Finding Your Facial Guide Points

Finding Your Facial Guide PointsBy Richard Kranicki, InsidePOOL ColumnistIn this column, we will begin finding your Facial Guide Points according to your own particular style of shooting. As a reminder for those who forgot or for those just started reading my columns, I introduced a new term in the last column – The Facial Guide Points. I mentioned that the Facial Guide Points are specific points on your face that align directly over the imaginary aim line and /or your cue stick. Moreover, because the Facial Guide Points will help you with approaching the shot, they will be well worth learning. You will see that they can be a valuable tool for consistency for pool, billiards, snooker and, even bumper pool! The Facial Guide Points can also align directly over the cue ball center for those using the “ghost ball” and “double the distance” aiming methods or for the cue ball contact point for those using the “contact-to-contact” aim method.
I assume that you have the items that I requested from the last column and will ask you to help me to help you find your personal Facial Guide Points. Take the time to angle the mirror so that you can see the reflected cue ball (acting as an object ball), cue ball, bridge hand, and cue stick from your normal head shooting position. Take care to set the string in a straight line by taping a little at the top and bottom. one checkpoint would be to place your bridge hand the same normal position from the cue ball as when playing. In addition, it is important to lower your head the same distance as you normally would. Then you will position yourself in front of the mirror as you would when playing. Set yourself so that you will be able to duplicate your normal feet, body, and head positions. Once you are comfortably set over the imaginary shot – freeze your head and body! Then look in the mirror to see where the vertically aligned string (imaginary aim line) is in relation to your face and cue stick. Take time to study where the string intersects the specific points on your face. Is it intersecting over the normally assumed “Nose Center Line” and “Jaw Center Points”? Where is it really intersecting on your face?Continue to freeze and try to look at the string while moving your one eye, and then move the other eye. Then move both eyes. Do you see that it will appear that the string will intersect different facial points as you move your eyes? This changing perception of the strings intersecting the different facial points is due to the change of your angle of sight. Then focus on the string and your face points the same way you normally aim and shoot to establish your Facial Guide Points!Can you see how the slightest eye movement will change your perception? The subtlest eye movement will have an enormous affect on your shot-making ability, especially with the long shots. (A Michael Jackson song says if you want to make a change, start with the pretty face in the mirror).So, with your favorite eye position, examine where the string intersects the specific points on your face. Pay close attention to where the cue stick and string intersect the specific points around your eyebrows, teeth/mouth, and chin areas. Select the points that are easy to recall and to visualize. Ask your friend to verify and help make any adjustments that you may need. Ask your friend to coach your way to your favorite Facial Guide Point. (Moreover, why not do the same for your friend)? The next columns will help select other possible Facial Guide Points using slightly different head positions.Visit InsidePOOL for the latest techniques from the top instructors in billiards and pool.

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