Can you play with your eyes closed?

[mythman69]

Hi TSF,

I saw this video on youtube.

Thoughts?

Obviously not playing with his eyes closed, but I wonder what the point of this technique is.

Thanks!

[Sidd]

I have heard that this is a good test of straight cueing. Since you cant see so it means you can only pot if you are cueing straight. Well to my untrained eye and naive mind, there could be the following benefits of this technique:

1. Confidence in technique and skill
2. straight cueing test
3. If you cant see the CB you cant imagine resistance and hence cue freely and do not tighten the grip too early on impact
4. Feel for the shot
5. He blocks his vision as soon as he is down and does not allow him any moment to settle. This means that he might as well be checking as well as making him learn how to drop down on the line... no adjustments once down.. if he is down on wrong line he wont pot (the one he misses, I think the coach points to his feet).

Something like that... !

[franksandellsnooker]

I have used the eyes shut example over many many years of coaching. As already said it can build examples of incorrect drills and endorse confidence when the strokes are successful. It can also be used to assist concentration on the shot line and will often believe it or not improve both potting and positional play when anticipation of after stroke position can destroy the pot.
Any quality player of both Billiards and snooker could probably play a whole game with their eyes shut and still score well!!!!!. In Dennis Taylors heyday I had a pair of oversize fun glasses with the lenses covered with cardboard and had the kids play in fun shows potting balls whilst wearing these.. F.

[cyberheater]

You could be fooled into thinking when I play some of my shots that I had my eyes closed. Does that count?

[mythman69]

Thanks Sidd and Frank!

I might try it.

[Byrom]

Yes - most of the shot sighting is done standing up so when you drop on the line you should get into the habit of staying still and not moving around when down and the works as a coaching technique to get people to trust the line when standing - obviously you don't shut your eyes until you are down and set in the address position.

Moving around when down is a bad habit a lot have because the angle looks different and this actually help you to begin to trust your instincts when sighting stood up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMDxhbfZjIE

or

[SonicWave]

Only ever done it blind drunk..

Moving around when down is a bad habit a lot have because the angle looks different and this actually help you to begin to trust your instincts when sighting stood up.

That's when I miss, consciously adjusting on the shot.

[epons300]

Yer is a good indication your lining up your shot well and cueing straight,when in practice against my mate many a time if it's a black ball game ill line up the pot, turn to smile at him and sink it easily. Ya can also look divvy if ya fail lol.

[Csmith]

I've tried closing my eyes before my follow through, and had some success. But Closing my eyes before my backswing has been problematic in the past. I suppose that would mean I have some alignment issues, though I haven't tried this in years. Probably worth another go to see if things have improved.

[vmax4steve]

Hi TSF,

I saw this video on youtube.

Thoughts?

Obviously not playing with his eyes closed, but I wonder what the point of this technique is.

Thanks!

I think the most significant thing in this video is the slight shoulder movement in the shot he missed.

[Sidd]

I think the most significant thing in this video is the slight shoulder movement in the shot he missed.

Its a sad sad situation... What am I gonna do

yes it is noticeable. When he drops it on the back swing, more than he does on other shots, it does not come back to the original position.