AIM MORE ACCURATELY by Finding Your Ideal Personal VISION CENTER

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Content:* 0:00 - Intro 1:07 - Ball Setup 3:01 - Check Your Vision Center 4:05 - Find Your Vision Center 5:40 - Center-Table Drill 7:55 - Diagonal Shot Drill 9:40 - Wrap Up *Supporting Resources:* - vision center resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ - little white donuts info: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/ - stroke “best practices” advice: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/ - low stance advantages: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/low/ - “Top 10 Aim, Alignment, and STROKE DRILLS” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emTSm2yiqcqSa9E *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@battlefieldclips7013]

Yup, You’re first again. I’m second

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You need to be quicker on the trigger next time. :)

[@sasikanthmalladi4804]

I would always ask myself "Am I aiming right? Am I shooting straight?". But it never occurred to me to ask "Am I *seeing* right?" This was quite an eye opener, I'll say. :) As always, thanks for the excellent content. You're the one pool guru that I'd pick over everyone else combined.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome. I hope it helps.

[@adamgranatella]

"your head is not in the right place" means many things in this crazy game we all love!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed! I'm glad at least one person noticed that. FundaMENTALs are/IS very important in pool. FYI, I have lots of good mental game resources here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/mental/ Check them out.

[@TheRPhelps24]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks for referring to these. I find that I often finish a nice run out by dogging the final ball out of nerves.

[@daygrindtroy]

​@@TheRPhelps24 You need to start playing money sets.

[@pa-mo]

After learning a basic way of aiming (like ghost ball), this is THE most important lesson for players trying to improve. For people who naturally align along with their vision center it may not be a factor, but for people like me who's vision center isn't naturally aligned with their default stance, it's an absolute game changer.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. Proper vision center alignment is arguably THE most important fundamental of pool.

[@valentenicoletti3622]

allways , allways , allways good content ! thanks dr.dave for your work

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you're welcome. As always, I aim to swerve. :)

[@jamesroboyle]

This is definitely something I’m struggling with Dr.Dave after not playing for over a year and a half . Is this one of the first things that fade away from not playing for long periods of time? I’m so glad you covered this topic. Thank you .

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Very few instructors and players pay attention to this (whether you have been away from the game or not), but it is very important. You're welcome.

[@jamesroboyle]

@@DrDaveBilliards Do you think you could do a piece about the role of how getting proper rest and how having a better diet and exercise can benefit your pool game ? I’m sure it’s never been covered yet . Thank you once again Dr. Dave .

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jamesroboyle Seems pretty obvious, but I'll consider it. FYI, I did do a series recently dealing with the importance of stretches and exercises for pool players, especially when ailments surface: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/advice/exercise/

[@CocoboloCowboy]

Another good does of Information from Dr. Dave.👍👍👍 Thanks Dr. Dave for sharing.👍 Think this called Perfect Aiming.🥰

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. My prescription for every pool player: get your personal vision center checked periodically. :)

[@nathanblaxall8703]

Fantastic advice once again Dr Dave! Thank you for showing.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@planetscore]

The GOAT of all vision centre videos! I personally have always an unintentional slight right spin when shooting down the line. Would that mean my head is off to the left? Or rather right?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you liked the video. I also believe it presents the best approach for finding your personal "vision center." Finding the center of the CB with the tip can be a separate issues. Advice on how to improve that can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/finding-center-ball/

[@planetscore]

@@DrDaveBilliards I think it is the best video as it is not only about finding your vision center, but also finding the vision center given the head position that we have when we hold a cue stick and are about to make a shot. I found perhaps now for myself the reason for my inconsistent shot making - sometimes hitting like a pro and sometimes missing the easiest shots. When I do a long shot I stretch my bridge arm a lot. This makes my head rotate around the z axis a tiny bit to the right, pehaps 10 degrees. But a 10 degree turn with the head shifts the vision center by around 0.5" to the right (given an average head circumference of 22"). However, on shorter shots my head is more straight as my bridge arm is more relaxed. Thus the vision center "changes" witch each shot and this leads to the inconsistet shotmaking.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@planetscore Good point. Your vision center can change with head tilt and gaze direction, so it is important to find your vision center in your stance, and to be consistent with your head alignment and orientation.

[@MikeHughJass]

Thank you for this. I think this is of tremendous use to many players. Jennifer Barretta recently posted a TicTok on this, but it framed it in terms feet/foundation, not head positioning. I lean towards Jennifer's view in that where the feet go, the head will follow. Also, I would think fishing line and small weights would be useful to establish your donuts, especially in a bar setting, for those of us without a handy laser level.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome. I agree. I also have videos dealing with the stance and feet position here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/ The fishing line with weights is a good idea, but as I show in the video, you can instead just use the one-eyed-squint-over-the-balls trick.

[@mikeplant9163]

always had trouble with most sports as my left eye is dominant but I always had quite a difference in the focus .my right needed correction but never got it properly tested until in my mid twenties. had contact lenses made in Holland by a proper optician and they worked a treat.

[@robertolson7057]

Excellent way to find your vision center! I will try it tonight.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I hope it gives you useful information. I have used this approach to help many students over the years.

[@sj460162]

This is a great video. The most helpful tip ever. Please advise...my vision centre puts my cue under the right side of my chin but my natural position is to put the cue directly under the centre of my chin? How do I correct this. My cue needs to be to the right of my chin so do I move my head or the cue?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Your cue needs to be over the line of the shot. Your stance needs to allow your head to be in the correct place relative the cue. The videos here can help you find a stance that helps you do this: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/

[@sj460162]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thankyou for your help.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@sj460162 You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@Arnie.Y]

Impressive foot-long double kiss shots! 😛 I wonder if it’s productive to also test and remember the vision center in “side-eyed” situation, it’s more than often that we may not be able to position our head square to the aiming line: when body feels tired, cue is elevated, or when playing a side-arm jump shot. I suspect that reducing body strain would boost performance when needed to play for long hours, e. g. in a single day tournament.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. I always do my best to position my face and vision center the same way on any shots, even elevated shots. The advice in the videos here helps: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/elevation/

[@TreuloseTomate]

I believe, this is the most important lesson in pool because you can have poor alignment without being consciously aware of it. I've been struggling with this for years. The line always looks wrong, no matter where I put the cue under my chin. I'm going to try your method next time.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Well stated. I hope the test, procedure, and drills in the video help you find a solution.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Yes, and if we DO NOT have perfect vision centre, we will get PUNISHED for cueing straight.... by MISSING EVERY SHOT WE PLAY!

[@thepunisher1951]

@@TheSnookerGym exactly Nic!

[@jasonh3109]

Great as always! Can’t wait for boot camp at the end of September!! Oddly, I’ve been getting better draw than follow doing this exact drill. 🤷🏽‍♂️ I have so much to learn. Ha! 🤗🤗

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See you and Chris soon. I look forward to seeing your impressive draw and helping you with the follow.

[@jasonh3109]

@@DrDaveBilliards ha. I didn’t say impressive. Lol. But I appreciate the encouragement. 😀

[@stevekap8]

Damn… I discovered this independently, inspired by your other video. Works great.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, lots of ways to find one's "vision center" can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ I think the method in this video is the best. I guess great minds think alike. :)

[@stephenmarian7097]

DR Dave is there a billiard glove that has some sort of support so you can’t bend your right wrist during your backstroke and Follow through when you’re shooting long shots. One day i can make 6 out 10 5 foot shots and then out of the blue I can feel my wrist twisting and bending and nothing goes in. Steve

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have never seen one; although, bowling gloves (which are meant to prevent wrist motion) might work. Although, a much better approach is to improve your fundamentals so wrist bend does not occur. Some of the stuff here might help: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/fundamentals/

[@VinayakaramNagarajan]

I don’t have a pool table of my own. When I practice outside I have this trouble placing the donuts .. wonder if there will be objections from the pool halls for the ‘tapping’. Does it damage the table in the long run?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The tapping is not required, but it does help. I don't think a pool hall would be concerned with light tapping of a few ball locations. Break, jump, and masse shots create similar (and worse) marks.

[@thegodofpez]

Excellent tutorial as usual!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

[@ОлегКамуз-в5ы]

If I'll use golf tee instead of balls in your example, will it method of finding vision center work?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I would think it would work; but to find your best "personal vision center" for pool, I think you should be in your pool stance addressing the CB, aiming at an OB.

[@cogjellying]

thank you, Dr Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@724riff]

Although I am very very good player , I struggle with this myself , especially on low tables and slippery tables both create a situation where I do not come through the cue ball straight, I am a right hand player and extremely left eye dominant and have tried everything to over come this phenomenon , I can play like a strong A player then turn around and miss ducks for 20 minutes . One thing I've learned is to bring your shooting line to your eye and the cue ball not your eye to the cue or you will come across the cueball but then that creates to many other factors Also , il try something ike this thank you

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You might also work on your stance some. The videos here might help: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/

[@ALFRED_SHOOK]

Hello Dr. Dave! This question is arbitrary and not related to the above video but I have to ask anyway! Do you have videos in the works about other billiards games? (3 cushion carom, 6 red shootout, snooker, etc.) I'd love to learn more about the rules, strategies, and your perspectives/insights of these games. Thanks again and have a great day!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry, but I play only pool, so I’m probably not the best person to do such a video.

[@Lyclah]

Amazing channel sir!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks!

[@stephenmarian7097]

Dr Dave we have something in common, were both right eye dominant and my vision center is dead center. Do you have any secrets on what you concentrate on when keeping your right elbow on the shot line during the back stroke

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I don’t concentrate on anything since I’ve built “muscle memory” with lots of practice. If you are having trouble keeping the elbow in the shot line, the advice here might help: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/elbow-drop/

[@ОлегКамуз-в5ы]

Dr.Dave how often can your successfully complete exercise for returning cue ball on tip? I mean 2 successes of 10 tries or 8/10?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

… probably only about 1 in 10.

[@corkforbrains]

Dr D.. I shoot left handed but seem to be right eye dominant.. Is this manageable? I've been trying to chase down the reason my playing has been so erratic lately but, this discovery really has me stumped. It almost seems like I am dealing with 2 centerlines.. visual and stroke. Through repetition, I can fine tune a shot until I begin to see how it needs to be aimed but, when I move to the next shot I have the same problem all over again.. Should I just plan to take up fishing? Thanks for any advice you might have!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It is more difficult to align your "vision center" when you are cross-eye-dominant, but the procedure in this video should help you find your ideal "vision center" position. And the videos here might help you get there more comfortably: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/

[@724riff]

After still struggling i can only summise and will test my theory or best guess thay the shot line and elbow must be directly under your correct vision center directly behind the curball or you will ultimately be coming across the cueball ,

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I have lots of help with stance and stroke fundamentals here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/

[@724riff]

@DrDaveBilliards thank you doctor Dave, your very insightful however i play on 4 1/8 gold crowns set at exactly 29 inches , that's low for me and I feel it's making me sway off the cueball and also not create space in my stroke if that's possible , may I ask how high your slate is .

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@724riff I’ve never actually thought about measuring table bed heights before, and I don’t have access to my table at the moment. Regardless, I would think I could easily adjust to different bed heights, probably without even noticing it, assuming the height is t too far out of spec.

[@AndrewT]

Can your vision center/eye dominance change if you wear contact lenses compared to shooting without? Thanks for the info

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I honestly don't know, but I wouldn't think so.

[@fixitrod4969]

I just did some testing. I lined up 7 balls. With my head perfectly level my vision center is center. With my head tilted to the right (moving top of head to the right, not rotating like saying no) even slightly, my vision center moves under my right eye. If I tilt left it moved under my left eye. If I rotate only, it stays centered. It appears my vision center is greatly affected by head tilt angle. Maybe head tilt is a critical component of vision center. Could this be why some shoot straight with it under their right or left eye or they aren't consistent... hmmm Tilting your head forward and left or right is like doing a masse shoot with your vision lol. Easy to not be consistent. I was tilting to the right) For me I found keeping my eyes level and removing any tilt angle is keeping me more consistent already. Thanks Dr. Dave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. Head angle (vertical and horizontal) can affect one's vision center. That's why it is important to find your vision center while in your shooting position. I'm glad you found the video helpful.

[@TheSnookerGym]

@@DrDaveBilliards Precisely - the closer we are to a real shot being played in our vision centre test, the more likely we are to have an accurate reading. When down on the shot, many players are incapable of rotating their neck such that the face can be square to the line of aim (especially those over 45 years of age who have often lost flexibility after sitting at a desk for 25 years!).... which will influence their ultimate vision centre.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@TheSnookerGym I think it can help those players to try to use their final face position in the standing position and during the drop into the stance so the "shot picture" (and maybe even the "vision center") can be the same the whole way down.

[@entrekk]

When doing this drill, if the OB comes off the end rail and hits the CB (which stopped properly based on a stop shot) and then goes into one of the side pockets, is that considered “good”. I’m consistently having the OB come off the CB and into the same side pocket. Just trying to figure out if I need and adjustment

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If you can do this consistently, I am impressed. It is possible you don't have the balls lined up perfectly straight, perpendicular to the short rail. It is also possible you have a trace of sidespin. It is also possible your aim is off ever so slightly. You should check your vision center carefully using the method in the video (with the balls and cue still) to make sure you are aligning properly.

[@melvinhultgren641]

Hey dave. I struggle to get my shoulder behind my head and it dosent feel comfortable. Now I saw that u play with a "wide" shoulder. Should I stick with it too? You dont see many pros having it like that. Love your videos btw! //Melvin

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If the forearm is vertical and the cue moves straight, the shoulder location in unimportant. See the answer to the 2nd-to-last question at the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/advice/

[@melvinhultgren641]

@@DrDaveBilliards thank you!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I aim to swerve (and I don't care where my shoulder is). :)

[@melvinhultgren641]

@@DrDaveBilliards Cause of you and many more here on youtube I managed to become swedish U18 champ and I actually beat mika immonen in a handicap tournament here in Sweden (interpool open 2022).

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That's awesome. Congrats!

[@keyboardkevin5949]

Hi Dr. Dave. I know it is best practice to keep you head level in the X, Y, and Z axis. But I noticed that joshua filler plays with his head slightly tilted. I'm experiementing with head positioning and find that I might play better with my head slightly tilted to the left. Is this okay to do? Is it okay to not be textbook?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

There are advantages to having the eyes level with the face square, so you should get as close to this as possible, but the most important thing is to be very consistent. Anything can be mastered with enough practice.

[@Iksmohj1]

Hi Dr.Dave good evening!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Hi. Good morning!

[@dannyblackburn1972]

Hello Sir .. I am right handed but left I dominant and my right eye is blurry from an accident at age five .. I’ve been playing since the age of eleven and now 63 .. I often have faults trying to hit a ball that has 1/4” clearance only and sometimes have to shut my right eye .. would you have any recommendations for me ?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The best advice for close-range shots is to aim while standing and trust the angle after you are down. More info and demos can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam/#advice

[@dannyblackburn1972]

Thank you .. John Morra was left eye and right handed and shoots left now but breaks right .. I should have changed years ago .. Enjoy your Christmas Holidays !! Cheers !! Danny

[@kiemvyduc4079]

Hi Dr Dave, What should i do if my dominant eye is myopic. I am right-handed player. However, my left eye is my dominant eye and it's near-sighted.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Ignore all that and just find your "personal vision center." For more info and help, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/

[@kiemvyduc4079]

@@DrDaveBilliards Even my left eyes is near-sighted, i can put the cue under it. In case that is my vision center?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@kiemvyduc4079 Ignore everything about your eyes and use the procedure in the video to find your ideal “personal vision center” head position. The procedure will give you the correct answer.

[@kiemvyduc4079]

@@DrDaveBilliards yah, thank u for your advice

[@Peeledlemon.]

Have do you stand and align and get your alignment right if your crossed eyed dominant? Would appreciate any help please

[@DrDaveBilliards]

First, carefully find your personal "vision center" position (using the procedure in this video). It might not be where you think it is. Than, you need to find your "personal best stance" that helps you get your head in the right place. The videos here might help: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/ Also, for more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/dominant-eye/ and: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/

[@Peeledlemon.]

@@DrDaveBilliards thank you for quick reply I’ve seen a lot of your videos and they’ve been really helpful it just seem very confusing maybe you do a video on cross eye dominant as there only 5% of people who are cross eyed dominant according to your website

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Peeledlemon. I’ll think about it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@147academy6]

My head is straight and with right chin and left chin and centrechin, cannot find vision centre, maybe i have to tilt my head? Or close my eyes each and then find vision centre? Bcaz i lined up with all chin positions and to me it looks that i am going to pot the object ball but my friends watching behind and infront of me tells me i am aiming wrong

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You should not close each eye. Did you carefully try the procedures in this video? They should help.

[@147academy6]

@@DrDaveBilliards i did follow ur video step by step, its just that i cannot find my vision centre for years. i am normally playing with centre chin but i tried moving my head to right and to left. i have tried getting down with all chin positions like you mention in this video but i keep lining up to the left of pocket which i cannot detect but my friends who are standing infront and behind me can tell me. but to me looks that the object ball is going into pocket. i can give you an example. with no balls i have tried pointing my tip to a specific part of pocket and with all chin positions i have tried this, and to me it looks that i am pointing to that specific part of the pocket but to my friends looks that i am definately aiming wrong i live in australia and willing to you pay you if u can fix this problem, i have seen some top coaches and couldnt fix this tnx

[@147academy6]

@@DrDaveBilliards i just tried watching my video i think i know what im doing When im standing my head is straight and when down my face is turned little bit to the right, how to fix this issue? I tried to bring my head very slowly to ensure head doesnt turn to right but i cant. i also tried lining up with my nose but still the same. i tried told hold my head with my hands to ensure head doesnt turn to the right but it still does. what and how do i fix this? Tnx alot dr dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@147academy6 The videos here might help you find a better "personal best stance" to help you get your face more square with your eyes more level: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/ I hope that helps.

[@360PhoenixFlip]

I’m left eye dominant, but vision center is in between my eyes the same as you, so is there any point in finding your dominant eye? Surely only vision center is important right?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. Too much emphasis has been placed on eye dominance in the pool world. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/dominant-eye/ All that matters is the vision center.

[@ivandate9972]

Dr, is that possible that centre of vision and centre of aiming had different angle? I have tested mine, and it seems i had that. thanks

[@DrDaveBilliards]

But the definition of “vision center” is the head alignment that allows you to see the correct line of aim, so there should be no difference.

[@ivandate9972]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks, i will try again

[@ivandate9972]

@@DrDaveBilliards Dr, i have found my problem, my head rotate to 1 o'clock when i was aiming, thanks

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ivandate9972 I'm glad you figured it out.

[@farazahmadi5229]

dr is it possible to be right eye dominant and vision center be in left of my chin? cause shot looks right to me when im aligned and i miss to the right of object ball when i shoot from right of my chin i tested all places from the chin to under the right eye but none of then are accurate as left of my chin

[@DrDaveBilliards]

With vision center, anything is possible. That's why it is so important to use the procedure in the video. The results don't lie.

[@joshuastover5533]

Maybe you can do a vision center while sighting standing up. I did this from different distances using a masonry line block. I painted a white line down the middle and would find where I needed to stand for both lines to meet perfectly straight and lay my cue down on the line to use belt buckle point as reference to where I was lining the shot. Most of the time, it was left of belt belt buckle but as the distance grew longer it was the right the belt buckle. I'm thinking this is because I am Far sighted in my left eye. I still don't feel like I know what my vision center is down on the shot, and have done all the tests and they seem to all point to just left of center but I veer my cue to the right this way and still manage to hit center with a big stroke 80% of the time. I cannot get the cue steering to go away aiming like this. when I use just a bit of right eye, the cue is straight but takes tons of concentration because it looks like I'm cutting the ball to the left and my brain is telling my stroke to correct it. Maybe the shot not looking straight while aiming with cue just right of nose is due to not sighting correctly while standing up because I am left handed and used to sighting closer from left side. My cueing looks straight on video aiming with right then I shift my head to the right until it looks straight while down and the steering to the right comes straight back. Maybe it is just bad muscle memory that goes away when I aim differently.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. The vision center might be different when standing if the eyes have different acuities at different distances and if you stand far away from the shot at the beginning of your pre-shot routine. I stand close to the table in my pre-stance position (when "aiming while standing"), so I don't have this issue. I would recommend you use the test and procedure in the video to find your shooting-position vision center and work on straightening that stroke. FYI, there is lots of good stroke advice here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/

[@IndianHeathen1982]

@@DrDaveBilliards the masonry line block method is so similar to the SightRight invention. Have you heard of SightRight?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have. I have info for many related techniques here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ I think the best way to find your vision center for pool is to be in the shooting position addressing a straight shot with your cue (as I demonstrate in the video).

[@joshuastover5533]

@@IndianHeathen1982 I have. I saw a picture of it, tried the masonry block, and ended up getting a sight right to try it out and to see if it worked the same way in theory and it does.

[@IndianHeathen1982]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks!

[@TheBlueTechnology]

Please Reply as i deliver the cue , the cue tip goes to the left i have tried, different stances, i walk online, put the cue and bring chest to cue. the only thing i am suspecting is my bridge arm is always bent Do you know why the cue tip goes to left as i deliver thank you

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The most typical cause for this is shoulder motion and elbow drop with "chicken wing" motion. For good advice on how to prevent this, see "How can I get rid of elbow drop?" here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/elbow-drop/

[@DrDaveBilliards]

There are many other possible causes. My "stroke video analysis" video might help you diagnose your issues: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHXOnqJjhLaXe8k

[@Fearless13289]

I did the drill my personal one it's when the cue is slightly towards the right hand side of the noise I shot accurate when playing now thanks Dr Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. Good job!

[@Fearless13289]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks sir once again because I also use your stance arriving with my personal vision the cue on it and I bend my legs that's how I go down even further👍🔥💯

[@RafaelGroot]

i have right eye dominant, i checked my vision center too, but my aim look bad under my dominant eye, so i tried to recalibrate and find the cueball and ob ball is perfectly straight under my non dominant eye, its that ok ?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@RafaelGroot Don’t over think it. The answer you get with the vision center procedure is correct.

[@dmitrii1617]

Thank you for tip!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@tomiljuks4211]

What about a shot distance or bridge length....does it affect vision center

[@DrDaveBilliards]

There should be no effect unless you change your head angle or tilt or gaze direction.

[@THEAPEXACADEMYOFMATHEMATICS]

Dr Dave how did you get those vertical and horizontal lines inserted in your videos

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I use Pinnacle Studio to do video editing (where I add the lines) on a Windows PC.

[@jimclausen9990]

Dr. Dave, plz help me out here; I'm spatially challenged: If my cue is actually pointed to the right of the line of aim when I think it's on the line, I need to move my head to my right, relative to the cue? Do I have that right?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That is the general theory, but it doesn't apply to everybody. I wouldn't worry about that. Just use the procedure in "Find Your Vision Center" Section of the video at 4:05, and you should find your vision center.

[@farazahmadi5229]

can head position defer when upright and when down on the shot? because this method that you demonstrated didnt help me and always had a little side spin . my vision center is between my right eye and center of my Chin . best way that work for me was putting my right eye behind the shot and finding line of aim then after going down on the shot i put right of my chin on cue(my vision center). is it right? can this be possible?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Your vision center position depends on your head angle. It is best to have your eyes level with your face as square to the shot as possible; but the most important thing is to make sure the cue is under your vision center when down in the stance. Some advice for getting better tip placement accuracy can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/finding-center-ball/

[@farazahmadi5229]

​@DrDaveBilliards thanks a lot🤝

[@testtest20022test]

The brain can compensate for many flaws in the eyes, for example you might not notice that one eye is getting worse because the brain will just compensate by using more information from the other one. This makes me wonder if one's vision center is consistent throughout their life and even whether it is possible to train your brain to move the vision center to go around any physical limitations since maybe you can just train your brain to learn what is straight. I couldn't find any medical information about vision center (I probably don't know the right terms to input) so I wonder if you talked to any ophthalmologist about this?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have not done the medical research. I am more focused on what works for pool players. If you want to search for scholarly work on the topic, good key words are "cyclopean eye" and "vergence." I would suspect that a person's vision center could change over time (especially if vision gets impaired in one eye).

[@valleywineandcheese]

Just did a mirror check. It seems my vision centre is way over my left eye. Like Gary Wilson or Reanne Evans. And like them I play right. Unlike them I am right eye dominant. Is that reasonably normal?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Everything is "normal." Everybody is different. Vision center is not always related to eye dominance.

[@valleywineandcheese]

@@DrDaveBilliards thank you sir!

[@147academy6]

Cannot find my vision centre for years now, no centre chin works, no right chin, no left , the only position feels good is if i tilt my head to left! Can u help me plz if its correct? I always line up incorrectly but to me looks that i am liming up correctly but if i use laser or my friends look its not correct and moving my head to left or right wont help

[@DrDaveBilliards]

All I can suggest is to try everything per the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ Head tilt is not recommended per the info here: billiards.colostate.edu/bd_articles/2011/july11.pdf

[@Fearless13289]

I finally found my person vision center position

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I hope it helps.

[@ОлегКамуз-в5ы]

So I see balls straight, my cue in perfect line with balls, but my eyes tells me that my cue crossing my visual center slightly, is it normal, if I played years not aligned in proper way?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It is possible you learned to line up the cue crooked and stroke crooked to compensate. Obviously, it is better to have your head in your "personal vision center" position, with the cue in line with the shot, and use a straight stroke. But if you can play well with your current "system," there is no reason to change.

[@kasualreview7566]

Hi. Whenever I am getting down on the shot with my chin 6in above the cue, everything is lined up straight and I make the shot. However, the moment I put the chin to the cue (which I like doing), the cue appears to be crooked even though it is actually straight. This throws me off. Is this an illusion? I am already lining it up with my vision center.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If your face is square to the shot with your eyes level, this should not happen (assuming your head is in your "vision center" position during your drop into your stance with focus on the OB target). For more help, see the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/ and here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ I hope that stuff helps.

[@keyboardkevin5949]

I'm a little confused. When I do this vision center test, do I stop moving my head when the balls appear perfectly lined up? Or do I stop moving my head when the cue tip looks lined up in the middle of cue ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Before you move your head, you carefully position the tip in the center of the ball with the cue over the diamond, with the tip almost touching the CB at its center. Then you move your head until the shot looks straight. If you are having trouble finding the center of the CB in your personal vision-center position, the info here might also help: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/finding-center-ball/

[@keyboardkevin5949]

@@DrDaveBilliards I found myself to be most accurate when my chin is a few inches above cue. Everytime I put my chin on cue on my vision center, it is no longer straight. Ive tried and tried so hard to align with my chin on cue but it is inaccurate. Is the reason for this just my personal perception is best at a few inches above?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@keyboardkevin5949 Without seeing you in person, it is difficult to know. Obviously, go with what works best.

[@raphael1245]

Hello, I've heard plenty of times that your head, shoulder, and elbow should all be in alignment. But I noticed this is not really the case with you (and me as well). Is this a hard rule, or a guideline?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

This is traditional advice, but I don't agree with it. My shoulder is nowhere close to the line, but because my forearm is vertical, my cue moves in a straight line. For more info, see the answer to the 2nd-to-last question near the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/advice/

[@orthoagnostic3364]

I wonder if the vision center meanders over time?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have not noticed any change over many years, but I guess it is possible if the eyes change differently over time.

[@わんわん-s3b6c]

Hi @drdavebilliards Dr Dave, do you have an affiliate based in Japan (preferably Tokyo) who can help me find my vision center?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Any qualified and experienced instructor should be able to help with this. Sorry, but I don't have anybody specific to recommend. The additional videos and info here might help you do it on your own: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/

[@わんわん-s3b6c]

@@DrDaveBilliards okay thank you Dr Dave!

[@THEAPEXACADEMYOFMATHEMATICS]

The effort that you put in your videos... If only many ppl watch and apply... The pros would have some serious issues winning titles

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you like my stuff. It does take effort, but I enjoy it. It also makes me a better player.

[@kb2kb104]

I line up all my balls. keeping my eyeballs on the shooting line the whole time. Facing the shot as compared to Bending and twisting into a shot , which really takes a toll on the body and the mind.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Opening the stance some can help reduce the strain on the neck and back. For more info, see the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/

[@anhvannguyen8541]

channel lost subtitles

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, on a computer, you can view subtitles in any language by clicking on the closed caption (CC) icon at the bottom of the video. Then click on the Settings (gear) icon and select the language you want under "Subtitles/CC." Unfortunately, this doesn't yet work on mobile devices.

[@keyboardkevin5949]

How do you get your pool balls so shiny?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I clean them with Aramith cleaner periodically per the video here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/ball/cleaning/

[@danender5555]

left - center - right alignment... OK. But I've also seen people play great shots with their heads way above the cue stick. So not only left to right head movement, but the personal vision center should be found in complex X-Y coordinates.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It is better to have the head as low as possible (especially on big tables with tight pockets) per the info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/low/

[@chrishabgood8900]

Also when standing behind the shot you should be looking with your vision center as well.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. Your vision center should be aligned with the shot line during your entire pre-shot/pre-stance routine!

[@TheSnookerGym]

@@DrDaveBilliards Yes although the vision centre can be different when pre shot versus when on shot. Great video as ever.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. That's one reason why I like testing for and finding the vision center in the shooting position. Also, having the face square to the shot with the eyes level can make the vision center the same both while standing and when down on the shot.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@TheSnookerGym Are you saying the vision center can be different pre-shot because of the extra distance from the table and possible focusing differences in the eyes at different distances, or because the face orientation is different while standing compared to in-stance?

[@TheSnookerGym]

@@DrDaveBilliards Yes what I have found is that if looking from that 'helicopter view' many players (but not all) have a DIFFERENT vision centre than when down on the shot. You could test this with the 'four balls in one line sighting technique... and with the same face angle relative to the line of aim see if any players offer up a different 'camera position' for when 'straight looks straight'

[@JCapilla89]

I play whit a 27 oz. Cue and i make it that way. And everything is natural and ball control.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@JCapilla89 That’s a bit heavy for most people, and it could limit the amount of spin that can be applied. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/maximum/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/cue-weight-effects/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/weight/

[@JCapilla89]

@@DrDaveBilliards So 17 oz ia enough or 19.?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@JCapilla89 19 is generally recommended. 17-21 is a typically-recommended range.

[@JCapilla89]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thansk very much. Can you make a video how too do maze shoots.😊

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@JCapilla89 If you mean masse shots, see the videos and links here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/masse/

[@ozrenkovacevic7887]

I don`t see the point in all that prep of the position. Why don`t you just try to hit OB dead center and observe the CB? Quicker setup and instant feedback (no need for laser etc.)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The careful ball setup allows you to accurately find your vision center position without hitting any balls. This is useful, because a player might have issues with their stroke (which can be worked on separately). If someone has a straight and consistent stroke, than I agree with you.

[@djelalhassan7631]

Great

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks.

[@dikshitkapila1705]

Exclusive

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Important

[@Fearless13289]

The sad thing is sir I don't have a pool table so I only play 1on 1 at bars

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You can do the test at a bar also. Just show up a little early when things aren't busy.

[@Fearless13289]

@@DrDaveBilliards nice I will try

[@Fearless13289]

Am a right eye dominate

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... but where is your "vision center" position for playing pool? That's the important question. Try the test and drills in the video.

[@Fearless13289]

@@DrDaveBilliards I will Dave because I sometimes miss easy shots based on other fundamentals their accurate problem is when I place my cue striaght in my right eye I need to practice the drill

[@THEAPEXACADEMYOFMATHEMATICS]

The emphasis on your head is not in the right place thou Dr... Lol

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The head and forearm are the most important parts! Everything else should be built around this.

[@THEAPEXACADEMYOFMATHEMATICS]

@@DrDaveBilliards in my country that emphasis gets you smacked