"Matt: I've read your article on aiming--The Pro Method of Aiming and How To Do It. It sounds convincing to me, but am not sure I'm visualizing it correctly.
Do you have an image--a diagram or illustration of some sort like you do for some of your other aiming tips (your box aim, for example)? I'd like to try it out. Thank you.
Tony, Arlington, VA (I'm an APA Level 5 and looking to improve.)
Hi, Tony! I prepped a diagram shown in this illustration to clarify further my article:
The Pro Method of Aiming and How To Do It
Most everyone I know needs to refine their technique in aiming the cue ball, that is, except for the ones collecting all the cash and trophies!
Note that the 7-ball is plotted on its typical line to the pocket. The spot on that ball where the cue ball is aimed, the center of the 13-ball stuck atop the seven in the diagram, the contact point on the 7-ball--well, a line drawn from that spot in your mind to split the cue ball in half means you aim center ball to the contact point.Yes, this is NOT the ghost ball aim described elsewhere on this site, a beginner's technique.
The pro (and any amateur who gives this a try) adjust subconsciously for the geometric aim well when playing right for the contact point.
And if the cut angle is so steep the cue ball looks like it couldn't squarely hit the contact point, aim an edge of the cue ball to hit there instead.
Remember, as in the The Pro Method of Aiming and How To Do It article, you will often look to hit the ball more thick and split the cue ball from a more thick perspective than you normally would. Don't worry, it will all work out for the actual stroke.
Keep those reader's questions coming, everybody!
