*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 KZread Channel:* kzread.info

@RogerShoemaker-pe8my

4 ай бұрын

That is the correct 9:28

@DrDaveBilliards

4 ай бұрын

@@RogerShoemaker-pe8my Sorry, but I don’t know what you mean.

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!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words. You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

@stringlarson1247

5 ай бұрын

100% agree. Thanks for putting these together.

This is a man who knows his stuff. On and off the table.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks.

I say the name of your aiming system every time I miss a shot. Thanks Doc.

@DrDaveBilliards

2 ай бұрын

DAM!

@nsn876

Ай бұрын

You should change that to FAWC.....Flawed and Wasteful Connection

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

Ай бұрын

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.

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!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Rail cut shots (especially Florida ones) should be the easiest to see, based on the info and examples here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mnWNzMmKfprIp5s.html And for more help, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/rail-cut/aiming/

@djamo1969

7 ай бұрын

@@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.

@gregoryuk

7 ай бұрын

Damn...

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

@@djamo1969 FYI, I have good glasses advice here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/glasses/

@djamo1969

7 ай бұрын

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks, Dr. Dave. Aiming to swerve, like always! 😂

Lots of good advice on becoming a better pool player on KZread, but Dr Dave's lessons are at another level. Thank you Dr Dave!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

I’m glad you think so. You’re welcome.

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.

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it. I'm glad you think the video is good enough to share.

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🎉

@DrDaveBilliards

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words. I hope you are right.

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Excellent analogy!

@IOnianStreams

7 ай бұрын

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.

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.

@Stellarffxi

7 ай бұрын

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Agreed. That’s an important part of “smart practice.”

@markstrohecker5342

3 ай бұрын

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..

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

5 ай бұрын

I'm glad you liked it. If you want more info and videos related to DAM, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam/#advice

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Hard work on important fundamentals usually pays dividends.

Exactly what im looking for. Brilliant video, Dave

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

I’m glad to hear it. I hope it helps.

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!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thank you, and you're welcome. May your "computer" be all-powerful. :)

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.)

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Your welcome. I hope you continue to enjoy and benefit from my stuff.

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.

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 !!

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

If something works, stick with it; although, the DAM principles can still help, regardless of which method or system you might use.

Well done, Dr. Dave, well done!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks! This video was fun to do, especially the first minute. DAM!

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

5 ай бұрын

I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

Nailed it - great video as usual, Dave!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it,

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

4 ай бұрын

Agreed. Aim, cue direction, and “vision center” alignment are all critical.

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.

I love this video, thanks again for knowledge of the game 🎯

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

You’re welcome.

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

That’s smart. All good players do this.

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

@DrDaveBilliards

4 ай бұрын

I hope it helps. Play well and have fun!

Damn, this is great work Dr 'DAM Of DOOM' Dave!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

I’m glad you think so.

Excellent video, thank you

@DrDaveBilliards

3 ай бұрын

Thank you, and you’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

Amazing video Dr Dave ❤

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it. I had fun making it.

Thanks as always Dr. Dave.

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

You’re welcome. As always, I aim to swerve. :)

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

4 ай бұрын

Good advice.

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

You crack me up. Thank you for the good information!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

I’m glad you liked it.

This makes me SO happy thank you Dr! I love the humor

@DrDaveBilliards

Ай бұрын

I’m glad you enjoyed it. That makes me happy to!

Excellent, very helpful.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thank you. I’m glad to hear it.

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" !!!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

For those interested, the topic is covered in detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/pre-shot-routine/best-practices/

0:03 DrDave took the hat from 'genipool' 🙂

I've used the ghost ball quite frequently not too long ago and it has been working well so far

A good foundation in your stance, visualization of ball going into pocket and your aiming setup with correct speed with follow thru. Focus!

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

Good summary. The "details" are in the video and on the DAM resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam

thanks you DR DAVE, very effective

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

You’re welcome, and thank you.

Thanks Dave!!!!

Great explanation tyvm

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks. YW. I aim to swerve. :)

00:03:15 That is a nice "I GOT LUCKY" poster!

@DrDaveBilliards

Ай бұрын

Thanks. It is available here: drdavebilliardtshirts.com/

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

3 ай бұрын

Good point. Information and knowledge isn't much help without skill and experience.

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

4 ай бұрын

I'm glad I gave you a laugh. It was fun to film. Thank you for your kind words and support!

Awesome stuff

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks.

I love your Efren REYES poster !!!!! :) Philippines represent :)

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

FYI, it is available here: dr-dave-billiards.creator-spring.com/wall-art

I been shooting for 17 years. Experimenting from using various cues to different stances. The cue alignment with chin above cue shaft

@DrDaveBilliards

5 ай бұрын

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/

What a Daaaaaam good advice! 😊

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

You're DAM right!

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

Ай бұрын

DAM good additions. I'm glad you found the video helpful.

Almost choke on my drink everytime Dave said damn. Unexpected 😅

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

I had fun with that. DAM!

Thank you dr Dave. We love ya. DAM good video

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

Thanks!

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

You’re welcome, and thank you for your support! I appreciate it.

Very good vídeo

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

Thanks

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

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

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.

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

I'm glad you now feel reassured.

Myth buster. Well said.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks. If you or others want to see many more busted pool myths, see: billiards.colostate.edu/myths/

DAM! Thanks Dr-Dave.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

DAM right! You’re welcome.

Recommended soundtrack: "The Dam Busters March."

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.?

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/fractional/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/colin-pot/

That was funny. I actually laughed out loud. 😂

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

I’m glad to hear it.

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

FYI, I cover this topic in detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/pattern/

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

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/

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

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

That's all DAM good stuff.

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

DAM! HAMB!

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

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/

Lmao!! That intro was awesome !! Dam!!!

@DrDaveBilliards

4 ай бұрын

DAM right it was! :)

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

5 ай бұрын

The best thing about CTE is it forces you to “aim while standing” longer, IMO. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/system-benefits/

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

FYI, it helps to have a low stance: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/low/ And rock-solid fundamentals: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/fundamentals/

@rngn2010

7 ай бұрын

Yes sir my chin is touching my cue just like yours.@@DrDaveBilliards

Can I ask why you use the middle extension on your cue? Would you recommend this to a short player?

@tourdelance3698

7 ай бұрын

Because he’s tall 😂

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

… only because I am tall; otherwise, it is not necessary.

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..

@DrDaveBilliards

3 ай бұрын

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/

I'm on my 3rd Hamb system.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

3rd time’s the charm.

I use DAM for my love life, too.

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

See my “Top 10 Reasons for Missing … And How to Prevent It” video: kzread.info/dash/bejne/gpWe0tWogKjUmqQ.html

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

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).

@Stellarffxi

7 ай бұрын

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...

@hummonity293

7 ай бұрын

@@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

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

@@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/

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

@@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/

Hey some content after time :), tnx

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

I've been a little lazy with making new videos lately. yw

@adilbhatti4577

7 ай бұрын

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

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

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

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/

DAM(N), this is a good video

@DrDaveBilliards

2 ай бұрын

DAM right! :) Thanks.

thank you... saw another video trying to explain this.. it was too painful to finish I couldn't finish it

@DrDaveBilliards

5 ай бұрын

I hope you were able to finish mine. :)

I like the aiming with your nose idea, but my nose is crooked lol :-) 🤙🏻

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.

@DrDaveBilliards

2 ай бұрын

I discuss this in detail in the middle of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/pattern/

My favourite aiming methods involve pivoting

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

… then you will love SAWS: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/

@joebermuda6452

6 ай бұрын

@@DrDaveBilliards I thought saws was specific to using English?

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

That is correct, but it uses pivoting.

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!

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

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.

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

@DrDaveBilliards

2 ай бұрын

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.

@graemehirstwood670

2 ай бұрын

@@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)

cte pro one works great👍

@DrDaveBilliards

5 күн бұрын

DAM is better, and it is used by almost all top players: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam

Dam! New video!

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

DAM, I've been a little lazy lately. And now the DAM Holiday Season is approaching. But I'll try to not make you wait to DAM long for a video, in general.

@puboh

7 ай бұрын

how do you like the Pure Chalk so far? Is it similar to Taom? @@DrDaveBilliards

Do you have any videos on understanding CTE?

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

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 need that Efren Reyes poster!

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

dr-dave-billiards.creator-spring.com/wall-art

There is a secret Aiming system that really works I'm sure others have figured it out...I'm still trying to figure out all the details...I'm an APA level 5 that use to be a level 1 some 3 years ago whereas many of these pros have 10+ years experience so you can't really tell if they're good because of their methods or because basically anything can work after 10+ years of practice...

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

Yep. The best “system” is PRACTICE!

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 ?

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

It is still on Pubo’s list. He will get it done at some point.

@haydenwalton2766

7 ай бұрын

@@DrDaveBilliards are you concerned that proper analysis of this issue will prove your current opinion on the matter wrong ??

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

@@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/

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

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 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 ?

@hairpig

7 ай бұрын

CJ Wiley thinks the earth is flat.

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

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.

@rngn2010

7 ай бұрын

Thanks Doc. I really appreciate you answering my question, love the videos .@@DrDaveBilliards

The ghost ball works for me but not in practice. It only works when i use a physical ball as the ghost ball. I cannot imagine a ball and miss nearly all the time when i try to visualise one. It's so frustrating. Also, my long straight shots and sometimes my closer straight shots are embarrassing. The object ball tends to go more to the left but occasionally right, even though my cue looks like it's hitting centre of cue ball. Again so frustrating. Any advice ? Thanks

@DrDaveBilliards

5 ай бұрын

First, make sure your personal vision center is properly aligned: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ Then try everything in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/ghost-ball/ Then practice a lot, paying attention to how you miss every shot, and try to learn from the mistakes.

That intro is so DAM good

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

Thanks. It was fun to do.

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

@DrDaveBilliards

7 ай бұрын

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.

@meeemalef5849

6 ай бұрын

@@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

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

@@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

6 ай бұрын

@@DrDaveBilliards yes i have but isnt working, can you please please make a video

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

@@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.

Is it necessary to step forward into the shot with your back foot or is it okay to step backwards with your back foot before getting down on the shot?

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

Amy approach or footwork is fine if you bring your vision center straight down.

@bloamy8498

6 ай бұрын

@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you!

Hey, drdave, someone says straight cue isn't important. Just learn side spin it's better. What your thought?

@DrDaveBilliards

Ай бұрын

I agree that a perfectly straight cue is not very important. My cue has a slight bend (due to an imperfect joint extension), and it doesn't bother me or affect my shots one bit.

WHats a good cue to get?

@DrDaveBilliards

2 ай бұрын

… anything you can afford and like the look of. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/selecting/

DAM this intro its so funyy

@DrDaveBilliards

6 ай бұрын

DAM right!