My Secret Aiming System Revealed

[@Roberto-oi7lm]

I'm just transitioning from the "ghost ball" aiming system to using "feel" where I don't consciously aim each shot as you explain so well in this video. My wife and I play pool every evening before supper. Sometimes I can "feel" it (whatever "it" is) and I win. I shoot with confidence and I can envision the shot going in. On those nights, I normally win. But some nights I just don't have the feel; i.e. I can't seem to see the shot going in and on evenings like this I don't do well, usually losing to my wife. Unfortunately at my age, 77, I don't expect to become more consistent as the years go by so those on the pro tour need not fear me. On the other hand, win, lose or draw my Wife and I always have fun and I like to think pool helps us stay young. I certainly am learning a lot from you. Thanks.

[@alev4287]

just remember to aim each shot, shoot straight, we also can't win em all, ps i hope to do the same as you when im your age

[@CaptainOnePocket]

Good for you guys! When I'm NOT warmed up yet then i just shoot each shot simply and focus on my following through the tip through the cueball- I notice the follow through after the shot and before i move to stand up. This helps get into rhythm (i use as little english as possible) you can also pay attention to the sound the cue tip makes when it contacts the cue ball. This can help you get into stroke / rhythm. Rhythm is not timing. Rhythm is your natural style and can change depending on the situation and your natural energy (are you wide awake and excited and happy? Are you mellow and neutral? Your rhythm is still there but it will be different. Then after i am warmed up and i get more in stroke i start shooting more advanced shots (DRAW / LEFT SPIN / RIGHT SPIN ECT) that's when your game really "comes out". Mental awareness and mental dicipline when you miss a shot or are down on games is important too! Let negative thoughts come and acknowledge them and let them drift away. Tell yourself you play well and your best game is inside of you. Don't let negative thoughts have any staying power. Think about your "normal table and balls you play with as your reference and notice if this table and balls are faster or slower, the balls are more lively or less...It may help to REMEMBER maximum throw is about an inch per foot at slow speed and maximum english and cut induced throw. My aiming is more about getting warmed up and I use a 1/2 ball hit, 1/4, 3/4, 1/3, 2/3, 1/8, 7/8, 5/6 and 1/6 ball hit as a aim point on the object ball. I begin with aligning the object ball and with the "ghostball" idea, and I vision the back of the cue ball and where it hits the object ball, but then you mentally adjust to allow for spin-induced throw, squirt, deflection, collission induced throw, clean/dirty balls, humidity, old/new balls, worn/new table, and any elevation of the butt of the cue (raised butt usually hops the cueball resulting in a thinner hit). You then "forget EVERTHING and just zone out on the pre- shot routine and let your brain turn off". Counting your warm up strokes can "silence your thoughts" because your brain can't be counting "1 2 3 and (shoot)... and be thinking about something else... it's impossible. That can help you get in the zone too. Once you acknowledge all that stuff and get warmed up, then you just let your subconscious make those minor adjustments. Your natural game will come out when you get loose and you will be shooting "your best game" when you relax and are unaware of time and it passing.... you are now "in the zone".

[@Insert.Name.Here.]

Great advice. I used to play pool occasionally in bars while with friends, but recently started to concentrate on improving my skill. Playing much more solo games, and repeating shots. Your words about learning from missed shots really resonated with me. THANKS!

[@JMGomez-mi2km]

This makes aiming much simpler. “Feel” that is. Learning aiming systems can make things a little complicated and that won’t help me focus on the shot. Some trial and errors and enough experience in this simple system will help me improve to aim. Great video as always.

[@jamesmcdevitt5327]

Agree with you there 👍

[@onealr]

This system is called practice. I've also heard it described as hit a million balls. In short, just shoot to you learn.

[@Nacut6c]

This. That is how you make balls. No fancy aiming technique needed, after playing for some time you will automatically know where to aim. Cue delivery is also very important, you can line a shot up perfectly but if your stroke isn't on point you will miss. Best way to make more balls is to hit more balls

[@junusbaan7787]

Nice video. This is about to build muscle memory. The key is doing this 20 hours uninterrupted initially. At least 1 hour daily for 20 days. Nice drill !

[@tonynavarro1335]

@@Nacut6c 9

[@vanwhosits5539]

Agreed... I've never been much for people who talk about systems. It's alabout if you can "see" the shot. Without enough practice to make it intuitive, you're going to be making yourself crazy.

[@6mdm]

@@Nacut6c actually if you are using a low deflection shaft and accidentally stroke with inside, you most likely will make the ball. Overspinning shots is when you fade with outside english.

[@raystanczak4277]

Excellent advice. I use an additional technique for aiming which is simple and works for every shot. During the aligning step, which is backing away from the table and visualizing the entire shot, I first line up the cue and object balls dead straight. That line is centered on the object ball. Then I picture it swinging slowly like a compass needle until it goes through the object ball to the pocket. Where that needle comes out of the back of the object ball is your exact aiming point. It works for even the most extreme angles. Up to a half-ball hit you can aim your tip at that spot, and just shoot as if the cue ball wasn’t there, assuming a center ball hit. Past that point, and all the way to 89 degrees the tip will be pointed at empty space to the left or right -doesn’t matter, because you’re looking for the point where the two curved surfaces meet. You aim with the edges of the two balls instead of the cue tip. Find that exact point by visualizing that swinging needle, and if you miss, it’s much easier to adjust. (Usually you’ll miss thick at first.) I take a few seconds to let the needle swing slowly until the object ball and center pocket are aligned. For extreme angle cuts, after lining the two balls dead straight, and then finding my aim point, I realign myself by moving my feet an inch or two. Then I get down on the shot, take my practice strokes, and shoot. This makes using english less daunting because if you’re sure of your aim point, it’s easier to focus on just the spin. Works like a charm for me. I’ll stress that this is precision shooting, so take the time you need, but don’t overthink the shot either. If I don’t see a shot perfectly, I just trust my stroke and shoot when I usually do rather than ponder. Rhythm is important. Keep it moving.

[@norman_gt3505]

Exactly what I do, may get difficult with thin cuts but definitely works

[@swingtrades]

Same...if you play pool online the app shows you the OB angles as you move your cue angles and you get a feel for it visually.

[@beisiknikneimas]

You're just on a whole other level with your content Sharivari, nobody is even close to you! 🔝

[@Sharivari]

Thank you!

[@cueball5858]

There are many at Sharivari's level, down there at the bottom of creating useful videos.

[@kevinbreitenstine2157]

No, he’s very good, but Dr Dave is a bit above. Check him out for yourself.

[@kevinbreitenstine2157]

Check out Dr Dave!

[@LumiusStrife]

I love the way you broke this down. After quite some time away from the table, and starting up again. I find myself stuck worrying about where I’m aiming or how I’m standing. The truth is you always hear about people playing their best pool when they are in “dead stroke” or in other words not thinking about anything at all. This doesn’t mean they just throw themselves at shots recklessly. It means that instead of doing all of those calculations about your stance, your aim, your English etc, you move all of that stuff into your subconscious and let your body do it’s thing. In my opinion, cue ball manipulation, mental toughness, comfort and confidence are all paramount in pool. These things don’t come without competent practice, as we all have to start somewhere. But the ultimate goal should be to move all of these physical or mechanical calculations into your subconscious, and focus on being comfortable. Hopefully that makes sense! Main point is too many people spend too much time worrying about aiming! Keep shooting balls, find a comfortable alignment, and drill those images into your head until you don’t have to aim anymore! Your game will jump by light years, I promise!

[@SethSchneiderw]

Thanks so much for this. I remember being frustrated when I was a beginner because all the pros didn't use an aiming system, but I eventually learned that, with time, you will get a good feel for it. I also have noticed that some shots with the exact same angle are harder because of how my particular brain is processing the angle. I often hit down the rail shots too thick, but with time, I've gotten those too

[@Dancindazed]

You probably were hitting every shot that thick just as often, and just have gotten better. If you think about what happens when you hit a middle of the table shot "too thick" you're going to send the object ball toward one half of the pocket, (the thick side), but as long as you don't miss by a half a pocket, you're still ok. When a ball is against the rail that "thick" side of the pocket doesn't exist. There's a rail there, so you're going to miss when you hit it thick by even a small amount.

[@CODlogist]

@@Dancindazed Holy shit I never thought of it that way

[@sarahgottlieb1]

The great thing about pool is the more you know, the more you realise you don't know. Your vids help a lot. Thanks.

[@lncpa1040]

I was glad to see your "perfect aiming system". I haven't played enough the last several years and I was starting to doubt my method of playing by feel. I have taught several other people over the years and like to demonstrate that if you have set up correctly and have a good stroke you can shut your eyes or look away from the shot and still make it (or at least come real close).

[@madhatter2012]

I totally agree with you on ditching any aiming system and just visualize the trajectory of the object ball going into the pocket and aligning yourself to capture that line. I never visualize from the cue ball to the object ball to the pocket. I always visualize it in reverse, from the pocket to the object ball to the cueball. This works so much better for me. I also started a mindset based on what my son told me after a recent APA match. After the match, I had a little time to spare while my son was wrapping things up before we got out of there. He watched me shoot for a little bit and then he said, “You shoot better in practice than you do in a match”. That’s when I realized that all of this calculating and thinking before a shot was useless. If my mind is relaxed and blocking everything out, I just walk up, align myself, get down and just shoot the damn ball. My scores have improved dramatically! Thanks for another great video… you’re the best!

[@Ocean8881]

There is a technique that Tony Robles shared with me for straight shots especially the long distanced one. He said to aim at the bottom of the object ball and that seems to work extremely well most of the time. Where the ball meets the cloth is a smaller target and therefore easier to send the middle of the cueball to that destination.

[@remm04]

The way i play is, instead of thinking of the object ball going to the pocket, i bring the pocket in my mind to the object ball thinking that the object ball is hanging on the pocket, so my mind sees in every shot a hanging ball. you don't have to see the real pocket when you're shooting, it works fantastic for me.

[@freesatire]

I don't get it, please rephrase? I really wanna hear what you have to say

[@morgandrotar721]

Wait what?

[@remm04]

@@freesatire what you don't understand?

[@tuturuu6717]

@@freesatire I wouldn’t try to replicate this strategy, it’s nice if it works for him, but I would focus on learning the fundamentals.

[@kaymertes2726]

This sounds intriguing, I'm going to try it.

[@a.m.o.8356]

This video came right on time! When I overthink the shot I miss more often than when I “feel” the shot . I thought it was just me

[@rayhanahmed3702]

Nah bro Sometimes i just get down and know the ball will go and i dont use no aiming for those shots.

[@jongmacinas2580]

I knew it. Practice is what really makes aiming much better. Sometime ago I taught myself some aiming system and got excited about the result, and to my surprise i actually got worse ^_^ So for me this makes sense, the feel, and proper adjustments through experience and practice was was also worked for me before.

[@easygoing2479]

Great video! When I'm shooting well, this lesson basically describes how my mind handles a shot. I focus on driving the cue ball on a trajectory through the OB which will simply knock the OB away on a tangent toward a point on the table - usually a pocket - and it’s fun! But if my game is off, I’ll be depending on ghost balls, or OB percentages, etc., and I wind up lacking confidence.

[@ChrisCadenhead]

I "feel" that! (See what I did?) Would you say it's almost a "flow state" of sorts?

[@charactercues]

Excellent advice. When my game is off, consciously going through the alignment routine gets my game back.

[@Sharivari]

Don't be mad at me for the title. I think besides not delivering a complicated aiming system, I provided a good reference point to learn how to make balls consistently. Let me know your approach for aiming in a comment below! 1:20 is about how the cue ball OR object ball will deviate from the aiming line / ghost ball line.

[@waheedafolabi6929]

IMHO, simple is best!

[@randylehmann3322]

Wait! But actually this is an aiming System! Its called H.A.M.B. which means : " Hit a million balls " 😁🙃 Sorry for the bad joke i will punish myself now with some Kräuterschnaps and playin 9 ball 😝😝

[@6mdm]

How could anyone get mad at you!? But, I know many of the worlds finest that do indeed use aiming systems. You are wrong about it being too complex. If your mind can make “feel” calculations so can your aiming system be used the same way. 2) ghost ball is not really an aiming method as it requires you to “guess” where the ghost ball is. An aiming method SHOWS you where the ghost ball is based on mathematics. What I can show you will make you think differently as many champions have been been stunned. You are a great teacher and passionate.

[@KOYRN]

Thank you man. Make more videos. Bless you

[@patrickrobichaux]

I had avoided this video for a while as I feel aiming systems are for beginners and most advanced players don't have one. Good to see you agree. Although I'm not quite advanced enough to not have a slight correction aiming system with spin (I align like you and if I put spin, I deploy Dr. Dave's techniques for adjusting my hand placement and/or cuing. )

[@allgood6760]

You ARE a pro in your own way🙂..... we KNOW you have a PROFESSIONAL ATTITUDE👍.. cheers from New Zealand. 🇳🇿

[@elonbeefy9729]

Best country

[@allgood6760]

@@elonbeefy9729 We like it.. NZ is like a little paradise.. take care👍🇳🇿

[@josephantaree6876]

Perfect! Once aligned, straight stroke makes balls.

[@JumpingSquid]

I’m NOT a haiter, I an FAN of SHIVESUS!! Thainke you King of Pools! Taughte me to be Betterst

[@converse27]

My game has been improved 3x since I started following your channel. Some of my friends have taken advice. Most are too stubborn!

[@thomasquerner937]

As a bloody beginner (and being of age) I found aiming systems complicated and discouraging. This video gives me confidence saying: Step into the shot, aligne Yourself properly and feel the shot. Of course practice is everything. Thank You !!

[@mikecouture1634]

I am starting back at pool and re-establishing technique that I have lost. In doing so I have felt what you are saying and was glad to hear you say it. Thank you.

[@Bookie454]

Very well done. Beginners really need to use this system on every shot. Even the easy ones. I have noticed sometimes I miss easy shots because i just assume I cannot miss them. Wrong. Thanks Sharivari

[@RoobieRhoo]

I agree. I don't actually aim a shot using a system. Not anymore. I see the shot line and the path of the object ball. Then I align the stick and myself on it. I do use my back (right) to mark the shot line, then my body automatically settles into the proper position to allow a straight stroke along the shot line. It's a visual exercise and a feel. I'm already "aimed" by the time I step into the shot. Accuracy is surprisingly good. I'm not afraid of difficult shots, anymore. I even welcome them with confidence. It's even better than that. Often looking down the shaft and knowing the cut angle, you can just "know" or feel the shot is on.

[@ralphreymarechalar5838]

You're really the best tutor in pool sir, thank you and I'm hoping for more😊❤️

[@scottdahl3975]

This works. It's similar to the mindset that's used with precision shooting. Line up with the target, visualize the path, follow through after the shot breaks. Very interesting ...

[@donnabonfrancesco6222]

You and I play so similar. I like that you 'feel' the line. It's muscle memory. Bottom line, practice, practice, practice. Great video. Thank you.

[@tonytiger7938]

Really good video Sharivari. I have been away from this game for 20 years and just recently began playing again upon invite to a league team. I watched a highly certified/qualified trainer here on KZbin demonstrating his aiming system and when I tried it, I couldn't make a ball. The conclusion I've come to is that any system saying to aim a certain way (edge of ball, edge of cue shaft, etc.) at a certain angle of shot, is inherently and necessarily relying upon feel and instinct. How else is someone going to determine, in the midst of a game, what angle a shot is at? Are you going to break out a protractor? No? Then how do you know the angle of the shot? Oh, from seeing the angle before and having a feel for it you say. You made my point just then. You are relying on instinct in this game regardless of any kind of system you use or claim to use. The game simply cannot be played any other way.

[@taitan2300]

Man, couldn't imagine you've prepare those pictures in a tutorial video. Love your video, keep it up.

[@henrygagejr.-founderbuildg9199]

Thanks for creating these videos, I find them practical and helpful. My instinct was to train my brain to know what to do and improve my shots by learning basic pool physics. Your videos on swerve, spin induced throw and speed are very insightful and help with getting better. Another challenge is remembering where the balls went so I can improve. That is a personal issue I am getting better at.

[@abdullahabdulrahim9778]

I applaud the pool training tutorials that you are making. They help improve my game significantly. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@monica93304]

Great video. I've been watching your videos during the pandemic. Unfortunately did not get to play pool during this time, but I've began to practice again and I feel that I'm learning again in a way. So I'm simplifying my approach. I've always played by feel because I didn't have real instruction. Thank you again for your instruction. I love pool.

[@6mdm]

Thank you for some good advice. This is not an attack but a personal experience. When I was younger, I would mockingly call them “fancy aiming systems” also. It came from lack of all the facts and lack of understanding of physics and geometry relative to two spheres. Once I understood, I had no choice except to accept that simply adding several aiming systems VASTLY increased my abilities to the point of besting world champions. To this day, I practice 2-6 hours per week and fire them in with ease using these aiming systems. Your point is that the game is too complex to make all of these adjustments. This too was my go-to line. But that’s like telling a great builder you should not measure with instruments as this structure is far too complicated. The main system I use can easily be modified with an easy english system as well. My methods are mathematically proven and my accuracy on many shots is 15-20 percent higher using my aiming method. Cameras have been used to ensure “subconscious adjustments” were not made. I have trained some of the greatest in the world.

[@cahg3871]

Important factors for me to be successful: 1-slow my hyperactive mind down(cutting down on coffee helps) 2-look at the table to decide my next shot and hopefully the one after that 3-getting myself into a comfortable position in which to properly strike the cue ball 4-deciding the proper point of the cue ball to strike and the pace needed All of those techniques I call being in the “groove”.

[@awakenedsoul2638]

Hey Sharivari! You forgot to say one important thing, PRACTICE THE FEEL! ONce you bend over on the table looking at that object ball and cue ball back and fort, once you bend over you know that your body and cue stick is aligned on the shot that you know you can pocket the object ball and where the cue ball will end up!

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Awesome way to describe how to pocket the shot Sharivari…I totally relate to your explanation of feeling the line through body positioning/alignment... WELL DONE 👍🏻

[@seamusmcfadden994]

When you're in "Dead Stroke", playing by feel and running out, there's no better time in pool! Only happens once in a while for me lol but I just need more practice! Happened with me in a lower ranked tournament once. I got a lot of grief over how good I was playing that day! *Was also a Bar table tournament and I have a 9'er at home.

[@juanball5480]

Im using my own aiming system . I created this with the help of my laptop and drawing software . Im enjoying it my shooting is now better than before.

[@brett6314]

Hows that work? fractional?

[@juanball5480]

@@brett6314 not a fractional . I created a formula where i can easily find the center of the ghost ball with the help of my 13 mm Tip and familiarization of the Angle

[@idapilardejesus3871]

You are simply the best. I have improved a lot.

[@jennaralissima]

I have a method that works really well, even on long shots on a snooker table, and I somehow discovered it by accident. Just as you do, I position myself behind the object ball and look at the line to the pocket and then (and this is the key) I keep my eyes focussed on the object ball while I am walking back to align myself behind the cue ball. My theory is that this engages the brain in a spatial way that gives you a feel for the angle without having to think about it. Also, I have in my mind exactly where I want the cue ball to end up, using whatever spin is needed, before I align myself behind the cue ball. That way I can also make shots with a lot of side ('English') although that's definitely a bit more challenging especially over a distance. But you've got to have a straight cueing action before you can consistently make balls, that's fundamental.

[@milosstojanovic4623]

not a problem in visualizing where we should hit the ball. But there are a lot of other 'parameters' especially on distant shoots, when we go down to shoot, while holding the cue for shoot it can move 1mm left or right or can add small spin and shoot gonna be off just enough to bounce wrong and not in the pocket. Also for some shoots, especially the ones where we need to put ball left or right or in some difficult pockets, power is extremely important. So just aligning and visualizing is definitely NOT enough. Only repetition. So any video i watched is not helping, just with some general behavior of the shoots, but not actual fixing and being better at shoots.

[@CUE_STROKES]

To be honest Shari that's been my way of making balls consistently. People keep asking me how i get accurate at sinking those balls. I call mine vertical alignment 😄 Most times when you think too much about what point to hit or touch, it becomes so complex and overwhelming. Your video just reinforced my aiming style. Now I can call it AIMING ALIGNMENT 😄 Thank you

[@eddiekent1997]

Thank you for keeping it Simpel.

[@kilnmaster]

Guys like you (talented) tend to take you're talent for granted. This is similar in everyday life. Sure a lot of practice can help anyone get to a "level" but to get to you're level it takes more. It takes God given talent. It's nice you're humble. Not everyone can do something at a pro level and I understand I never will. But I keep practicing and thanks for you're tips. They really help me. Do you still do live demonstrations, with questions and answers for your supporters? Patreon?

[@FirstWayHockey]

It is good to go through aiming systems at the beginning and it is better to get rid of them when you begin to feel how to pot the balls.

[@dennischua3956]

The best aiming system is actually try to pocket the AIMING POINT on the object ball. Second tip is use a conical tapered shaft, this is a bit expensive. If you use cheap shafts that is constant in diameter it would be harder for you to picture the idea or even shoot the shot itself. A conical tapered shaft will always put the ferrule in front of you in line with the two balls. Third tip is your height, if you stand between 5'4 to 5'5 most likely the table would sometimes be higher than your hips or at times lower than your hips. My point is if you are on this height bracket you need two kinds of technique depends on the height of the table. Most people that excel in the sport are either too tall or too short, since whatever it is the skill or shot they have developed will be consistent through all the pool tables available. This is not the case when you fall between 5'4" to 5'5" height bracket. Sometimes you will be very good at one table, then when you switch to another table you just cant get the feel anymore. Its because the height of the two tables is already different. My advice to those who are in this 5'4" to 5'5" height bracket is try playing on a table higher than your hips and a table lower than your hips. You need two sets of skills or adjustment. If you are in a 5'4" to 5'5" height bracket, and having a hard time mastering the two heights of the table that you are most likely to encounter, dont worry there is still a solution. Buy a conical shaft. These kinds of shafts are so well engineered that it would compensate the height barrier of table, you can still execute the shot even if your form or stance is slightlly off.

[@xDuWuTang]

I like the fractional ball system for reference, it helps me to focus a little more in tournaments or leagues. I don’t rely on it, it’s just a natural thing I do. Especially on high pressure shots.

[@김성수-z7q]

I am astonished to see this actually works

[@jefferyharper5720]

I like mosconi's system. Bisect cueball, quarter each half. The you fill, 75%, 50%, 25%, and thin cut. Great for any table smaller than snooker.

[@Trey_W]

Alignment. I understand. Appreciated the knowledge.

[@jackdestories6819]

The idea of "feel" is much like being "in the zone". It's really about leaving the aiming to your subconscious. This is the same way a basketball player "aims" when shooting, same with golf, tennis, baseball, etc. You can't possibly calculate all the variables, but your subconscious somehow can! That is why walking the table and standing behind the line to the pocket are so important. They feed our subconscious the angle information needed to "aim" properly. Also, the more you "think" about aiming the less you allow your subconscious to take control, so that is why aiming systems fail in the end. I think the best way to speed up this subconscious aiming is to repeat the same shot 5-10 times immediately when you miss it in practice. Of course, getting your fundamentals very solid is necessary before any of this will start to take. Keeping your head clear and relaxed is also critical as the conscious brain can block the process.

[@diy-all3952]

what i'm using is the parallel aiming system.with this method what you aim only is the contact point .you can put the cue stick anywhere in the mother ball.if you want to make a shot easier the cuestick is placed a distance same as the contact point distance.reference is center to center b/w the mother ball and the object ball.there are two ways to do this-by pivot and aligning at the contact point.

[@Kcgrade095]

Considering he's a pool player, I assume he already knows that aiming system

[@mehdim544]

I use Shane's for sharp angles down the rail with the left side of the shaft. Once you understand the potting angle needed it actually is a good guide cause they are low percentage shots. My shots just visualise the face of the ball towards the pocket line and hit that exact spot. That's why pros when they calm themselves down they just double check it even though most shots are quarter, half or full ball hit. So you automatically learn these without thinking. As soon as you think down on the shot you are likely to miss cause your sub conscious didn't take over your consciousness.

[@swinney23]

I’m new to playing and have been using the ghost ball system but the more I play the more I’m frustrated with it. Thank you for this great video!

[@6mdm]

Ghost ball can be frustrating. You could try lining your cuestick with one tip of inside english aimed to your contact point . So to be clear, it will look like you have inside english. Pivot the back hand back to center and this gives you the ghost ball. For different angles, you use different side of ferrule to aim. For example, a thin cut, to the left, you would set with one tip left, and left edge of stick and ferrule will be lined to contact point. Pivot to center of cueball and magic! It gives you the ghostball target. You can set up very easy shots and reverse this as a teaching tool. Aim on your own on very easy shot. Pivot back of stick until you have one tip inside english. NOTICE WHICH SIDE OF FERRULE IS LINED At CONTACT POINT. Now you get off the shot. Aim with inside where you had just been. Pivot to center and thats the ghost ball. Enjoy.

[@Deeter1974]

Thank you for the video, I 100% agree with your concept of how balls are pocketed. How I aim is basically dictated by how I feel. If I am confident and relax alignment comes natural. Unfortunately there is human error always whether if it is in the form of stress or physical being cold and not in stroke. Looking forward to your next video.

[@josephgardner3208]

Great explanation. There is no aiming system that could be the answer to making every shot. No way to pass by all the time needed to be put on the table in order to improve. Main piece everyone should really focus on is fundamentals. Building yourself properly on the line of every shot, get down behind the shot, stroke straight and follow through, and watch the ball go all the way to its destination while you are down on the shot instead of standing up after shooting. Do that long enough and improvements will happen over time.

[@QueLastima]

Very nicely done video. I would suggest going into more detail about the 'ghost' ball, that would help explain what you are aiming at.

[@tonyrodriguez2524]

I have learned to keep my focus when it comes to aiming. When I'm not zeroed in I'll screw up the shot. Also, I have a lot of deflection shots whereby I'll make the shot but also scratch when the que ball goes into the opposite pocket.

[@jameshendrix9262]

If in practice you aim to scratch on certain shots, you’ll become far more proficient at not scratching bc you’ll know exactly where you need to hit in order to scratch

[@zanethind]

I've got so many answers when I've asked this question myself and some say they just go by feel because they just have a great feel for the shot and I guess that's because they've developed it over time which makes sense when you practice and make over 1000 shots. Also if you know how your cue works when adding English then that's also beneficial

[@Sharivari]

Yes indeed, knowing the attributes of your cue is really important. I always tell my students, the cue is just an extension of your arm. That's why I am also not a big fan of constantly switching and trying new cues.

[@zanethind]

@@Sharivari yeah that's good you tell then that and that makes sense too

[@MacCurtisHolisticHealthTalk]

I do use some aiming (Ghost ball, 1/2 tip, full tip) mostly I practice & build muscle memory. Although, looking at object ball last B4 shooting, has helped to make more shots.

[@kevinodhner7406]

I use calculations to get within a couple degrees, and then an approach like yours to find the exact alignment. For example, I can recognize if the angle is close to a half ball hit one way or another, or close to straight, or close to a max thin cut. You are way more advanced than I am, so perhaps some day I can give up the calculations completely, but for intermediate players like me I think some calculations are necessary to get a reasonable starting point. I see people who shoot by “feel” sometimes having bad days where the “feel” let’s them down and they miss wildly. I always at least get close with my two step approach. Again, you seem to be more advanced, so zero calculations is perhaps something we intermediate players can aspire to - but meanwhile I still think of ghost balls and fractions to get close before I try to “feel” the shot.

[@cuervo5641]

I love how no one has disliked this video like everyone feels this is the right way to shoot

[@ThiccEagle]

It helps me knowing the angle, like 30 degrees. It just reinforces your intuition when you know what a 30 degree cutshot needs

[@stevewilliams2732]

Very well said

[@stormteam3004]

I occasionally think of painting a 30 angle on the wall by my pool table as a little reminder.

[@glockasauruswrex6362]

I drill using cut shots with a tip of outside English. I set up balls half a ball off the rail a diamond away from each pocket n shoot my way around the table trying to make as many in a row as I can. Drill the same with rail shots. I'm looking for the "Sight Picture"...what does the shot look like, as you describe it. My practice partner tried it n immediately was seeing our "drill" shots during our matches. So, for me it has value to drill this way n my W's are more frequent now. I am also focusing on aiming using the "contact" side of the cue ball to connect with the correct spot on the object ball and then stroking through that spot. Works well for me...

[@ricklava8850]

My game improved when I started using edge of shaft aiming. I also use the same system for adding English.

[@juanball5480]

This system Edge of the Shaft is very good from 7.5 degrees to 45 degrees .more than 45 deg u cant use and u need to adjust ...I also like this system but im not using it .i have my own system 😊

[@ricklava8850]

Yes I have altered it a little to make it work especially to help eliminate cut induced throw at different speeds

[@boogiemanspud]

Exactly the same. I don't want fractions and such bouncing around in my head when pool already requires so much focus. When I shoot, it's not a guess, it's the correct shot.

[@XandEnglish]

Outstanding as always.

[@kenhall3851]

Interesting. I use certain aiming systems BECAUSE they can simplify the game and boil every shot down to 1 of 5 angles. On most tables, that's all that is needed for pocketing balls. Then those 5 angles keep repeating themselves over and over (and of course they all have the mirror image of each themselves). Only the 5 angles are needed because the balls are of course smaller than the pockets, so there is room for 'play'. There are certainly more complicated aiming systems, but they don't have to be. SVBs original system had only 3 varying shots. Triple shim pockets, because of the tightness of pockets can add 2 more precise angles for a total of 5, but aren't necessary on most common pocket sizes. Also note that several pros don't consider ghost ball to be an aiming system but instead an alignment system (to me it was always just semantics). Rodney Morris was the first that told me so. Once aligned, he has no need to look at the object ball again. Only to shoot down the alignment line. And he can do so with his eyes closed on very difficult shots. He says once aligned to the ghost ball there is never a need to look at the object ball again, so he doesn't. After 50 years of playing, I've only begun using ghost ball the past year or so. I definitely use it for alignment, but can also use it for aim by extending basically a diagonal width of chalk distance through to a point on the object ball (or for more extreme cuts, that distance off of the object ball). I can also use it as a double check on some other aiming systems. For consistent alignment on most aiming techniques, I use CTE to align. That way my reference is always consistent. Since the brain remembers things in pictures, there are only 5 pictures (and their mirror image) that are really necessary for pocketing a ball. For some reason, people also think that with an aiming system you don't play with 'feel'. You do... but part of that 'feel' is trusting the system when it doesn't 'feel' right. Now... hitting what you are aiming at consistently is another story altogether! As always, you offer great content though!

[@CookiesUnleashed]

This is exactly what I do. I feel like aiming systems like ghostball make me overthink too much and cloud my mind. Instead I just stare intently at my object ball, desired pocket, my cue ball’s path to the object ball in that order, and where my cue is going to end up. Then I just go down and make sure it’s the line I want. After that I shift 110% of my focus on the object ball and usually it goes in lol. If I’m uncertain then I will get up and do it all over again until I am certain.

[@Ocean8881]

I use a pretty complicated aiming system in which one calculates the angle of the shot by doing some math using the the rail and diamond distance of the object ball. I find that it causes me to perform at a slow pace because of the intricate calculations which also divide the OB into fractional segments!! thanks for the non system you recommend>> probably the best system in no system!!

[@johnspinks3656]

I love the game, I was self-taught, hung out at Snooker Halls & Rooms from a very early age. The only ''tip' I ever learned was Hit the Ball where the Light shines & I've made 4 x breaks of 14.7 in a total of 65 years of pro circ. But had a lot of fun. The bigest problem with my system was as I walk the table the light spot kept moving? Otherwise, worked well. For the other bloke?

[@raysbilliards]

I use "overlap" method to aim. Its quite simple. Only I have to do is just check the contact point of object ball, and go behind to the cue ball, then I know how much of its overlap. I even made a video on this. Check if you are interested.

[@dryclimateutah]

The perfect aiming system is this: First determine how you are going to shoot the shot. (Hard, soft, with spin, with draw, with follow, etc.) Once you know how you are going to shoot the shot, consider the effects of throw, stun, etc... For example, if you are going to shoot a draw shot and you are going to put some force into it, the cue ball will be slightly hovering when it contacts the ball, most likely (if it's within a few feet), so this will open up the angle. How much depends on how hard you hit the shot and how low you put the tip of the cue. Once you've determined how much you have to account for the change in trajectory, determine where you should aim the object ball for the shot. If I were shooting into the corner pocket softly over a long distance, I would aim to the outside of the pocket, not center pocket, due to the object ball drifting forward. So, once you know where you are going to aim the object ball, the easy part comes... stand behind the object ball, point your cue at the object ball, slide it towards the object ball keeping the cue aiming down the line you are shooting the object ball. When you see the reflection of the tip, 1/2 up the ball, that's your contact point. Aim the cue ball to hit the object ball at that contact point. If your pre-aiming considerations were correct, and your stroke is straight, and you aimed the cue ball properly to contact the object ball at that point, you'll pocket the object ball just as you intended... People usually miss because there's something wrong with their fundamentals. If they have good fundamentals and still miss, either they contacted the object ball at the wrong point, or their analysis of how their shooting the shot and their adjustments for where to aim the object ball were wrong. I think Fedor Gorst has the best and most consistant preshot routine... when you get used to finding your contact point by standing behind the line of aim, you'll eventually just do it from standing behind the ball and looking down the line of the shot like Fedor, instead of using the reflection of your cue tip.

[@professor19billiards25]

The ghost ball can still be used with English. It helps you establish your baseline. Once you find your baseline you can adjust from there depending on the English you want to use. I use a system that's almost like the ghost ball system called spot on the rail. It's basically the same as ghost ball except your line extends thry the ghost ball and into the rail. As long as you connect your line from the cue to the rail you will make the shot. But if I want to use English then I'll adjust this line accordingly before shooting. If it's back hand English I can stay down and adjust. But if it's front hand then I'll need to get up and adjust the entire line however many cue tips of English I'm using then take that away from the object ball. Left English adds right spin to the object ball so you'll need to compensate for that when you're aiming. So you add your left English but aim just slightly right of your baseline to compensate for your left English. The more English you use the more you adjust you line.

[@Jeff82556]

Although I think you do a great job, with your instructional videos, they are so drawn out that I simply want to just go take a nap and say forget-about-it.

[@fabiandejesusmacia3983]

Los sistema de puntería son buenos para esos momentos de suma presión donde se te nublan las ideas y te arropa la inseguridad no cabe dudas que también hay que practicarlos

[@avolution33pr2]

Great video as always...I find that on my best days I never seem to adjust my alignment after getting down on the shot and then it's all straight cueing...then HAMB...hit a million balls...lol...that's my aiming system

[@alwayslearningalwayssaving5522]

What in the world was that light projection you had there??!?!?! That's amazing! Can you do a video on how to set that up and how much it costs?? That would be incredible!

[@octaviakf]

This is good for me I just entered a league and I’m the weakest link on my team which the guys love that but of course I’m trying to get stronger daily so I need to learn & I want to learn asap

[@armandobaquero-rache8888]

I use a combination of an alignment method and line or path to the pocket. but I shorten the line to the pocket from the object ball 3 to 4 inches. I imagine the cue ball pushing the object ball into that path. this works for me.

[@solosolo8336]

Everything said was true, most of the balls I have missed where when I was overthinking some stuff and trying fancy systems. Just aim, deliver cue straight and balls are in pocket

[@robertgould8099]

I line up relatively long, straight shots (between 0 and 30 degrees or so by intersecting a line in my mind between the pocket and the object ball and a line between the cue ball and the object ball. By hitting that intersection, the ball goes in the pocket. For sharper cuts, I line up the object ball and the pocket with my cue and remember where on the object ball the spot I have to hit is and then aim with a ghost ball technique to strike the cue ball where it needs to hit the object ball to pocket it. In preparing for either shot, I make sure that I am hitting the cue ball in the center so I don't introduce throw or squirt onto the cue ball and if I do intend to use a lot of spin, I try to compensate for the throw or squirt that I will be introducing.

[@frankterrazone9686]

Are you going to have another video using your alignment method when you apply spin?

[@OscarGonzalez-vg3cp]

Thanks. Looks simple, I like this video lesson. You're very good coach.

[@Poolology101]

Great video on how to learn how to aim via HAMB, or rote. 👍

[@garyfeuerborn2454]

when hitting side spin/ english, and you aim, Does the cue stick move parallel left or right? or do you line up center then pivot the stick in your bridge, left or right? meaning the butt goes left & the tip goes right.

[@RantzBizGroup]

This is fantastic... how do you use this system on long shots where you have to send the que ball a long distance to get to the target - say up against the rail?

[@waheedafolabi6929]

Awesome walk through... it's very helpful Sharivari.

[@cowboy0531]

Tha k you for the videos man. Yours is one of my favorite channels to watch for tips

[@MVRosie]

Personally I started playing couple months ago and ghost ball system works best for me. I'm now just learning about all the spin induced throw and everything and I try to watch these vids and just to much info to remember all at once. I'm going on repetition trying to get that muscle memory down using english only when I need to

[@robertl9136]

Somehow understandable but not completely. Personally, I believe different systems work on different people. I started playing pool very recently about 2years and I actually play pretty good, I am a very good shotmaker. I checked lot of KZbin videos about Pool guidance. I subsequently made notes, deleted and re-made notes... My system of making shots includes but not limited to aiming, good alignment and good delivery stroke. There's also lot of factors, for example for me, I deliberately adjust my chin to cue distance based to where ob is i.e I see closer ob's clearer when chin to cue distance is larger and vice-versa. Again, I found that warm up strokes are not necessary for other shots I make. Lastly, deliberate pause before final forward stroke helps me with couple of things, time to lock focus where I intend to strike ob (yes for me too, imagining ghost ball doesn't work but rather a good shot approach), enforced follow through which tends to help with reduced miscues, etc. I watch most of professional players like Shane, Orchollo, Neil's, Joshua, Jason, Alex, David, Efren, and much more. My play style is closer to Siming Chen except those differences mentioned above. Otherwise, I am grateful for all bits and pieces of different information from you, Dr Dave, Terminator tips, SPF Strokes, etc

[@genehendrix1847]

This is just a play with words, aligning yourself is exactly the same as (or a part of) aiming. You choose a spot on the object ball you want to hit and align yourself accordingly.

[@gkess7106]

Question. When using the dots on the rails for aiming, do you teach people to aim at the dot or do you teach them to aim at the point on the rail opposite the dot?

[@gregsolucky]

Awesome video! This is how I shoot. 🤙🏽

[@scottmorales3341]

Hey brother. Thank you for the great instructional videos. Ive subscribed to your channel and they are very much appreciated! My wife and I are beginners but we're hooked and have been playing almost every day for about a year. We are looking into buying ourselves personal cue sticks. Is there any advice you could give us about weight, length and type of sticks we should buy?? It seems like when we play at the club we both enjoy the heavier sticks. We'd sure appreciate any tips you could give us!

[@adriancazares8539]

When I seen the pool table projecting its own shott set up blew my mind had no clue they made those

[@buddyfoxhound2426]

Great video! For myself I make things harder than they are ( over thinking ) and this video gave me that “ well look at that “ moment!! Enjoy your videos as always and thanks for sharing just a little bit of your knowledge!

[@elmagnificent]

I use lots of them for each different shot ive got ayming systems.qnd it helps a lot if applied correctly.

[@richardwagner7499]

I try to align myself behind the cue ball and object ball so that it is a straight line. As I move to the left and looking through the center of the cue ball, I start seeing the object ball going to the left and I keep moving left until the object ball appears to be heading to the pocket. I do try to see roughly what angle the cue ball is relative to the direction the object ball has to go. I know in my mind what a 30, 60, 90 triangle looks like and know that at 30°, the center of the cue ball should hit the tangent line of the object ball. This way if the contact angle is greater or less than 30, I can use this as a check to see if my alignment is grossly off or not.

[@beyondnzt4866]

I’m not fully getting ITV, can you explain a difference way , thx

[@stevemarion9591]

Just wondering what size tip, and brand of cue stick do you use? Thank you

[@Sharivari]

Mezz EC9 CMN2 (12.2 Ignite shaft)