68. Aiming to Improve - Part 1 Making adjustments

[@Iluuzima]

You are legitimately the best snooker coach I've come across, you explain things with great sound of experience. I just want to thank you for getting me into this awesome game, and most of all teaching me to deliver the cue straight!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

lluuzima. Thanks for the compliment, glad to be of help. Good luck.

[@rob-lk4ud]

Barry, just made my first break of 20+ points yesterday in the line up practice routine. Thank you very much for all your teachings !

[@lewiselwell4657]

The tip by determining your 'preferred' eye is honestly amazing. Most players just believe that it's their cuing which is causing most misses and so they don't bother changing whereabout they place their cue on their chin. I can honestly say that during these past few months of watching your videos and taking tips onto the table individually has really improved my game an awful lot. Thank you Sir.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Lewis. My pleasure, I hope your game continues to improve.

[@jamo9000]

Barry, another fantastic video sir! I've been playing for many years and play to a decent club league standard. Without any previous official tuition I'm finding your videos not only incredibly interesting but of huge value too. I have made several adjustments to my game based on your videos and am now, after plenty of practise, reaping the benefits (years picking up bad habits). So thank you so much for your time, effort and professionalism in parting with some of your knowledge in each and every video. Please keep up the fantastic work as I know your channel is only going to become more popular and assist thousands more.

[@CS-si8kl]

You resources are like standard textbook for snooker. Respect

[@TheMimetolithman]

Barry I win a lottery You Sir' are coming to Nova Scotia for a visit . You are helping me Barry I have gone 20 yrs screweing around and just your VOICE alone puts us at ease I hope I can bring a touch of your demeanor to thetable = VicTory will be mine.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Kristal. I hope you buy lots of lottery tickets.

[@TheMimetolithman]

Yes I do Barry fingers crossed .

[@TheMimetolithman]

oh if I do Win it will be my 18th MariTime TiTle Barry oh I also live on Cape BreTon Island a Prime tourist attraction .

[@someguy4587]

This video alone has almost eliminated the unintentional side I was putting on the cue ball. Now I need the ability to move my cue ball down my line of aim. Most times I am within 1/4 of an inch over a 4 foot role of the cue ball. However, that quarter of an inch is the difference between a miss and a potted ball. Barry, I really like your videos! They are concise, packed with information I understand and can use. Since I am only two or so months into learning the art of cue sports the beginner to intermediate videos are helping me now. Keep up the great work!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Some Guy. Glad you are now finding the centre of the cue ball fairly consistently. May I remind you that it is one thing to aim correctly but another to deliver the cue where you are aiming. Straight cueing is also a must so please study my videos on the grip, where and how to hold the cue and wok hard on its delivery. Good luck.

[@LIVERNIL723]

Compelling and absolutely true. Thankyou Barry. I can relate to this practicising last night at my local club on the Pool Table. I watched from you tube a tutorial elsewhere about holding the cue like 'a piece of lettuce', and cueing at the cue ball like a pendulum to (for example) play a screw-back shot. This worked a trick the other day on my work-place table, but last night on the club tables where the cloth is smoother and faster, my technicque didn't pull off and I was beginning to lose heart because it felt like 1 step forward and 3 steps backwards. I am more inconsistent with my cueing than consistent and this is what I need to keep working on. I guess maybe, this is the underlying message Barry is trying to portray in this particular piece of footage.

[@Zidane87]

Wise words....from a living legend! Thank you Mr. Stark, sincere thanks!

[@battlefieldclips7013]

So simple, yet effective technique to allign the cue straight. Thanks.

[@orthodoxwriter]

Thanks for the advice again Barry. I have always been intrigued by the dominant eye. However, I have had trouble in getting it right because I am a lefty with left eye dominant and that makes it a bit difficult for me. But after this video using the pencil to measure exactly where I have noticed my pencil finishes just to the left of my chin and not extremely where I thought it would be and hence with a square on stance I can easily manage cueing under the spot I determined today :) Thanks a million coach !!!

[@shanu-9985]

Thank you soooo.... much!! It is just you who pulled my attention towards this game !! And now I love it so much!!! Thanks!!

[@JackY-fd1vy]

Great video, as usual sir!

[@Darwenhypnotherapy]

Having been watching your videos keenly over the last few months,I have noticed an improvement to my game lately - as have my fellow players - taking advice from you,putting it into practise,trying to adjust to a "new" way of doing things is paying off,over the last two weeks I have played 8 frames of snooker without loss - something I would have deemed impossible just a few months ago,thankyou Barry,I dedicate those wins to you.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

DAVID. Great to hear of the improvement and that my videos have helped, good luck with further progress.

[@Darwenhypnotherapy]

Thankyou Barry - I won 3-0 last night as well.

[@W.Khairi]

Man this turning into a science class, Love it

[@cameronpatrickscott]

Wow, I've got a dominant left eye, I have adjusted to cueing slightly left of centre of my chin, immediately feels right, I can actually sense it on my chin, you're a marvel, thankyou.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Cam. Not using the dominant eye correctly can be the cause of players cueing across the ball.

[@aleksanderkowalski3272]

I love Your "style" of teaching. You helped me a lot. Mr Barry Stark , it was super idea to start this channel :)

[@orthodoxwriter]

Great video. I have always been trying to cue under my dominant eye but doing it extreme and hence not able to get in proper stance. But with this video I now know where exactly to keep the cue and its just slight off centre on my chin and hence easy for me to do... brilliant sir as always !!! thanks a lot for this one

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Q. M. Line of sight can be tricky to find for some players, well done. Glad you like the video.

[@mahmoodahmed4239]

Best teacher of snooker... I took a bow for u

[@roshand6580]

absolutely brilliant! wonderful quality of video too!

[@brendannolan2508]

Barry Stark nails it again. Fantastic stuff.

[@ZerkaS]

Excellent video and examples. The one with the pencil is so helpful! Thank you! I've noticed just a couple weeks ago that, being right-handed and although I have a pretty square stance and my aim is pretty good, I've never set my right foot in the line of the shot, so I did it once to try and I felt terribly clumsy.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Edmond. Change is often necessary but please remember if it isn't broken, don't try to fix it.

[@ZerkaS]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach I saw recently on a tutorial that I probably have a "boxer stance" unlike most professional players now who have their toes approximately on the line of the shot. I can cue well, but I play English pool so the deviation in my aim is not as obvious as if I was playing on a snooker table. But there are adjustments I certainly have to make, and your videos are very helpful. Thank you, Barry.

[@hatimindorewala802]

the knowledege you are sharing sir is priceless thank you for that i want you to know that you sir are awesome please don't stop to share this wonderfull knowledge with us thank you sir

[@jamesx_welshwaffle2700]

Barry, thanks for the videos, and any change in the game is always hard. Some say dominant eye isn't true, but I find that cueing where your dominant eye is, makes cuing a lot easier and straighter, an this exercise determines where your cue should be. Great video

[@Adam-oc2ie]

Thanks Barry for bringing up the topic about adjustments in the game. And I'm well aware that even top pros make them every now and again. But I find that it's whether changes need making that's confusing me. As a relatively young player aiming for a semipro or at least top amateur I'll get all sorts of different "remarks or advices" about my game from people who's been playing for decades. The most frequent ones being exactly what you demonstrate in the video. They're saying I'm not as tall as Judd so there's no point copying his stance. But I myself think my current stance is stable enough and more comfortable than any other. I've decided for the moment to stay as it is because if it ain't broke, don't fix it. But what I'm trying to ask is how should we determine what is wrong and what simply needs more practice to improve? Like for the pros how do they usually decide.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Adam. You are right, change for its own sake can be a bad thing so be careful. If you are on line, cueing straight, hitting the cue ball where you intend to hit it and getting through the ball then all you need is more practise. Pros know this and will only seek to change something when one or more of these aspects go wrong.

[@jamesali76]

Barry I'm writing to let u know how much I appreciate your videos, I've learned so much from your videos and want to contribute something back in any way from paying for new equipments or sending some donation or anything else. Please let me know and again can't praise you enough and pray you keep healthy and peace

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

+jamesali76 Many thanks for your kind comment. Although not promoted yet, A Patreon page has been set up very recently for pledges which we hope, over time, will help to cover our costs that are currently being met by personal finances. The link can be found at the bottom of the about page of the channel. Also on a desktop browser there is a small red P icon at the right hand side of the channel's web page banner which can be clicked on. The Patreon page explains the goals we wish to meet.

[@Zeefood4life]

Superb piece of advice on the alignment of the cue wowww helped alot bcoz one day i m clearing up the table and the second day i feel uncomfortable just bcoz of this fault sir thank you so much and plsss keep it up!!!!

[@Chris-Caddy]

When I use the paper method my left eye is dominant. Why when I use the pencil method I see the pencil in double unless I focus on the pencil. What am I doing wrong?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Chris. Use the paper method and rely upon it, the pencil method does not suit everyone and can be deceptive at times.

[@Chris-Caddy]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks barry it seems that I am left eye dominant but I a right handed player. Will this hinder me bringing my head so far across the cue to bring my left eye in line ? Greatly appreciated barry I'm so chuffed you have got in touch ! I'm quite star struck ! Keep up the great work I'm slowly working my way through your great advise and coaching on the channel. 👍

[@FitAndSaxy1]

Thank you again, Mr Stark. Loving your vids :)

[@smart_ass5630]

A true gent in every sense of the word!

[@bobsnooker.3950]

Thanks Barry great as usual . I note Rory Mc Elroy says that to make even a tiny change in his setup takes about 5000 repetitions before it feels comfortable. Must fly off to practise.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bob. How true. I believe it was Aristotle who said, " We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is therefore not an act , but a habit."

[@giosulakadze7589]

Thank you barry for your doing best coach and best teaching videos on youtube . very helpful , more i watch your videos more i love this amazing game. thank you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

gio. Glad the videos help you to enjoy the game.

[@TheBlueTechnology]

im right eye dominant and i use pen to bring it towards the face, the pen comes under corner of my right eye, however when i am down to the shot my head angle is not as 100% straight as it was while standing, which means the pen goes to different chin position while standing but when down since the head position is slightly different the pen goes to different chin position. what can be done? thank you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@The Blue. This is bound to happen if the head angle is different to the stand ing position so the pen method is not for you.

[@LAUGHLOOMMM]

Barry i need help while standing the cue goes exactly where it goes for you , slightly towards right eye however when i am down my face automatically turns to 1 oclock and it feels then i am sighting with left eye. what should i do ? tnx alot

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@meee. You really need to determine positively which is your dominant eye, then get a friend to video you from a head on position. this will tell you definitely.

[@andrejuglesic5020]

Hello Mr. Stark, hope you are well! Thank you for your words and videos. I have one question regarding dominant eye. According to your expertise, is there a possibility that a dominant eye position on your chin varies a bit left or right according to the length of the shot? Thanks in advance, rgds from Slovenia

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@andrejuglesic5020 No, unless there had been an injury or illness the dominance of the eye does not vary. The length of the shot will not influence this so the position of the cue on the chin should not move. Awkward shots and therefore body positions can sometimes influence head positions so It is possible that the cue may be in a slightly different position in relation to the chin and therefore the eyes but this is very unusual and not to be recommended. Barry.

[@bryancj6124]

hi Barry. I keep having a problem that makes me unable to aim, when I put my head on cue and focus on object ball, I see 2 side picture of cue ball (vision from right and left eye each) then I move back to cue ball, I see 2 side pictures of object ball. So the only way I can line up my vision is close one eye. I thought it is a human nature because we have 2 eyes, but it seems like few people have same problem. So I’m confusing now.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bryan. Holding a piece of paper with a hole in it at arms length and with both eyes open, look through the hole at an object. Now close your left eye, if you have to move the paper to still see the object you know that your left eye is the most dominant, if you don't then your right eye is the dominant one. When you place the chin on the cue it should be in such a position that it is nearer the dominant eye than the other. Now when you are sighting you may see two objects but one will be more solid that the other with the other one being opaque. Concentrate on the solid objects and your brain will interpret the right aiming line for you.

[@edwinpaynexcharlesrowland]

Barry got me hooked!,, Thanks for the tips

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sam. Great that an interest has been awakened.

[@FlyersNation98]

Great video as always Barry. Your "pencil test" for the eye dominancy is very intersting and brings me back to my practice where I can struggle sometimes with my alignement. I'm right handed, right-eyed but I have always played as if I was even-sighted, eg with the cue bang in the middle of my chin. Fact is, when down on the shot, it is not uncommon for me to "feel" a bit out of line, like if I was looking "from the right side of the line of aim"....and then often hit the cue ball off centre, to the right indeed. However, if I'm doing your test with the pencil, it confirms me well I am righ-eyed, with the pencil landing on the right-side of my chin. Would you advise me to give it a go at changing my habits and try cueing with the shaft on the right part of my chin ? Cueing as an even-sighted player but being right-eyed could be the cause of my misalignment and hitting the cue ball mostly off centre ? Thanks in advance and keep up the good work!! :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Flyers. Not using the dominant or master eye is often the cause of off centre striking and cueing across the ball. Be careful here though it is also often the case that players make too big an adjustment.

[@FlyersNation98]

Thanks Barry. I tried to move the cue to the right of my chin yesterday in practice but it feels very weird. Found it very difficult to have a smooth and straight cueing. Will keep on working on it though.

[@phil2768]

The pen thing doesn't work for me, i either see two pens or two object that the pennis supposed to be covering then I don't know which to look at

[@bencayago731]

hello barry..when u say use a dominant eye u mean u force your right eye on the shot even both eyes open is that right or how a professional pool and snooker player sighting..or do you use both eyes as one the left eye and right eye help each others..i do the test and the pen is in between my tearduct and my nose bridge not directly under my right eye..please give me some advice coach..

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

ben. Most players adopt the correct position in relation to the eye sight quite naturally so don't worry about this too much. The cue is not directly under the dominant eye merely towards that eye , you only alter this position if you are aiming and cueing across the line of the shot. Test your aim on the baulk line.

[@shaunmurray7398]

Thanks for these videos Barry! Have been playing for 50+ years and didn’t know about plain bottom screw affecting the angle the cue ball takes after hitting the cushion!! I knew about bottom left and right affects but not plain😢 Any other gems? Happy new year 2025!

[@raymeidha]

Thank you Master for another brilliant tip.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ray. My pleasure, glad you like it, stay safe.

[@lockk132]

That pen test .do you look with both eyes and you look at the pen or the target as you bring it back towards your face?.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Lock. Keep both eyes open as you look at the pen. Don't forget the angle of the head can influence where the pen reaches the chin, its not for everyone.

[@axe3795]

hey barry i play snooker since 9 years...my que position is at the centre of the chen. but i found few days before that my right eye is dominant eye..i try to put the que under the dominant eye bt i feel awkward..plz suggest me the proper stance...and what should i do? help me

[@edwinwong6609]

Hi Barry. I would like to ask a question regarding dominant eye. I have a strong dominant right eye. From your video, I should put my cue directly under my right eye, but it seems to decrease the stability. Should I cue under my right chin rather than under my right eye?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Edwin. Most players adopt the correct position quite naturally in relation to their dominant eye so please don't get obsessed with it. The tendency for most players is to cue in a position towards their dominant eye rather than directly under it so please be careful. As a test place your cue on the baulk line, then take up your natural cueing position, it should feel natural and that your are aiming correctly along the baulk line. Make a note of where the cue touches your chin, also get a friend to take a photograph of you from the front so that you have a reference to refer to.

[@Alotofmoney147]

Hi Sir! I have another question because I think the pencil test does not work for me. At least the point given is wrong. Instead of what the contact point with the chin is, why not trying to explain what a player should see in the right position? How can I identify when am I nicely placed and when not? Is that the cue just coming from down to the dominant eye? Is it possible to have more than one correct point? I've been able to make perfect stop shots with the cue slightly down under the left side of my chin, but the cue is coming from the right as I am a right-hander. Looking forward to your answers Barry. Thanks Sir.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Alotofmoney. It is not possible to have more than one correct point, it is either correct or it is wrong. The pencil test is just one method of finding that point but every player has to find what is right for him.

[@Alotofmoney147]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thanks for the answer Barry. Could you tell me more methods of finding the correct point of aim? I struggle with that aspect. Thanks Sir.

[@alirezanet]

Hi barry thank you for your great contents

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

AliReZa. Assuming you are right that it is not a cueing issue I feel that you are possibly concentrating too much on getting the cue directly under the right eye. If you are right eye dominant it is a mistake to use your left eye but it can also be a mistake to be directly under the dominant eye. Try sighting along the baulk line with just the cue ball and make a note, visually by video, and also physically where you feel the cue touching the chin.

[@alirezanet]

​@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thanks a lot coach. my cue is almost center actually (a little bit to the right chin). I did try these unfortunately I don't know how to fix this. anyway i know it is almost impossible to solve this problem in comments and need a private session, I wish someday I have a chance to see you in person

[@benperkins3969]

Hi Barry have you done a video on cueing on the cusion or how to bridge on the cusion, if not then could you as I'm slightly struggling, many thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ben. I have already published a video on cueing from the cushion, please have look.

[@benperkins3969]

Thanks very much

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

+Ben Perkins the link to the video is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaOch6d4qb-oiMU

[@khizerbaig9796]

barry please answer how can i know i am central dominant like by your method i am right eye dominant but using a pencil it seem i am really fraction right eye dominant and while playing i feel i can play good by puttin my stick in the centre or i must put my stick under right eye????

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

khizer. The pencil test can be a little misleading if you don't keep you head vertical, so don't be too concerned with this. Players tend to place the cue in the correct position in relation to their eye sight quite naturally, the only time that this may need to be altered is if a player is constantly cueing across the ball. You are obviously happy and comfortable with where you are placing the cue so please don't play around with it and leave it where it is.

[@khizerbaig9796]

thankyou so much coach i was pretty concerned since i watched your video i actually try to play the way you teach but since 2 weeks i started putting the stick under the right eye which is obv my dominant but i started missing the easier balls infact... how can i know if i am central??

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

khizer. I only made the video to satisfy some peoples curiosity, they have obviously heard rumours about the dominant eye and had become somewhat obsessed with it. As I have said please don't worry about it just do what comes naturally to you, check that you are sighting along the baulk line correctly and if you are please leave it alone.

[@yasserel-amine531]

Dear coach barry suppose that have found my vision center and im cuing straight, am supposed to feel that the cue in the right side of my vision field? (im right eye dominant) or is it irrelevant ? i feel the fact that seeing the cue on the right side makes it more difficult to judge how straight im cueing, is that true or do i ignore this and practice untill its the norm? i wanna make sure i start out the right way to not build wrong ideas for later. Thank you, again great videos!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Yasser. It certainly is not irrelevant, if you do not use your dominant eye correctly there is a strong tendency to apply side or cue across the ball, or both. Be careful though players generally adopt the correct position automatically and only need adjustment when something is obviously wrong. Please do the pencil test that I show in one of my videos and that will determine the correct place for your cue to be and from where you need to be sighting from in relation to your dominant eye.This should also dispel any doubt you may have as to whether you are correct or not.

[@barryclulow544]

When I try the pencil test, I see 2 pencils, so I cannot line up to the distant object, I am right eye dominant, should I close my left eye when doing the test?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@barry. No, please don't do that, try the hole in the paper test which is on another video.

[@barryclulow544]

@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank you Barry, yes I have used the hole in the paper method since I started playing again a couple of years ago. Hope you are keeping well and your knee operation was successful. I played in the league last season and was the second best player in the league, I came second in every match I played.

[@shashankshekhar1215]

sir, sometimes when I play a shot i have tendency to flick in and out that cause miss the ball and I am not able to solve the problem because i do it subconsciously.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Shashank. I'm getting quite a few questions on this type of problem, I have to be honest and say that it is very difficult to solve these issues without seeing you play. However, I am almost certain that the fault lies somewhere with your grip. Please study my videos on the grip and try to copy its dictate. Taking the cue back with the first finger and concentrating on the front of the hand whilst unfurling the remaining fingers can cure a lot of these issues.

[@edmundwoo5101]

thank barry. great video. may i ask you 1 question? i always "punch" the cueball when i delivery my cue. i found the accuracy is high but difficult to control my cue ball. my friend asked me to "push" my cue instead of "punch". 1st question: should we punch or push when deliver the cue. 2nd question: should we have same follow through (6 inches) for every shot? hopefully u can answer my question. thank a lot

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Edmund. There is a saying in golf, Amateurs hit at it, Professionals hit through it. Snooker is no different you should always try to hit through the ball rather than at the ball. The push as you describe it, is referred to in snooker as the drive, the longer your cue tip is in contact with the cue ball the better the timing of the shot. We are talking micro-seconds here but nevertheless very important. The six inch follow through is a guide and whilst it is a good guide it is unnecessary and indeed almost impossible to achieve on all shots. If for example you are playing a gentle top spin shot the cueing hand may reach the chest but achieve possibly 5 inches of follow through. That same shot played a little more forcibly would achieve the 6 inches of follow through because the hand would naturally go slightly further.

[@edmundwoo5101]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach, thanks so the correct word is " hit through it" using the constant speed?

[@heremansmarc]

Great as usual!

[@SteS]

Muscle memory plays a role as well. Nice trick with the pen, thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Stephen. Yes, it could be argued that muscles do not have a memory, but their actions certainly have to be trained through many repetitions.

[@flynnmackay2931]

Hi Barry, just wanted to add something to your advice. I'm 51 and have being playing since I was 12. I've had various purple patches but have recently being going through a slump. When I was playing as a younger man I never even knew there was a dominate eye and it was only in the last few years that I found out that I was right eye dominate. Now what I want to add is that the last few days I've being practicing and found that My cuing was off by about 15mm. So I made an adjustment on my chin but I was shocked to find that no matter how far I moved my cue to the right of my chin some how my body was compensating for the change and I was still cuing across the line of the shot. In the end I correct the problem by changing my foot placement and walk in. My line of aim is really good now and I feel like a snooker player again. I think you already touched on the fact that if you change one thing it has an impact on another. But I just feel in the case of line of aim that consistent foot placement is just as important to the line of aim as where the cue is place in relation to the eye. For those of you who want to know what I changed.. I squared my stance up like SH or JH does. keeping the right standing foot facing the line of the shot as opposed to having the heel on the line with the toes facing out. this has the effect of moving the CCP to the right. PS: really enjoy your videos and might be giving you a call soon as I'm sure you could get me to another level.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Flynn. There is no doubt that some players place a lot of emphasis on the stance others place very little. My own feelings is that whilst it cannot be ignored perhaps there is too much emphasis placed upon it. Having said that without mentioning their names there are professionals players who swear by their feet placements as you do and it works for them. I will repeat, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it.'

[@flynnmackay2931]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks Barry. once again love the videos.

[@MrSasec]

Excellent explanation Boss

[@Alotofmoney147]

Hi Barry! what about a player with right eye dominant aiming shots with the left eye?? I think I can play at about the same level aiming with both right or left eye but I dont know what is better. I can make good 80+ breaks but when my game struggles I go mad because I basically dont know what to do. Cant wait for your answer! Thanks for all and greetings from Spain!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

MrGabbo. If for example you are right eye dominant but sight under your left eye there is a very real danger of cueing across the ball. If you can play to a similar standard using both methods I can only assume that you are making some allowance either in the direction you are aiming or by the way you are cueing. My advise would be to cue along the baulk line using both methods and I would be very surprised if you are not cueing across that line with one of the methods.

[@orthodoxwriter]

Just one thing here Barry... I am a lefty and left eye dominant. With your method I found out that I should be cueing slightly left go my chin. How do you recommend I go about it? By tilting my head a to the right or placing the cue a bit to the left of my chin ? I was thinking that these both methods could work but which is the correct way to go about it ? thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Q.M.Sidd. You say both methods could work but I would rather you find out which works. Because you are asking for a definitive answer I favour keeping your head in its natural position and moving the cue a little. Please be careful here and don't overdo it.

[@orthodoxwriter]

All right coach. thanks a lot for your kind response. I shall take care of this and move the cue a bit to favour the left eye. Thanks a lot !

[@yasserel-amine531]

dear coach barry, i have recently found a new way to aim for a shot, which is to imagine a tube containing the object ball going to the intended pocket, so i just imagine where the cueball is in that tube and go for the shot. for the past week or two though, i was inable to imagine the shot as well as before using that method, it seems like i cant always concentrate like that but when im focusing right it works really well. i dont want this inconsistancy because when its bad its really bad. are there common solutions to such a problem ? i feel like i can cue very straight if i have a definite target, and i dont know if i cue bad or good when i cant imagine the shot. thank you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Yasser. You have found something that works for you and you are to be applauded for that, I truly believe that if you continue working on this you will start to recognise the line of the shot and given time will ultimately be able to dispense with your imaginary tube. Imagery is a wonderful skill to have but just like anything else it needs practise, please stick with it, I'm sure it will pay dividends.

[@FISHDINHO]

I just tested this and I have been cueing correctly all along. Good to know but alas no small easy change to make that will help. haha

[@sj460162]

Ive returned to this video with great interest Barry. Ive tried this with more success than the centre vision technique. Barry with the centre vision test the cue ends up nearer my right eye..but with your test it goes nearer my dominant left eye....would you know why this occurs? Very odd?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Steve. Finding the vision centre can be quite tricky for some players, The Sight Right Technique seems to be the way forward.

[@sj460162]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Ok Barry thankyou. Would I be able to buy it on the internet?

[@scott7706]

Hi Mr Stark, when I line up the pencil to my vertical object I see 2 lines. Can I still test this ok?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Scott. If you focus on the pencil you will see two of the object you are pointing it at. Conversely, if you focus on the object you will see two pencils. When you think about it a little you will soon determine the right ones and you can certainly do the test effectively.

[@scott7706]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach ok great, thank you sir.

[@Wagoo]

I think that's why I just land it on my nose everytime, I can see two pencils moving towards me so it seems obvious to keep the target object equidistant from them..

[@Wagoo]

I don't think binocular diplopia really applies as an issue in this case. It stands to reason if you're focused on a distant object that a closer object (that requires the eyes to move inward to both be directed at it) would not be under direct focus of each eye. I think that condition applies more when people have trouble resolving double vision into a single 3D image when trying to focus on something. Those "magic eye pictures" work in the same way, they rely on you splitting the 3D image on a closer object (the picture) by distancing your eyes so the image splits into two and then overlaps on a different section - at which point your brain thinks it's found a new focal point and locks those layers over each other (this is why those images tend to have near repeating vertical columns of data) I think some people may be less used to this process though, as some people can't see those images. Personally I can split my 3D vision outwards anytime, in a similar way to how it splits inward when you cross your eyes (although I find vision blurs when you cross your eyes - maybe the brain is mistakenly trying to focus the eyes on something it thinks may be incredibly close in that case)

[@Wagoo]

I think that's normal though, to see the double of a close object when your attention is focused on a distant one and vice versa. I can't see how it'd work any other way, as the eyes focal lines have to move physically inwards to both be pointing directly at a close object. They are dealing with this in the virtual reality headset arena right now under the name "vergence accomodation conflict"

[@martingarland2008]

Thank you so much. Quite helpful.

[@nigeldenton5083]

I'm right eye dominant from this test but my left eye has better sight what do I do

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Nigel. First step is to ensure that you have correctly determined which is your dominant eye. Having done that you need to realise that eye dominance is more about how the brain relates to that eye rather than how well you see out of it. Just take up your normal stance and cue position, if you are aiming correctly don't worry about it. If there is a sighting problem you should favour your right eye. Please note, that does not mean you should cue underneath your right eye, merely that the cue should be slightly nearer to it than the left eye.

[@fouronetwo813]

You have any experience with cross dominance? I favor my right hand for most activities other than writing but I seem to be very much left eye dominant. Should I try shooting lefty?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ram. If you are more comfortable playing with your right hand, I would advise sticking with it. Ronnie O'Sullivan is right handed and left eyed, Jamie Jones is right handed and very predominantly left eye dominant, as was Joe Davis, so you see you are in very good company. I always encourage players to use both hands if they can do it, because it can be a big advantage on certain shots, Ronnie proves that, but even he is not as good left handed as he is right handed.

[@divinxoii]

is it ok for right hander to play with left eye? because I found my left eye is the dominant

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

divinxoii. The best answer to this is to say that the best player in the world is right handed and left eye dominant. Ronnie O'Sullivan. Yes of course it is.

[@dtrrider1]

I can't do any of the dominant eye things. In your light stand example, I see 2 pencils, so I cant like it up with the light stand. If I focus on the pencil I see 2 light stands.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

dtrrider. If you focus on the light stand (object) you will see two pencils, if you focus on the pencil you will see two light stands (object). The trick is to keep switching your focus between the two (the object and the pencil) and you will soon determine which one to concentrate on.

[@dtrrider1]

Is it possible that some people don't have a dominant eye?

[@batlin]

It might be helpful to do some experiments to determine your "vision centre". There's a pool/billiards researcher called Dr Dave who writes about that, and suggests lining up a dead-straight shot along the diagonal (i.e. long blue), using one or two rests to secure the cue so you can walk away from it, then walk in and get down, moving your head left and right until the shot looks straight. Also see Barry's video "Aim Part 3 (Unintentional side)" where he describes a similar method of using the loop bridge to get up from a shot and detect whether you're really aiming at the middle of the white.

[@carleekarlwhite5831]

Very good ur vids are very well explained and in depth keep em commin

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

carlee. I will try, many thanks.

[@Lerppasd7]

Barry, your videos are amazing, thank you for making them. I have a slight issue with determining my dominant eye. When I try to do the hole in the paper -test or the pencil test, I tend to see two holes and two pencils when looking at the object behind. It's hard to explain. When I look at the object that is further away, I see the closer object as two objects, neither of which seems to look more clear than the other. Does this mean I don't have a dominant eye?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Shrike. When players have problems with these tests I recommend this. Close one eye and point to an object, now without moving the finger open the closed eye and close the first. If you are even sighted then your finger will still be pointing at the object, I doubt it very much.

[@Lerppasd7]

Thanks for your response. I tried to do what you said, but the results are puzzling to me. If I close my right eye first and point at the object, then open my right eye and close my left, the finger is not pointing at the object anymore. However, if I do it the opposite way, if I close my left eye first and then my right eye, the finger is again not pointing at the object but is on the opposite side in my sight. So depending which eye I close first, the result is the same but it's mirrored.

[@RossiRoofing]

Thanks barry, helped me massively.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

flinthill mark. Many thanks, Glad you found the video helpful.

[@RossiRoofing]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Practised tonight, Black of the spots as you did in one of your videos 18 out of 21 Straight green and follow the white in, 9 out of 10 The line up, 8 reds 7 colours, The best results out of several attempts. Have been playing much better than before I knew about the master eye I always played cue on center of my chin, now slightly towards my right eye. I know theres something fundamentally wrong with my game because the lack of consistency. I don't want to put hundreds of hours in practicing if I'm playing wrong. I'm 99% sure I'm cueing well, and straight, I have a pre shot routine, same stance each time. I think finding line of aim is where I fall short.

[@vishalbali7893]

how to use line of shot for different angles shots to pot object ball please explain boardly it's my humble request to you please

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Vishal. If you visualise a line from the pocket through the object ball there will be a point on that object ball furthest away from the pocket, if you can hit that point the ball will go into the pocket. Likewise, if you use the ghost ball method (see video on this) the ball will go into the pocket. If you use the half ball, quarter ball etc. method, it and the other methods will teach you the line of the shot irrespective of which angle is required to pot the ball and which method you use. The line of the shot will become apparent to you with experience, but use any of the methods listed to gain that experience.

[@someguy4587]

Barry, This is where I think a few videos would be really helpful. I am using a hint from Jeanette Lee, the Black Widow - who is a dynamite female 8 ball-9 ball player. I got some loose leaf paper hole reinforcements and place one for the object ball and one for the ghost ball placement. What I noticed for myself is that, the sharper the angle of the cut, the spot for the ghost ball seemed be closer than what I perceived the spot "should be". One person on a KZbin video stated to aim a little inside when making cut shots, maybe this is a possible reason why?? Perception is real tricky with the human mind. In trying to eliminate unintentional side, I noticed that I needed to move the tip of the cue a few millimeters to the left of my perceived centre of the cue ball. After a 4 hour break that same practice of moving the cue left start putting on left-hand spin. I do know that the focus and perception of the eyes can depend a lot on, how rested you are, time of day, lighting, general health, and even mental state. I am trying to go though you beginner teaching videos a get cueing straight and reliably. Having to take backward steps with every change makes me feel that I'll have the ability of an infant before I start progessing forward. Practice, practice, practice! (But only past the point of frustration!)

[@usmanusman6312]

thank you so much Bary

[@ivanpetrovich434]

Hi, Barry! When i'm down on the shot do I have to trust to my line or to what I see? Because sometimes i think i'm in the line of the shot, but actually i'm not...

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ivan. Being on line and and what you see should be one and the same thing. Test your alignment on the baulk line, check that you are using the master eye correctly and then it is down to practise. The brain is a marvellous organ and will adapt given the right information. Remember the eyes see what they see but the brain does the interpreting, that interpretation can change with the right practise.

[@MrNexus222]

Wow, great video! Greetings from Poland.

[@soffice9902]

Barry, I have heard snooker players aim with light reflections on object balls. How true is it? Do top snooker players aim with the help of light reflections on object ball?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

sanj. There are all sorts of gimmicks around claiming to help a player aim correctly, most of them are absolute rubbish and I am afraid this is one of them. I have said on several occasions that MOST well coordinated players aim correctly, what they do not do is deliver the cue where they are aiming.

[@soffice9902]

Thank you much Barry.

[@sohaibshabir822]

which cue brand you use

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sohaib. My cue was made by John Parris.

[@sohaibshabir822]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach will you send it to me I will pay you if not yours then a new one I'll be very thankful to you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sohaib. John Parris can be reached through his web site. I'm sure he would be delighted for you to purchase one of his cues. I have had my cue now for several years and would be very reluctant to part with it.

[@monkeybreeksjov9574]

I cannot afford a Parris cue - they cost a fortune - mine was £20 from Sports Direct. I would pay £1000 for a cue if I could make a century regularly.

[@RetroTekGuyAU]

Is Ronnie Left eye dom?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Rat Trap. Yes. Ronnie is left eye dominant.

[@RetroTekGuyAU]

Thanks for confirming, Been in an endless debate with a mate of mine at our Snooker club. He thinks Ronnie is right eye, No idea why.

[@RetroTekGuyAU]

My friend says you and Steve Davis are wrong. You two...Who actually know Ronnie on a personal level. Hahah, And his argument as to why he says Ronnie is right eye makes no sense. ""I am so glad i have this to prove 100% this guy is right eye dominant..if you know anything about guns ..and i do..i almost got a marksman's badge in the navy..you will see both he and the other guy holding and sighting the gun the same way i would..right eye dominant..let it go..if his life depended on firing a gun to stay alive..he would sight this way..do it yourself with your left eye and see the position of the rifle stock under your chin..im done..i only make statements about stuff i know""

[@shashankshekhar1215]

thanks I will try

[@BlackScreeners]

Love you Stark

[@vivekchharia1135]

brilliant

[@TheRattapeng]

Hello Barry, is it possible to contact you also personally via email (maybe?). Would like to get in contact with you especially about the topic you again talked about here- really would appreciate the possibility to get here into sth with you. best from germany- have a smooth stroke Barry.

[@TheRattapeng]

Thank you very much Barry- you got mail :-) have a wonderful day.

[@khizerbaig9796]

tell me where i can thank you sir

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

khizer. The fact that you are asking is thanks enough. I hope you continue to enjoy and learn from the channel. Good luck.

[@sithuaung3939]

I love billiards

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

si. Billiards is a great game, I believe snooker players can learn a lot from playing it.

[@adventurer489]

Talkative..less action

[@ihsan708]

This the worst advice i have ever hear it cost me about 7 years of suffering n my original natural game is broker because of it never change ur aim everrrr my personal exposure,