Does Anyone Have Problems With Aiming, Sighting, & Potting?

[Byrom]

Can't for the life of me understand how people can't Aim and Sight a ball properly, it really isn't rocket science. More so those who put a few hours in each week.

Yep got to agree but there are those out here looking for shortcuts and secrets - always a market to tap into and most players would buy it just for that little nugget that might change their whole snooker game/life or motivate them to practice. Even Ronnie for example has read the Joe Davis book I have at the side of my bed.

I struggle with focusing on the line of the shot when I am tired - got a restless young child too - so like I said and have a bit of insomnia - if anything watching 50 video's of Nic talking about sighting and aiming at night might be just the ticket
ZZZZZZzzzzz

[tedisbill]

Can't for the life of me understand how people can't Aim and Sight a ball properly, it really isn't rocket science. More so those who put a few hours in each week.

Everyone will be knocking in tons in a few weeks once this gadget is out though.

[Leo]

Everyone will be knocking in tons in a few weeks once this gadget is out though.

Or the 50 bonus DVD's

[Zhuge]

Dear Nic, I've been using 2 different aiming system. One, imaging the center point on the cloth where the CB would hit to pot for shots less than 30°. For wider shots, I had to use contact point on object ball and imaging a vertical mirror line on it to see the line of aim (similar to SPAC system). The problem is, when I'm down on the shot, the whole image of potting is doubtful and my eyes are telling me that I'm under cutting most of the time even when I'm correctly aligned. So i would say I'm doing 95% of my aiming while standing behind the shot and had to fully depend on my shot approach to get things correct. As this affects my confidence greatly, it also affects my shot selection in deterring me from a good break even when opportunity a arise in tight games.

[Nic Barrow]

Great solution

I do have my head in a certain position, the cue left of center under my chin and my head slightly tilted to the right. in this position my vision is clearer.

i made a crude type of sight right device where the two lines on different levels can look broken depending where you stand. i found this slight tilt to the right of my head while lining the shot up slightly under my left eye when standing gave me a straight line. so i have stuck with this since i discovered it a few months ago

The solution you have sounds great - and goes to show that snooker is so individual. There is only one optimum in eye alignment for any given player - and it is up to find that for ourselves if we can.... or if you need help use other products to help you out.

[Nic Barrow]

I find the same. I have formed a view that running side sends the ball on an arc that 'smears across' the object ball such that there is more contact area that meets the potting angle, whereas on check side the arc of approach to the object ball is reversed with the point of intersection being directly on to the object ball (rather than a more glancing blow) and thus the point of contact a bit more critical (and needing to be more accurately cued - not just in terms of aim, but also in controlling the arc). I could draw diagrams. I'd be interested to hear what better players have to say.

I think it's practice, and trial and error, and trying to make your shot selection so that you minimise the need for significant check side.

I think that may be over reductionistic, although with ob running side (potting side) there will be a little less object ball throw than with ob check side. Either way, controlling the arc is so difficult to do and depends on striking with perfect speed. I admit to copying one of the strategies of a top player I was working with and went from playing 'potting side' (as mentioned here) to no side unless absolutely necessary. It took me two months to completely get used to it, but my game improved virtually overnight as soon as I started it. It meant I could hit the wrong speed and STILL pot the ball.

[Nic Barrow]

When I used to do business coaching I was always taught that even the outwardly stupidous of people will eventually have something to learn from; if you don't have an open mind you will miss it as teaching (or coaching) is a two way interaction as the instructor needs feedback on how successful they are in delivering or sharing information.

And for those of us who don't have an ounce of skill? Even a blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally if they're prepared to look.

Or my personal favourite,

"None as blind as those that don't listen."

Ah...I'd better stop there.

What business coaching did you do? For what kind of firms?

[Nic Barrow]

I like this, i feel sometimes although i potted the OB i didn't cue straight. feels like i'm steering the cueball to the contact point

Then the Aim Frame product is definitely for you....

[Nic Barrow]

well bit of entertainment that - I'm going to sleep now wondering if Jonny is ni c barrows other account so he can send it to himself - saving money in a clever marketing strategy tight git -

I am very clever.
And am very tight!

[Nic Barrow]

Who cars who Jonny is lol . As long as we get sum review about this thing ( and how it works ) , that would be good enought !!

More info and teasers coming this week!....

[Nic Barrow]

Always preferred Dell Hill anyways

He is one of snooker's great personalities

[Nic Barrow]

Haha , You have a good taste my friend !
Well , Nic is also a Great coach . Not always agree with this guy , But imo he's one of the best .

Thank you for your kind comments!
Don't expect everyone to agree with me... as I don't know everything myself (yet!) so can't be all things to all people!
I just sit in one corner of the snooker world, and offer an approach that there is a market for and try my best to fulfill that...

[Nic Barrow]

No I pinched the video edits - and replicated an idea - if you know what I mean?? and I was joking about the discount.


50 video's on sighting and aiming - Jesus Christ Ni c - thought I could waffle on about snooker.

So you declined to have me review it for you alongside the sight right for a honest and true comparison and you have not shown it on here or told us how much it costs yet.
I am guessing this is because it is easily replicated for free as indeed are a lot of snooker training aids?

What you will no doubt say is that people are buying your inside knowledge on aiming and potting on these DVD's - which is fair enough - so again please now cut to the chase and tell us how much it costs where and when is it available - next Christmas at this rate. Please hurry up I have the wife's perfume n bags to buy.

We have missed three xmas's already and wont be missing this one! I didn't decline your offer in fact would love you to do it.... BUT it won't have any credibility if I give it to you as the market will say you are more biased to give mine a better review. All the videos are worth more than the price of the product.... which will officially release with all price details on Tuesday 24 Nov at 7pm GMT! (it is less than £30)

[Nic Barrow]

Can't for the life of me understand how people can't Aim and Sight a ball properly, it really isn't rocket science. More so those who put a few hours in each week.

Lucky you. For many players it is NO issue at all. But imagine a player who finds it as difficult as you find it easy.
It is totally demoralising to be in that position.
So I have worked hard to offer a solution for those players to get up to your level of aiming competency.

[tetricky]

I think that may be over reductionistic, although with ob running side (potting side) there will be a little less object ball throw than with ob check side. Either way, controlling the arc is so difficult to do and depends on striking with perfect speed. I admit to copying one of the strategies of a top player I was working with and went from playing 'potting side' (as mentioned here) to no side unless absolutely necessary. It took me two months to completely get used to it, but my game improved virtually overnight as soon as I started it. It meant I could hit the wrong speed and STILL pot the ball.

Yep, agree with all that. I had one last night. Was too low on the pink, and needed a lot of check side to get on the black. Rather than try to do it in one go, I went off two cushions, using less side, and both potted the ball and got position. I heard the sound of a penny dropping in my head.