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Cue ball control is an essential skill in pool that often separates the good from the great. One of the most intriguing debates among pool players is whether to look at the cue ball or the object ball last during the delivery of the stroke. This blog dives into a real-life experiment that a player conducted on this very topic, inspired by forum discussions and legendary figures in billiards.
A Deep Dive: Experimenting with Cue Ball Focus
In an online discussion, a member decided to challenge the conventional wisdom around aiming focus during stroke delivery. The argument began with a player insisting that focusing on the cue ball rather than the object ball while executing the stroke was "fundamentally wrong." This belief is common because traditionally, players are taught to focus on the object ball to ensure accurate aim and successful potting, making it a widely accepted approach. This prompted an experiment inspired by billiards legend Willie Hoppe, who suggested focusing on the cue ball.
The poster began experimenting in early 2013 and saw surprising improvements. Almost immediately, their ability to precisely place the cue ball increased, and they saw further benefits across various shot types. Looking at the cue ball helped improve shots off the rail, leading to more consistent potting, and during break shots, they hit the rack more squarely, which led to better control over the cue ball. Even challenging long backward angle shots improved. The technique was also tested successfully during a match, which boosted their confidence to continue using it.
After two weeks, their cue ball control, shot-making, and overall confidence all improved without any noticeable downsides. The experiment also brought new insights into concepts like the "Touch of Inside" (TOI) and its impact on cue ball connection, adding a layer of depth to their game.
Insights from the Pros
Professional players have differing perspectives on whether to focus on the cue ball or the object ball during stroke delivery. Some emphasize the importance of cue ball focus for control, while others maintain that the object ball should be the last visual point. For instance, Rodney Morris explicitly mentions focusing on the cue ball for better control, while Ronnie O'Sullivan has stated he isn't always sure which he looks at last, indicating it varies based on the situation. These differing views reflect the diverse approaches among top players and highlight that cue ball control is ultimately a matter of personal preference and style.
This technique isn’t universally accepted. However, many advanced players like Rodney Morris and CJ Wiley emphasize the importance of focusing on the cue ball. In a discussion, CJ Wiley explained that while players may connect visually to the object ball at the very end of the stroke, true "aiming" is always at the cue ball since it is the point of direct contact.
Rodney Morris also mentioned that he looks at the cue ball last, which he finds offers better control over the shot.
The Debate: Cue Ball vs. Object Ball Last
Players like Efren Reyes and Ronnie O'Sullivan seem to have different opinions—or at least aren’t strictly focused on either the cue ball or the object ball. O’Sullivan, in an interview, casually mentioned that he wasn’t always sure which he looked at last, implying that it varies depending on the shot.
Ultimately, the consensus appears to be that different approaches suit different play styles, and there is no strict right or wrong approach. For some, looking at the cue ball during stroke delivery offers better control and connection, while for others, the traditional object-ball-last method feels more natural.
Takeaways for Your Game
If you’re curious, why not conduct your own experiment? Try practicing looking at the cue ball last during stroke delivery and see if it improves your game. Consider keeping a log of your progress to track any improvements, which could make the experiment more structured and beneficial. Focus on drills involving break shots, off-the-rail shots, and long cuts, and monitor your success rate. Consider incorporating a drill like the 'Spot Shot Challenge' or checking out online tutorials for more ideas to improve these specific skills.
While advanced techniques like this might not be for everyone, they provide new perspectives on cue ball control that could be game-changers for certain players. The most important part is to experiment, find what works for you, and be willing to adapt your game.
Conclusion
Cue ball control is an art, and mastering it can elevate your game to new heights. Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Whether you choose to focus on the cue ball or the object ball during your stroke is ultimately a matter of personal preference and experimentation, with each approach offering unique benefits—cue ball focus can enhance control, while object ball focus often improves aim and accuracy. What works for one player may not work for another, but being open to new techniques could unlock potential you never knew you had.
