Shoot Yourself
At pool school, one of the first and most important
analytical tools we use is the video camera. Each player
shoots a standard sequence of four shots, viewed from three
different angles: from the front, from the back, and from
the side. Often, players ask whether they can get a copy of
their video. We chuckle and explain that, after they’ve been
through a day of bridge, grip, stance, alignment, and stroke
training, and then see their “before” video, they will be
offering to bribe us to record over it. Most of us have
burned-in a lot of our fundamentals. Video shows the truth.
Regardless of how “correct” or “natural” you may feel at
the table, you may be shocked at what you actually look
like and what you actually are doing. You may want to
shoot yourself.
Let’s look at how to set up and shoot a “fundamentals”
video. You’ll need a video camera, tripod, pool table, laser,
and some “donuts” (the little white donut-shaped hole
reinforcers sold at office supply stores). It also helps to
have an assistant to run the camera while you’re shooting.
First, we’ll need to establish a perfectly straight line
between the effective centers of two corner pockets, shown
on the diagram below as Laser Line 1. That line runs
through the intersections of the rail gutters (the wear lines a
half-ball out from each cushion nose) at corner pockets A
and D. Use those points to align the laser. Stick donuts on
the cloth at Spots B and C. Set up the camera about 10 feet
back from the table, if possible. Align the camera’s lens
with the same laser line. Adjust the tripod so the camera is
about a foot higher than the table surface.
We also place donuts over the lip of the pocket lining of the
far corner pocket (Spot X) and on the outside of the table
(Spot Y), below the pocket, where the camera can still see
it below the stick when the player is shooting down the
line. And of course, these donuts are also on Laser Line 1.
Use the laser to set up Laser Line 2, dead center between
the corner and side pocket, as shown. Stick donuts at Spots
E and F. This layout is for right-handers. Flip it for lefties.
Stick a donut to the rubber bumper on the bottom of your
cue, to help make it visible on camera.
Place a cueball on Spot B and object ball on Spot C.
Have the player get in position to shoot this shot
down Laser Line 1 toward the camera, into Pocket D.
Zoom in or out until the frame contains the bottom of
the CB to the top of the player (elbow point or top of
head, whichever is higher). Now you’re ready to
shoot the first four shots. Record the player shooting
this shot four different ways: 1) stop shot, 2) draw to
center of table, 3) follow forward to the pocket, 4)
maximum draw, back toward or into the corner
pocket.
Now, reverse the CB and OB so that the shot is
toward Pocket A, with the camera behind the player.
Zoom out to include the top of the player and if
possible, all the way down to the feet. Shoot the same
four shots as above.
Set up the side pocket shot as shown, with CB at Spot
E and OB at Spot F, shooting toward Pocket G. Pivot
the camera on the tripod and zoom until the frame
includes everything from the CB to the back of the
stick, and everything from the player’s feet to
whatever is highest. Shoot the same four-shot
sequence.
Review the video, observing closely. The first eight
shots should be perfectly aligned to the camera and
Laser Line 1. Check to ensure your entire stroke arm
is aligned vertically to the Laser Line—no tilting, no
tucking the elbow in or winging it out. No wrist curls.
Where is your tip? Is it on the vertical axis of the CB?
Where does your tip finish? Does it follow through
the CB adequately? Does it veer off the line? Is your
stick pointed perfectly down the Laser Line? Look at
the donut at Spot X when shooting toward the camera.
The stick should hide the donut; otherwise, it is not
pointed straight down the line. When shooting the
other direction, watch to make sure the donut on the
butt of the stick is aligned directly above Spot Y.
Check out your approach to the shot, your ball
address, practice strokes, eye movements, elbow dips,
swerves, stance, balance, stability, bridge,
smoothness, confidence, hit stroke, and follow-
through/finish. Slow motion viewing can be very
insightful. Warning: What you witness may not be
pretty. You’ll probably see things that will surprise
you—and motivate you to come to pool school.
Tom Simpson is a Master Instructor in both the BCA & ACS Instructor Programs. He delivers his acclaimed 3-Day
Weekend Intensive in Columbus, Ohio, and in selected cities nationwide. As inventor of Elephant Practice Balls®, the
Stroke Groover™, and the Ghostball Aim Trainer®, and authorized instructor for Secret Aiming Systems™, Tom’s
innovations in training have helped thousands of players. Listen to an audio description of the Intensive, and read 35
instructional articles at www.PoolClinics.com Contact 614-975-8337. Tom@PoolClinics.com,
