The sound of the right connection

[misspentoldage]

Maybe it's just me, but something I've noticed in practice recently (not in competition yet, maybe too much going on in my head) is that I can 'hear' when I've correctly planted the 'ghost' ball onto the other ball, and I know just by the sound of the kiss that it's going in. I can't explain that - maybe other people can - but I'm sure that I can hear the sound of the right connection. Now, if I can only find out how to use that to know how to make that sound each time... Is there anyone in the forum who uses 'sound' rather than 'sight' as a aid? Surely not?

[tedisbill]

I know I'm cueing well when the balls hit the back of the pockets, and that gives a nice sound.

Not sure there's a specific sound that's made when the cue ball hits the object ball though.

[humperdingle]

Doubt it...
You probably know through experience when a ball is on the right line, so your brain associates the sight and sound in a positive way.

[DeanH]

I have noticed a difference in the sound of the cue hitting the cue ball, when you get it "right" - timing, follow through, etc. - but have not noticed a difference in the sound of the cue ball hitting the object ball.

[cantpotforshíte]

Every different contact between the cue ball and object ball (ie quarter ball, half ball, full ball) makes a very different sound. With practice, in many cases, you should be able to tell without looking whether you've potted the ball or not before it gets to the pocket, just from the sound of the cue ball/object ball contact.
It's only of any use really if you play the 'inner game': by 'seeing' the shot beforehand, you can include a sound image as well as a visual one.

[itsnoteasy]

Don't know about sound, but when cueing correctly you FEEL it, it's totally different.

[humperdingle]

I really don't think sound has anything to do with it... After all, the pocket could be anywhere. The OB and CB don't make a duet to sound the rejoice of a successful line

[cantpotforshíte]

I really don't think sound has anything to do with it... After all, the pocket could be anywhere. The OB and CB don't make a duet to sound the rejoice of a successful line

Believe me, they do
After all you know where the pocket is, you already know the contact needed (subconciously), and with practice you know if they've made the right contact or not just by the sound. Whether or not knowing this makes you more consistent is another thing altogether ...

[Fatboy]

Every different contact between the cue ball and object ball (ie quarter ball, half ball, full ball) makes a very different sound. With practice, in many cases, you should be able to tell without looking whether you've potted the ball or not before it gets to the pocket, just from the sound of the cue ball/object ball contact.
It's only of any use really if you play the 'inner game': by 'seeing' the shot beforehand, you can include a sound image as well as a visual one.

thats correct, well said.

[humperdingle]

This obviously needs testing... Play blindfolded shots and a colleague stops the object ball before reaching cushion/pocket, only using the sound as a guide to whether or not ball is potted...

You start with a 50:50 chance

[tedisbill]

This obviously needs testing... Play blindfolded shots and a colleague stops the object ball before reaching cushion/pocket, only using the sound as a guide to whether or not ball is potted...

You start with a 50:50 chance

Yeah. I wanna see this test as well.

[cantpotforshíte]

This obviously needs testing... Play blindfolded shots and a colleague stops the object ball before reaching cushion/pocket, only using the sound as a guide to whether or not ball is potted...

You start with a 50:50 chance

Thanks! because of my odd technique, I do this every time I play anyway, as my eyes are fixed on the cue ball at the time of striking, and they're often still looking at that spot when the cue ball makes contact with the object ball. This is probably why I've noticed the difference in sounds so much.
If my eyes were on the object ball, as most people's are, then the visual feedback would override the sound image, and I probably wouldn't have noticed it.

Incidentally, playing shots with your eyes closed, and with your opponent stopping the ball before it gets to the pocket, and you guessing where the object ball goes without judging it is one of the best exercises to develop feel and awareness.