’t need to think about those things during the visual aiming process:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/
Ahh, that makes sense!! Thanks Dr. Dave. And when using quiet eyes and focus / vision lock, is it best to focus on the whole OB? Or to pick a point on the ball (or rail etc.)? Thank you again! This is beyond helpful!
@@philipv.mcharris5010 I think it is best to not pick a specific point. Just focus at the OB in the direction you want the CB to head, with the correct “shot picture.”
Thanks Dave!!!!
It’s reassuring to hear the Dr say you literally have to pot a million balls for aiming excellence. That means setbacks when your potting is not consistent are also midway through to success. Knowing what I’m doing is not wrong even if I fail to pot balls is important.
I'm glad you now feel reassured.
DAM! Thanks Dr-Dave.
DAM right! You’re welcome.
Great explanation tyvm
Thanks. YW. I aim to swerve. :)
Can I ask why you use the middle extension on your cue? Would you recommend this to a short player?
Because he’s tall 😂
… only because I am tall; otherwise, it is not necessary.
Almost choke on my drink everytime Dave said damn. Unexpected 😅
I had fun with that. DAM!
One of my team members brought your site to my attention.I am working on clearing some issues up with my game.And your videos i have been watching to work on clearing it up.I can have a good run one game and fall apart the next.I am missing alot of shots into the side or corner pockets just barely..I am still trying to figure out if i am hitting the cue ball in the wrong spot and so forth..Any advice please let me know and i can explain more issues i have..
Make sure your vision center is aligned properly:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/
Do all the aiming-related things recommended here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam/#advice
And make sure you have solid stroke fundamentals per the advice here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/
thank you... saw another video trying to explain this.. it was too painful to finish I couldn't finish it
I hope you were able to finish mine. :)
Hey Dr. Dave, love the content but would be very cool if you did reviews on Pool accessories tips brake cues pool chalk Cheap cues jump cues things like that
@@PerryLowr This really isn’t my “thing;” although, I have tested cues in the videos here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/carbon/
I have also done lots of chalk testing over the years:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/chalk/comparison/
Check it out.
That was funny. I actually laughed out loud. 😂
I’m glad to hear it.
Why can't I save this to a playlist?
You should be able to. You might need to swipe or click on the dots icon (depending on your device) to find the "Save" feature.
What a Daaaaaam good advice! 😊
You're DAM right!
Quick question: at the stage of locking your eyes on the target ball before the actual stroke, are you simply looking at that ball in general or are you focusing on a specific spot on the target ball? If you are focusing on a specific spot, which spot is it? Thank you!
Most people are not focussing in a single point. Instead, we look along the direction we want the CB to head, as if we are staring at the ghost ball position next to the OB.
I switched to using CTE or center to edge going on 4or5 years ago. It improved my shot making so much. Although it’s a system you kinda have to make it your own. Regardless I still use all the techniques explained here. No system will magically work if you don’t have proper pre shot fundamentals.
The best thing about CTE is it forces you to “aim while standing” longer, IMO. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/system-benefits/
You know, the last I was at a local pool hall, I think I’ve seen some people do the pool shots miss and I think I know the reasons. Firstly; They didn’t visualize and/or plan the shot properly. Secondly; Applying too much speed. Thirdly; Poor stands. Oh, the HAMB you provide reminds me of something, is applying 10,000 times/hours of practice theory so you’ll able to improve your billiard sports. Luckily for me, I have a special red and white stripe training cue ball which allows me to practice some certain shots. Anyway, thanks for the advice.
See my “Top 10 Reasons for Missing … And How to Prevent It” video:
th-cam.com/video/PajpsoPEnjA/w-d-xo.html
The only piece of info I think is missing from this video… if you lose the line of the shot… start over. & corollary to that: Don’t shoot till you know you’ll make the shot.
I developed these procedures for myself.
I had very poor natural sight line vision… ie couldn’t see the shot.
Had an incredibly goofy stance… after 3 or 4 years of APA league play as a solid 3….
Decided to change my stance to something normal.
To accomplish this I took 4 weeks & practiced 2 hours couple times a week on a 9’ table.
Practice being simple sight drills.
-Spread balls out evenly.
- choose object ball & pocket. Easiest.
- position body in line with the shot.
- bend over
- with no dry strokes… shoot.
Keep doing this rack after rack. Don’t worry about missing. Understand. You’re training your eyes & body.
I did work on, or pay attention to my stroke. Used top or center only.
Not only did I develop a natural stance… I improved my shooting ability significantly.
DAM good additions. I'm glad you found the video helpful.
Thank you dr Dave. We love ya. DAM good video
Thanks for watching!
I love your Efren REYES poster !!!!! :) Philippines represent :)
FYI, it is available here:
dr-dave-billiards.creator-spring.com/wall-art
Hey Dr. Dave, can you explain why locking your focus on the object ball rather than the cue ball helps? I switched to doing that recently and it gave me great results, but I don't understand why.
I discuss this in detail in the middle of the page here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/pattern/
I'm on my 3rd Hamb system.
3rd time’s the charm.
dave, when are you going to readdress the issue of cue stroke timing ? (cue tip contact time on cue ball in relation to the amount of work applied to the cue ball).
you said your friend was doing some analysis. how's that going ?
It is still on Pubo’s list. He will get it done at some point.
@@DrDaveBilliards are you concerned that proper analysis of this issue will prove your current opinion on the matter wrong ??
@@haydenwalton2766 Not at all. On the contrary, I am confident new video will confirm the generally-accepted principles backed up by sound reasoning and supporting evidence here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/acceleration/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/contact-time/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/grip/light-vs-tight/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/good-timing/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/follow-through/
BTW, the effect of acceleration during tip contact is interesting (and I hope Pubo still finds time to study it with his camera), but it is kind of a moot point since top players do not accelerate during tip contact (except on break shots). See the study here:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705815014976
I mostly use edge ball aiming. The only ghost ball aiming I ever use are straight in shots when I can't find the edge. Perhaps I have a different style but missing the angle is rare.
There are many ways to visualize aim, per the link below. You obvious need to go with works best for you as an individual:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/
i need that Efren Reyes poster!
dr-dave-billiards.creator-spring.com/wall-art
Dam that's a dam technique on a dam pool table on a swiss dam ? DAMages free ? Sign me in
DAM!
i was told to parallel the cue to bed of table years ago and since then i cannot play at all. my body weight has changed, i have huge alignment problem now, i can see that my cue is very parallel to the table and if forces me to have a bent bridge arm and my body weight feels strange, watched a recent shaun murphys video where he "says body weight should be on left leg if its not then ur stance is wrong"..... do you have any video about weight balance in relation to cue parallel ,
thank you
The videos here might help you find your “personal best stance” with your cue level:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/
The advantages of a low stance can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/low/
And the reasons why a level cue is better can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/elevation/
A possible video and a question - do joint types and joint materials influence how a cue plays? I often read on forums that 3/8x10 is better than a 5/16x18 or a radial beats a unilock, etc. People claim that they prefer steel or wood or phenolic or brass. Others want no joint at all and play with a one piece cue - most snooker players have a one piece cue or a joint 3/4 of the way up the cue (which admittedly is more to do with the feel of the cue on the chin). So how much does the joint affect how the cue plays or is it all in the mind? Thanks
I think type of joint is mostly a non factor concerning playing performance; although, the material can have a very slight effect on hit efficiency:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/efficiency/
The choice of tip is more important per the info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/hardness/
Although, a good player can play well with any cue, joint, or tip.
@@DrDaveBilliards thank you. There is a lot of myths in cue sports that are taught as gospel and joints seem to be no exception.
It would be difficult to minimize all of the variables in a cue so that only the joints were different.
Tips certainly are the biggest influence on feel for me- I find a Kamui medium as the sweet spot for me (but I am an APA 5 so by no means an expert)
Recommended soundtrack: "The Dam Busters March."
Do you have any videos on understanding CTE?
I don’t, because I am not a fan of CTE, but I have lots of info and links to videos from others at the links here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/CTE/
I agree with everything Dr Dave is saying but maybe someone can explain to me why CJ Wiley says he focuses on the Q ball while shooting and not the object ball which is completely backwards IMHO ?
CJ Wiley thinks the earth is flat.
The most important thing is to have still focus. Although, the majority of top players (in pool and snooker) do focus on the OB during the final stroke, especially on long shots where accuracy is critical.
Thanks Doc. I really appreciate you answering my question, love the videos .@@DrDaveBilliards
My favourite aiming methods involve pivoting
… then you will love SAWS:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/
@@DrDaveBilliards I thought saws was specific to using English?
That is correct, but it uses pivoting.
Awesome stuff
Thanks.
I like the aiming with your nose idea, but my nose is crooked lol :-) 🤙🏻
That intro is so DAM good
Thanks. It was fun to do.
Hey some content after time :), tnx
I've been a little lazy with making new videos lately. yw
I feel like the growth of pool shows that in today's time international players who have learned it from the scatch with technical education are now breaking this wall where once only gifted money players from US and the natural talented from the Phil players dominated, Even in Basketball i see this thing, like Eurpeans who get to the NBA and have had fundamental solid training from childhhood are more effective than the college players who got to the NBA for their raw talent and athletisism only, u see this transition happening also ?@@DrDaveBilliards