Question for Billiards Players

[johnnymk]

What method do you use to 'aim" ?

[hoey222]

keep your eye on the target ball....

[gwilks98]

I got a pool table when I bought my house in June. I've used it 3 times. :( please post any other helpfuls as well.

[ArkiStan]

I started out with the method where you find the point on the target ball opposite of the direction you want to send itl and try to make that the point of contact with the cue ball. I'm not sure why, but it wasn't too intuitive for me. Then I started using the 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 cut (cut it thick/thin) method. It was a little easier, as long as I kept my eye low while stroking. At first you try hard to "calculate" the shot, but after a while it really becomes second nature. You end up trusting your gut feeling about where you think the target ball will end up going, and it's usually more accurate that trying to apply logic. Once you become more consistent shooting straight, work on applying english, spin, etc.

Just make sure that you practice regularly and always take practice seriously (practice like a match and play matches like it's practice). You'll get the most out of practice when you're strict about keeping good form and posture:

1. Back leg straight. About 60% weight on back leg. Spread remaining weight over front leg and bridging arm.
2. restrict stroke (pendulum) to lower arm and keep rest of body static
3. lower arm should be perpendicular to table at impact
3. keep cue level(for most regular shots)
4. Keep eye on target ball at impact.
5. hit dead center(unless you're applying english/spin),
6. smoothly follow through with the shot

These are just basic guidelines. Everybody is different so you should fine-tune it so you're comfortable when you shoot. If you're stance feels awkward, you're concentration will be compromised. I'm sorry if I underestimated your level. I talked way too much when all you asked was how I aim.

[zenbooty]

Here is an excellent book I picked uup some time ago when I wanted to focus on my game:
The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards by David Alciatore.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1402714289.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

The guy is a PhD prof. in mechanical engineering, and goes over everything from the basics of stance and stick upkeep to proper shooting technique, reading a table and planning shots, estimating ball paths and caroms, and even advanced techniques like english and masse shots. Its all very well illustrated and explains ball action using empirical methods as well as linking to actual mathematical proofs on his web site for the truly obsessed. Good book.