In this article I will describe a no nonsense approach on how to break down a shot from start to finish. The 2-2-2 stands for 2 aim spots 2 aim spots 2 aim spots. This is a breakdown of three strokes. I feel this system surpasses any and all methods to pocket a ball. I have given each stroke a purpose and devised a system that is rather simple, but requires detailed and undivided attention.
I usually only teach this to my students due to the concentration level this teaches. It will also change your style of play, I know a lot of EPT members don’t like that idea and that’s one reason I haven’t mentioned this before. In my system you use only 3 strokes. I have found that most players’ concentration level (or the time they are able to concentrate) allows three strokes of total concentration.
I developed this around that idea so that any player could apply the level of concentration to their game that is usually only reserved for pro players. Before I continue I would suggest using my system do require or I recommend using my practice methods to develop this system to its fullest potential. It will take at least 8 hours at the table to start to be aware and start to be comfortable with my system. It takes hard work but the end result is well worth it. I’m going to break down a shot and I will go over the eye movements to use with this system.
The first thing I do concerning the shot is, I find a spot in the pocket that I want to target, I connect that with a spot on the object ball, I connect the object ball to the cue ball, I connect the cue ball to the butt of my cue, I know this seems elementary but this is the first step, this helps me place my right foot on line (right handed). You should be down on the ball now but your still at the first step so all you should be doing is connecting the butt of the cue to the cue ball line this up as best you can before you do anything else, once you have done this you can look up at the object ball, stroke this, this is your first stroke, on the second stroke you are connecting the cue ball to the object ball, stroke this, that's your second stroke, on the last stroke you are connecting the spot on the object ball to the spot in the pocket, on delivery of your tip to the spot on the object ball it is very important to be aware of the spot in the pocket, on some shots you may be able to see both, use your peripheral vision on these shots, so you can see in a sense that I break down the shot from the pocket to the butt of my cue.
I don’t feel I can describe my system in the way that it works for me, or my students, it is better to see it in action to fully understand what I think is a total execution of any shot...with this system I am actually teaching a player to be in dead stroke from the moment you pick up your cue, until your ready to call it an evening, to be able to play through any situation without any distractions. My system does work, but it takes hard work and sweat to get the potential from it. It's not magic, it is a means to attain a skill above what people expect from us, a means to make champions. As simple or as complicated as we make it, it works for me and it will work for you. All you have to do is make up your mind to be all that you can be and go for it!
