A common mistake made by most amateurs while playing pool is to get down too quickly to play without having first carefully surveyed all aspects of the shot, namely (1) the degree of angle, (2) the natural tangent path, and (3) the exact positional area you need for the next object ball. Let’s look at all three one by one.

(1) The degree of the angle: Why do people always want a top floor view? Because only from the top floor do you get the best perspective of the entire area. In the same way, when we observe the layout of the pool table from the standing position, we are better able to see potential run out patterns, and more importantly, we can better estimate the degree of the angle of the cut for our next shot.

The next time you are at the table, get behind the shot you are considering and then compare what you can see in the standing position to what you can see when you are down on the shot. The fact is, if you have not already carefully noted the angle to the pocket from the standing position, your perception will be greatly hindered from the table level position. So the first rule in aiming is:

a) Aim while standing. Once you are down, your only thought should be on executing the shot as precisely as possible in order to pocket the ball and get position on the next. All aiming adjustments should be over once you are down. If you find you’re making adjustments and double guessing the shot while down, stand up immediately and start all over again. All good professional players do this, therefore, it is essential that you learn the same discipline if you want to be a great shot maker.

The 3-cut system that I learnt as a youth emphasizes the need to familiarize yourself with three standard cut shots, namely ¼, ½, and ¾ ball hits. These three cuts correspond to the following angles: 49 ° , 30 ° , and 14 ° respectively. I understand, however, that for most amateur players this is still very confusing. After all, how do you accurately estimate these angles while playing pool? Well, one great way to see these angles while playing is to use the following visual references.

Reference Files:

http://billiardaimtrainer.com/assets/images/Angle_Lines_14_web.jpg

http://billiardaimtrainer.com/assets/images/Angle_Lines_30_web.jpg

http://billiardaimtrainer.com/assets/images/Angle_Lines_49_web.jpg

By familiarizing yourself with the above images, it will be very easy to recognize the standard cut angles while playing. Commit these images to memory and try to see them as you survey the table the next time you play. You can read more about this system on my website: www.allisonfisher.com

(2) The Natural Tangent Path: The next bit of information we need to gather at the standing position is the potential tangent path of the cue ball after contact with the object ball. The cue ball always starts out on the tangent line after contact with the object ball and then its rotation/spin and speed determines where it goes after. The harder the ball is struck the longer it stays on the tangent line regardless of forward or backward rotation. We can easily visualize this path by placing our cue stick perpendicular to the impact point to show the 90 ° angle from the object ball. It is impossible to see this from the table position, so we should take the time and look over the ball we are attempting to pocket to identify this 90 ° angle or tangent. Knowing the tangent will greatly help us in deciding how to stroke the cue ball to avoid potential scratches or unwanted collisions with other balls on the table.

The next time you play, before every shot, make it a habit to walk around the table and see the shot from different angles so that what could potentially happen after the shot has been played.

(3) The Exact Positional Area: Lack of position play is the greatest mistake amateur players make. Without consideration of the position of the cue ball after the shot, it is near impossible to ever run a rack. Sooner or later, if you are negligent in this part of your game, your run out will stop as you get deeper and deeper into trouble and find yourself facing some heroic, low percentage shot to keep the run going. Have you ever noticed how the professional players seem to make the game look easy, as they magically find themselves with easy shots all the time? It is not by chance. They have carefully considered their position play and have executed accordingly. Most top players will actually run the entire rack in their mind before they get down to play their first shot! That is position play at its best.

To raise your game to the next level, you must give attention to position play which is much easier to estimate and control once you have carefully surveyed the table from the top floor. Careful position play always takes into account the natural tangent path of the cue ball and the subsequent natural path the cue ball takes as it bounces off the cushions. You have to see this path in your mind before you get down to play your shot. Play this shot perfectly in your mind first. Actually see the ball being pocketed and then see the cue ball traversing a natural path and stopping in an area of the table that is perfect for your next shot.

Incorporate these three tips into your play and reap the benefits. But remember, they all depend on taking the time to first analyze the shot while standing. So, aim while standing.

(c) 2007 The Billiards Training Company

By Allison Fisher & Paul (BATman) Turner
Inventor of the Allison Fisher Billiard Aim Trainer