Pool Tips
The other eye gathers information to help us determine distance, and the relationship of objects surrounding our point of focus. The third eye is in our mind, and is a composite of the images provided by the other two. In reality, it is the "mind's eye" that is actually used for aiming, and we must learn to trust it. Yep. A lot is going on in our tiny brain when we are shooting, but it is all automatic, and it isn't necessary to think about any of it. Just be sure to place your dominant eye in the right place, and the brain does the rest automatically. (My brain smokes a little.)
The reason many people get confused when aiming, is because they have not practiced shooting enough to accept all of the information being sent to their brain. It is not unusual to see beginners close the non-aiming eye to reduce information clutter. While this may help in focusing on a specific contact point on the object ball, it closes out critical third dimension information. If you close one eye to aim, do not let it become a habit, or only close it briefly, and definitely not when stroking. It is far better to learn to use both eyes. Regular practice will help your brain diagnose your purpose.
Everybody has a unique perspective above the cue stick, because we are all physically constructed differently. As a general rule, women and younger shooters can bend lower over the table than older people. But our unique physical shape has little to do with proper aiming. Compare Steve Mizerak's stance to Johnny Archer's. Mizerak, being heavier and older, stands more erect than Archer, but it doesn't seem to influence his aim to any great degree. He has the same visual perspective with the object ball, and the path of the cue ball, every time.
Take a minute to look at the pictures on the Pro Players page. Notice how Archer, Reyes, Bustamante and Reed position their chin only inches above their stick. This is the ideal head position. I taught Pat to assume this same position, and she has become a player to be feared. But everyone can't touch their spine with the back of their head without swallowing their Adam's apple. If I tried to bend that far over, it would take major surgery to put my head straight again...if I regained consciousness.
In closing, remember,
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