Which ball should I focus on during the final stroke?
Best results can vary from one person to another, but it is generally recommended to focus on the object ball (or the center of the ghost ball, desired contact point, ball-hit fraction, or a point on the cloth or cushion) instead of the cue ball during the final stroke. Possible explanations or reasons include:
- By focusing on where you want the CB to go, you are more likely to send it there.
- Focusing on a more-distant target might help create a straighter delivery of the cue, and in the desired direction.
- Focusing beyond the CB might help create a more complete follow through, which is generally helpful.
- With your focus at the OB, where you want the CB to go, you get visual feedback concerning where the CB actually ended up on the OB, and you can correlate that with the result of the shot (e.g., whether you hit the ball just right, or too thick or too thin). This can help you develop and improve your aiming and visualization skills for future shots (i.e., you are improving your “shot memory”).
- Most pros look at the OB last, so there must be something to it.
For shots where the cue-tip contact point is especially critical (e.g., jump shot, massé shot, shot with extreme english, when elevated over a ball, when the CB is frozen to a rail), focusing on the CB tip-contact point (instead of the OB target) during the final forward swing can be more effective for many people.
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The article you provided explores a crucial aspect of the game: determining which ball to focus on during the final stroke. This decision is pivotal and can significantly impact the accuracy and success of a shot. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Object Ball (OB):
- The primary recommendation in the article is to focus on the object ball (OB) during the final stroke. This involves concentrating on the desired contact point on the OB, the center of the ghost ball, or a point on the cloth or cushion related to the OB.
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Cue Ball (CB):
- The article suggests that, contrary to intuition, focusing on the cue ball (CB) during the final stroke might not be as effective. However, for shots where the cue-tip contact point is crucial, such as jump shots, massé shots, extreme English shots, or situations where the CB is frozen to a rail, concentrating on the CB tip-contact point is recommended.
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Target Focus:
- The reasons for focusing on the OB include improving the likelihood of sending the CB to the desired location, creating a straighter delivery of the cue, and facilitating a more complete follow-through. By concentrating on the OB, players receive visual feedback on the CB's position concerning the OB, aiding in the assessment of shot results and enhancing aiming and visualization skills.
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Shot Memory:
- The article emphasizes the importance of developing "shot memory" by focusing on the OB, allowing players to correlate their intended shot with the actual outcome. This aids in honing aiming skills and provides a basis for improvement in future shots.
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Professional Approach:
- Notably, the article mentions that most professional players tend to look at the OB last, indicating a common practice among skilled players that supports the effectiveness of this focusing strategy.
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Critical Cue-Tip Contact:
- In specific scenarios where the cue-tip contact point is especially critical, the article suggests focusing on the CB tip-contact point during the final forward swing. This is relevant for shots like jump shots, massé shots, shots with extreme English, or situations where the cue ball is elevated over a ball or frozen to a rail.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the nuances of where to direct one's focus during the final stroke in billiards, drawing on a combination of practical experience and observation of professional players. The recommendations offer a nuanced approach, considering factors such as shot type and cue-tip contact precision.
