AIM LIKE A PRO!!! SVB Aiming Simplified!

In this video we discuss shaft aiming as used by Shane Van Boening. I have found that using aiming systems can be helpful, because it helps create a solid pre-shot routine which in turn helps make your game more consistent. Let’s go over the aiming system and how to build the pre-shot routine into it.

[@Peace-Love-Pool]

Of all the videos covering this aiming system, yours is the most clear and useful, IMO. I have watched several times and pick up a little something more each time. This is now my go-to aiming system. Thanks!

[@j.a.m6356]

Thank you brother. You have made this aiming system easy and enjoyable. The part about using the left or right side of the cue was exactly what I needed. That small detail makes your aiming so much more precise. You are awesome. Thanks bro!

[@vabriga1]

As an absolute beginner, I have to say that your explanation was the best yet (confirmed by trying). Keep on rocking.

[@waynefredricson6584]

You are a brilliant teacher ,thanks for sharing what you do so well :)

[@GB-nb7nz]

I would watch every single video of yours about aiming!!!

[@yankees912]

Your simplication is epic. Keep it up.

[@rjordan624]

Loved video the head cam really made it truly easy to grasp n now apply

[@0bm31770]

That was very helpful. I watched it a few months ago and didn't really get it, but this time I was able to apply it.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

That's great you were able to apply it. How did it work out for you? I feel like sometimes you just need that lightbulb moment where it all clicks! I know I've had those many times over the years. Especially, with trying something new at the table.

[@kevintermini3483]

this video is pure gold! god bless you

[@user-pi8uq4ph5g]

Cool. Found it very beneficial. Thanks chief.

[@jimmieharper6564]

again, I loved watching your video on shaft aiming. I have been using it and seem to have imoroved in my game. thanks

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Great to hear! Thank you!

[@stevewilson7915]

We'll done and we'll explained. This will be a big help to my game. Thanks Brother. ❤

[@tableroll1]

Very well done commentary. You have a pleasant voice delivery and very good at explaining concepts. Keep up the good work!

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Thanks, will do!I have been pulled away by my business but hopefully I am going to get some more coming now. I'll be updating my page more often next week. I have a Masters and a Captain's team competing in Vegas for Worlds.

[@robertwilliams2093]

Very well done! Post another video to cover the in-between increments you discussed in the beginning of this vid. Thank you!

[@arkman49]

Just went out and gave this a try for 2 hours or so. It does work. But, not sure when to use the edge of shaft instead of the center of shaft to aim. I'm sure, like everything else, that comes with time on the table. For someone like me , who is getting back into the game after years of not playing, this is very helpful. I usually shoot by line of shot and contact point, but this is a great tool to have with what I Already know. Thanks for your videos! And, Good luck with your music business!

[@Floverobeach]

Wow! That was very helpful for my game. Thanks!

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Glad it helped!

[@donjaun540]

Thank you for a nice video. I will try to learn and improve myself. 👍😎

[@jimmieharper6564]

great instruction video. so easy to understand. thank you

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@petehaven4640]

Very helpful my friend... you explain the aiming system better than others. I am gonna run some racks using the teaching you shared 😊👍🏻

[@isaachernandez2670]

Thank you for this lesson. I have been playing for many years, like 30 or so. My consistency is not good. Can't seem to figure it out. Maybe if I follow your advice I can progress. Will keep you updated. Again Thank you for that prospective.

[@user-tc5dl7gr2z]

Me gusta tu paciencia y manera de enseñar Adelante mi Amigo disfruta y comparte

[@alexcamalda9898]

Very well done dear sir. Thank you!

[@thedarksidebilliards]

You are very welcome

[@EbanQHanna]

Love this video… Needed this video… Will definitely be using this technique…

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Glad it was helpful! Have you tried it out?

[@EbanQHanna]

I absolutely did and it worked as intended. I just need to be more disciplined and used this technique for the easier shots too. That way muscle memory would take a better affect and it’ll become more of a second nature.

[@user-gt2lh2ec9e]

Free teaching! THANKS. John P.

[@bettapackalunch548]

Level 6 in APA 8 ball here, I won 5-0 1st match trying this system.. I love it 💯 really simplifies the game

[@thedarksidebilliards]

That's awesome! Congrats!!

[@kingsleymbene1317]

Today am going to practice this it seems you have explained very well and I have understood let's see results tomorrow

[@thedarksidebilliards]

How did it go? Were you able to apply it?

[@kenhall3851]

You can use the same aim method for two different shots because the balls are smaller than the pockets. So there is play in the pocket. Also, some players have begun using the deep shadow for almost straight shots, 10 degrees and less. The deepest shadow underneath the object ball offers 3 options: Hitting in the middle of the shadow, hitting at the right edge of the deep shadow or aiming at the left edge of the deep shadow (it depends on which way the almost straight shot leans to the pocket). It makes for a simple target for the nearly straight shots.

[@brianphillips6713]

im 35 years old and your the first person ive herd talking about using the shadows of the ball outside my family.

[@robbiewalker700]

Thanks for sharing

[@jimmieharper6564]

when i get in a slump in my game,i like coming back to your video. i relearn the techniques you offer. thanks again. i am looking forward to watch more of your videos.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me.

[@pearlcanham7102]

Excellent 👏👏👏👏👏

[@mikegracea2]

This is the most helpful video I’ve ever seen! Perfectly clear! Thanks!😄🎶

[@thedarksidebilliards]

I'm glad it was helpful for you. Thanks for watching.

[@josephmcgee8450]

Peter, What a Gentleman Thank You! More videos More understandable videos! Thanks

[@thedarksidebilliards]

More to come for sure!

[@dolittle6781]

It's kind of an intuitive approach. Nice! Would be helpful to use slow motion photography so we could see where the cue ball contacts the object ball. The shot happens very fast, as shown. Not too sure what exactly to aim at.

[@frankhuebner5178]

Really good know. Thank you

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brett6314]

I have to practice using this; see if it works for me. Would be really nice if it does. I'm an ok shot, would love to be better. You should do a video on CB movement. You have that down nicely. A diagram or two would help too.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

This will work on most shots you should be taking to begin with. On really tough shots you should be looking to play safety anyways. Please let me know how well it works for you.

[@quebecrosalyn6218]

Very helpful 😊

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Thank you!

[@agostinhodejesus7818]

Helpfully thanks

[@onsam]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for this video.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

No problem. Let me know how it works for you.

[@onsam]

I think the way that you simplified this SVB aiming system is brilliant. I am a beginner, I pocketed the most balls today trying this. It gave me a confidence boost. Thanks again.

[@HHV44]

Thank you!

[@allgood6760]

Nice one bro👍🎱🇳🇿

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Thanks!

[@irakuri]

Super videos, Thanks .... what is the size of table and balls Please?

[@lindanygaard9408]

Thanks!

[@JohnS-il1dr]

Lesson starts at 2:45. Awesome stuff

[@sj460162]

This is interesting because you made the different shots using the same line and edge...how does that work??

[@dennispaul6286]

All knowledge is good depending on what level you are at for someone this is a discovery

[@thedarksidebilliards]

I agree! Even just being knowledgeable about aiming systems can help your game.

[@danender5555]

This video may describe SVB aiming technique, however, I'd recommend to increase a distance between pocket and the object ball. Object ball being just two diamonds away from the pocket could invoke some "optical illusion" when you claim that for two pretty different cutting angles you can still apply the same aiming without affecting the result. If you place object ball 4-5 diamonds from the pocket, try if the same "optical illusion" and exactly same aiming produces exactly same result.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Thanks for your feed back. I know when I am teaching the fundamentals of the aiming, I am closer to the object ball. I would recommend watching until the end because I do actually runout a rack using the aiming system and talk through the run out.

[@danender5555]

@@thedarksidebilliards It is alright that for the fundamentals purpose you choose easier positions. However, you also claim that for two completely different angles you aim with exactly same portion of the shaft. What I am saying is that if you would aim the two different angles same way over longer distances you defensively miss the shot.

[@PostUp_Time]

@@danender5555this guy is just trying to get views by putting SVB in the title. the balls are so close to the pocket you can literally tap the OB anywhere. so close not enough table for balls to run out. all the tables are 7 ft. guy would pee in his pants if he played on 9 or 10 ft.

[@kenhall3851]

@@danender5555 No not really. The pockets are just the end point at the ends of the angles. There is play because the balls are smaller than the pockets. Therefore, the system used for a 30 cut shot also works for one at 28 or 32 for example. As the pockets get smaller, like 4.25" pockets a slight more precision is needed, but easily adaptable for both pocket, cloth. The same is true for playing by rote - there is play in the pockets due to ball size. So the contact "point" is actually an area. And dependent upon speed and table conditions can vary by as much as 4 thin dime widths (about the 1/2 width of a shaft). When I first began using this system, I won 8 tournaments in 11 weeks. I placed 2nd in two others and 3rd in another. So cashed all 11 weeks.

[@alpe6228]

Imagine a cueball hitting your object ball,its that simple.Ive been using this aiming system for over 20 years and I rarely miss.

[@sethh8892]

also, when stroking the cue, make sure to keep it parallel. practicing good technique removes variables from the equation. stroke technique of snooker players is one to master. they can consistently pot balls into smaller pockets on a 12 foot table for a reason.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Good point! You're absolutely right, you have to make sure you have a good pre-shot routine and practice not chicken wingin' , moving around, popping up, etc. I bring it up in the video I just posted but even using the line at the head of the table to practice stroking, making sure you stroke straight.

[@sethh8892]

@@thedarksidebilliards absolutely! I always placed a plastic Coke bottle on the table, and would practice stroking straight through the opening. Once I got good at it with my eyes open I would close them and continue to do the same thing until I messed up. I could consistently do it about five times before I would ever touch the edge.

[@charlesfair1582]

I used a glass coke bottle. I must be old. Buddy Hall made me do it for hours and days and weeks. It works, but you can never stop making sure your stroke is straight!

[@davidbrannam6383]

I am interested in the meaning of center to contact point vs center to edge.

[@Hidyzworld1]

When do you do left to edge?

[@nmccormack998]

Are you saying you are aiming at the contact point as in the cloth in front of the ball (where the ghost ball would be) rather than the object ball point itself?

[@ecrondilla]

Can you explain on how to integrate spin on this? Was trying this and it do works but was having problem when im adding a spin, also do this work when you hit in the bottom and on top? Thanks

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Sorry I haven't responded to this sooner, my business has taken up all my time lately, but I am trying to get back into making more videos. I will work on creating a video that answers this for you, I feel like the answer is better seen than written, if that makes sense.

[@billyboulier8646]

Center to edge = 30* shot - period - not 26, not 34. Center cue ball with edge of shaft on the cue ball = 38* only with some variance for width of the pocket. Center cue ball with left edge of shaft on the contact point always = 15*.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Geometry does not lie 😊

[@nakkadu]

It's all nonsense just pot the balls

[@mikestuckey]

I went out and bought the white donut stickers. Now I need help placing them on the table as you did. Do I need a protractor or something to place them correctly?

[@thedarksidebilliards]

No. I don't think that is necessary because I didn't do that. I would say just setup shot angles similar to what you see and practice. Once you master shots of this distance, then you'll want to move the shots back and try for more distance.

[@mikestuckey]

@@thedarksidebilliards thanks!

[@joelgoode5618]

Great video Peter! Does same principles apply to side pockets?

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Yes it applies to all shots on the table. Thanks for watching.

[@illinoiscarter9279]

I am a new subscriber and i like this table you’re practicing on. Please is it a British pool table or American pool table? Secondly, i wanna purchase one from you, how do i purchase this pool table? Thank you in advance 🙏

[@thedarksidebilliards]

It's a 7ft Valley

[@Passarinho86]

Use this system. It's pretty good and easy to understand system.

[@alang253]

coming back around to watch this one again (need to practice it some more), I really like this simplified approach but watching it second time around there were two other gems that stuck out to me: 1. if you have to do a thin cut you should be playing a safety anyway and 2. most people use way too much side spin, just use very little - I think for a standard deflection cue this works great especially for a novice player

[@imranramjewan6470]

Your ferrule have to be a certain length to get the full benefit of SVB aiming system. 3/4- 1 inch . Depth perception.

[@titusghanaisitta412]

thanks alot

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Most welcome

[@wazirtan6801]

the problem is i always have double vision and my eyes always playing trick on me when aiming the right angle

[@jamesjohnson553]

Very informational video. However, I'd prefer you had demonstrated multiple shots at varying angles over running a rack. Your ability to control que ball, only required you to make shots a very limited degree of angles, none more than 20 degrees. Perhaps a follow up video will cover more extreme cut shots. I'll be looking for it. Good video still, thanks

[@stefanciubotaru4611]

Nice cue... what do you use ? Shaft, tip ?

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Hey so I use the predator shaft 11.8mm with a Joey Chin butt.

[@stefanciubotaru4611]

@@thedarksidebilliards what tip is on your cue ?

[@josephmcgee8450]

Peter, You use only center, and both edges and that it?

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Yes that's it. It's amazing how well it work. Thanks for watching.

[@PoolHallJunkie1998]

​@thedarksidebilliards, is there any way possible you could do a video on more extreme angles when you're using the shaft to aim? I'm very curious on how to aim on say a 75 degree cut shot and similar angled shots like that. Thank you very much for your time Sir!

[@jonormika5030]

What head cam is that?

[@thedarksidebilliards]

I use a GoPro

[@TeamSSF]

love that you're using a sneaky pete with a carbon fiber shaft. why not

[@ravdizwatch1554]

when to use middle of center to edge

[@dominicjimerson2244]

What model go pro do you have on your head someone send me the link please I want the head strap also asap

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Its a go pro 9 the head strap came with it.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

I use a GoPro 9 and the head strap came with it

[@dhirajpallin2572]

The aiming system good players use is called "memorization and memory recall".

[@yutuberboy]

this works for 10 to about 38 degrees cut angles

[@jemuelmusic4260]

What kind of music do you make?

[@thedarksidebilliards]

I am a classical pianist and accompanist. I’ve also been teaching private music lessons for a long time and just opened a store front.

[@agostinhodejesus7818]

Very simple way

[@calmarcalmar]

interesting ;)

[@user-dt5yq9uk4v]

a diamond and a half away is simple, do it on the rail from three quarters of a table would be advanced.

[@sTaRtAsTiC339]

Is that a Cohen?

[@kchiang4]

You don’t need an aiming system on those big bucket bar boxes. Just close your eyes, slam it, and as long as you’re not playing call pocket, the ball will land in a pocket …

[@jolly7728]

Appreciate the way you combine just enough "geometry with approximation." Nice GoPro work!

[@efrainramos5897]

Thank you for this video about this aiming system but this shaft technique was not developed by SVB. This aiming has been around from pool&billiard from 1995 magazine not developed SVB as much I enjoyed watching him play to many people are giving credit for a system that has been for many years and maybe he learn it from that magazine. Thanks

[@divine_swine9665]

Idk if you mention this later on in the video, but after you aim CTE, then adjust using edge of shaft is because of “cut induced throw.” It’s really hard to explain in words, you have to demonstrate it

[@jazonc73]

That guy is gooooood..

[@10efranco]

If you know how to align your body correctly, you don’t need an aiming system. You just have to correctly judge the aiming point and align properly, your brain will make the adjustments automatically. But you have to practice a lot to be able to do that. Must people don’t want to put in the practice hours. There is no magic aiming system that will work for every angle. Learn how to align to the shot.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

There isn’t necessarily a magic aiming system but this aiming does work and it helps put your body and sight in the right place before even getting down on the shot. I don’t use it because I have my own routine but it really works well with newer players after they get their basic fundamentals down.

[@gsnicholas8522]

Eric, you hit the nail on the head. Essentially pool is a child's game that is over complicated by adults. The human brain is way more accurate than any of the so called aiming systems.

[@10efranco]

@@thedarksidebilliards Aiming systems are a good thing if you take it for what they are, a reference. But when you want to take your game to a higher level, you must rely on good fundamentals. There’s a reason why good shooters can’t tell you how they aim. The can’t explain it, because they don’t use an aiming system, it comes instinctively to them. So yes aiming systems are OK to start, but just to start. Once you build good fundamental then you need to leave your aiming systems behind

[@10efranco]

@@gsnicholas8522 I agree. Aiming systems are good to start, but you need to let your brain do the work if you want to take your game to the next level. All aiming systems have limitations, the brain doesn’t

[@kennethpogue718]

I've been at the pool hall every day this past week. I'm determined to improve every aspect of my game. And it's working.

[@julieoldenski7468]

I couldn't follow this. At about minute 7:30 he talks about hitting the "edge" of the contact ball. What is the edge of a ball. It's a round object. I'm not sure where he's referring to by the "edge"

[@thedarksidebilliards]

I'm sorry it was hard to follow for you. The edge of the contact ball or object ball that I'm referring to is the very edge of the center of the ball. In other words the most outside point on the object ball. I hope this helps.

[@TheDanantya]

How can you chalk like that?

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Honestly, I don't even think about it. I usually have different chalk but........... 🤷‍♂️

[@NZHapiman]

get the aaimming partt but the compleete lack of a pause on the backswing is offputting, and another reason why snooker players are better potters on much tighter pockets and bigger tables. That cue action wouldnt work for long blues..but I gget its pool.

[@12coleisabeast]

90/90 please ;)

[@MrDennisPerry222]

so you are a bca teacher?

[@lynnhall3532]

Not very clear to me when the cut angle increases. Use some kind of lines on edge of ferrule & shaft center to explain visually. Words are not enough IMHO.

[@joeygonzo]

If you need an aiming system on a barbox, you're not seeing the shot pictures.

[@l_akar_l6165]

that table so small 😂

[@TheSunIsMyDestroyer]

if would be cool is matches had this pov lol

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Maybe soon I will shoot some matches with the go pro on. I think that would be a good idea.

[@philphil4295]

I liked the video until you shot the 8 ball incorrectly. Leaving the cue ball 2" from the rail for a spot shot is the last place on the table I would leave the cue ball. You could have avoided this situation by paying ENOUGH attention to the 7 ball ( second from last ball) and leaving yourself an angle on the 8 ball. Other than that situation, your video was terrific. :)

[@TheOhiowolf]

Don’t learn from players who don’t play correctly themselves! Aiming a ball is the best way to miss it! It takes all your practice and throws it out the window! Rote memory is in the back of your brain. The first time you do anything it starts out at the top of your brain! Where great players can miss easy shots they make all the time!

[@mingchunyu5609]

太多口水😂

[@drewmonroe4641]

All the greats do use aiming systems there not going to tell you how they pocket balls

[@williamsheppard8738]

Okay listen please there is no such thing as a aiming system you have to have sound fundamentals of the game and you can use the so-called Aiming systems as nothing more than reference points I should know because I have been looking for the holy Grail system for years now

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Please also refer to the reply I left the other comment. I would try this out a little bit you’ll find that it work very well except for very thin cuts when the balls are close together. If you’re already a seasoned player I don’t think changing your game now is the answer but if you want to teach somebody who is new and give them basic aiming, this aiming is fairly easy to execute. NOTHING beats just putting in the practice time of course.

[@williamsheppard8738]

@@thedarksidebilliards I got something that works great for very thin cuts but I did try this an it works well I also told it to my little brother he knows nothing about pool he was able to get it in a couple of hrs so yes I would have to say it works

[@JorizLucmong]

But I think my choutor ako

[@werner4081]

*Promosm*

[@MKokalari]

It is incredible how wrong techniques sometimes work. On a 7 bar box everything works. Try it on 10 foot table. CTE is shit. Aiming with a cue tip is wrong because if you place english the tip is no longer aiming.

[@thedarksidebilliards]

Thanks for the feedback but I didn't get to the level I am by playing on 7ft tables. I understand there is nuance to specific shots like extreme left and right but you can simplify your game by using less English (left and right spin) by using natural angles therefore allowing the system to work in most situations.

[@selmankabatas1544]

No long shots, no extreme cut shots.. You don't need any system to make those balls

[@thedarksidebilliards]

I hope you understand that I can't put every shot into the video or it would be a very long video. I do agree you don't NEED an aiming system but some people want help with sighting and this gives a very good reference point to begin pocketing balls even at the beginning level.

[@selmankabatas1544]

At least you could have put an example for each shots (long shots and extreme cut shots), your video would have been 1 min longer maybe..

[@MrDennisPerry222]

4 in pockets and its not so cool