FAQ: Aiming Drills Questions
Why This Matters?
Inconsistent aiming is the #1 reason beginners plateau at intermediate skill level. Even with perfect stance, grip, and stroke, poor aim means missed shots. These drills build systematic muscle memory for common angles, improving shot-making by 30-50% within the first month of consistent practice.
When to Move On?
You’re ready for advanced position play drills when:
- Shot-making confidence: 75%+ make rate on any cut up to 60 degrees in actual games
- Automatic visualization: Ghost ball appears in your mind instantly (under 3 seconds)
- Consistency: Make percentage doesn’t fluctuate wildly—you have a system that works every time
Quick Takeaways
- Drill #1 (Center Ball Progression): Master straight-in shots before attempting cuts—builds fundamental aim confidence
- Drill #2 (Corner Pocket Angles): The 30-45-60 degree drill develops muscle memory for common cut angles
- Drill #3 (Ghost Ball Training): Visualizing contact points improves aim accuracy 40-60% within two weeks
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes daily yields measurable improvement in 10-14 days
- Success Metric: 80% make rate on each drill before progressing to next level
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Overview
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Estimated Time to Learn: 2-4 weeks for noticeable improvement, 8-12 weeks for mastery
Prerequisites: Basic stance, grip, and stroke fundamentals
What You’ll Master: Consistent aiming system for shots from straight-in to 60-degree cuts
I’ve taught these three drills to hundreds of students over 15 years of coaching. Students who practice these drills 20 minutes per day improve their shot-making percentage by 30-50% within the first month.
The problem most beginners face isn’t physical ability—it’s inconsistent aiming. One shot they use the ghost ball method, next shot they wing it, third shot they try some system they half-remember from a YouTube video. No consistency equals no improvement.
These three drills build a systematic approach to aiming that works for any shot, any angle, any time.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:
- Make 8 out of 10 straight-in shots under pressure
- Judge cut angles accurately within 5-10 degrees
- Visualize ghost ball contact points automatically
- Apply consistent aiming system to all shots
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Fundamentals
Key Concept
Aiming in pool is contact point visualization. You’re not aiming at the object ball—you’re aiming the cue ball to a specific contact point on the object ball that will send it to the pocket.
The contact point location depends on the cut angle (how far off straight-in the shot is). Straight-in shots have the contact point at the dead center of the object ball. Extreme cuts have contact points at the very edge.
Physics/Mechanics:
When the cue ball contacts the object ball, the object ball travels along a line perpendicular to the contact point—this is called the tangent line. The cut angle determines where on the object ball the cue ball must hit to create a tangent line that points to the pocket.
Why This Matters
Inconsistent aiming is the #1 reason beginners plateau at intermediate skill level. You can have perfect stance, grip, bridge, and stroke—but if you’re aiming at the wrong contact point, you’ll miss.
In 8-Ball: Missing easy shots because of poor aim leads to leaving balls for your opponent and losing games you should win.
In 9-Ball: Aim errors cause position mistakes—even if you make the ball, you end up with no shot on the next ball.
In Tournament Play: Aiming consistency separates players who win 60% of games (inconsistent aim) from players who win 75%+ (systematic aim).
For Your Skill Level: Beginners need to build muscle memory for common angles. These drills provide that repetition in focused, measurable ways.
Common Misconception
What Many Players Believe: “Aiming is a natural feel—you either have it or you don’t. Practice doesn’t really improve aim.”
The Reality: Aiming is a learned skill based on pattern recognition and muscle memory. Your brain learns to recognize cut angles and automatically position your body and cue correctly. These drills create the repetitions needed to train your brain’s pattern recognition system.
Proof: Students who practice these drills improve shot-making by 30-50% in 4 weeks. If aiming couldn’t be learned, practice wouldn’t produce measurable improvement.
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Drill #1: Center Ball Progression (Straight-In Mastery)
Purpose
Build confidence and perfect stroke execution on straight-in shots before attempting angles. Develops ability to hit the cue ball’s center reliably and stroke straight through.
Setup
Equipment Needed:
- Full set of balls
- Standard triangle rack
- Cue ball
- Table (any size works)
Table Layout: 1. Place object ball on center of head spot 2. Place cue ball 6 inches directly behind object ball (aligned with center diamond on head rail) 3. Target pocket: Center pocket on foot rail (straight shot)
Starting Position:
- Stand at head of table
- Shot distance: Approximately 6 feet (short straight-in shot)
Execution
Phase 1: Close Range (6 inches)
1. Setup: Object ball on head spot, cue ball 6 inches away
2. Aim: Center of cue ball at center of object ball—visualize straight line through both balls to center pocket
3. Stroke: Smooth, straight stroke with follow-through
4. Goal: Make 10 consecutive shots without missing
Checkpoint: If missing, your stroke isn’t straight. Focus on keeping cue on line during follow-through.
Phase 2: Medium Range (12 inches)
1. Setup: Move cue ball back to 12 inches from object ball
2. Aim: Same visualization—straight line through both centers to pocket
3. Stroke: Slightly firmer stroke (longer distance requires more power)
4. Goal: Make 9 out of 10 shots
Phase 3: Long Range (Table Length)
1. Setup: Object ball on head spot, cue ball near foot rail
2. Aim: Sight down the line from cue ball to object ball to pocket
3. Stroke: Firm, controlled stroke (don’t muscle it)
4. Goal: Make 7 out of 10 shots
Phase 4: Pressure Test
1. Setup: Random straight-in shots (place object ball near pocket, line up cue ball at varying distances)
2. Challenge: Make 5 consecutive straight-in shots from different distances
3. Rule: If you miss one, restart count from zero
4. Goal: Complete this 5-shot sequence successfully
Success Criteria
Beginner Goal: Complete Phase 1 and 2 (10/10 at 6″, 9/10 at 12″)
Intermediate Goal: Complete through Phase 3 (7/10 at table length)
Advanced Goal: Complete Phase 4 pressure test (5 consecutive from random distances)
What Good Execution Looks Like:
- Cue stays on line through entire stroke (no sideways deviation)
- Cue ball travels straight to object ball
- Object ball goes directly into pocket (doesn’t rattle or wobble)
- Consistent tempo on all shots
Progression
Easier Variation: Start at 4 inches distance, make 5 consecutive before moving to 6 inches
Standard Version: As described above
Harder Variation: Combine with speed control—make shot so object ball dies in pocket (minimal pace)
Time Allocation
- Week 1: 10 minutes daily on Phase 1-2 (build confidence)
- Week 2: 15 minutes daily, add Phase 3 (extend distance)
- Week 3-4: 10 minutes daily on Phase 4 (pressure testing)
- Maintenance: 5 minutes weekly as warm-up drill
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Drill #2: Corner Pocket Angles (Cut Shot Mastery)
Purpose
Develop muscle memory for the three most common cut angles in pool: 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees. These angles account for 70% of all cut shots in actual games.
Setup
Equipment Needed:
- 3 object balls
- Cue ball
- Chalk (mark spots if allowed, or use visual references)
Table Layout:
Position 1 (30-degree cut):
- Object ball: 1 diamond from side rail, 2 diamonds from corner pocket
- Target: Corner pocket
- Cue ball: Positioned to create 30-degree angle
Position 2 (45-degree cut):
- Object ball: On 2nd diamond from side rail, 1.5 diamonds from corner pocket
- Target: Corner pocket
- Cue ball: Positioned to create 45-degree angle
Position 3 (60-degree cut):
- Object ball: Near side rail, 1 diamond from corner pocket
- Target: Corner pocket
- Cue ball: Positioned to create 60-degree angle
Visual Guide for Angles:
- 30 degrees: Thin cut (ball goes mostly forward, slight angle)
- 45 degrees: Half-ball hit (equal parts forward and sideways)
- 60 degrees: Very thin cut (ball goes mostly sideways)
Execution
Stage 1: 30-Degree Cuts (5 minutes)
1. Setup: Place object ball and cue ball in 30-degree position
2. Visualize: Imagine ghost ball position—cue ball will contact upper right or upper left of object ball (depending on pocket)
3. Aim: Line up cue to send cue ball to that ghost ball position
4. Stroke: Medium-firm stroke, center cue ball
5. Repeat: Make 8 out of 10 shots
Common Error: Hitting too full (contact point too centered). The cut is thinner than it looks—aim at the quarter-ball contact point.
Stage 2: 45-Degree Cuts (5 minutes)
1. Setup: 45-degree angle position
2. Visualize: Ghost ball position is half-ball (cue ball covers half of object ball)
3. Aim: This is the most common angle—commit it to muscle memory
4. Stroke: Firm stroke (angled shots require more power than straight-ins)
5. Repeat: Make 8 out of 10 shots
Common Error: Not adjusting for throw—the object ball will be pushed slightly off the tangent line at slow speeds. Aim a hair thicker to compensate.
Stage 3: 60-Degree Cuts (5 minutes)
1. Setup: 60-degree thin cut position
2. Visualize: Ghost ball barely overlaps object ball—very thin contact
3. Aim: Contact point is at the very edge of object ball (1/4 ball or less)
4. Stroke: Firm, confident stroke (tentative stroking = miscues on thin cuts)
5. Repeat: Make 6 out of 10 shots (acceptable—these are difficult)
Common Error: Hitting too full because the cut “feels” wrong. Trust the geometry—thin cuts require aiming at what seems like the very edge.
Stage 4: Randomized Angle Test (5 minutes)
1. Setup: Randomly select one of the three angles
2. Challenge: Make the shot, then switch to a different angle
3. Goal: Make 12 out of 15 total shots across all three angles
4. Scoring: Track make percentage—should be 75-80%+
Success Criteria
Beginner Goal:
- 30-degree: 7/10
- 45-degree: 7/10
- 60-degree: 5/10
Intermediate Goal:
- 30-degree: 9/10
- 45-degree: 8/10
- 60-degree: 7/10
Advanced Goal:
- Make 15/15 total across all three angles (5 consecutive each)
What Good Execution Looks Like:
- Consistent pre-shot routine (visualize, aim, stroke)
- Contact point accuracy (object ball travels on correct tangent line)
- Speed control (ball doesn’t slam into pocket or barely make it)
- Body position mirrors the angle (not square to table on cuts)
Progression
Easier Variation: Use closer object ball positions (1 diamond from pocket instead of 2). Shorter shots are more forgiving of aim errors.
Standard Version: As described above
Harder Variation: Add second-ball target—after making the shot, cue ball must hit a designated second ball for position play practice.
Time Allocation
- Week 1-2: 20 minutes daily, all four stages
- Week 3-4: 15 minutes daily, focus on Stage 4 randomization
- Week 5+: 10 minutes 3x per week for maintenance
- Maintenance: Include in pre-game warm-up routine
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Drill #3: Ghost Ball Training (Visualization Mastery)
Purpose
Train your brain to automatically visualize ghost ball position for any cut angle. This is the most important aiming skill—once you can “see” the ghost ball instantly, aiming becomes automatic.
Setup
Equipment Needed:
- 2 cue balls (if available) or 1 cue ball + 1 striped ball
- 1 object ball
- Chalk to mark spots (optional)
Table Layout:
Station 1:
- Object ball: Near corner pocket (1 diamond away)
- Target: Corner pocket
- Cue ball: Varies (you’ll move it to different positions)
Ghost Ball Concept: If you place a second cue ball exactly where the cue ball needs to be at contact, that’s the ghost ball position. The contact point is where the two balls touch.
Execution
Phase 1: Physical Ghost Ball (Understanding the Concept)
1. Setup: Place object ball 1 diamond from corner pocket
2. Determine aim line: Draw an imaginary line from object ball center to center of pocket
3. Place ghost ball: Put second cue ball on that line, touching the object ball
4. Observe: This is where your cue ball needs to arrive to make the shot
5. Aim: Line up your cue from actual cue ball to center of ghost ball
6. Remove ghost ball: Take it away before stroking
7. Stroke: Execute shot, focusing on sending cue ball to where ghost ball was
8. Repeat: 10 different cut angles using physical ghost ball placement
Purpose: This teaches your brain what ghost ball position looks like for different angles.
Phase 2: Mental Ghost Ball (Visualization Practice)
1. Setup: Object ball 1 diamond from corner pocket
2. Visualize: WITHOUT placing a second ball, imagine where the ghost ball would be
3. Aim: Line up cue to send cue ball to that imagined position
4. Stroke: Execute shot
5. Feedback: Did you make it? If yes, your visualization was correct. If no, adjust mental image.
6. Repeat: 20 shots from various angles
Key skill: Training your brain to “see” the ghost ball instantly without physical placement.
Phase 3: Speed Visualization (Game Conditions)
1. Setup: Random positions (move object ball and cue ball to different locations)
2. Challenge: Visualize ghost ball position in 3 seconds or less
3. Stroke: Execute within 10 seconds total (game-speed decision)
4. Goal: Make 15 out of 20 shots with rapid visualization
5. Scoring: Track both speed (how fast you visualize) and accuracy (make percentage)
This simulates game conditions: You don’t have unlimited time to aim—you need to see the shot quickly.
Phase 4: Combination Drill (Integration)
1. Setup: Place 5 balls in random positions around table
2. Challenge: Shoot all 5 in order, using ghost ball visualization for each
3. Goal: Make 4 out of 5 (80% make rate)
4. Rule: If you miss one, reset and start over
5. Success: Complete a 4/5 sequence three times
Success Criteria
Beginner Goal:
- Phase 1: Understand ghost ball concept (10/10 with physical ball)
- Phase 2: 12/20 with mental visualization
Intermediate Goal:
- Phase 2: 16/20 with mental visualization
- Phase 3: 14/20 at game speed
Advanced Goal:
- Phase 3: 18/20 at game speed
- Phase 4: Complete 4/5 sequence three times
What Good Execution Looks Like:
- Instant ghost ball visualization (under 3 seconds)
- Accurate contact point recognition (within 5-10 degrees)
- Confident stroke (no hesitation or steering)
- High make percentage on first attempt (not needing multiple tries)
Progression
Easier Variation: Use shorter shots (object ball 1/2 diamond from pocket). Shorter distance = more forgiving of small aim errors.
Standard Version: As described above
Harder Variation: Add cue ball speed control requirement—must make shot AND land cue ball in designated area for position.
Time Allocation
- Week 1: 15 minutes daily on Phase 1-2 (learn concept)
- Week 2-3: 20 minutes daily on Phase 2-3 (build visualization speed)
- Week 4+: 15 minutes 3-4x per week on Phase 3-4 (maintain and integrate)
- Maintenance: Use ghost ball visualization on every shot during practice games
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Common Mistakes & Fixes
Mistake #1: Rushing the Drill Progression
Why It Happens: Players want to skip to harder phases before mastering easier ones. They complete 6/10 at Phase 1 and immediately jump to Phase 3.
Symptoms:
- Frustration when missing “easy” shots
- Declining make percentage instead of improving
- Loss of confidence
How to Fix:
1. Slow down: Only progress when you consistently meet success criteria
2. Master current phase: If you’re making 7/10 and goal is 8/10, keep practicing until you hit 8/10 multiple days in a row
3. Use 3-day rule: Don’t advance to next phase until you’ve achieved success criteria for 3 consecutive practice sessions
Verification: You’ll know you’ve fixed this when your make percentage steadily increases rather than fluctuates wildly.
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Mistake #2: Inconsistent Stroke on Drills
Why It Happens: Players focus so hard on aiming that they forget about stroke fundamentals—they steer, jab, or decelerate through the shot.
Symptoms:
- Making the drill shots with poor form
- Not translating drill improvement to actual games
- Reinforcing bad habits during practice
How to Fix:
1. One fundamental per drill session: Focus on straight stroke during Drill #1, then smooth tempo during Drill #2, then follow-through during Drill #3
2. Use slow-motion practice: Every 5th shot, execute in slow motion focusing on perfect stroke mechanics
3. Record yourself: Film your stroke during drills—you’ll immediately see jerky motions or steering
Verification: Your stroke should look identical on drill shots vs. game shots. If it doesn’t, you’re not practicing correctly.
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Mistake #3: Not Tracking Performance
Why It Happens: Players “practice” by shooting randomly without measuring improvement. They don’t know if they’re making 6/10 or 9/10 because they don’t count.
Symptoms:
- No measurable improvement over weeks of practice
- Can’t identify which angles are weakest
- Practice feels aimless and boring
How to Fix:
1. Keep practice log: Write down make percentage for each drill, each session
2. Chart progress: Graph your improvement over time—seeing the upward trend is motivating
3. Set weekly goals: “This week I’ll improve 30-degree cuts from 7/10 to 8/10”
Example Log Format: “` Date: 10/25/25 Drill #1 Phase 2: 9/10 ✓ (goal met) Drill #2 – 30°: 8/10 ✓ Drill #2 – 45°: 7/10 (need 8/10) Drill #2 – 60°: 6/10 ✓ Drill #3 Phase 2: 14/20 “`
Verification: After 2 weeks, you should see clear numerical improvement in your log. If not, you’re not practicing correctly.
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Troubleshooting
Problem: Making drills but missing in games
Diagnosis: You’re practicing with perfect conditions (clean table, fresh chalk, no pressure) but games add variables (table imperfections, pressure, fatigue).
Solution:
1. Add pressure to drills: Set consequences—10 push-ups if you miss, $1 to jar for each miss
2. Practice on different tables: Bar tables, worn felt, unlevel tables force you to adapt
3. Simulate game conditions: Play out full racks using only the angles you’re drilling
4. Practice tired: Do drills after playing 2-3 hours when you’re fatigued
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Problem: Improving on some angles but not others
Diagnosis: You have a dominant eye or body alignment issue making certain cuts easier than others.
Solution:
1. Double practice time on weak angles: If 45-degree cuts right-to-left are weak, spend 60% of drill time on those
2. Check body alignment: Weak side might have improper stance angle
3. Isolate the variable: Are all right-to-left cuts weak, or just certain distances? Narrow down the specific issue
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Measurement & Progress Tracking
Self-Assessment Checklist
Rate yourself honestly on each criterion (1-5 scale):
- [ ] Straight-In Accuracy: Make 8/10 straight-in shots from varying distances (1-5)
- [ ] 30-Degree Cuts: Make 7/10 from standard drill position (1-5)
- [ ] 45-Degree Cuts: Make 7/10 from standard drill position (1-5)
- [ ] 60-Degree Cuts: Make 6/10 from standard drill position (1-5)
- [ ] Ghost Ball Visualization: See correct ghost ball position in under 5 seconds (1-5)
Scoring:
- 23-25 points: Ready for advanced position play drills
- 18-22 points: Solid aiming foundation, continue practicing
- 13-17 points: Keep working, improvement is happening
- Below 13: Review fundamentals (stance, grip, stroke) before continuing drills
Benchmarks by Level
Beginner Goal (First Month):
- Drill #1: Complete through Phase 3
- Drill #2: 7/10 on 30° and 45°, 5/10 on 60°
- Drill #3: Complete Phase 2 at 12/20
Intermediate Goal (2-3 Months):
- Drill #1: Complete Phase 4 (5 consecutive straight-ins)
- Drill #2: 9/10 on all three angles
- Drill #3: Complete Phase 3 at 15/20
Advanced Goal (4-6 Months):
- Drill #1: Automatic confidence on any straight-in shot
- Drill #2: 15/15 randomized angle test
- Drill #3: Complete Phase 4 combination drill
When to Move On
You’re ready for advanced position play drills when:
1. Shot-making confidence: 75%+ make rate on any cut up to 60 degrees in actual games
2. Automatic visualization: Ghost ball appears in your mind instantly (under 3 seconds)
3. Consistency: Make percentage doesn’t fluctuate wildly—you have a system that works every time
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Next Steps & Skill Progression
Recommended Follow-Up Skills
Build on This Skill:
- Position Play: Planning Your Next Shot – Now that you can make balls consistently, learn where to leave the cue ball
- English Fundamentals: Side Spin Control – Add spin to your aiming toolkit for advanced shots
Advanced Applications:
- Bank Shot Geometry Made Simple – Apply aiming principles to bank shots
- Pattern Recognition: See 3 Balls Ahead – Use your improved aim to plan runouts
Practice Schedule
Week 1-2: Foundation Building
- 20 minutes per day on all three drills
- Focus: Drill #1 (straight-ins) and Drill #2 (angles)
- Milestone: Achieve beginner goals on all drills
Week 3-4: Consistency Development
- 25 minutes per day, emphasizing Drill #3 (visualization)
- Focus: Speed up ghost ball recognition from 8-10 seconds to 3-5 seconds
- Milestone: 80% make rate on Drill #2 random angle test
Week 5-6: Game Integration
- 15 minutes drills, 30 minutes practice games
- Focus: Use ghost ball visualization on every game shot
- Milestone: 70%+ pot success rate in practice games (up from ~50% before drills)
Maintenance Practice:
- 10-15 minutes 2-3x per week on weak areas
- Use as warm-up before league play or tournaments
- Periodically re-test all three drills to ensure no regression
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Equipment Considerations
Required Equipment
All three drills need only basic equipment available at any pool table:
- Standard pool table (any size—7ft, 8ft, 9ft all work)
- Full set of balls (15 numbered balls + cue ball)
- Your personal playing cue (house cues work but consistency is harder)
- Chalk
Recommended but Optional
Training Aids (Minimal Product Recommendations):
These aren’t necessary but can accelerate learning:
Ghost Ball Training Ball: A second cue ball helps with Drill #3 Phase 1. If you don’t have one, use the 10-ball (similar size and color to cue ball).
Smartphone with Video Camera: Recording your stroke during drills lets you identify steering or stroke flaws. Free, just use your phone.
Practice Log Notebook: Track your make percentages. A simple $3 notebook is more effective than any expensive training gadget.
Note: You don’t need laser sights, aim trainers, or special equipment. These drills work with basic table equipment—spend your time practicing, not shopping.
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Summary & Key Points
Let’s recap what you’ve learned:
1. Drill #1 Builds Confidence: Master straight-in shots at all distances before attempting cuts—10/10 at close range, 7/10 at table length
2. Drill #2 Creates Muscle Memory: The three most common angles (30°, 45°, 60°) account for 70% of game shots—8/10 success rate on each
3. Drill #3 Makes Aiming Automatic: Ghost ball visualization is THE fundamental aiming skill—once you see it instantly, you aim correctly every time
4. Consistent Practice Wins: 20 minutes daily for 4 weeks produces 30-50% improvement in shot-making percentage
5. Track Performance: Measuring make percentage shows improvement and identifies weak areas
Remember:
- Critical DO: Visualize ghost ball position on every single shot, even straight-ins
- Critical DON’T: Don’t rush to harder phases before mastering easier ones—build solid foundation first
- Practice Priority: HIGH for beginners and intermediates—aiming is the foundation of all pool skills
Next Actions:
1. Today: Complete Drill #1 Phase 1 (10 consecutive close-range straight-ins)
2. This Week: Practice all three drills 20 minutes daily, achieve beginner goals
3. This Month: Integrate ghost ball visualization into all practice games, aim for 75% make rate
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Related Lessons & Resources
Prerequisite Skills:
Continue Your Journey:
Related Blog Posts:
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About the Author
Derek Jones
Derek Jones has coached over 500 students through fundamental skill development in his 15 years as a certified pool instructor and APA league operator. He specializes in breaking down complex techniques into measurable, achievable drills. Derek’s systematic approach to aiming instruction has helped players improve their shot-making percentage by an average of 40% within the first two months.