Definitions: CB is the Cue Ball. OB is the Object Ball. CP is the Contact Point between the two balls. L and R stand for Left and Right. I have tried at least six different Aiming systems through the years. This one seems to give me the best results. The Ghost Ball method seems to be the most popular, but it has some shortcomings. My method uses 9 points of reference to aim at the OB. Those 9 points include a center ball aiming point, and 4 aiming points on each side of the center aiming point. The outside edge is 4. I use points 5, 6, 7, and 8 for thinner cut shots, and also when I am using outside english.

I have seen a similar method to this, called the “Clicks Method”, but it requires the player to estimate the angle of the shot, rather than locating a contact point. These increments are shown in the diagram below.

Preliminary to the shot, you must determine the CP on the OB by sighting through the OB to the target. After locating the CP, you must then step back into your shooting position, and sight through the CB to the OB. From this viewpoint, you must use the diagram to determine the number for the CP on the OB.
Rule: To determine the aiming point, double the value of the CP. Use this as an aiming point when no english is required.

To use english, you must add or subtract one or two points in the appropriate direction. For example, if the aiming point is 4L, and you want 1 point of right hand english, the aiming point must be changed one to the right, or 3L. The aiming point will generally be on the same side of the OB as the CP. Example 1: If the Preliminary shows the CP on the OB is 1L, and you decide to shoot with NO english, then you will actually aim the cue stick at point 2L (double the CP) on the OB. But, if you want 1 point of left hand english, your aiming point on the OB would change to 3L instead of 2L.

Note: The number of the CP on the CB will be the same as the OB, but on the opposite side.

Example 2: Suppose the CP is 2R, and you want to have 1 point of right hand english. Then, your aiming point on the OB is 5R. Double the CP + 1 for english.

Example 3: Your CP is 3R, and you want to shoot 2 points of left hand english. The Aiming Point would be 3 doubled equals 6R, minus 2 points for left hand english. Therefore, the adjusted Aiming Point will be 4R.

In Summary, you simply find the CP on the OB, and double it for the aiming point on a NO english shot. Move the aiming point in the appropriate direction to compensate for english.