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The holy light system is a technique used to help you aim your billiard shots that involves using the lighting in the room. Keep in mind that this may not be the most useful technique, considering the inadequate lighting in some pool rooms.
The idea of this system is that the light in the room reflects off of the object ball. This is supposed to help you in determining the precise area where you will need to make contact with the cue ball. You should be able to identify this point by aiming the tip of your cut at the object ball, as though you were going to shoot it directly in to the pocket. The precise spot that you would hit the object ball with the cue to sink it, is the precise spot where you should look at the light's reflection. Picture the reflection, and save the spot in to your memory.
Next, you should move in to shooting position, while keeping your eye on that one spot. The idea of this system says that you should be able to use the reflection of the light to maintain your lock on this spot. You may be thinking that the light's reflection will change as you move in to position, and you are correct. The point is that you should become familiar with how much it will change over time, and use this as a point of reference.
This is a far-from-perfect aiming system, but it may be one that you'll hear of from time to time. We should also note that this particular system can not tell you how much English to use, how fast or hard your shot should be, or the deflection it should have.
The holy light system article was posted on 10/2/2006 10:44:25 AM and updated on 10/2/2006 10:44:25 AM. The holy light system article was edited by Billiards Forum Webmaster.
The information for the holy light system article was sourced from Billiards Forum Webmaster.
Holy Light System pool playing tip belongs to the aiming and execution tutorials for billiards category. Billiard and pool playing tips around shot making, aiming, and execution.
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I think this system or method belongs under the heading of 'myths and superstitions'. I have still heard players say they use this 'method'. They are NOT good players!! It is way too variable as lighting systems differ so much, even from table to table as well as room to room. The only reliable method I have found is the ghost ball method (see other articles), and even then, you have to adjust in allowing for the condition and 'throw' of the balls, cloth, speed of shot, english, etc. Do yourself a favour and learn the ghost ball technique. You'll have MUCH better success with it.
Well cueball, this "light system" has worked very well with several new players until they establish their own method. Right, it's not perfect but what have you found that is? AS to "lighting systems differ so much" I am talking about a home based setup so there is some consistancy but since each table is different in many respects it doesn't matter - it's the light reflection from the. table you are playing on and doesnot claim any link between different tables any more than any other technique does
Thanks. Have tried it & works perfectly up to a half of a table only. Beyond this distance it does not work.
Dear Deeb, No good having consistency at home when most tournament play takes place elsewhere. If you want me to say something positive then I suggest you employ the "Ghost Ball" system for your aiming. You can find it in any good billiard instruction book (try Phil Cappelle or Robert Byrn for starters) This is the system most pros use and once you get used to the effects of throw and understand how friction causes the ball to cling slightly, you will find this very effective. A system that only works for 'half the table' or 'under certain lighting conditions' is not really a system at all in my book. The game is so difficult and under pressure you will need something totally reliable to help you as your confidence will shatter and leave you helpless without a good system to guide you. Hope this is of help. Use the "Ghost"!!
If the light is hung in the center of the table as it should be the light system works very well. You do have to familiarize yourself with window lighting so as not to confuse it with the over head reflection.
I find it interesting that what works for some people does not always work well for others, which is why we all need to let people use whatever works for them without the need to judge who is adept at shooting or not...in other words some people are very good though do not let anyone know just how good.....or what method they use to shoot....most people will ask for help if they respect the source.
I know an old Pro that uses the "light" system all the time. He is old and gimmpy and partially crippled up. This is one of the lessons that he uses when teaching billiards, if the student doesn't connect with it, then he goes a different way. As everyone knows some systems work for some and not for others. I read somewhere that if you want to get to the best level your able, just think the ball in the hole. As to Phiroze, so run half the table and using cue ball control end up at the other end and run that out.
I agree with Tim and Deeb, People are different and each will see it in His/Her own way. What works for some, others may have difficulty with. As a longtime Player myself, I was taught and brought up with the "Ghost Ball" system, there is also the system of Dividing the Balls into sections and saying that the shot is a 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 etc.. ball hit. The thing about the Reflection aiming system is, that unless you are playing in the dark, there will always be lights over the Pool Table (regardless of what type of lights they are, Fluorescent or the 3 - 4 Bulb Lights) that will create Reflections on the Balls, and there is a way to use those Reflections as a 'Real Visual Aid' to guide your aiming. If you have ever heard former Pro Player CJ Wiley explain his aiming system, I think you will find the Reflection system so much easier. I may be more than a little biased for the Reflection system myself, since I currently have a Book about it for sale on the internet titled 'Reflections on the "Cut Shot" that has helped not only myself become a better player, but has also helped many beginner and mid-level players become much better at making Cut Shots. The fun of playing Pool is in the making of Ball after Ball, and whatever method works for you to achieve this, then I say use it, even if it is the Ghost Ball system 'Cueball' My Reflection system is highly adaptable and will work with a large variety of lighting setups. As with any Aiming system, you just need to train your Eyes and Mind to see it. I know that when I'm going into battle in a Tournament or a friendly game for a Dollar or Two I want to be armed with as many Weapons for making Balls as I can, so, why not use the Reflections too, since they are always going to be there anyway!
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