Here is some terminology related to aiming a pool shot:
The biggest challenge of pool is visualizing the necessary shot line that sends the cue ball (CB) to the ghost-ball (GB) position to contact the object ball (OB) at the point where the line of centers through the GB and OB heads to the target direction (e.g., to a pocket). Here a video demonstrations showing a relatively easy ways to visualize the line of aim at the pool table:
And here are some other resources that can help you learn and practice the ghost-ball aiming method:
- ghost-ball aiming method and drill
- ghost ball template (for visualizing and practicing aiming, ghost ball center, line of centers, and tangent line)
- NV 3.1 – Practicing contact point and ghost ball visualization
- NV B.3 – Mike Page’s aiming video (part 1, part 2)
- introduction to aiming from Jerry Briesath
How to Aim Pool Shots (HAPS) covers the basics of aiming along with aiming systems for all sorts of pool shots. More information about various aiming methods can be found here: Aiming Systems. The most commonly used “aiming system” is DAM. Many of the important elements are demonstrated in the following videos:
A key part of aiming is body and head alignment. If your vision is not centered properly, you won’t perceive the line of aim of the shot correctly:
For more information, see the “vision center” resource page.
A good pre-shot routine can also help your aiming accuracy and consistency:
Good drills for practicing aim and alignment are demonstrated in this video:
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