Tip Of The Week

Number: 32 Jim Tellier January 2012

TOPIC: The Next Shot

CATEGORY: Intermediate

INTRODUCTION:

You want to run the rack. But you dont want to just hit and hope, right? You ALWAYS want to think about where youre going to leave (or put) the cue ball after this shot. If youre a lower-skill-level player, this is even more important than it would be for a higher-skilled player! Why? The higher-skilled player is (supposed to be, at least) more capable of getting himself out of a jam, for example by making a difficult shot to continue his run.

The value in looking ahead at least one shot cant be overstated. If youre playing 9-ball, in my opinion you need to look ahead a minimum of 2 balls, because you have to be shooting at specific balls; with 8-ball, stripes vs. solids you have a few choices, so the theory is that position play isnt quite as critical.

The important message here is to be aware of whether or not you are planning your porition for the next shot(s), or leaving too much to the pool gods.

TECHNIQUE:

Advice for 8-ball: In deciding which shot to take when you get up to the table, assuming you dont have ball-in-hand, try this approach: look for the easiest shot you can make that will let you use the natural path of the cue ball to get position on a next shot. Take at least a few seconds to think about what if? scenarios for several shots. Walk around the table as you do this, because you are very likely to see something differently from the other side of the table! Second: dont be afraid to change you mind about your choice of shot --- however: once you get down into position to make the shot, stop thinking about the other options! If for some reason you cant commit to this shot, stand up straight again, and repeat the choice process again!

Once you commit to the shot, nothing else should enter your mind. Your focus is on hitting the ball in the proper spot, with the proper speed, English, whatever to a) make this shot, then b) get you position on the next one.

This all sounds so simple as I write it! And we all know it. But the reality is, we as humans need to reinforce our actions and behaviors consistently in order to improve our skills. This is true in any endeavor, and certainly with pool!

Just for completeness, Advice for 9-ball: because youre shooting balls in sequential order, its actually best to look ahead 3 shots. The reason is this: you need to shoot ball #1 to leave the cue ball in a position that both allows you to make ball #2, and get position on ball #3. This is what defines a good 9-ball player. Most 9-ball games can be won by using just this much look ahead, coupled with knowing when to play a safety.

May your Next Shot be on the 8-ball!